Love is Giving the Gift of Possibility!

“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Today, I simply want to leave you with this clip from someone who is very important for so many different reasons.  This woman that is spoken about played a dynamic role in changing the face of children/adults and individuals alike with disabilities.  Eunice Shriver was an amazing woman who I admire greatly in her efforts in creating the organization Special Olympics.  Enjoy!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjYuj4BvIsc&feature=youtu.be

❤ The CatMan

 

Advertisement

So this I do declare!

So I don’t know what exactly what it is about guys in my life lately.  Maybe it’s that I am incredibly happy now and they see it and want to be apart of it, or maybe they are idiots…or maybe they just realize what a balla’ I was….SO this I do declare…frankly it’s strangely unbecoming.

Here is a memo for the men: (me getting up on my soap box and clearing my throat!)

I get a message on the Book of Face from a man who frankly just made me irritated.  Lets just call him Jock for time being.  I sent a response back stating I could send him an email regarding the event if he wished.  Then he calls me 2 days later.  I didn’t pick up.  Although his voicemail he left was pretty entertaining!  I will let you read (since I cannot give you it in audio).

Mind you I made a few interjections:  “Hey CatMan.  It’s Jock…I know it’s been a while. (and I look like a total d-bag)  I was wanting to call you regarding the Special Olympics opportunity (just because I know you are so involved and you are the easiest person I can access at this point in time…)  Right now, I’m on my way to Bloomington for the weekend (in a whiny voice: I’m driving and I need someone to talk to…wahhh!). Just thought you know we could “catch-up” (sarcasm–because I actually care how you are doing) You left some ice cream at my apartment (and I had to eat it before it went bad!  Sorry!) and yeah just was thinking of you (whether you changed your mind about the initial question of “giving it up”…)…so call me back at your convenience please.  Thanks.”

“hey girl…I’m Jock ;)”

Let me preface this situation a bit.  I met him as a volunteer for Special Olympics, we have a good mutual friend in contact, and we went out on 1 date!  He is 300 to my 100.  After that date, there was some physical chemistry but, nothing more than that honestly.  He would never give me the time of day.  We hung out a handful of times past that point and we had a mutual love of ice cream.  Love at first scream!  (I scream! You scream! We all scream for ICE CREAM!)  Riiiggghhht.  Well essentially one of the nights we hung out literally the last night and he asks me “So when are you going to give it up to me?”  I proceeded to give him a puzzled look and said “UH NEVER!” and left.  What the heck is that??  PS still haven’t returned his phone call!  Doesn’t it not suck when no one gives you the time of day?  TEAR….

Next, I went out on a date a few months back.  Let’s for time being call this one Motorcycle Jac.  One date and some chit-chat here and there.  That was about it.  No second date.  hmm…OK.  Then out of the blue I get a random text “Hey hottie how’s it going? :)”  um…who the heck is this?…”Motorcycle Jac!”…..uh…”Hey, I got to go…”.  Needless to say if you can’t realize that’s not how to court a woman, then you are NEVER going to get it!

Sorry…too late!

An on again off again friend, shot me a text on my day of birth.  It was very nice but, at 9am on a Sunday morning?  This was atypical of Doubting T.  But, it was cheerful, wonderful and nice voluntarily hearing from him.  Does he actually care?  OR is he toying with my emotions?  That I may never know but I will take it for what it’s worth.  We were close friends until a few things got caught up in the way.  Just like it always does in life.

Then, Monday night I get a call from an old friend whom was just desperate for a talk!  He called me, then I called him.  Literally, he says I just broke up with my girlfriend of 3 years and I am kind of down.  Were going to refer to him as “Desperate”.  No play on words really…I am in need of a cheerful friend to lift me up (AKA BOOOTTTYYY CAAALLLL).  I was busy so we had a nice conversation via phone and that was done.  Desperate was done!

hmmmmph…….really?

