Words of advice for the young..and young @ heart!

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me...It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret,you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19.. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Good News!!!!

We got good news today....

About a month ago, Jeremy and I started to look for an apartment to move into once we get married. We were temped to stay in my current apartment, but thought that with it being a renters market, we should at least check out what was available. Now, don't get me wrong - there are some beautiful apartments in Santa Monica that would be great....and most are going for lower rates than in the past. However....none compare to what my dear friend Katie has labeld, the "Magic Wizard Mansion" that is my current apartment....and she is right.

Every time Jeremy and I returned from looking at apartments, we'd walk into my place....with it's bright, big living room and two equally large bedrooms....and we would just sigh at the thought of leaving it all behind. At one point Jeremy walked through the dining room to the kitchen and said, "hey, it actually took me a little while to get in here" - in contrast to the places we'd seen, where you could probably get a drink out the of the fridge without leaving the couch.

Jeremy and I really want to have a place where we can entertain a lot and invite people to stay with us when they're passing through town. While we could save a little bit of money by down-sizing to a one-bedroom, we wouldn't have the space to host the kinds of company we'd love to keep. Additionally, we'd have to pack up the entire place at the end of this month and figure out how to fit everything into what was starting to look like 800-900 square feet (at most).

On the contrary, a two bedroom place would allow us to have an office/guest room/play room that can be used for all sorts of things....while also leaving plenty of room in the dining room, living room and other bedroom for everything else! Plus, the neighbors are wonderful, we have a little shared back yard, and the community is fantastic!!!! In addition, eliminating the stress of a major move started to look more and more appealing as the days went on.

So last week, Jeremy submitted his paperwork to get approved to be on the lease....and I worked at negotiating a lower rent per month and a smaller security deposit (since after four years, they know I'm a good tenant). While we haven't officially signed any new paperwork, I spoke to the manager this morning (who conveniently lives downstairs) and she joyfully told me that they would agree to all our terms and that they would love us to stay!!!

I was just so elated to hear this news - and I was thankful and humbled at the landlord's generosity in making this transition for us more managable!!! Lauren, my current "flatmate" as she would say...will move out at the end of this month, and we'll have all of June to get the place cleaned and updated to suit our married life. Jeremy will have the chance to move his things in gradually, and we'll really get to make the place our own together.

I can't tell you how thankful I am to God for orchestrating this and for giving us favor with the people involved. I just feel so blessed and overwhelemed!!! I'm not only excited to set up a new home with my man, but I'm SUPER excited that I don't have to pack my life into boxes in the next two weeks!!!!

So yeah.....perhaps in July, a housewarming extravaganza will be in order...but until then, I'll just celebrate how good God is in the way that he takes care of his kids!!!!

Today is the Day...

Today is the day to do what I keep saying I'm going to do....my 300 sit ups this morning, posting a blog, catching up on email, finalizing projects.....of course I can never complete it all, but I have to start somewhere!

It's amazing how a massive list of "to do's" can stifle more than stimulate. So often I'm overwhelmed and paralyzed by all that I have to do, that it keeps me from doing anything! But today is different - today the two month count down begins to my wedding....and there is no "tomorrow" for getting things done!

There is also this increasing desire in me to just LIVE! I envy the people out reading a book, riding a bike, or walking their dog while I drive to work....but it doesn't matter what they can or can't do....what matters most is what I choose to do with the hours in my own day!

There are certain activities that seem to lend themselves to deeper discovery on a daily basis....the things that I often put off or promise to do later. But in reality these are the small things that make me feel ALIVE and ENGAGED in the world around me!!

Reflecting/Thinking-Reading-Writing-Singing-Selfless Acts-Follow Through-Taking Action-Laughing-Loving-Listening-Giving-Feeling-Sharing-Accomplishing-Resting-Being....

