Keep on going…

http://www.positivelypositive.com/quotes/most-of-the-important-things-in-the-world-have-been-accomplished-by-people-who-have-kept-on-trying-when-there-seemed-to-be-no-hope-at-all/

Today blog friends, I wish to share with you something that is so important.  A theme of mine currently is “keep on going”.  One of which, take it or leave it, can be a really great encouragement or if allowed to be a huge “in your face” fail….I choose to see it as my little cheerleaders on the race side of the finish line through this transitional whatever I am in currently.  It is one more chance to be joyful in gaining endurance.  I need to have patience and take this opportunity on with faith and trust that I will excel despite the factors working against me.

This theme has infiltrated my work as well as personal relationships.  Perseverance and prayerful discernment are key to accomplishing what goals we may have, in addition to starting new chapters! We might as well embrace the new endeavors and challenges with excitement and seize the day for everything it is!  This fresh empowering attitude has been a huge help with me growing as an individual and finding my place in my own little world.  No play on my size at all…ha.

One new thing I have learned is I have many gifts that can be of benefit to others.  This was seen today at lunch when a woman who was exactly my size just got the biggest kick out of me!  I think she was just so overjoyed to find someone that was in her same shoes that it was enough to make her day.  Something just so simple!  I would love to be able to do that everyday for someone!  Oh wait…I can!  It is my contribution to recognize what gifts I have to give to others as well offer to humanity.  I have a way of making people feel good about themselves.  I don’t say this in a cocky-pat yourself on the back sort of way, just in that I recognize that I have a lot to offer others just by being myself.  I recognize the worth of a smile; the worth of a gentle touch….a hug!  The worth of being understanding of others as well as giving them compassion toward their fights and struggles.  I also see the greatness in the little things.  That in it’s own is a huge gift!

What gifts do you have to offer?  If you say you have none, then I ask you to “keep on going” as that is the only way your going to find out!  Find out just what you are made of…that is what life is all about really.  Do not think “I have lost all hope” in the down times, just say what ELSE do I have to offer? 

Let us stop beating ourselves and others up and keep on going!  Believe in yourself and figure it out!  Keep on taking the downtimes as opportunity to be the best person we can be not only for ourselves but for the sake of everyone that needs us in their lives.  Let us choose to be bright little souls that give nothing but love and grace to others.  If your just not there yet…Keep on going!  You will get there…..baby steps.  

A Tribute to Whitney: what I have learned…

One can only be reckless for so long before our body has enough.  Do something for your OWN well being and appreciate the gift you are today.  I know that this reckless and unnecessary behavior has lead to so many premature deaths in my own world or in that of the “Celebrity” universe as well.  

A situation came up this weekend where someone criticized a “remembrance of life” of the one and only Whitney Houston.  By criticizing someone over mourning the life of someone that they never personally met and who was seemingly being praised and remembered for her train wreck personal life is just wrong.  We are mourning a life taken too soon and a talent still with such potential if only she made different decisions.  Despite her personal decisions, there is no denying the amount of impact this one little soul had not only on developing a Gospel-fed genre of music integrated into mainstream music to which inspired many, but personally touched so many women and men everywhere.  I personally felt that her music was genuine and her vocals were a God-given talent.  I cannot tell you how many times I sing her songs in the shower, in the car, singing Karaoke, or otherwise having a bad day.  She not only inspired other artists to expand their vocals and outreach, but inspired me to let the lungs wail once in a while in a healthy and positive manner.  EVERYONE needs that.

This is how I will always remember Ms. Houston...

Sometimes simply singing one of her songs in the privacy of my humble abode just simply makes my day a little better.  Brighter.  Her amount of emotion, my amount of matching emotion usually was enough to just allow me to breathe clearer as the song would end.  It clears my mind, heart, and allows me to actually think clearer.  One may never fully appreciate or know the extent to which a song or a person have affected us as a human being usually until it is too late. 

And you know, I felt sorry for her home life.  We can’t ever judge that.  All I can say is that we have our own choice to love and I believe that she truly tried to love despite all that was happening.  This beautiful soul failed in one regard in my opinion…that was in loving herself.  The body cannot handle what she became toward the end of her life….and not to mention after she met Bobby Brown.  That is the true tragedy.  

If there is one thing I have learned thru Whitney Houston’s death, it’s that life is so fragile and we need to thank God everyday for the breath to live just one more day.  Life is never guaranteed.  It is so important, now more than ever, to learn to turn to the light and take positive steps forward.  We must always be working on ourselves and loving ourselves selflessly.  This then starts to translate and permeate other relationships we might have in our lives.  Love God first, love self second and allow God to work thru us in a positive manner.

If you take anything from this post, anything at all, just remember to say ‘I love you’ to the people that mean something to you.  Give hugs and keep in touch.  Appreciate who is given to you and their worth to you as you never know when they might be called away.  No regrets, right?

<3 The CatMan

 

Anger Management

Give me your best caption as comments….