BOYS!  What the heck is your deal?  Quit being a Jock, Motorcycle Jac, Doubting T, or a Desperate and smell the roses!  If you have a really great girl sitting in front of you then TELL HER.  If you aren’t interested, then HONESTLY make your intention’s known, don’t just assume.  We all know what happens when you assume….(‘you make an ass out of you and me’ for all those who didn’t know!)  Keep us posted of your feelings.  There is no harm or foul in making it known early on!  How ’bout a little respect?  Women aren’t stupid.  No one is going to think of you any less of a man unless you start exhibiting signs of the males described in this post.  GOT IT?  I sure hope so!  🙂

Thanks!  Other than that life is good!  😉

Sincerely THE CatMan

Feel like a circus animal?

Some days I feel like a circus animal.  No not one of the cool ones like a lion…OR the elephant…or EVEN the bear!  Sometimes I feel like all I do is juggle.  I get to be the caged juggler.  How uncool is that??   I feel strapped down, locked away…like a damsel in distress…..swoon!  But all in all, I feel trapped in my office and to my desk.

Yesterday I got my quilt back.  I had a really awesome thought of taking all of my t-shirts from high school, finding someone else to do this for me of course, and then making a quilt!  My idea of making a quilt would include the magic Genie where all I would have to do is rub the lamp and up she comes!  TAH-DAH!  Here it is!  Well it sort of happened that way…I think.  Essentially, we have a client named Keepsake Threads (www.keepsakethreads.com) whom I had received an announcement that their new website was up and kickin’!  That’s when it hit me….I had to call and see what they could do for me.  They were easy to work with, very friendly and overall just a peach of a company!  Essentially, what they do is take articles of clothing from whatever (whether it be a deceased grandmother’s decorative hanky’s or your uncle’s funky ties OR in my case high school memories thru t-shirts!) and create it into some other form like a bear, scarf, quilt…or whatever you could think of!   I personally wanted a quilt.

Meeting was a breeze.  I literally had three full bags of t-shirts from cheerleading, gymnastics, track and some random ones from Saint’s Alive (my high school’s biggest fundraising event).  I talked briefly to the designer and gave her free reigns.  She is the designer, this is her job, and I felt like she had connected with me enough to provide a quality quilt.  Boy, did she ever!

 

Beautiful swirled gold backing with navy and white polka dotted fringing.

 

Here is an example of what the back of my quilt looks like.  Because Red was a predominant color she used that on the front and complimented it with the Navy and Gold (my high school colors).

 

Vanna White and Mix Master Mike (my little sister and brother)

 

I wish these pictures were bigger but, the detail work, the time and effort involved was such a pleasure to see.  They really did a great job at capturing my memories into a tangible item for me to use and keep.  What a completely amazing piece of art and comfort.

I was very pleased.  Currently, I am trying to juggle about 6 different projects, report to 10 different bosses, all a while keeping my sanity!  YES wishful thinking…I only pray that cheer practice this evening goes smoothly, sushi is not tainted, and the roads remain clear! (fingers crossed!)

LAUGH OUT LOUD MOMENT:  Freaked myself out with my own shadow last night (I saw it in the moon light–as you can tell I am a big chicken…)

 

This would be THIS GIRL!! (pointing to myself!)

 

 

CYNICAL MOMENT:  Facebook stalking last night…someone I was talking to changed their status to single?  Does this mean they want to date the CatMan?  Or use her for her beautiful body?  Does he want a relationship?  AHHH the suspense is killing me!

BEAUTIFUL MOMENT:  Receiving a birthday cake from a friend and getting to blow out my b-day candles a whole 3 days sooner!  YAY!

 

TOTALLY made my day! Happy b-day to meeee!

 

 

LAZY MOMENT: right now……….3…..2……..1………..OK I am done now.

POSITIVE MOMENTUM MOMENT:  Telling three more people about my fundraising endeavors for our Special Olympics Polar Plunge 2011!  I am so excited!  Anyone want to come visit and plunge with me??

 

Today has been slow but sure.  But isn’t it the slow and steady that win the race?  I am keeping with that philosophy.  Being patient will pay off and prevent me from looking like a dumb butt.  I am convinced.

I am going to leave you all and go eat my cake!  Have a beautiful Thursday!!

