(The history behind these activities can be found here, and if you click here you will see all the previous posts I wrote on them. Thank you to Irene for having the forethought to buy me this book for blog material.)
Activity #13: Today I will pick a room in my house and organize it.
"After you have removed some of the clutter in the room, find a place for everything... Once...the room is arranged in an organized fashion, you will feel much more relaxed and happy."
Sweet Jesus. This particular activity is a long time coming for me. About seven years long, actually. You all know I've been in this apartment forever and am still living as if this place is a temporary arrangement; a dorm room; a room in my momma's basement. Although if I had the latter I would not be allowed to be so flippant with its tidiness.
Anyslobs...all the rooms in my tiny, Brooklyn cubby need organizing. ALL OF THEM. My bedroom is a disaster. The kitchen is blah. The bathroom, front room, hall closet, kids' room...all a hot mess.I do acknowledge that the mess and chaos affect me mentally and physically, but I've not been able to unblock the thing in me that is preventing me from making things better.
So you guys decide. Pick a room or space in my apartment and I will start there and not stop until the whole place looks like something out of a broke Martha Stewart Living magazine. The most votes win. And of course I'll post before/after pics of everything. Why not. You've seen my mess before.
Leave it in the comments!
*smooches...ready for action*
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and it only took a silly book and seven years to get me motivated.
Showing posts with label Today I Will. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Today I Will. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Today I Will (1/25/12)
(The history behind these activities can be found here, and if you click here you will see all the previous posts I wrote on them. Thank you to Irene for having the forethought to buy me this book for blog material.)
Activity #12: Today I will commit a random act of kindness.
You ever get home and find you're missing a glove or scarf, and just KNOW someone saw you leave that shit behind and chose to say nothing? Ever think, "Would it have killed someone to yell out 'Hey, your glove fell!' real quick?" A simple phrase could have made someone's day and kept them warm, because it shows that as a society, we still care about whether or not our fellow man has warm hands this winter. Get what I'm saying?
"You might compliment a stranger, help someone with a flat tire, or offer to assist a neighbor with a home-improvement project. Committing Random Acts of Kindness will help you feel energized, positive, and uplifted."
Get you some!
*smooches...hoping we're kind all the time anyway*
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although I don't know about y'all sometimes ::side eye::
Activity #12: Today I will commit a random act of kindness.
You ever get home and find you're missing a glove or scarf, and just KNOW someone saw you leave that shit behind and chose to say nothing? Ever think, "Would it have killed someone to yell out 'Hey, your glove fell!' real quick?" A simple phrase could have made someone's day and kept them warm, because it shows that as a society, we still care about whether or not our fellow man has warm hands this winter. Get what I'm saying?
"You might compliment a stranger, help someone with a flat tire, or offer to assist a neighbor with a home-improvement project. Committing Random Acts of Kindness will help you feel energized, positive, and uplifted."
Get you some!
*smooches...hoping we're kind all the time anyway*
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although I don't know about y'all sometimes ::side eye::
Friday, June 10, 2011
Today I Will (6.10.11)
(The history behind these activities can be found here, and if you click here you will see all the previous posts I wrote on them. Thank you to Irene for having the forethought to buy me this book for blog material.)
Activity #11: Today I will volunteer to give back to my community.
First off I want to make it clear that this isn't meant to shame or out anyone for whatever they do or don't do to contribute positive "things" to society, and I also would like you all to refrain from letting your egos take over and tell us who all you give money to or volunteer time with- it's really nobody's business.
But I would like to suggest that you consider helping out a charitable organization in your neighborhood or anywhere on God's green earth (if you don't already). I joke a lot on Twitter about First World/Champagne problems, but when you really step back and look at your life sometimes it becomes so obvious that we don't have anything REAL to complain about if our neighbor went to bed hungry or can't read.
"Giving your time to a worthy cause also helps put your own problems in perspective, gives you a sense of belonging within a community, and enhances your sense of self-worth."
Just think about it.
*smooches...hoping this post counts as giving back*
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I've still not been able to find some sort of charitable SOMETHING the girls and I can do so if you have any suggestions for organizations in Brooklyn that could use our help, pass it on :)
Activity #11: Today I will volunteer to give back to my community.