I guess I could actually go on and on with this list. There are so many things that create life and energy - even, or perhaps especially, in the midst of a busy world. So by way of this blog, I'm hoping to LIVE a bit more today...to LOVE at a deeper level - to think about things from a different perspective - to push myself out of stagnation into LIFE without looking back:)

Seeking Inspiration

I haven't been faithful in posting much the last couple weeks, partly because I've been sick, and partly because I've been lacking inspiration. Well, that's not true, I guess I feel more like what I've been inspired by or thinking about wouldn't be consequential to anyone else - but this is my blog so I guess I can write what I want:)

So here are a few things that have inspired me the last couple weeks:

1. My Grammi Hunter! Happy BIRTHDAY TODAY Grammi....not only does she send and check email - but she also follows my blog. She inspires me by her daily choice to keep up with the times despite the constant changing nature of technology and communication! I love getting her emails - hearing her voice over my cell phone, and knowing that she'll read this message - it's awesome! So on this special day Grammi - may you know that fullness of joy that you have brought to the lives of so many! May you know that the life you have led, and continue to lead, inspires others (like) me. And may you always remain young of heart and soul!! I love you so much!!!

2. My fiance - Jeremy I can't tell you enough how much your creativity inspires me. I have creative juices in me, but my day to day activities don't always allow for time and space to act on them. But you, are a daily reminder of how rewarding, invigorating, and fulfilling it can be to make time for these things in life. As of late, I've admired your commitment to your writing, your super-fantastic impromptu song-making, and your appetite for new and old music! I appreciate the way that you unabashedly look at things from a different perspective and the way you explore yourself and others in relationship to those things!

3. My ballet class - for 15 years or so I studied ballet. I loved the poise and discipline that came with the instruction - but I also loved to let go and make up my own moves. For awhile now, I've dreamed of going back to the barr - to sliding on shoes again and spinning away from the worries of the world. Up until recently I've had lots of excuses to stop me (i.e. finishing grad school). But this month, I got the chance to sign up for a class I could take during the work day at Pepperdine. I've loved it!! It's advanced enough that I feel challenged - and I feel like I still know a lot from my previous training. But it is a mild enough class that I can slowly ease back into shape, find my center, and feel inspired to move gracefully and freely like I did so long ago - it is an amazing feeling!

4. A clean room - as many of you know, I spent most of January purging my apartment. I cleaned out nearly every cupboard and closet that I could and got rid of 30% of what I owned. With the help of my roommate we had a great yard sale and got rid of a ton before taking the rest to good will. Despite all of that disposal - I still have a few projects to get through, that only I could do - 1. sorting through school stuff, 2. sorting through finances, 3. sorting through old cards and memorabilia. I've since completed two out of three of these things and it is the BEST feeling in the world. There is something about preparing to move and to be married, that has been helpful in accomplishing this task - but beyond that there is also a measure of freedom that comes from getting rid of everything you don't need, and actually being able to find what it is you do need! There are still a few more levels to get through in my opinion - but waking up in the morning to a tidy and orderly space makes me breathe easier - there is less stress surrounding everything from getting ready, to doing laundry, to mailing a card, recording receipts or playing my favorite music. Less is definitely more in this case!

5. A project management system - yesterday I came back to work after being out of the office for three days. I'd been checking email, but I still had a lot to catch up on. In the process of sifting through items in my inbox, I found a project management system that made my day. For the first time ever, I can tag emails, documents, tasks, and contacts all pertaining to one project, in one place! It took a little time to get set up, but now I know exactly what I need to accomplish today and tomorrow in working toward different project goals. In a job where I am managing multiple long-term programs and outcomes, I think this tool will really help me get my head around the work that needs to get done.

