Big decisions

(This is how it feels, like being in the middle of a giant question mark.)

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the best when it comes to making decisions. I'm often impulsive and have a tendency to be blind to anything other than the potential positive outcomes. getting all starry eyed about how this decision will improve everything in the future.

What can I say, I'm drawn to the new and shiny.

The real problems begin, however, once I start wrapping my head around the implications of the decision.

Given my nature as a planner, my instincts throw me into a constant need to research every option from all angles to make sure I get the most out of the decision. And of course, the benefits of choosing to stick with the status quo.

More times than not I believe that I'll be more disappointed by choosing not to take a new opportunity. Life's all about experiences, and looking back, I've always been happy I took opportunities as they came my way - impulsive or not - because of the experiences I gained and the people I met along the way.

Plus, it keeps things interesting...right?

I have to admit, I enjoy the stories that I'm able to tell about the places I've been and the experiences I've had already had in these short 24 years of my life, because I never say no.

Still, that doesn't make these decisions any easier, nor does it take away this feeling as if I might vomit. In the end, it'll work itself out somehow. It's got to, right? Right???

What's your strategy for making big decisions?

Cheers!

-A

Brick walls

The brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough. They're here to stop the other people.
...
Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something.


Right now I'm in the middle of a rather inspiring book. The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch. For those who haven't heard in it's rising popularity, it chronicles the life of a college professor who is asked to speak about his life as if he were dying - as if it was his last lecture.

Reality of the situation, is that it was, as Randy was dying of cancer at the time. How about that for some real-life inspiration?

As any inspirational book will, I found a concept that was instantly applied to my life. And I've gotta say, it's been kicking me in the ass ever since.

In one of his chapters, he discusses the challenges he faced when courting his wife. These challenges were his brick walls - and he worked hard to show those walls who was stronger. And succeeded. Proof is in his marriage and three children.

So I've been reflecting on the brick walls in my life, the challenges I've been working hard to overcome to prove just how much I desire the life I aspire to live.

Impulsiveness - since I've been a working girl, I've been of the mindset that if I want something I purchase it. Be it a trip to visit friends or a new camera lens. Debt has not overcome me yet - and I'm working now to make sure this doesn't happen.

Cynicism - sure, we all get bitchy from time to time, but, I'll admit, I've been known to bond with others over the negative rather than the positive. This is definitely a work in progress.

Impatience - I've said time and time again that I could never be a teacher because of this. But fact is, everyone is a teacher of some form in this life. And patience is one of the most important attributes of a successful teacher, mentor or supervisor.

Distractions - my 'ADD' leads to procrastination, which often leads to less-than-my-best work. As much as I say it, I don't actually work best under the pressure of a deadline, I just enjoy the adrenaline rush.

So tell me dear readers, what are your brick walls?

Cheers!

-A

Sound track of...right now

So you may remember a while back when, thanks to Playful Professional, I was inspired to create a soundtrack of my life. 

And for the most part, this list still very much holds true. 

Lately, however, there have been a number of events in my life that have added an interesting flare, to say the least. 

And, given my recent bout with insomnia - hence the mid-night post - I've had plenty of time to listen to a number of my iTunes playlists. In this process, a few songs have stood out to me. Some because of the lyrical meaning, some for the harmonies, but all for the fact that I just really like them.

So, there's going to be a temporary addendum to my original list of eight - as a sort of soundtrack of now. No judging.

Oh, what the hell, judge all you want. What do I care?

Promise (Eve 6) - old school Eve 6. Not only do the harmonies in the song mesmerize me, but the lyrics are perfectly appropriate for my life as of right now. Planning big is a huge gamble, and yep, I've already rolled those dice.

Streetlight (Derby) - you're standing a little foolish, in the late night...

I Can't Hold Back (Survivor) - this song came on in Mitchell's the other day and I remembered that I loved how it sounds. So 80s. As Jennie says, it's one of those songs they'd make fun of on Saturday Night Live....regardless, I love it. And it's pretty accurate, assuming you're not thinking in sexual terms. C'mon now, remove head from gutter. 

One Step at a Time (Jordin Sparks) - for oh so many reasons. This song about sums up my life at the moment.

What are some of the songs that represent your life at the moment...or, even the ones you like just because?

Cheers!

-A

Long-awaited weekend

Martin Luther King weekend is great - an extra day off followed by a four day week. What more could you ask for, right?

Well, this weekend was nothing shy of interesting. Yeah, we'll go with interesting.

Friday I was a roller coaster of emotion - and for someone who typically peaks at the mildly irritated stage, because let's be honest, life's just too damn short to spend it pissed off, it was quite an exhausting day.

Luckily, one of my favorites in the entire world came into town on Saturday making everything instantly glorious. 

Everyone needs a friend like that - someone who can show up and instantly put a smile on your face, someone who knows so much about you and just 'gets' you. What can I say, I wouldn't know what to do without her. 

We spent the weekend touring the Cleve. Well, as best you can in the dead of winter.

Eating and drinking were some of the highlights. From enchiladas at El Jalapeno to gluten-free pancakes (for my little glutard) at The Original Pancake House to some of Cleveland's finest like Sushi Rock, drinks at 806 and brunch at Grumpy's we got our fill of the tastes of Cleveland.

My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Oh and we can't forget about the lovely Saturday afternoon nap followed by the MSU/Illinois game - Spartans came out on top, baby - and a trip to the theater for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Which, by the way, is fantastic - doesn't seem nearly as long as it is.