First off I want to make it clear that this isn't meant to shame or out anyone for whatever they do or don't do to contribute positive "things" to society, and I also would like you all to refrain from letting your egos take over and tell us who all you give money to or volunteer time with- it's really nobody's business.
But I would like to suggest that you consider helping out a charitable organization in your neighborhood or anywhere on God's green earth (if you don't already). I joke a lot on Twitter about First World/Champagne problems, but when you really step back and look at your life sometimes it becomes so obvious that we don't have anything REAL to complain about if our neighbor went to bed hungry or can't read.
"Giving your time to a worthy cause also helps put your own problems in perspective, gives you a sense of belonging within a community, and enhances your sense of self-worth."
Just think about it.
*smooches...hoping this post counts as giving back*
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I've still not been able to find some sort of charitable SOMETHING the girls and I can do so if you have any suggestions for organizations in Brooklyn that could use our help, pass it on :)
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Today I Will (10/7/10)
(The history behind these activities can be found here, and if you click here you will see all the previous posts I wrote on them. Thank you to Irene for having the forethought to buy me this book for blog material.)
Activity #10: Today I will thank my parents for everything they have done for me.
"...despite the many challenges your parents probably faced, odds are, they did the best job they could raising you."
That may only be true for 99% of us, but then again, considering these 'modern' times, let's just say your parents are the grown-ups that raised you, taught you right from wrong, fed you, loved you and were there for you no matter what with just what you needed (whether what you needed was a swift kick in the ass or a tight hug). Let's say those are your parents. Call them. Write them a letter. Hell, if you want, send a Facebook message, and thank them for what they gave you that makes you you.
I realized this myself over the weekend as I stood in front of the mirror de-afroing. Had my mom not taught me how to do my own hair, I'd be a slave to the salon. And had she not taught me how to cook I'd probably order out every night. Had she not taught me how to present myself, keep a house, behave and respect my elders, then I'd have been a TRUE Penzo with my own deluxe suite at Bedford Hills.
For all these things and more-- caring for me after my babies were born; taking me in when I left Waco; gifting me the deposit for my apartment-- I'm ever so grateful. We're not International Coffee close, but she's tops. And I just sent her a letter in the mail saying so.
Now I just gotta send one to Papi, Titi Gloris, my cousin Rob, (Mari's dad) Rene and probably write a Letter I'll Never Send to Grandma and Nenena (my great-grandmother); these were all my parents, too. I'll never forget that. Ever.
*smooches...full of thanks for my beautiful family*
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take a quick minute or two out of your day and let mom know you're thankful. I know for a fact she'll love it.
Activity #10: Today I will thank my parents for everything they have done for me.
"...despite the many challenges your parents probably faced, odds are, they did the best job they could raising you."
That may only be true for 99% of us, but then again, considering these 'modern' times, let's just say your parents are the grown-ups that raised you, taught you right from wrong, fed you, loved you and were there for you no matter what with just what you needed (whether what you needed was a swift kick in the ass or a tight hug). Let's say those are your parents. Call them. Write them a letter. Hell, if you want, send a Facebook message, and thank them for what they gave you that makes you you.
I realized this myself over the weekend as I stood in front of the mirror de-afroing. Had my mom not taught me how to do my own hair, I'd be a slave to the salon. And had she not taught me how to cook I'd probably order out every night. Had she not taught me how to present myself, keep a house, behave and respect my elders, then I'd have been a TRUE Penzo with my own deluxe suite at Bedford Hills.
For all these things and more-- caring for me after my babies were born; taking me in when I left Waco; gifting me the deposit for my apartment-- I'm ever so grateful. We're not International Coffee close, but she's tops. And I just sent her a letter in the mail saying so.
Now I just gotta send one to Papi, Titi Gloris, my cousin Rob, (Mari's dad) Rene and probably write a Letter I'll Never Send to Grandma and Nenena (my great-grandmother); these were all my parents, too. I'll never forget that. Ever.
