Uncategorized

April 2, 2009 In Uncategorized

Find Your Spot

“If you don’t like what you are doing, where you are living, or who you’re living with- make a change.” 

This was part of a speech I listened to at a lunch I went to last year. It’s pretty simple, but so smart.
I’ve been lucky enough to travel and move all over the place for the past several years. The people and experiences I have had in search of the “perfect place” are irreplaceable. I hate to admit though, I have learned there isn’t one. Nowhere is perfect all the time. One of the best lessons I have found to be true though, is that if you live a place that you love, it’s such a big part of being happy. There is something to be said for waking up on a free day, seeing exactly what you want to do, then being able to do it right where you are. I have lived and been in places where I have woken up on those free days, shrugged my shoulders and hit the snooze button. That is a total bummer. It is not a bummer however, to live in that spot where you want to jump out of bed to take advantage of what’s all around you. 
Me? Thankfully I’m not hitting the snooze button anymore.
The spot that you love living might change as your life does. It might stay the same forever. What works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. Either way, you owe it to yourself to be able to “hit the” whatever- on those completely free days or after work when you want to. 

Here’s a fun little site to play around on if you have a few minutes.
Call me when you’re ready to pack the U-Haul. I’ll help.
0
0
April 1, 2009 In Uncategorized

It’s In The Bag

Literally.


These young guys started mixing up granola in their tiny NYC apartment kitchen and have created quite the company. FEED Granola is filling belly’s with healthy yummy food, giving back to the community and a great example that working hard and consistently at something you really believe in- pays off. 
Their story is great. Makes me want to start slicing and dicing and see what I can come up with.
0
0
March 30, 2009 In Uncategorized

Take A Hike Debbie Downer

I am reporting today to tell Debbie Downer and Negative Nancy and whomever else that’s trying to infect the world with negative crap to take a flying leap. 
Seriously. 
Please go back to your planet depression and leave ours alone. 
This is actually a positive message. It comes from a lot of places, but particularly a conversation with a stranger this morning. We were rolling- laughing talking about our collective debt, break-ups, heartaches, family drama and all other life issues that each and every single one of us has. Not to take these things lightly. Awful things happen to good people. Life hangs you out to dry sometimes and it is NOT fun. It’s the actions you take when you’re hanging out to dry that make all the difference.
We all make choices. With the exception of those few who have a legitimate medical condition, the rest of us have the power to pass on our misery or shut it up and smile.
My sister just told me a kid she went to high school with died of Melanoma last week. She’s 23. My friend’s Dad is going in the hospital tomorrow for colon cancer surgery. They just found out. Shes getting married in 6 weeks.
Yeah. Cry me a river Debbie and Nancy. I bet your life really sucks.
I have been guilty of it too, but come on people who have nothing to feel sorry for yourselves about. Stop feeling sorry for yourself! If you really think your life sucks that bad, DO something to change it.
The boo-hoo boat can leave without me as far as I am concerned. I will happily drive off barefoot into the sunset with my 9 year old car that has 200,000 miles on it, a file folder full of debt, to my job that I pretty much hate. I’ll be smiling, and jamming out to the tape player (yeah, you read that correctly.) on the way. Once I get there, I will be nice to my customers.
Why? Because I am so much luckier than that guy who’s dying from something awful, or that lady down the street that has real problems. 
0
0
March 29, 2009 In Uncategorized

Empanada Heaven

Here are some photos of a tiny little empanada joint we feasted at in Cafayate Argentina. The sweet old ladies were hand rolling every delicious bit to order in a tiny room in the back. Fun to watch and oh so tasty. 

What a find. Full belly for two for under ten bucks, customer graffiti all over the walls and a lively atmosphere. Ahh…
I love you Argentina!
0
0
March 29, 2009 In Uncategorized

“I Own A Pickle Emporium”

Wouldn’t it be great to say that when someone asked you what you did for work?

Check out Guss’ Pickles on the Lower East Side. Sweet, sour, spicy- oh the choices in the giant barrels. Too bad I don’t live in NY. I’d be a regular. Especially if I could get some deep fried. Oh yeah.
So I have recently found a peanut butter restaurant and a pickle emporium. Can’t wait to see what I find next. Maybe a ketchup cafe’ or cole slaw joint. 
Clearly there is room for business in just about anything that you think is tasty. 
1
0
March 27, 2009 In Uncategorized

Maybe Emeril Can Help Me With This One

When I find something that is ridiculously DE-LISH, I often say that it is “Smack yo mamma good.”

I realize that I might start sounding like a broken record soon. I have been using that line for quite a while now. I’m thinking it might be offensive to some too, because really no one should be smacking their Mamma.
So it’s time for new material.
I had the most (enter new BAM! line here) mocha shake yesterday at Port City Java I almost couldn’t contain myself. Real ice cream, fresh pulled espresso shots all mixed up into a perfect cup of insane deliciousness. I have never had a shake that good in my life. (Yes, I was surprised too because I am no stranger to milkshakes and certainly don’t take “the best ever” lightly when it comes to treats.) I had to immediately rush back up to the counter to thank the friendly cute young gals who made it. They have some serious talent.
All opinions for the next saying I will likely overuse within 2 months are welcome.
Boy do I love that something like a milkshake can make me that happy.
1
0
March 27, 2009 In Uncategorized

Unity

An overseas trip was Matthew and Jessica Flannery’s inspiration to create Kiva, an organization that pairs people like you and me (who don’t have bazillions of dollars to lend) in addition to big companies and philanthropists with entrepreneurs in the developing world. These entrepreneurs sometimes need as little as $100 to jump start their businesses which in turn improve the lives of their families and communities. As a lender you can actually choose who you lend to and follow their progress. How awesome is that? 

These guys started this all by asking their family and friends to lend a few bucks. Look what they have turned it into. 

Read some interesting information about Microfinance on the site. Proof once more that a little can turn into a lot and any effort towards helping someone else is never too small.
Hat’s off to you Kiva. Companies and people like you keep me- and I am sure so many others writing, believing, and thankful for everything that we have and that is possible.
0
0
March 25, 2009 In Uncategorized

What’s Beyond Main Street?

I’d like your help on a project that I’m absolutely THRILLED to be working on. 
What’s beyond Main Street…to you? 
What do you think of when I ask?
“Main Street” could mean a frame of mind, a way of life, your next personal or professional goal, an image or an actual physical place. Not even the sky is the limit on this question- you can go wherever you want. Just run with it.
Please post a comment here to share, or email [email protected]. I cannot tell you what a huge help your comments and thoughts will be and make this project. 
Thank you thank you thank you!
10
0