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Hurricane Reflections

Anyone who's grown up on the east coast has some experience with hurricanes. These monster storms that thrive in warm waters threaten the Atlantic coastline each summer. You can almost feel their approach with that first fall-like day.

I grew up in a farm community just 15 miles inland from Ocean Isle Beach, or OIB as we locals like to call it, and can remember the summers when my hometown was threatened by a hurricane. The occurrence was typically during the Indian Summer days when school was about to start and the sun was setting before 8pm. My father would work feverishly to gather his crops the minute he learned of a storm system and I would help by securing patio furniture and picking up provisions with my mom. Although the experience was a bit nerve-wracking, there was always a sense of excitement in the air, and as my sister and I camped in our sleeping bags in the living room with granola bars and sour patch kids, we would pull all-nighters watching the storm's track on TV. The day that followed the storm, whether we lost power or not, was spent purveying the damage and cleaning up the countless grounded tree limbs and other debris. We'd also say farewell to any family members that stayed with us because ttheir homes were in more vulnerable locations.

My parents now live on OIB and have been fortunate to dodge the hurricanes that have made their way up the east coast in the last decade. That was until Hurricane Irene. Fortunately for us, the track put it 100 miles east and we only experienced Tropical Storm winds and rain. Yet, after witnessing the churning ocean and water that filled into the waterway and canals, I now realize even more than before just how traumatic a hurricane can be depending on its size and strength. Amazed by the power of Mother Nature, I am even more grateful that we were on the receiving end of the weak side of the storm.

Hurricanes are a tremendous force as we saw when Katrina hit New Orleans just a few years ago. I can only hope that we remain vigilant to Mother Nature, these storms and our ability to take the proper precautions to stay safe.

The Joining of Two.

Today, more than 2 billion people witnessed the vows between Prince William and his chosen love, Catherine Middleton. This Royal Wedding got me thinking...

Raised in a family that values marriage and family, I always thought that was my path. Yet, after failed relationships and extreme independence, I became cynical to the notion.

That cynicism was crushed this morning as I watched Will and Kate make their vows. Maybe it's the little girl in me that loved fairy tales or the idealism I once had for true love, but my desire for marriage one day is now back with a fury. After all, what could be more special than meeting the person of your dreams, joining lives and growing old together?

Here's to hoping....

I remain, Cinderella at heart.

GRAMMYs on the Hill

DC had a taste of music celebrity last night when Stevie Wonder, Don Henley and Bruce Hornsby were in town for the 10^th annual GRAMMYs on the Hill. I was honored to join my friend Lisa (@dceventjunkie) for the event which began with a performance of the National Anthem by Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz. One word: hot.

Although not a fan of long speeches, Lisa and I patiently sat through the remarks given by The Recording Academy’s President, VP, and Chairman, while being endlessly entertained by the Master of Ceremonies, Academy Award-winning songwriter Paul Williams. He was quite the comedian!

The other big-wigs in attendance were Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, Senator Bob Corker, and the Avett Brothers’ swoon-worthy Bob Crawford, who presented an award with Congressman Michael Burgess to a Texas high school’s music program. Sadly, Vice President Joe Biden was unable to attend, but he was honored with the night’s first award.

The highlight of the night for me (and I’m sure many in the crowd), was Stevie Wonder’s unveiling of the lyrics for his newest song, “Ten Billion Hearts,” which he shared publicly for the first time. The proceeds from the song will be donated to recovery efforts in Japan. Score!

Although we were long gone by 9, there was a performance by three-time Grammy-winner Bruce Hornsby before he was joined by eight-time Grammy-winner Don Henley for a rendition of “The End of the Innocence.”  A little sad I missed this though QT with Lisa was more fun! 

GRAMMYs on the Hill was certainly a night of musical fun surrounded by awe-inspiring artists and new friends, and I hope to be invited back next year!

If you would like to learn more about the Recording Artists’ Coalition, be sure to check out the organization's website.

Thankful

Thankful - a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive.

This past year has rocked my boat a bit and there have been times when I was down, or as my Grandmother would say, "unable to see the forest for the trees." What does she mean by this? That I was focused only on the negative - the things in my life that were causing me pain or those that I could not control - instead of looking at all the wonderful positives!

It is so easy in this hectic life we lead to forget the good in our lives. Work, family, friends, responsibilities, and life in general can be cumbersome at times, and negativity creeps in when our defenses are down.

But I've changed my focus. How could I ever be negative when I relfect on my fortune? I'm healthy, have loving family and friends, a job, and a roof over my head. Of course there are times when life gets us down but at the heart of it all, it's the positives in our life that we ignore that should be the focus.

I challenge you to think about the positives in your life and what makes you thankful. I bet you that it will make your day a little brighter and encourage you to help someone who isn't as fortunate. After all, "we make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

Super Bowl 'Lil Smokies

I have no allegiance to the Packers or the Steelers. But who cares?! Super Bowl Sunday is about food just as much as it is about football. My fave recipe, which never fails to please, is 'Lil Smokies. They have everything a true Southerner craves - bacon. And who doesn't like that?!