Uncorked, relaxed, and singular…

There are sometimes where everyone just simply needs a moment by themselves.  Tonight might be that night for me.  I have spent the last few days in Aspen Colorado to which this trip has been just wonderful.  I was out on work and this is not my first time making this excursion, but it always seems like something new happens to pop up!

Usually on the first day of arrival, I really don’t have too much time to explore and get totally comfortable in my surroundings.  Usually…however this trip I definitely got a chance to take a new perspective on this outdoorsy, beautiful, and very tiny snow town.  I have so enjoyed this trip only from the stand point that I actually have had a chance to be an explorer and venture into familiar yet, uncharted territory.  Sometimes all a girl needs is to just simply get lost.

Upon my arrival, I got to be queen of the world…well at least Aspen (maybe simply just for a day…but queen either way).  There are so many little quirks and hidden gems that I was completely unaware of in a sense.  How many little details you seem to miss in the hustle and bustle of a heavy work week.  It is easy to get lost in craziness if you allow it to be so.  How fortunate I was though to come in on a day that it was very low key.

I found the usual hotspots…PoppyCocks on the Square, Boogies Diner, and a few deli’s everywhere.    I came across many statues of random animals and people.  Outside the The Little Nell, it actually has a statue of a man tying his boot and I know that it sounds weird as I know it exists…but it truly makes me hop every time I see him.  I found the Catholic Church, rode the gondola to the top of the mountain, found the little art shops etc.  I must confess I got lost several times but….BUT…..BUT in my defense that is the best!  I also “stubbled upon” Glory Hole Park.  This just so happens to be a big inside joke with a few of my fellow co-workers about this mystery that before this point was simply a landmark on a map.  Literally as I was walking home, looked up and it hit me!  PICTURE TIME!  

This is one of the many destinations that I discovered.  I sit here after a long day at work now with my bottle of “sweet red but cheap” wine (literally that is what I asked for at the liquor store) by myself and the only buddies I am hanging out with is the Golden Girls.  What better company than Betty White???  No but seriously!  Sounds lame, but sometimes all a girl needs is just simply to uncork, relax, and be one…with herself.

More to come stay tuned……

Glory Hole Park

See! Told you!!!

Consistency is Everything…

Blogger friends and fellow strangers,

Sometimes words just cannot express how we feel.  A moment of pure silence and a cup of coffee.  Amazing how they soothe the soul.  It seems not many would understand…so why speak?  Save the breath and stop complaining.  Vent slightly a little each day in positive ways in hopes that it doesn’t get to the point of stress and agony.  Parts of agony to which I cannot explain.  How is it that you do what you are supposed to in one day and still feel like you accomplished nothing but there is always more to be done!  Our work is never done.

To no surprise, earlier this week there was a full moon and tomorrow is Friday the 13th.  No, I am not superstitious.  But there really is a science to the full moon bit.  To me, that makes sense.  Have you ever realized how crazy it seems people get around a full moon?  Well mark it on your calendar and just observe.  Consistency is everything.

Manic moods of highs and lows seem as quick as the tides….hence why the whole full moon theory makes more sense.  I strive for consistently constantly through out my day.  It never seems to fail at one point I just back log everything that I had worked toward in regards to consistency.  Then, I have to start over.  I have to keep persevering because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t learn endurance which is necessary for survival in this world.  It is painful.  Frustrating.  Why is it I cannot be consistently working toward good with out the bouts of fall backs?  It seems I make great progress…then with out fail I fall back again.  Human nature I guess.

These times of inconsistency in contrast are needed to prove why we need to work harder for consistency!!  For me, it seems that such chaos is thrown into the mix to allow us to prove to ourselves that we can do it.  Different day, another scenario….we CAN do it.  We CAN make it through.  Chaos doesn’t make it easy though.  You up for the challenge?  Bring it on (knock on wood) chaos!  I can handle you in small doses.  I can work through what you have to dish out to me.  I am not going to complain.  I am not going to let you get the best of me…and I sure as darn am not going to become defeated.

Keep on going little engine that could.  I believe in you.

Keep going...keep going....

<3 CatMan

PS: Here is another interesting read:  http://backreaction.blogspot.com/2007/07/consistency.html

“Another fresh new year…

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”
–William Arthur Ward

Happy New Year!  What are we planning on changing or enhancing to make this year better than the next?

Everything happens for a reason….

Today has been one of THOSE days.  This whole week has been chaotic and random. BUT, this morning I woke up spry (I think that is because I get to see Nomad tomorrow and get dressed up AND they are allowing me to have FANCY DRINKS!!) and life was very good.  It was so interesting to me to come across this link thanks to Laugh-a-Lot…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMmDhEuIAto&feature=youtu.be

We have a “White Elephant” gift exchange coming up….any thoughts or ideas of what I could bring???

http://www.johnlund.com/Cafepress/Elephant-Pictures.asp

Rock on bloggers,

CatMan

Rainbow Connection: Humor and Inspiration

Inspire.