*smooches...full of thanks for my beautiful family*
----------
take a quick minute or two out of your day and let mom know you're thankful. I know for a fact she'll love it.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Today I Will (5/12/10)
(The history behind these activities can be found here, and if you click here you will see all the previous posts I wrote on them. Thank you to Irene for having the forethought to buy me this book for blog material.)
Activity #9: Today I will pack a bag so I am always ready for an adventure.
According to the book, "Truly, enjoying life requires creativity and a willingness to discover the opportunities for adventure that are all around us." I think that's a pretty cool way to live, no?
I can't really claim to be that adventurous: I've yet to try foods that aren't deep fried and dipped in Buffalo hot sauce (kinda) and my clothes are all "safe" and "earth tone" shades. I've never had the urged to jump out of a plane or go white-water rafting or any of those types of thrill-seeking activities. I tend to prefer my couch or the bar or my Mami's kitchen.
But activity #9 makes a good point about being spontaneous, and how it's "expressing a joy for life." I've been so careful for nearly 35 years... maybe it's time to go a bit crazy?
And I know y'all must be sitting there reading this going, "YOU? CAREFUL?" and cackling like little bitches, but it's true. So I'm gonna pack a little bag for when I need to just GO. It will have a book, a notebook & pen, a disposable camera (that I probably won't get developed for six years), a travel sized deodorant, lotion & toothbrush/paste set and a clean pair of underwear (non-matching, of course!). Everything else I could possibly need I can just buy when I get there, no?
What's in your get-up-and-go bag?
*smooches...trying to find jussssst the right bag to pack*
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there are so many quirky bags in my closet. I can't decide!!!
Activity #9: Today I will pack a bag so I am always ready for an adventure.
According to the book, "Truly, enjoying life requires creativity and a willingness to discover the opportunities for adventure that are all around us." I think that's a pretty cool way to live, no?
I can't really claim to be that adventurous: I've yet to try foods that aren't deep fried and dipped in Buffalo hot sauce (kinda) and my clothes are all "safe" and "earth tone" shades. I've never had the urged to jump out of a plane or go white-water rafting or any of those types of thrill-seeking activities. I tend to prefer my couch or the bar or my Mami's kitchen.
But activity #9 makes a good point about being spontaneous, and how it's "expressing a joy for life." I've been so careful for nearly 35 years... maybe it's time to go a bit crazy?
And I know y'all must be sitting there reading this going, "YOU? CAREFUL?" and cackling like little bitches, but it's true. So I'm gonna pack a little bag for when I need to just GO. It will have a book, a notebook & pen, a disposable camera (that I probably won't get developed for six years), a travel sized deodorant, lotion & toothbrush/paste set and a clean pair of underwear (non-matching, of course!). Everything else I could possibly need I can just buy when I get there, no?
What's in your get-up-and-go bag?
*smooches...trying to find jussssst the right bag to pack*
----------
there are so many quirky bags in my closet. I can't decide!!!
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Today I Will (4/7/10)
(The history behind these activities can be found here, and if you click here you will see all the previous posts I wrote on them. Thank you to Irene for having the forethought to buy me this book for blog material.)
Activity #8: Today I will celebrate other people's successes to make way for my own windfalls.
The book states that no matter how grateful we are for the things in our lives, when something good happens to someone else it's normal for slight feelings of jealousy and sometimes bitterness to creep in and ruin the moment. Instead of allowing those feelings to take over, this exercise asks you to "practice being the first to congratulate a friend, even if he or she receives something you wanted for yourself." This will "take power away from ugly feelings of jealousy and insecurity" and your support in turn "paves the way for your own windfalls."
I would like to take a moment to congratulate all of my fellow FDU graduates that have, according to the alumni newsletter, published a first or second novel, had stories or poems accepted for publication in literary magazines and garnered positive press for their work.
A special should out goes to Jack who entered Week 13 free of nicotine; my girl in LA who recently bought her first luxury vehicle, a treat she gave herself for all the hard work she's been doing; my sweetums in MA who ended a long, dead-end relationship only to turn the corner and find happiness with a new man; and another friend here in BK who has been out of work for a few months and sent me a text this morning announcing "I got a job babe!"