6. A word from God....Sunday at Bel Air, pastor Brewer talked about the difference between success and significance in our lives. The whole message was poignent - and I was encouraged to think about where I get my significance in my own life, and whether or not that adds up with God's perspective. But the other main thing I took away was that we can only do so much in a day. The pastor mentioned two things - 1. mosaic makers back in days of antiquity, would mark off just the section of the mosaic that they could finish in a day. That way they were able to stay focused while moving forward instead of getting caught up in how big the final project was - I need to do more of this; 2. the pastor mentioned that while Jesus was on earth, he did some incredible things - he healed people and fed people and did other miracles - but even those, were just a handful - just within the 100 miles of where he lived, and just among the people with whom he interacted. I think that in this day and age, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the weight of the world and the endless problems that we face - it's easy to think that we have to do something about it all, but it is too much for us to take on, and in the end we end up doing nothing. This teaching reminded me that my significance is wrapped up in the little meaningful life moments that I have the opportunity to embrace every day. Perhaps someday those little things will lead to impacting larger groups of people - but for now, and maybe for always, I must give my hand to that which has been entrusted to me and be satisfied that that is enough...those small things ARE significant.

7. Finally, planning the wedding:) I have to say - because of my past as an event planner, getting things in order for the wedding is really fun for me. Yes it's stressful at times, and challenging to make decisions, but I have to say that wedding planning has been my happy place lately. Jeremy and I are so excited about building our life together, that it makes the details of the day exciting to think and dream about. And everything is just coming together - so beautifully and with so much blessing....and we know that is from God. In addition, I just feel daily blessed and inspired by the generous care, concern, and provision of my parents and of Jeremy's. Not only have they given us amazing love and acceptance but they have been incredible in their support of this wedding and marriage - I love you guys!

So there you have it these are just a few things that have been on my heart and mind....a few things (and people) who have inspired my day to day lately and for that I am grateful!!!!

Believing God (per Beth Moore)

I just started a new book called Believing God by Beth Moore. In the face of these somewhat challenging times, I found this particular passage in chapter 2 quite encouraging and wanted to share:

"Nothing on earth compares to the strength God is willing to interject into lives caught in the act of believing. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul likens it to the stunning power God exerted when He raised His Son from the dead! Do you hear that? Can you think of any need you might have that would require more strength than God exercised to raise the dead? Me either. God can raise marriages, from the dead, and He can restore life and purpose to those who have given up. He can forgive and purify the vilest sinner. God's specialty is raising dead things to life and making impossible things possible. You don't have a need that exceeds His power!"

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know that hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
~ Ephesians 1:18-20

Dodging Disappointment

I have to be honest, dodging disappointment is a tough thing to do.  You never know when disappointment might hit, or how hard the blow might be, and generally, the occurrence is miles short of whatever it was in life that you expected it to be. 

Vague? Yes.

In not so many words, the "Surprise Gift" that I wrote about, not even a week ago, was whisked away this morning.  It was out of our control....there was not anything we really could do to stop its escape...and like clockwork disappointment swept in to take the place of celebration.  

So I've been dodging disappointment - yesterday and today....sifting through emotions and questions, trying to conclude something, anything, that doesn't end in nothingness.  But as for the gift, it is gone....we will receive nothing to fund our collection.  As for GOD though, he is still good....on his throne, in control, giving meaning and purpose to my life.  And for today, I dodge disappointment only by looking to Him. Well, through that and my distracting myself with other fun things like wedding plans:)  

The reality is, life doesn't always go they way we want it to, or the way we think it should and that is never going to change.  The only thing that we can do is to remember who we are and why we are here in order to fight off the fatigue and frustration that disappointment often brings.  For me, it's counting my blessings, hugging my boyfriend, reading a good book, and most importantly surrendering the situation to God.  I can't let disappointment get the best of me, because there is too much more of life to live!  So here I am, writing to you, dodging disappointment and looking forward to what tomorrow will surly bring! 

The Simple Things

This weekend I was a wonderful reminder of how simple things in life, can truly bring great joy!!  Jeremy and I decided to be creative for Valentine's Day by "recycling" tickets that we both already had, but hadn't used.  

