Today as we were leaving the gym, my friend Alison said "You find a lot of reasons not to do things." (This was in response to me wanting to put the moves on a cute boy at the gym, then finding every reason imaginable not to do so, number one being no one looks cute when they don't ACTUALLY know how to use the gym equipment). But as I'm sitting here whacking myself across the head for not at least saying "hi", I realize she's right.
I've learned how to say "yes" to a lot of things in the last 21.75ish years. For example, I no longer have a problem with cheeseburgers. And I will join your game of water volleyball if you ask, even though you totally don't want me on your team because I am a terrible water volleyball player. However, there is a very long list of things that I will talk myself out of until I'm blue in the face (like the high dive at the pool) and, 95.7% of the time, I regret not doing them.
As Drake so astutely put it, "You only live once, that's the motto, YOLO." Dude has got a point. We are given a very limited amount of time on this planet to get stuff done. As I get older and time starts to fly faster I am struck with a strong desire to LIVE, in all capital letters. More and more, when I let an opportunity pass me by, I regret it. Sometimes it's little, like Cute Gym Boy. But sometimes it's big, like ignoring the homeless person walking past me even though my heart is screaming to do something. And it all boils down to the same thing: fear. I'm afraid of what will happen if I take that risk, and that fear becomes crippling.
But then there is this little gem: Jesus has called his followers (das me, yo) to live as he did. And he did not let a single moment pass him by. His entire life was lived with the greatest intention and focus. He saw opportunities in every moment and he took them every time (I mean, he coulda left Zaccheus up in the tree, am I right?). In the book of Acts, there is story after story about men and women who modeled Christ and YOLO'd the heck outta their lives (did I just make YOLO a verb? I apologize). "If we only live once and so does everyone else," they probably said, "we better get as many of them on Team JC as possible. Let's do this thang, y'all." What. A. Risk. Yet that is exactly the kind of no-fear, balls-to-the-walls approach that makes life so exhilarating! Right?!
If I could, I would be fearless. I guess the next best thing is to be courageous, and take risks even though it's sometimes terrifying. Big stuff, little stuff, silly stuff, serious stuff, ALL THE STUFF. Whether it's jumping into Frog Fountain at midnight or boldly sharing my faith or saying "Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy...", now is the time for action.
I'm going to carpe the hell out of this diem, and all the ones to follow. Join me?
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Thoughts on Gatsby and friends.
True to form, I devoured The Great Gatsby. For one, it was just a really great read (I fully get what all the fuss is about) and for another, it was much shorter than I thought. Somehow it made sense that one of the most famous books of the twentieth century needed to be a hefty volume that would take two months to finish. Nope, two days. But I am sufficiently inspired. Bring on more Fitzgerald! Here's what I thought about while I read:
1) I was completely intrigued by Jordan Baker from the get-go. There is a part of me that wants to be her, despite the fact that she is maybe not the most ideal person from which to model one's life decisions. The cool, casual, sporty-but-sexy thing she was rocking is totally twenties and TOTALLY a vibe I wish I had going.
2) Thank goodness I just finished Costume History with LaLonnie and knew so much about the roarin' twenties. It definitely helped me visualize Gatsby's smoldering summer flings (in the immortal words of LL: "chicky poos flapping their legs around"). I was also able to nod knowingly every time people were referenced to as "men and girls". In fact, I can't remember reading the word "woman" once, except maybe in reference to Myrtle Wilson. Why? Because a young, slim, girlish figure and adolescent behavior is what the twenties were all about. (Lord help me, I'm about to launch into a Costume History essay.)
3) I could not get over how beautifully Fitzgerald used words. Seriously. Gorgeous. Not too flowery, but descriptive enough to get a perfect picture of the city, people, and season about which he was writing. The dude is brilliant.
4) Poor Gatsby. Poor, obsessed Gatsby. My heart went out to him immediately. Daisy was not worth the five years he spent on her. Sure, she was mysterious and pretty and probably really nice, but I personally think she lacked passion and determination and courage. I wanted her to rise to the occasion and courageously leave her sexy tool of a husband. Or at the very least show up to the freakin' funeral. Poor Gatsby.
5) Poor Gatsby's dad. He was part of the story for all of one chapter, but his unwavering devotion and complete pride in his son was precious and heartbreaking. When nobody came to the funeral, I imagined his face falling and Nick having to pat him awkwardly on the shoulder to console him and it was the saddest thing.
Okay so I ended on a downer. Sorry. But this book really was the bomb. When I bought it at Half Price Books, the checkout lady said "Oh, that's my daughter's favorite book! I hope you enjoy it!" And I did. Also, HOW PERFECT that the movie is coming out the December. I will be so in the know.
1) I was completely intrigued by Jordan Baker from the get-go. There is a part of me that wants to be her, despite the fact that she is maybe not the most ideal person from which to model one's life decisions. The cool, casual, sporty-but-sexy thing she was rocking is totally twenties and TOTALLY a vibe I wish I had going.