I am truly happy for all of them. Their joy is seriously my joy because they are my friends. And who wants miserable friends who never have any good news to report? I will admit I don't always get that back, and have learned to not divulge certain news items with certain people because it will just throw shade on my shine. Hey, what can you do about those people except not let them take your joy, right? I just know I NEVER want to be the one stealing someone else's sunshine. I know how shitty that feels when it's done to me and could never subject even my worse enemy (SEAN COMBS!) to that.
Besides, I'm a firm believer in "whatever you put out into The Universe you get back threefold" even if three is the devil's number; it's a good policy to live by.
*smooches...grateful for all the good things happening around me*
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proximity to greatness can only mean mine is around the corner
Activity #8: Today I will celebrate other people's successes to make way for my own windfalls.
The book states that no matter how grateful we are for the things in our lives, when something good happens to someone else it's normal for slight feelings of jealousy and sometimes bitterness to creep in and ruin the moment. Instead of allowing those feelings to take over, this exercise asks you to "practice being the first to congratulate a friend, even if he or she receives something you wanted for yourself." This will "take power away from ugly feelings of jealousy and insecurity" and your support in turn "paves the way for your own windfalls."
I would like to take a moment to congratulate all of my fellow FDU graduates that have, according to the alumni newsletter, published a first or second novel, had stories or poems accepted for publication in literary magazines and garnered positive press for their work.
A special should out goes to Jack who entered Week 13 free of nicotine; my girl in LA who recently bought her first luxury vehicle, a treat she gave herself for all the hard work she's been doing; my sweetums in MA who ended a long, dead-end relationship only to turn the corner and find happiness with a new man; and another friend here in BK who has been out of work for a few months and sent me a text this morning announcing "I got a job babe!"
I am truly happy for all of them. Their joy is seriously my joy because they are my friends. And who wants miserable friends who never have any good news to report? I will admit I don't always get that back, and have learned to not divulge certain news items with certain people because it will just throw shade on my shine. Hey, what can you do about those people except not let them take your joy, right? I just know I NEVER want to be the one stealing someone else's sunshine. I know how shitty that feels when it's done to me and could never subject even my worse enemy (SEAN COMBS!) to that.
Besides, I'm a firm believer in "whatever you put out into The Universe you get back threefold" even if three is the devil's number; it's a good policy to live by.
*smooches...grateful for all the good things happening around me*
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proximity to greatness can only mean mine is around the corner
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Today I Will (3/25/10)
(The history behind these activities can be found here, and if you click here you will see all the previous posts I wrote on them. Thank you to Irene for having the forethought to buy me this book for blog material.)
Activity #7: Today I will look in the mirror and find three things I love about myself.
According to this book only 35% of some 380,000 thousand people worldwide like what they see when they look in the mirror. I think you already know I'm in the other 65% that really struggles to enjoy what is looking back at them. Yes, I am my own worst critic. It was TRULY difficult to complete this exercise but dammit all to hell if I was about to let some stupid book get the best of me. So here goes...
1- When I wear my Liplicious Fresh Mulberry lipgloss, I really like my smile. The color compliments my complexion and lip shape/size. In fact, I wear this color more often than not.
2- I never like the way I look in hats, except for my black Mets fitted. Especially with my new haircut. I cannot wait until the season starts so I can rock this baby everyday.
3- And speaking of hair, I love my hair. For all its faults and frizziness and craziness, my hair is awesome and I really, really like it.
There, I did it. Now it's your turn. Leave it in the comments.
But before that I'd really like you all to notice that this exercise only required three items and I actually wrote three items, even though everything in my being wanted to round out the list with two more items. Why am I obsessed with 5s? That's a post for another day but I will say this- 3 is the devil's number.
That is all.
Now you may leave your comments.
*smooches...thinking this exercise came right on time*
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I've been needing a few ego & self-esteem boosters... surprise, surprise!
Activity #7: Today I will look in the mirror and find three things I love about myself.