Of course Jeremy surprised me with a bouquet of red roses, a tin of chocolate, and the cutest picture of us from when we got engaged (which basically put a perma-smile on my face for the rest of the day).  I made him two mixed "love" CD's and we hit the road to go explore LACMA (Los Angles County Museum of Art). My favorite part of the museum was an exhibit featuring photos from issues of Vanity Fair dating back to 1913.  Every influential writer, painter, musician, politician, dancer, actress, athlete etc....was featured at some point in their pages....and the photography was nearly life-like.  It was so fun to explore history and culture through the lens of that magazine.  

From there we grabbed some In-N-Out (talk about GREAT simple things!) and headed to the Arc-Light where Jeremy had tickets to spend.  We saw He's Just Not Into You, which was a relatively good adaptation of the best seller that came out a few years back.  The star-studded cast was amusing, though a few of the story lines were down right painful to watch! All in all we enjoyed the flick and then grabbed frozen yogurt from our favorite place Twist, before heading home to cuddle up and catch up on our shows:)

Now perhaps these activities in and of themselves, were not all that simple, but I really appreciated just exploring parts of the city with the one I love. Spending quality time with him, was the greatest gift of all!   

Sunday morning we went to a registry event at Crate & Barrel and enjoyed getting to pick out fun stuff to put on our wedding registry.  The event was just for engaged couples and throughout the store they had fun (and tasty) food stations where we could try dishes they'd made and learn more about their products.  While it was tempting to put EVERYTHING on our list, Jeremy reminded me that simplicity is a good thing...especially when we'll likely be living in a one bedroom apartment:)  It was definitely fun to figure out what items we most wanted!  (I think for me that would be the slower cooker and the grill/panini/meat maker:) 

ANYWAY - in the wake of the weekend, I realize that some of the things in life that just take a moment or two, are the things that really add the most value to life:

- A talk with a family member or friend

- A hug from a loved one

- Reading a chapter in a good book

- Eggs for breakfast

- Rainy days spent curled up

- A word of encouragement

- Renewing a vow

- Staying focused on a single goal

- Saying thank you, and meaning it

- Saying a prayer

- Smiling

- Writing a blog

My goal in the months ahead, is to continue to sift through the craziness of my life, to find more of these gems (and others) and to make more room for them to become a natural part of my life.  I hope you are all having a good week so far!!  I dare you to find joy in one simple thing today:)  Loves!

Surprise Gift

For the last week or so, I've been daily humbled as I've awaited news of a big fundraising gift for the library.  Not even three weeks ago, I was introduced to a long-time Malibu resident, who we thought might be willing to name one of our special collection in his wife's honor in exchange for the money to endow a special collection. 

After meeting him in person, I was hopeful that everything would turn out for the best, but I was unclear about the timing or his interest in our library project.  As it turns out - he was more than confident about leaving his home to Pepperdine, and quite excited about the fact this his gift will enable us to offer dynamic, applicable and interesting new resources, and collections to our academic community and the local Malibu community.  This gift will fund the Malibu Historical Collection, something that this community needs.  After the historical society of Malibu disbanded 10 years or so ago, no one has taken up the cause of collecting, preserving, and making accessible, materials that are related to the history of Malibu.  But with the help of our new friend Fred, we will now be the stewards of this cause! I am shocked and awed to say the least.  Most of all I am grateful to God and appreciative of his favor, because I know that this gift was set in to motion by him alone. The glory belongs to God!!!

I Found a Used Bookstore in LA!!!!

For months now, I've been wishing and hoping to find a used bookstore in LA.  Last year when Doro and I visited Dallas, we were introduced to this magnificent place called Half-Priced Books where we spent a good couple hours during our stay!!!  Up until today, I was convinced that there was no such location in LA...with the exception of the Mystery Book Shop that we recently discovered over near UCLA.  Needless to say, when someone told me today about Iliad in North Hollywood....I almost lost my mind!!!  They buy, sell, and trade used books.....and I am SOOOOO excited to go check them out. It sounds like the place has floor to ceiling shelves and lots of good old booky mustinesss...oh yes, and a one-eyed-pirate kitty named Zola!!!  Yippi:) So check it out....perhaps this is something fun to explore on a rainy LA weekend...enjoy!!!