CatMan

PS: Remember to smile!  You never know when a warm happy smile might make the difference for a friend, fellow co-worker, or random stranger!  Give Love.  Receive Love.

 

awww see now you are all warm and fuzzy inside!

 

 

Awake my Soul…and FREAK OUT!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2RKb3VNAOo

Today I would like to start with a song.  This post is of a very great band that I rather enjoy listening to once in a while.  They are fantastic.  This song has some pretty profound lyrics.  I cannot take any credit for this topic except for giving you my 2 cents.  Thanks Jacabo!  😉

I think we can all relate.  It makes me think how confused we all can get with our priorities.  So many times we think we need more money, more time, more of everything when really we should be grateful for what we have.  Today I spent some time with Herb.  He was in quite the mood!  I don’t know what exactly was ruffling his feathers but, he was quite the difficult one.  I could satisfy him not in any of the work I was doing for him.  We first had a meeting.  We discussed a few projects at hand.  Then we had a few erruns consisting of going to the bank, eating lunch, getting gas in his car, then making a deposit at another bank…it was good except to say when we got out to the parking lot after lunch he turned and fell.  This was my first experience with a family member or close friend falling seriously not anything stupid like I was walking and tripped on my foot sort of deal.  I dropped my purse and ran to the one side of him and helped leverage him up.  He wasn’t hurt except for his pride.  He stood up quickly and like his mom I yelled to go slow and calm him down.  He calmed himself down and stood there stunned.  It was hard.  He got back into the car slowly and just was so embarrassed.   He told me that when he falls–he immediately goes limp so that way nothing gets broken.  Smart plan if you ask me.

Today was humbling.  I am really glad that I don’t make a ton of money or feel it necessary.  I know I need to make enough to cover all of my bases and I do…but, I really am so blessed to be doing all the stuff I am doing!  I get to leave work and hang out with a cool old guy…

Driving Miss Daisy...if you will....just for comparison sake geez!

…coach a group of young girls and be there for them when they are in their prime time of self-esteem problems and still trying to figure out who they are (not going to lie I am still trying to figure out who I am and I am 10 years older than they are!), as well as help with one of the coolest organizations ever SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF COURSE!  Just think, If I had any other job I couldn’t do half the items I am doing.  With work, my job is so diverse.  I am currently revamping our website.  That is a task in a half but, the group (CLP Marketing) I am working with is phenomenal.

 

I don’t wish for anything more at this point.  Life is truly good.  OH so now on to the funny part of this post….

So my eye wont stop twitching…it’s getting pretty bad and frequent.  SO, I am finding myself grabbing the bottom lid in the midst of these conversations and trying to still talk and then the other person gets so distracted that they MUST inquire…I just blamed it on my “Cat Allergy”…cough cough.

I probably looked like this girl...

 

Next, I was informed last night if I was ever to get pulled over by a cop I was told to just “freak out” as my brother put it.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUZUmP4N6Vk HAHA!  He had expired plates by accident on the car.  He merely forgot to put the sticker date on it so OPPS.  Well on his way home last night, yup you guessed it…he got pulled over!  He said all he did was literally do everything by the books and freaked on the cops and actually freaked the cop-out!  It was very dramatic and comical as you can imagine.  My brother has very buggy eyes

hehehe....

so they were almost to the extent of deer in the headlights look?  Oh so funny….well long story after the cop told him to hold on and “…roll the dang window up it’s freezing out!” …he came out of it just with a warning.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArCveCHexqg Then the cop finished up by saying you did everything by the textbook but, that was definitely freaking me out pulling you over!  Love it.

 

🙂

Love the Effervescent,

CatMan

Carry your candle…

So, I have decided today was kind of blah.  I got a few things done (cough 2 projects!) and then I was done.  A rough Monday if you will.