According to this book only 35% of some 380,000 thousand people worldwide like what they see when they look in the mirror. I think you already know I'm in the other 65% that really struggles to enjoy what is looking back at them. Yes, I am my own worst critic. It was TRULY difficult to complete this exercise but dammit all to hell if I was about to let some stupid book get the best of me. So here goes...
1- When I wear my Liplicious Fresh Mulberry lipgloss, I really like my smile. The color compliments my complexion and lip shape/size. In fact, I wear this color more often than not.
2- I never like the way I look in hats, except for my black Mets fitted. Especially with my new haircut. I cannot wait until the season starts so I can rock this baby everyday.
3- And speaking of hair, I love my hair. For all its faults and frizziness and craziness, my hair is awesome and I really, really like it.
There, I did it. Now it's your turn. Leave it in the comments.
But before that I'd really like you all to notice that this exercise only required three items and I actually wrote three items, even though everything in my being wanted to round out the list with two more items. Why am I obsessed with 5s? That's a post for another day but I will say this- 3 is the devil's number.
That is all.
Now you may leave your comments.
*smooches...thinking this exercise came right on time*
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I've been needing a few ego & self-esteem boosters... surprise, surprise!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Today I Will (1/20/10)
(The history behind these activities can be found here, and if you click here you will see all the previous posts I wrote on them. Thank you to Irene for having the forethought to buy me this book for blog material.)
Activity #6: Today I will start a weekly Gratitude Journal.
The idea behind this is rather simple and seems like it could really be helpful, especially for someone like me who enjoys sitting and stewing in the midst of everything that is wrong in my life. This exercise asks you to, on a weekly basis, write down all of the things for which you are grateful. It could be something as little as "The pizza I ordered was just right," or as big as "I got that job I really wanted/needed."
By the end of the week, you will be surprised at how many gratifying experiences you had. Or at least that's the claim.
So here is my list as of Wednesday. It's the only one I will make public, just to get you started:
This week, I am grateful...
...that my bestie was able to fly out from Cali for her birthday, because I hadn't seen her in a whole year
...for McAfee and it's ability to put whatever virus attacked my computer in its place
...to all the people who hounded me about backing up my C-drive, which I did last month; it kept me from falling apart when my computer died
...for the YUMMY food I ate over the weekend: turkey chili from the Tick Tock Diner; shrimp mofongo from Sofritos; popcorn shrimp at the Gotham Comedy Club; Atomic Wings; pizza from the Penn Station terminal down by the LIRR; and empanadas from Empanada Mama's
...for good friends, new and old, who come to my aid whenever I call
*smooches...also grateful for you guys, my loyal readers*
----------
at this point y'all are like my family, and seeing as we're family expect me to drop my kids off at your door for free babysitting services, mmkay? Thanks!
Activity #6: Today I will start a weekly Gratitude Journal.
The idea behind this is rather simple and seems like it could really be helpful, especially for someone like me who enjoys sitting and stewing in the midst of everything that is wrong in my life. This exercise asks you to, on a weekly basis, write down all of the things for which you are grateful. It could be something as little as "The pizza I ordered was just right," or as big as "I got that job I really wanted/needed."
By the end of the week, you will be surprised at how many gratifying experiences you had. Or at least that's the claim.
So here is my list as of Wednesday. It's the only one I will make public, just to get you started:
This week, I am grateful...
...that my bestie was able to fly out from Cali for her birthday, because I hadn't seen her in a whole year
...for McAfee and it's ability to put whatever virus attacked my computer in its place
...to all the people who hounded me about backing up my C-drive, which I did last month; it kept me from falling apart when my computer died
...for the YUMMY food I ate over the weekend: turkey chili from the Tick Tock Diner; shrimp mofongo from Sofritos; popcorn shrimp at the Gotham Comedy Club; Atomic Wings; pizza from the Penn Station terminal down by the LIRR; and empanadas from Empanada Mama's
...for good friends, new and old, who come to my aid whenever I call
*smooches...also grateful for you guys, my loyal readers*
----------
at this point y'all are like my family, and seeing as we're family expect me to drop my kids off at your door for free babysitting services, mmkay? Thanks!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Today I Will (1/06/10)
You remember the book Irene bought for me last summer, right? No? Click HERE to see what I'm talking about. Anyway, here's the next exercise on the list:
Activity #5: Today I will smile- even when I don't feel like it.