TGIF

TGIF....thank GOODNESS it's FRIDAY!!!  It has been a full, fun week - however, what with the recent arrival of the rain, I would much prefer to be home in bed watching movies than studiously sitting at my desk.  Alas....I am grateful to have a job and I will get to enjoy a couple free days of play time this weekend!!! 

I had a fantastic night on the town with the girls on Tuesday....dinner was delicious....I ordered the Seafood Tagliolini which had rock shrimp and crab mixed in with lobster sauce soaked pasta.  It tasted like everything was cooked in lobster bisque-yum! Nicole and Doro bravely tried the veal....and I discovered that, after any meal, no matter how good, my favorite treat is still just simple chocolate gelato or ice cream!

The week only got better when Jeremy and I had a special date at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.  There is something about the way they cook their meat that makes it meltable in your mouth (I think they call it butter;)  The meal was amazing.....and Jeremy and I just enjoyed talking and laughing like always!  By the way - have you ever wondered why Ruth's Chris is such a funny name? Apperantly when Ruth bought the place - she had to leave Chris in the name according to the contract...who knew?!:) Anyway, after those two nights of tasty goodness, I don't think I need to eat for another week!

(As a side note - we also discovered a shortcut to get over/under the 405 from Brentwood/Santa Monica during rush hour!  From San Vicente we cut up a small side street and turned into the Veteran's property from Federal (just North of Wilshire).  We cut through and it spit us out right at the 405 overpass, allowing us to avoid sitting on that hill, and ensuring that we made it to the restaurant 20 minutes early for a 6:30 reservation....that never happens!!!)

I've been on a hunt this week for shoes to go with my wedding dress (I found some cute ones!).  I'm also looking into invitation, flower/decor, and registry options AND we're checking out fun places to honeymoon:)  If you have any recommendations let me know:) I think Spacekicker and I might hit the stores this weekend to start building our registry which should be fun....shopping, without spending money....sounds GREAT to me!! 

Well enough of my yammering for now....I hope you all are having a good week and be sure to stay warm and dry this weekend!!!! Loves!

Food Fetish

This week is LA Restaurant week, so I am taking full advantage of this opportunity to head out for a night with the girls!!! The best part about restaurant week is that a number of places offer three course meals for one flat rate! It's a great way to try out new foodie hot spots while not breaking the bank.  So, tonight the ladies and I are heading to Beverly Hills to a place called Enoteca Drago! Hopefully we'll enjoy some great Italian food and of course good company!  

And for those of you who are familiar with one of Jeremy's favorite restaurants, (fondly referred to as Grandma's House), he and I will be indulging in a dinner date at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse tomorrow night.....mmmm, I can already taste the steak!!!  

So mostly I'm just excited to eat some tasty treats and spend time with some of the people I love.  For those of you who live in the area, be sure to check out the restaurant list and try something new this week.  You can learn more at DineLA!

Until next time, indulge your taste buds dear friends!  

Princess Hotcakes Takes the Stage

One of my goals last year (2008) was to get my own web site/blog up and running. Well...let's just say that I missed the mark by a month or so...but hey, I'm here!!! And, I'll be honest...as we (the Voltron Team) round the corner of weeks 51 and 52 of posting our video blogs, I have to admit that posting a weekly video was probably as exciting, if not more, than writing my ramblings. And, if you feel so inclined, you can always check out the best of the best (and the less than) at http://voltronteam.com or http://www.youtube.com/voltronteam.

So, I'm sitting here, watching the Super Bowl and passing time in between the commercials....(yes, in between the commercials:)....and starting this new blog:)