Author:bluelollipoproad

April 19, 2009 In Uncategorized

What gives?

I consider myself to be a pretty chatty and friendly person who likes to talk to strangers. I never refuse the chance to talk to someone in the grocery store or coffee line. To me it seems natural and sort of just decent and respectful. Maybe it comes from how I was raised. It still amazes me the difference in level of welcoming and/or chatty people from place to place I have lived and traveled. The differences I have experienced are huge. I am currently in a place where neighbors talk to each other, people genuinely smile and say hello, and the majority of everyone is just plain nice. I really love that and feel very lucky.

So here’s my question; Why such the difference from one place to the next? Can someone enlighten me? Is it the weather? Big city compared to smaller city? North to south- east to west? Being from the lovely and ever frozen New England, now living in the south- I have said at times that perhaps it’s too damn cold in the north for anyone to be chatty or lingering. It sort of makes sense, but I know plenty of lovely sweet Northerners and after all, that’s where I came from and like I said, I’m the chatting kind.
Either way, I have to say it’s such a pleasant surprise in an ever seemingly falling apart world to be in a place that people just greet and talk to each other with no motive other than to do just that.
Gotta run. Someone I have never met before just asked me to join the morning coffee talk…
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April 19, 2009 In Uncategorized

I Hate Black Dress Pants

You know that feeling you have when you get up and dress in something on you love and feel totally comfortable in? (Yes, it can be anything from flip flops and sweats to a suit or froofy dress.) On the flip side, you know that feeling you have when you get up and force yourself to put on something you hate or are uncomfortable in? Kind of ruins your day huh?
I call it KC.
My KC (kryptonite clothing) is black dress pants. They’re just not me. Crazy as it sounds, I never had great days when I wore them. It’s bigger than a pair of pants though, its symbolic. Wear what makes you feel great, have a great day. Wear what makes you feel awful, have an awful day. It’s amazing how this stuff works. My perfectly-fitting, trendy Banana Republic pants have since taken a trip to the Salvation Army.
Sure, we all have jobs, events and things we should “dress” for to be responsible and respectful. Of course. I am not saying we should throw all business attire in the river and live like cavemen. However I am suggesting that you wake up and put on whatever actually feels right for you and makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. If you don’t own anything that makes you feel great, maybe a bigger look than getting rid of some clothes is what might be helpful to you. 
I know. I am amazed too when I realize how significant these little things are sometimes.
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April 17, 2009 In Uncategorized

Gas Up The Car!

*Vermont has the only state capital in the U.S. without a McDonald’s (Here’s to a heart-healthy VT!)

*Arbor Day was started in Nebraska (Good job Nebraska!)
*The state of Rhode Island could fit into Alaska 425 times (Holy crap. I would have never guessed that.)
*In Montana it’s illegal for married women to go fishing alone on Sundays (That’s hilarious.)
*The Eskimo Pie was invented in Iowa (Yum.)
*Alabama’s state horse is a rocking horse (Ok, really- is this a joke?)
*There are only about 12 people per square mile in New Mexico (That leaves a lot of room to run and frolic!)
…Just a few little fun tidbits to start getting you fired up for that cross-country road trip this summer. 
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April 15, 2009 In Uncategorized

Crying In Starbucks

I am 30 and a waitress at a place called Two Guys Grill.

Does that sound like a comedy title? If so, maybe someone will come along at some point and offer me a movie deal. That’d be great.

The reality is, this is true and this is my life right now. Sure I have other things going and believe me I am one of those people who has an aspiration list a mile and half long that I am constantly trying to check off. Right now I really am a waitress at a beach joint that serves burgers and beers. This has nothing to do with the economy and and a job I “had to take”, but everything to do with the choices I have made and where my life is right now. And that is OK.
I have lived my life as a giant race, like so many- to be bigger, faster and better. I have stressed myself out, ticked people off, been exhausted for years and lost people I love. (In addition to having some incredible adventures. laughs and love of course.) Thankfully now at 30 and not 60, I have realized that I have been racing against myself at a pace that is too much of an ideal and unrealistic. I don’t want to race any more. I just want to serve some burgers at a place called Two Guys Grill and hit the beach on a sunny day off. I am finally accepting that this is enough for now.
I know I will accomplish whatever goals I have simply because I “show up” and try. I get up early, do at least one thing a day to learn something and try my best to be good to others. I will screw up, I am sure I’ll always have to “check” myself and I will never be perfect. The difference between today and yesterday is that I am finally starting to really own that I can make mistakes. None of us need to rule the world and it really is OK where we all are today.
Balance and life is a work in progress that never ends. It’s hard as hell, but pretty awesome. Sometimes you tear up in Starbucks or wherever at random. I have been doing that a lot lately. They are never sad tears, but learning tears (and those I have found- are the hardest but best ones.) 
I am off to Two Guys to sling those burgers and just take it all for what it’s worth.
🙂
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April 15, 2009 In Uncategorized

A GIANT Way To Help A Community

Gary Greff started quite the project 20 years ago to help bring people and business to his community in North Dakota. He has created the Enchanted Highway by building enormous metal structures from grasshoppers to geese that stand tall off interstate 94.

This gent had done no welding or artwork prior to the launch of this project. Clearly he had a vision and a lot of heart which as we all know is really what makes all the difference anyway.
The Enchanted Highway has been featured on Round America, PBS, Roadside America and others as one of those can’t miss on a road trip places. I sure look forward to checking it out when I am out there again.
Props to you Gary, for believing in and loving your community so much. They are lucky to have you!
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April 14, 2009 In Uncategorized

Listen To Your Elders

I’ve realized recently how great it is to be the “dumb/young guy” in the room. Even if you are the driven and intelligent kind, think about how much you’ve learned those times you find yourself around people who are just really good, interesting and motivated. It’s not easy to just shut up and listen, especially when you feel like you might have a lot to contribute, but it is so worth it.

If you can manage, try to weasel your way into a crowd that has way more experience/expertise or might be older than you. When you get there, pay full attention. Trust that someone that has lived even a week longer than you probably actually does know more than you do.
It’s pretty simple right? Surround yourself with the best kind of people you can that have lived longer than you and you’ll learn a lot. 
Free lessons are fantastic.
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