So according to this pocket guide to happiness, smiling releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. It also suggests adding positive thinking behind the smile because some quack who did a study at Wake Forest University told them: "Positive expectations produced about a 28 percent decrease in pain ratings- equal to a shot of morphine."
*RECORD SCRATCH*
Say WORD?! A shot of morphine? So smiling + positive thinking is like having one of those little dials they give terminal patients at the hospital, you know, the ones that up their pain medication when it gets real bad? Wowwwww, learn something new everyday!
*smiles big*
And I always thought those annoyingly positive people were just crazy; come to find their addicted to morphine! It makes so much sense now...
*smooches...happy to have found a cheap substitute for crack*
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I was really feeling guilty about using my child support money to feed my drug addiction...now I can just smile real hard and get all the pain meds I want!
Activity #5: Today I will smile- even when I don't feel like it.
So according to this pocket guide to happiness, smiling releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. It also suggests adding positive thinking behind the smile because some quack who did a study at Wake Forest University told them: "Positive expectations produced about a 28 percent decrease in pain ratings- equal to a shot of morphine."
*RECORD SCRATCH*
Say WORD?! A shot of morphine? So smiling + positive thinking is like having one of those little dials they give terminal patients at the hospital, you know, the ones that up their pain medication when it gets real bad? Wowwwww, learn something new everyday!
*smiles big*
And I always thought those annoyingly positive people were just crazy; come to find their addicted to morphine! It makes so much sense now...
*smooches...happy to have found a cheap substitute for crack*
----------
I was really feeling guilty about using my child support money to feed my drug addiction...now I can just smile real hard and get all the pain meds I want!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Today I Will (11/20/09)
Here we are once again with another exercise from the book Irene bought me: Enjoy Life and Be Happy in 30 Seconds by Alex Lluch. To recap for the newbies, she bought me the book as a joke and said, "blog about it." I started to make fun of i until I realized, hey, these exercises aren't that bad.
(to read previous installments click on the TODAY I WILL tag)
Activity #4: Today I will make a heartfelt apology to someone I have wronged.
Of all the assignments so far, this one has proven itself to be incredibly difficult. Not because I don't know how to apologize, but because I don't know who I've wronged. Listen, I'm not saying I'm a saint because I'm not, but I honestly can't think of someone I've done dirty who either A- wasn't asking for it or B- I didn't already apologize to. And yes I know the grammar just then was sucky but you've read the papers from my students...their ignorance is catching up with me!
You people know how I am. It drives me crazy to know someone is mad at me so chances are I've already made amends with any and all injured parties. But in case I missed anyone...
I'm sorry. Sometimes I get caught up in my own selfish emotions that I forget you have feelings, too. It's not something I do on purpose and believe me when I say I'm trying to change. This whole year has been one of self-discovery and self-improvement, and I'd be remiss if I didn't let you know how truly bad I feel for hurting you. Please accept my apology; I know it may seem generic but it is from my heart.
Do you have anyone that needs to hear an apology from you?
*smooches...thinking, "that should cover it!"*
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but seriously, if I have wronged you and didn't know or forgot, just let me know. I'm not unreasonable; I would totally apologize!
(to read previous installments click on the TODAY I WILL tag)
Activity #4: Today I will make a heartfelt apology to someone I have wronged.
Of all the assignments so far, this one has proven itself to be incredibly difficult. Not because I don't know how to apologize, but because I don't know who I've wronged. Listen, I'm not saying I'm a saint because I'm not, but I honestly can't think of someone I've done dirty who either A- wasn't asking for it or B- I didn't already apologize to. And yes I know the grammar just then was sucky but you've read the papers from my students...their ignorance is catching up with me!
You people know how I am. It drives me crazy to know someone is mad at me so chances are I've already made amends with any and all injured parties. But in case I missed anyone...