2) Thank goodness I just finished Costume History with LaLonnie and knew so much about the roarin' twenties. It definitely helped me visualize Gatsby's smoldering summer flings (in the immortal words of LL: "chicky poos flapping their legs around"). I was also able to nod knowingly every time people were referenced to as "men and girls". In fact, I can't remember reading the word "woman" once, except maybe in reference to Myrtle Wilson. Why? Because a young, slim, girlish figure and adolescent behavior is what the twenties were all about. (Lord help me, I'm about to launch into a Costume History essay.)
3) I could not get over how beautifully Fitzgerald used words. Seriously. Gorgeous. Not too flowery, but descriptive enough to get a perfect picture of the city, people, and season about which he was writing. The dude is brilliant.
4) Poor Gatsby. Poor, obsessed Gatsby. My heart went out to him immediately. Daisy was not worth the five years he spent on her. Sure, she was mysterious and pretty and probably really nice, but I personally think she lacked passion and determination and courage. I wanted her to rise to the occasion and courageously leave her sexy tool of a husband. Or at the very least show up to the freakin' funeral. Poor Gatsby.
5) Poor Gatsby's dad. He was part of the story for all of one chapter, but his unwavering devotion and complete pride in his son was precious and heartbreaking. When nobody came to the funeral, I imagined his face falling and Nick having to pat him awkwardly on the shoulder to console him and it was the saddest thing.
Okay so I ended on a downer. Sorry. But this book really was the bomb. When I bought it at Half Price Books, the checkout lady said "Oh, that's my daughter's favorite book! I hope you enjoy it!" And I did. Also, HOW PERFECT that the movie is coming out the December. I will be so in the know.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Hey there, summertime.
It is that time of year again. SUMMAH. Though I like to say I love all the seasons equally, summer is the season that amps me up the most. It is days of free time that I can fill up with projects, goals, fun, and naps. Since this is probably the last summer I have to laze around (thank you, college degree and real world expectations), I plan on enjoying it to the utmost. To prepare for this, I thought up a list of ten things that are a set-up for the best summer ever. (As in, if you do them every summer, you will have a lifetime of the best summer ever).
1) Compile your summer jamz
I love listening to the radio in mid-May and figuring out which songs are going to be the summer Top 40. Then I'm all "Yes! I can't wait to jam to this Nicki/Justin/Maroon 5/Usher hit under the stars!" It's like a little hint of how awesome the rest of the summer will be. It's also important, however, to include on your playlist that song or album that pulls up sun-soaked memories of summers past. Mine is and always will be the self-titled album The Gabe Dixon Band. This year, my playlist also includes "Starships" by Nicki Minaj, "Payphone" by Maroon 5, and that not-so-seminal but TOTALLY CATCHY hit "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction. See? You're jazzed for summer already.
2) Get a pedicure
My mother always taught me to never wear sandals unless my toes were painted. Let's be real, I do not always comply to this rule. But it is a good one, so it makes the list. Treat your feet kindly by giving them a little makeover that includes either glitter, flowers, or neon paint. Live a little, folks, it's summertime. Yes the spa is a splurge, but this one time it is worth it. And just in case your boyfriend/son/husband/GBF tells you pedis are for girls only, tell them that I have seen (on two occasions) a nice white-haired farmer in a chair across the room from me enjoying his foot massage as much as I was enjoying mine.
3) Read a really good book
I do not mean the latest vampire/witch/tween superhero that is on the shelves and being devoured by our youth. I mean a classic. Preferably one you have never read, though I do enjoy a yearly reading of Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott. But try something new. I've got my sights set on The Great Gatsby.
4) Have a productive project
Mine is applying for real people jobs. Yours could be planting a garden, redecorating a room, or finally organizing that closet/desk/drawer/storage unit/apartment.
5) EXERCISE, FATTY
This is my least favorite activity in theory, but the most rewarding upon completion. Here's the challenge: find a 5k (or something longer for the more ambitious athlete) in your area that will take place at some point this summer and sign up for it. If you have a friend, drag them into it. Running buddies are the best. Then, make a point to train by running a little bit every day. Keep it fun by running to some place cool, like the pool, and reward yourself with a nap when you get there.
6) Go the the farmer's market
I have never done this, but I super want to. Fresh produce (and people who want to sell it to you) is all over the place in the summer, so go find it! It's a good Saturday morning adventure for all ages, and if you can walk or bike there then you've really lucked out.
7) Now that you have that produce, cook stuff
Once a week (or more if you're June Cleaver) find a totally new recipe that just reeks of summertime and make it. I like to look in Better Homes and Gardens. Also Pinterest, which is a constant reminder of how unproductive and poor I actually am.
8) Outdoor concerts
MY FAVORITE ACTIVITY. Every year, the Kansas City Symphony plays a concert in front of Union Station on Memorial Day. It has become my favorite summer thing. See if your city's symphony is playing a free concert. If not, find another kind of outdoor music activity. Summer nights are not meant for the indoors.