This past weekend was filled with interesting happenings.  First off, I think as we all have specific energy that helps gravitate others either away or toward us.  It’s almost like seeing people of light and of dark in a sense.  For me, I tend to attract some pretty cool people but, they might not necessarily be anyones first choice.  I love them!  Those are the people who make things happen.  For an instance, on Friday night when I was getting my nails done, Nicki was the name of the woman who took care of me.  She was going thru some guy issues.  I could tell she had something on her mind, so I asked.  Sometimes, people just need you to ask!   We had an at length conversation about boyfriends, marriage…etc.  🙂  She had a dim light because of all the crap she was going thru…but I guarantee once she eliminates that–she will be in good shape!

Next, my friend Katherine and I ate dinner at a restaurant that has really good sweet tea.  We walked in, out of the cold, and had a delightful time.  I am sure people thought we might be sauced because both of us together are all giggles and politeness.  🙂  Then the manager came around to check on us and we struck up a conversation about his situation!  He was planning a wedding with his 24-year-old fiancée and so we were drilling him on that!  How great…then out of no where he asked me if I wanted a gallon of sweet tea!  UH HECK YES I DO!  My inner child was just jumping for joy!  Best part being I got it for free.

The attraction just kept coming thru the last part of our night at Karaoke.  While we were up singing, the table right in front of us participated in our singing antics.  We were energetic, and just having a blast.  AND the one that I had a connection to was named Gopher.  He was a regular.  We talked about everything.  Literally.  He probably gave me the biggest complement ever that night.  He told me that the reason why I could carry a conversation on with anyone about anything was because I was secure with in myself.  That means this stranger could see what progress I made in the last 2 years.  That is huge.  His light too burned brightly.  So did the stage lights though….

OH my did I feel like such a Rock Star up there!   “DON’T STOP BEELLLLIEEVVING…..HOLD ON TO THAT FEEELLLING!  STREET LIGHTS, PEOPPLLLE!”  (excerpt from Journey-Don’t Stop believing)  By the end of the night, we were dancing on tables and singing at the top of our lungs!  I never thought that would be possible but OH yes it was!  We ended up closing the bar down.

Well on Saturday, it was all about my Special Olympic athletes.  🙂  Totally had Bowling State!  Everyone did so well.  There were 13 athletes that competed.  We had two athletes place first and it was super awesome.  There is just something so special about them.  You could see the nervous looks on their faces as well as succeeding…it is one thing you can just never replace.  I think the coolest thing that happened though on Saturday was when an athlete from another team got a strike.  She ran and gave me a hug!  I just hugged her right back but how precious is that?

I think that if you really think about things and about how we all connect, you might be more inclined to let your light shine a little brighter.  Deal with the situations you are given, take a lesson from each and move on!  Those who understand, will always support you.

Visualize:  A dark world with little specks of light scattered around it, some brightly burning and others dark as night.  Imagine if the specks gravitated toward one another.  What a bold visual!  What if then the semi bright ones also reflected in the darkness and made them bright too?  What a beautiful bright world this would be.  Let us strive for that kind of world today!

 

Carry your candle 🙂

 

 

Peace and Love,

CatMan

I’m getting married!!! :)

I volunteer with the Special Olympics of Allen County pretty regularly.  I have found that my athletes bring me so much joy.  One in particular is K-Man.  K-Man is a great guy…he’s middle aged, sweet as pie, and was one of my favorite athletes to assist during bowling season.  He just cracked me up!

Our routine was as follows (once he stepped in the door of course!):

-Help him put on his bowling shoes

-Get him set up on his lane (placing his ball on the ball rack was included in this task)

-Then helping him step down to the lane (even though he was perfectly capable of doing it himself) and watching him bowl.

I got to be his cheerleader.  That was pretty spectacular.  He would always ask if he was going to make 100…or if he was half way…always.  Then, he would throw in there “you goweeng to get my boweeng scorr wight?”…to which I would reply…”yes I will help you get your bowling score…but at the end!”….”ok!”  He would always have this big grin on his face and give me these big hugs.

One day he noticed my ring that I wear on my left hand…it wasn’t on my ring finger.  Then that’s where the humor came in…”Arrr you maweed?”, “No (slight chuckle) I’m not married”, “Will you marwee me?”….slight pause….”Someday K-Man, someday.”  He gave me this HUGE hug and just said were getting marweed!  He gave me the biggest kick that day.