I'm sorry. Sometimes I get caught up in my own selfish emotions that I forget you have feelings, too. It's not something I do on purpose and believe me when I say I'm trying to change. This whole year has been one of self-discovery and self-improvement, and I'd be remiss if I didn't let you know how truly bad I feel for hurting you. Please accept my apology; I know it may seem generic but it is from my heart.
Do you have anyone that needs to hear an apology from you?
*smooches...thinking, "that should cover it!"*
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but seriously, if I have wronged you and didn't know or forgot, just let me know. I'm not unreasonable; I would totally apologize!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Today I Will (10/30/09)
I'm back again with another activity from "Enjoy Life and Be Happy in 30 Seconds," the book Irene bought for me this summer. If you don't know what I mean you can take a peek at previous posts here and here.
Activity #3: Today I will forgive someone who has hurt me.
This particular activity is asking us to let go of resentment and lighten our emotional load. Suggestions included a face-to-face meeting, a phone call or a handwritten letter. It specifies that you are not forgiving the act, just setting "...yourself free from negativity, bitterness and anger."
I was iffy on this one. When I started to think of the people that I feel hurt by there wasn't a very huge list. I already mended a friendship last week, so that just leaves... Mami and William R. Penzo.
*sigh*
I'm not ready to deal with Mami; she's going through some shit right now and the last thing she needs is for me to bother her with old crap. Therefore...ugh... William R. Penzo it is. It hurt me to think that my own dad was not a part of my life even though he lived like FIVE BLOCKS away. Maybe he did me a favor, seeing as he wasn't always on the best side of the law, who knows? Still, the little girl in me is hurt by that and feels rejected and unloved.
But that little girl is also holding the grown up in me back. Nothing can change what happened, and I have a GREAT dad in Papi.
Then again, by me bringing this up isn't it just going to fuck up his day? How is THAT helpful? And what if he wants to talk to me and shit? Will I have to then have an actual conversation with him? I HATE THIS BOOK!
I hear freedom is a wonderful thing, though. And I'm no wuss...
William R. Penzo, I forgive you.
Should I mail it, y'all?
*smooches...thinking this was the wrong week to do this exercise*
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ahh, what the hell... I'm gonna mail it!
Activity #3: Today I will forgive someone who has hurt me.
This particular activity is asking us to let go of resentment and lighten our emotional load. Suggestions included a face-to-face meeting, a phone call or a handwritten letter. It specifies that you are not forgiving the act, just setting "...yourself free from negativity, bitterness and anger."
I was iffy on this one. When I started to think of the people that I feel hurt by there wasn't a very huge list. I already mended a friendship last week, so that just leaves... Mami and William R. Penzo.
*sigh*
I'm not ready to deal with Mami; she's going through some shit right now and the last thing she needs is for me to bother her with old crap. Therefore...ugh... William R. Penzo it is. It hurt me to think that my own dad was not a part of my life even though he lived like FIVE BLOCKS away. Maybe he did me a favor, seeing as he wasn't always on the best side of the law, who knows? Still, the little girl in me is hurt by that and feels rejected and unloved.
But that little girl is also holding the grown up in me back. Nothing can change what happened, and I have a GREAT dad in Papi.
Then again, by me bringing this up isn't it just going to fuck up his day? How is THAT helpful? And what if he wants to talk to me and shit? Will I have to then have an actual conversation with him? I HATE THIS BOOK!
I hear freedom is a wonderful thing, though. And I'm no wuss...
William R. Penzo, I forgive you.
Should I mail it, y'all?
*smooches...thinking this was the wrong week to do this exercise*
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ahh, what the hell... I'm gonna mail it!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Today I Will (9/25/09)
Remember the little self-help book Irene purchased for me? I wrote about it here? Well I read the next exercise; even made the babies participate and it was kind of cute.
Activity #2: Today I will use visualization techniques to improve my outlook.
This exercise challenges you to already see yourself at the finish line. K said she saw herself as a successful author of young adult novels and I think N said something about being in charge of a Nino Brown-esque empire, but I can't be sure...