“One person can make a difference, and everyone should try”  –John F. Kennedy.

Hearts of Inspiration...

First of all, Thanksgiving was wonderful.  Saturday’s Old Oaken Bucket game (Indiana University vs. Purdue University–sorry it’s a Midwest thing!) and enjoyed plenty of good company.  Well tonight really sums up just what a fantastic time I had because I went with a girlfriend of mine to see “The Muppets Movie”  :)

Over the past few days, I was reminded to Inspire.  At Thanksgiving, just showing up and helping gather the food, people, and everything needed to make the show happen is the best way to be.  No one like people who just show up for food than “peace out!”  Simply playing games with the youngest members of the gathering can mean the whole world to them as a “big person” is paying them some attention.  And hugs are priceless and irreplaceable.

I am a woman who can equally perform tasks as a single or together (thank you Ms. Piggy and Amy Adams for the reminder!), I am someone with a few small gifts to offer–as everyone has SOMETHING they can contribute (thank you Walter…), life is about figuring out who you are and what you are made of (thank you Kermit for helping me never lose hope in myself), and just when you think you can’t figure it out, there are friends who are all around to help you find your way!

The Muppets single-handedly reminded me of the third best thing in the world….laughter!  What would we be without laughter?  That’s right, a bunch of serious fuddy-duds.  I said it.  Fuddy-duds.  What could be worse?  Inspiration through laughter.  What a novel idea!  Something that has far been under appreciated for years…witty, smart, dry humor.

A dear friend of mine, RL taught me a little something about humor this weekend as well when we were on our way to the Old Oaken Bucket game.  To be a stand up, you have to always be on your toes and keep your head about you.  You cannot let people catch you off guard, but play off the opportunities given to you on stage.  If you get a heckler, no need to bother.  They aren’t worth your time.  Keep the rest of the crowd engaged.  Same could go in real life situations as well.

Image from: http://www.missouriskies.org/rainbow/rainbow_elam_cr_1.jpg

Tonight was a final reminder my desire and purpose is to inspire people.  I am to encourage, help people discover what it is I see that they can’t see, and ultimately change people’s perceptions of themselves that they way they view their futures.  Laughter, positive reinforcements and lots of love….that is the formula.

People are too quick to give up on themselves.  They lose hope so easily!  What is that all about???  We can never ever lose hope especially not in ourselves!  For, if we do not believe we can do it, then surely no one else will.  We must stand tall on our own two feet and chose to inspire ‘I’ first then let the inspiration radiate…

So how do you inspire?  For me, it is humor and insight….but what is it for you dear friends??

<3 CatMan

Can Can

So on 11/11/11, I got a call from my mom. She is the school nurse at my siblings’ school. They did a food drive. The office decided that they needed to donate more. Well I get the call “CatMan, can you do me a huge favor?”. In the past, I have been asked to do a lot of crazy things, but this was by far the craziest!

I swapped cars with my mom (yes!) and was woman on a mission for as many cans as $260 would get me. And this is where the post really will make you laugh.

Oh the irony of a 4ft nothing little bitty with two carts. Case upon case upon case. “Some sale, huh?” people were saying….I just nodded my head and agreed. Then after about getting the second cart filled, I though why not have come fun!?

Next person just shot a glare my way. My exact comment? “oh it’s 11/11/11…worried the world’s going to end….must be prepared don’t ya know!” Then they moved on…for whatever reason they didn’t take me seriously! As if…

Now when I got up to the checkout line, I just politely said sorry to all those poor souls behind me…

Ha…ring, ring, ring…pretty soon it was an assembly line. The cashier, God love her, kept ringing items up with a smile on her face. The woman behind me asked if she could help load the belt with the rest of the items into the other cart. It was a great process!

This is where it gets so funny. There was a man sitting at the other end amazed at all the stock I had! He looked at me like I was a damn nut case. I just looked at him and stated quite bluntly, “I am an extreme couponista and I bet you the total will be under $5!” His eyes got even bigger. I just laughed. Just then there was an abrupt halt. At 395 items it maxes out their transaction! Who would have thought?! I told her then at that point, “I will need someone to help me get these items out to my car please.” I paid for the first bunch while she paged for someone to help. Then she continued with the last transaction of $4 with of cans. Ha!

(upon paying) I ran out to my car and pulled up to the entrance. We loaded everything in and 10 minutes later I was on my way! I called my mom…”Santa’s Elf is on her way! Got gifts securely in hatch. Stand by!”

When I arrived at school, there were several people there to help unload. It was awesome and what a sight to see!

The receipt was taller than me! How great is that!? (please laugh because I am also standing on the cart).

Doing the can can was in support of not only my mom and siblings’ school, but the soup kitchen as well. What an amazing event all around!

So next time you are asked to do something, don’t roll your eyes just do it. Do it with humor and joy because you could single handedly make everyone think your a nut job and that’s alright!