What a precious give of grace and perspective.  These athletes–I just cannot explain or express what gifts they have given me!  They are such dolls.  I encourage you to hang out with them sometime.  They will truly change your life!

Me and the K-Man! Isn't he sweet?

xoxoxo,

The Sentimental CatMan

Cannot Stop Sneezing

So today has been a great day!  I had Special Olympics Regional Bowling early this afternoon followed up by a baby shower for a dear friend of mine.  The weather was perfect, and everything just worked out great.  Everything just was fabulous except for the fact that I cannot stop sneezing!!!

Yes….it is a fact that I am trying to get over a sinus infection now.  Yes….also a fact that I can feel so much pressure still behind my sinuses that it makes my equilibrium a little off…almost as though I was pie-eyed (if you know what I mean!)  Yes…..I probably hold now the girl who “sneezed the most in a day” Guinness Book of World Records!   So I propose the question “why do we sneeze?”…..I consulted the best research tool ever “The Google” and this is what I found…basically we sneeze to get rid of bad particles in our nose.  It is our body’s natural reaction to clearing our system out.  Here if you actually want to read the “scientific” version: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-do-we-sneeze.

No one once said “bless you”!  Oh well.

Today has been so low key!  So many times I find these are the best days to just chill and find peace in myself.  I like to imagine what it would be like on a beach somewhere, imagine me laying out soaking up the sun!  I like the idea of it remaining summer all year here but, I like my seasons too much.

see now why can't I be this guy right now?

Well I hope that my night continues to go smoothly.  I have to pack tomorrow because I get to go to FLORIDA Monday night!  HOLLLAAA!

🙂 Peace and love ladies and gents!

Love who loves you…

Today more than ever I feel loved completely and in whole being.  I have decided that I am straight up obnoxious when I am in a great mood.  Which this could be a good and a bad thing but, then again who cares?  ***OK what the heck Pandora!  You are playing “My heart will go on” Celine Dion on my NSYNC station…kind of not cool.***

Well today’s post is in regards to my amazingly awesome day yesterday.  The work day was long but the reward was greater later.  I got to talk to a friend that I don’t see very often.  I was able to go to my Special Olympics Bowling last night and it was amazing.  I have one or two young adults that I help especially and then I try to mesh between the other athletes.  Last night I have a sweetheart named Kevin B. ask if I was married.  I replied no and he then asked if I would marry him!  (How sweet!)  I told him maybe someday!  Then it was his turn to bowl.  This makes my 2nd marriage proposal in about 3 months.

awwwww!

I wish people were capable of that innocence love.  My athletes are some of the most loving, accepting, and wonderful people I know.  Whenever I feel unloved or if I have had a bad day, they totally make life better.  You see the thing is people are capable, but in order for them to experience that kind of love they have to be willing to give everything away.  You see these athletes are ones that might be seen as disabled but, aren’t we all a little impaired in certain ways?  Their intellectual disability causes them to see everything innocently as it should be.  I know that it is difficult sometimes and thankless as parents to have a child with this disability, but the parent’s that come to these events are so supportive.  They never complain, they never give up, and most of all they are there to be their child’s cheerleader!  How blessed am I am able to witness that???  Extremely!  They genuinely love, what most people couldn’t even fathom.

I have friends that that have been there for me and loved me and made me feel worth a million bucks again when my heart and spirit was crushed.  For those friends, I genuinely love back.  They are fabulously divine!  I noticed that I take those people for granted.  What makes a good friend is not how often they are there BUT, when they are there for you.  The timing is everything you see.  God places these wonderful friends in your life when you need them the most and it’s their choice to choose to help or not.  Feel blessed when they do choose to help.  That is a true friend.

Genuinely take care of those who love you.  If they do something great or were there for you, make sure that you thank them in an appropriate way.  Make sure that you recognize that.  They will know that the genuine love is mutual and that friendship is true.

Love love love...

By the way, the music selection definitely got better when I switched my station to Pandora: Def Leopard …..OH yes Gotta love the 80’s!!!