9) Have craft day
Crafting is the greatest. This is the one season that you have enough time to make that cute little thing you saw in a magazine or online once. Thanks to technology, you can get the instructions in two seconds flat. So make a little pit stop at Hobby Lobby (and a local resale shop) and let your creative side go wild. You could be featured in a Martha Stewart article or reach great Pinterest fame. I, for one, am stoked to start apartment crafting. For inspiration, try this.
10) Get a new outfit
Whatever, I like to shop. Sorry 'bout it. But seriously, a new summer outfit that includes bright yellow shorts and a nautically-themed tank or a floral maxi dress and cork wedges will usher in summer like a neon sign that says LET'S DO THIS THANG. Don't go crazy (we all have budgets), but do treat yourself to a summery little something that will brighten up your wardrobe and put a smile on your face. This year, I got a bubblegum pink skirt that probably glows in the dark. Helloooo, summer.
So there it is. The best summer ever. If I had an intelligent phone with Instagram I would post pictures of my summer adventures. Since the camera quality on my mediocre phone isn't up to par, I will spare you. Still, stay tuned for stories about summer camp, the job search, and the Big Move. It will be a roller coaster, let me tell you. Happy summer!
1) Compile your summer jamz
I love listening to the radio in mid-May and figuring out which songs are going to be the summer Top 40. Then I'm all "Yes! I can't wait to jam to this Nicki/Justin/Maroon 5/Usher hit under the stars!" It's like a little hint of how awesome the rest of the summer will be. It's also important, however, to include on your playlist that song or album that pulls up sun-soaked memories of summers past. Mine is and always will be the self-titled album The Gabe Dixon Band. This year, my playlist also includes "Starships" by Nicki Minaj, "Payphone" by Maroon 5, and that not-so-seminal but TOTALLY CATCHY hit "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction. See? You're jazzed for summer already.
2) Get a pedicure
My mother always taught me to never wear sandals unless my toes were painted. Let's be real, I do not always comply to this rule. But it is a good one, so it makes the list. Treat your feet kindly by giving them a little makeover that includes either glitter, flowers, or neon paint. Live a little, folks, it's summertime. Yes the spa is a splurge, but this one time it is worth it. And just in case your boyfriend/son/husband/GBF tells you pedis are for girls only, tell them that I have seen (on two occasions) a nice white-haired farmer in a chair across the room from me enjoying his foot massage as much as I was enjoying mine.
3) Read a really good book
I do not mean the latest vampire/witch/tween superhero that is on the shelves and being devoured by our youth. I mean a classic. Preferably one you have never read, though I do enjoy a yearly reading of Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott. But try something new. I've got my sights set on The Great Gatsby.
4) Have a productive project
Mine is applying for real people jobs. Yours could be planting a garden, redecorating a room, or finally organizing that closet/desk/drawer/storage unit/apartment.
5) EXERCISE, FATTY
This is my least favorite activity in theory, but the most rewarding upon completion. Here's the challenge: find a 5k (or something longer for the more ambitious athlete) in your area that will take place at some point this summer and sign up for it. If you have a friend, drag them into it. Running buddies are the best. Then, make a point to train by running a little bit every day. Keep it fun by running to some place cool, like the pool, and reward yourself with a nap when you get there.
6) Go the the farmer's market
I have never done this, but I super want to. Fresh produce (and people who want to sell it to you) is all over the place in the summer, so go find it! It's a good Saturday morning adventure for all ages, and if you can walk or bike there then you've really lucked out.
7) Now that you have that produce, cook stuff
Once a week (or more if you're June Cleaver) find a totally new recipe that just reeks of summertime and make it. I like to look in Better Homes and Gardens. Also Pinterest, which is a constant reminder of how unproductive and poor I actually am.
8) Outdoor concerts
MY FAVORITE ACTIVITY. Every year, the Kansas City Symphony plays a concert in front of Union Station on Memorial Day. It has become my favorite summer thing. See if your city's symphony is playing a free concert. If not, find another kind of outdoor music activity. Summer nights are not meant for the indoors.
9) Have craft day
Crafting is the greatest. This is the one season that you have enough time to make that cute little thing you saw in a magazine or online once. Thanks to technology, you can get the instructions in two seconds flat. So make a little pit stop at Hobby Lobby (and a local resale shop) and let your creative side go wild. You could be featured in a Martha Stewart article or reach great Pinterest fame. I, for one, am stoked to start apartment crafting. For inspiration, try this.
10) Get a new outfit
Whatever, I like to shop. Sorry 'bout it. But seriously, a new summer outfit that includes bright yellow shorts and a nautically-themed tank or a floral maxi dress and cork wedges will usher in summer like a neon sign that says LET'S DO THIS THANG. Don't go crazy (we all have budgets), but do treat yourself to a summery little something that will brighten up your wardrobe and put a smile on your face. This year, I got a bubblegum pink skirt that probably glows in the dark. Helloooo, summer.
So there it is. The best summer ever. If I had an intelligent phone with Instagram I would post pictures of my summer adventures. Since the camera quality on my mediocre phone isn't up to par, I will spare you. Still, stay tuned for stories about summer camp, the job search, and the Big Move. It will be a roller coaster, let me tell you. Happy summer!
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