For me, I saw myself with a more muscular body (not crazy bodybuilder looking, more like Beach Volleyball athlete looking) being more diligent w/my meditation and yoga practice and becoming outdoorsy with my kids (CORRECTION: K does not approve of outdoor physical activities so never mind); running a successful media empire that includes a magazine, film & TV production company, record label and of course this blog and everything else that was born of (from?) it.
I visualized myself as a highly sought-after freelance writer and public speaker on all things media, especially when it comes to publishing. And lets not forget... you'd be able to get my books at Barnes & Noble- I don't know WHY B&N is the end all/be all for me but it is. I just want to walk into the store and see my book on the shelf, and not the discount shelf either. The regular shelf where they put literary fiction. That's where I want my book.
And did I mention that is this visualization I'm married? With two more kids? No? Oh well then forget I brought it up...
*smooches...kinda liking this book after all*
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it's still kinda silly but a "useful" silly
and I hope I didn't need to add in there that I'd still be living in Brooklyn, because y'all already know I can't seem to break up with this borough...
Activity #2: Today I will use visualization techniques to improve my outlook.
This exercise challenges you to already see yourself at the finish line. K said she saw herself as a successful author of young adult novels and I think N said something about being in charge of a Nino Brown-esque empire, but I can't be sure...
For me, I saw myself with a more muscular body (not crazy bodybuilder looking, more like Beach Volleyball athlete looking) being more diligent w/my meditation and yoga practice and becoming outdoorsy with my kids (CORRECTION: K does not approve of outdoor physical activities so never mind); running a successful media empire that includes a magazine, film & TV production company, record label and of course this blog and everything else that was born of (from?) it.
I visualized myself as a highly sought-after freelance writer and public speaker on all things media, especially when it comes to publishing. And lets not forget... you'd be able to get my books at Barnes & Noble- I don't know WHY B&N is the end all/be all for me but it is. I just want to walk into the store and see my book on the shelf, and not the discount shelf either. The regular shelf where they put literary fiction. That's where I want my book.
And did I mention that is this visualization I'm married? With two more kids? No? Oh well then forget I brought it up...
*smooches...kinda liking this book after all*
----------
it's still kinda silly but a "useful" silly
and I hope I didn't need to add in there that I'd still be living in Brooklyn, because y'all already know I can't seem to break up with this borough...
Friday, September 11, 2009
Today I Will (9/11/09)
I was hanging out in Barnes & Noble with Irene over the summer (because we're nerds like that) when she suggested we head on over to the Self-Help section for shits & giggles. And let me tell you guys- she was right! Some of those titles are just so ridiculous you have to laugh out loud at them.
One title in particular, "Enjoy Life and Be Happy in 30 Seconds" really made us giggle like little girls, so much so that Irene bought it for me and practically demanded I write about it.
So I was flipping through the book to see if I would get inspired to write about it and a funny thing happened... I decided to REALLY read it and participate in the daily activities instead, even if it is in my own Jaded way. Like so...
Activity #1: Today I will focus on 5 things that are great in my life.
*smooches...only taking the activities KINDA serious*
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listen, one book and one church visit do not an UN-Jaded NYer make... so what are the 5 great things in YOUR life?
One title in particular, "Enjoy Life and Be Happy in 30 Seconds" really made us giggle like little girls, so much so that Irene bought it for me and practically demanded I write about it.
So I was flipping through the book to see if I would get inspired to write about it and a funny thing happened... I decided to REALLY read it and participate in the daily activities instead, even if it is in my own Jaded way. Like so...
Activity #1: Today I will focus on 5 things that are great in my life.
- I have great hair. It doesn't always obey my commands but all in all, my hair is awesome.
- I know at least 5 people who, with just one phone call, will drop everything to cut someone to bloody bits of ass on my behalf.
- My kids are growing into amazing young ladies, all because I am a consecutive Mother of the Year award winner.
- I know what I want to be when I grow up, and that's more than a lot of people can say for themselves.
- I have a pretty good feeling that when my landlord and his family blow up NYC my little family of three will be spared.
*smooches...only taking the activities KINDA serious*
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listen, one book and one church visit do not an UN-Jaded NYer make... so what are the 5 great things in YOUR life?
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