Ingredients

• 1 pound bacon
• 1 (16 ounce) package little smokie sausages
• 1 cup brown sugar, or to taste

Want: A Frenchie

Confession: I have become a French Bulldog fanatic.

My first introduction to Frenchies was through a little one named Louis. I was hooked after the first snuggle! In the short time I got to know him, Louis brought so much joy to my life with his comical, spirited nature, and I relished in every minute I got to spend with him. I really miss that little guy!

I've now made it a future goal to save up the almost $2.5K needed to buy a Frenchie. I'm still amazed that my goal used to be buying a Chanel handbag for that price! How things change...

Take a look at this cute video and you'll see just why I love 'em, AND if you know of a good breeder, please LMK!

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” -Will Rogers

2011 Resolutions, delayed.

At the height of 2010, I made a list of attainable resolutions in the hope I would kick my habit of always breaking them. Well folks, in reviewing that list, I can say with full authority, I haven’t mastered a single one. :-p

So in keeping with some semblance of a New Year’s resolution wish list (yes, picky person pointing out that I’m 3 weeks behind – I know this! :-p), I thought I’d steal a few from last year (+minor changes). Why not? They were good goals after all!

• Improve my fitness – yeah, I can always do more here. #twit2fit
• Eat better - Dad says you are what you eat. Word.
• Be more adventurous – for 2011, this will refer mainly to travel
• Spend more time with family and improve my spiritual health
• Save more and spend less
• Read more, cook more and watch less TV
  
• Fall in love

And, oh, a new one to add: Live every day like it’s the last.

Hmm, who wants to go skydiving? :-p

Happy 2011! xo

Cocktail of Choice - Lemon H2O

Lemon in H2O = major yum. As do cucumbers. But did you know just how good it is for you? It can help cure throat infections and assist with weight loss, and is good for your stomach, teeth and skin! Check out this link on the top 10 benefits of drinking lemon water. I'm hooked!

http://is.gd/44UEmF

Dreams

I'm a lucid dreamer - have been since I was a kid. My dreams are always vivid, and I can keep them going for some time. It has been both a blessing and an aggravation. I often wake up feeling excited or exhausted, enlightened or confused.

I also have recurrent dreams, with water and flying being consistent themes. Water meaning fear; flying meaning freedom.

Last night, I dreamed of water. I was in an ocean cave and had found trinkets that I was loading onto boats that my "faceless" friends and I would carry out with us. The water was shallow at first, but the tide started coming in and there were huge, rolling waves filling up the cave. I was able to swim out but was fearful of getting trapped.

The psychology behind dreams has long fascinated me, and online research revealed the following about mine:

Water dreams usually symbolize feelings or emotions, or can be a symbol of cleansing, healing, new life or spiritual rebirth, creative potential, the unconscious and the feminine.

Deep Water
You may be afraid of getting in too deep, of being in deep water or out of your depth. In a relationship this could mean a fear of emotional involvement. Psychologically it might signify the unconscious or feelings that lie deep below the surface.

Drowning
Could indicate a situation in which you felt unable to keep your head above water. Might also signify a fear of being overwhelmed by elements of your unconscious or, since water symbolises the feminine, a powerful woman, particularly if she is the maternal type.

Waves
Could be a desire to make waves, perhaps because you are bored in a relationship. Or alternatively, you may need to recharge your batteries. A tidal wave might indicate the threat of being overwhelmed by the emotions or an emotional disaster of some kind.

I'm not sure any of these examples provides clarity for my dream, but I will keep thinking on it! If you are also questioning your dreams, here's some book examples that may be of interest - http://is.gd/qEXNM5

Happy dreaming!

Gerrymandering

If you have an interest in politics like me, this isn't the first time you've heard the word "Gerrymandering." But, do you know what it means? :-p

According to Wikipedia, "Gerrymandering is a form of boundary delimitation (redistricting) in which electoral district or constituency boundaries are deliberately modified for electoral purposes, thereby producing a contorted or unusual shape. The resulting district is known as a gerrymander; however, that word can also refer to the process.  Gerrymandering may be used to achieve desired electoral results for a particular party, or may be used to help or hinder a particular group of constituents, such as a political, racial, linguistic, religious or class group."

On June 10, 2010, I had the honor of attending the Washington, DC premiere of the new documentary film, Gerrymandering, which exposes the issue leading up to the 2010 elections. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, U.S. Congressman John Tanner and former U.S. Congressman Martin Frost, all of whom appeared in the film, were among the distinguished attendees. (Can I just say how cool it was to see a movie with the Terminator?!) Although a bit slow at times, the film was an insightful introduction to Gerrymandering and a must-see for anyone with a passion for politics. Of particular interest to me was the film's depiction of the redistricting plan in Texas in 2003.

If you have the opportunity to see Gerrymandering, by all means do. Viewing it will only lead to the question, where do you stand on the issue?