And what about my extra day off, you ask? Well, between errands, laundry and the weekly run outside - hey, I had to burn off the extra calories somehow -  it's been pretty productive. And it's all helped me keep my mind off how much I already miss Jenn. *sigh*

Now, it's back to the grind - a little more rested and spiritually rejuvenated. 

How was your extended weekend?

Cheers!

-A

Photography Friday: Philadelphia

Welcome to Photography Friday, the Philadelphia edition. Again, we're going back in time here as these sub-zero temps have made it nearly impossible to head out for some decent shots.

You may recall this summer (assuming I still have any readers from back then) when I traveled to Philadelphia on business - you know, the trip where I met Tony Danza...yeah, that one.

I was fortunate enough to head out on the town upon my arrival to check out the scenery. And even with my point-and-shoot I captured some great shots.

The Comcast building caught my eye, not just because it's the tallest building downtown, but just check out how reflective it is.


During a night on the town after a full day of work, a friend and I trekked across the city to the Rocky steps and back. I found this crosswalk to be interesting.

(And honestly, got lucky with the creative blur)

Hope y'all had a great week - stay warm this weekend.

Cheers!

-A

A little healthy compitition never hurt anyone

Last night after a strenuous workout I decided to attend a relaxation yoga class to end the day right.

Only...it ended up not being so relaxing, after all.

Attendance was minimal, probably because of the weather, and most of the people in class were new to the practice of yoga.

My initial concern was that the instructor would, in turn, make the class easier. But luckily for me she held a normal flow class with modified poses for the newbies.

As soon as I realized this, I proceeded as I normally would and even increased the intensity from time to time.

(Editors note: that's the great thing about yoga, you can make it as intense and challenging as you want it. Not that you care.)

Throughout the class I noticed the woman next to me keeping pace with my motions.

Upon further inspection she was a 50-something, frail looking woman, who had apparently been practicing yoga for longer than I've been alive. And this was something she was dying to prove to me.

To test this theory I went above and beyond in a couple of balance poses - and when she followed my lead and subsequently fell out of these poses I was thoroughly satisfied. Not only was I spot on that she was competing with me, but I totally beat her out in the balance category.

Point Ashley.

Then we moved on to a couple strength moves. I dominated.

The end of class was focused on flexibility. Not my strong suit. But of course I pushed my hamstrings until they were screaming at me - willing them to stretch just an inch farther. You best believe she took notice of this, too, as she proceeded to fold in half on top of herself, and make it look easy.

Flexibility FAIL.

At the point I wanted to lean in and let her know that "hey lady, I'm a runner, my hamstrings just don't do that."

But of course, after savasana [corpse pose = relaxation, for all you non-yogis], I was all zen and stuff and didn't give a crap.

Honestly, I'm thankful for my competitor last night. She helped me push myself in a class that I otherwise may have taken the easy route through.

Cheers to you, lady. Cheers!

-A

Get off the ice

So today I'm telling a tale on behalf of one of my co-workers because, honestly, it's the most entertaining encounter of the week.

And I'm going to tell it in first person, just for kicks.

Two weeks ago we had the kickoff game of my winter hockey league. On the team, there's a guy named Kevin* who's, let's be honest here, a little on the terrible side.

What makes that even better, is that in his spare time, he's a hockey coach for a children's league - but that's not the point here.

He is known to be one of those people who think they know everything about everything...er, hockey, and when team members try to provide constructive criticism he wants nothing to do with it. So instead, I, like most other players, try to be nice so he'll keep his know-it-all attitude under wraps.

Until, that is, this weekend.

(This may or may not be Kevin)

So we just scored a goal with two minutes left and we're heading up for a face-off when Kevin announces that we should call a time out. Having just scored a goal, the momentum has clearly shifted toward us, so the team disagrees and proceeds with the game while Kevin continues to throw a mini tantrum while insisting on the unnecessary time out.

Getting irritated, I proceed to tell him shut his yap (as politely as possible, of course). We banter for a bit. Our captain, who's a little tired of hearing us arguing, tells us both to cool it. So I shut up.

But, of course, Kevin continues to pester me.

When he doesn't get the [subtle] hits I go for the jugular:

"When your performance on the ice matches your mouth, we'll start listening to you."

Frothing at the mouth, his reply: "YOU TOO!"


Huh?

Does he know that doesn't make sense?

I turn to the team captain, who actually coaches little league with this dude, and apologize that he'll be getting an earful from Kevin about how much he can't stand me.

So after the game I decided to make things right with him. He was standing a few feet away from me on the ice so I skated over his way. When I was inches from him he turned and skated away toward the bench. Since I needed to go that direction anyhow I skated after him and he skated away again, upon my arrival.

Seriously? C'mon now, how old are we?

Regardless, I tried.

So this Sunday we had another game. I went in, prepared to either let it go or talk it out, depending on Kevin's needs that day.

As I entered the locker room I was approached by the captain.

Captain: "Hey, so you owe us a player."

Me: "Huh?"

Captain: "Kevin quit."

Me: "He quit, over that?"

Captain: "Yep, after last week's game he asked for his check back and quit."

Wow, really, who quits over a disagreement? Again, how old are we people?

(Editors note: Thanks to my colleague Luke for sharing this story.)

So tell me dear readers, do you know anyone like this? Have you ever encountered such a personality?

Cheers!

-A

*His name may or may not have been Kevin.