Music from the '70's

Today I came across a great, internet radio website.  I'm not sure how other radio sites work but on this one, I just typed in the kind of music I wanted to hear and I was instantly given a list of songs from that genre.

It was great!  I put in a search for 70's music and it pulled up a list of favorite oldies that I haven't heard in years... Al green, James Taylor, Chicago, Bee Gees, Abba, The O'Jays... the list went on an on.

I listened to endless 70's songs, back to back.  And you can do it for any era or any type of music... and the service is free.

I don't use this blog for promotions but I think after all my giddiness about it, I should at least share the name of the site. So if you're interested, it's called Pandora Radio.They advertise themselves as a personalized radio and internet service. Such a great idea.  I'm already a fan. I had my own mini concert today, as I sang along to some of my favorite old songs and took a trip down memory lane.

My joy moment today was discovering this great music website and taking a trip back to the 70's.

Pretty groovy!

Stay tuned :-)

Quiet Time

It was a hectic Tuesday. This morning there were major incidents on both of the freeways that I normally take to work. My GPS re-directed me to a completely new route.  Unfortunately, it entailed four different freeways. I finally arrived to work an hour and a half later... very tired but thankful that I made it safe and sound.

Upon arrival, I had time for a quick cup of coffee before I immediately had to return phone calls, conduct several back to back interviews, answer emails, get updates, etc. At one point, I looked up and it was already 3pm and I'd yet to have lunch. The day was flying by... I decided it was time to take a break.

Luckily, I happened upon an vacant office with a nice view. I quickly went in, shut the door and enjoyed a peaceful lunch with the sun streaming in from two, big windows.  I began to relax, for the first time all day. No phones, no computer... just peace and quiet and a sunny view.

My joy moment today was that quiet time that I found during a very hectic day.

It was just the recharge I needed for the remainder of the afternoon.

Stay tuned. :-)

Tax Time is Taxing!!

I was nervous all day today due to a scary appointment I had in the evening. I was meeting with my accountant. Is it me or does getting your taxes done put you on edge, even when you don't have a reason to be?

The accountant sits across from you asking you lots of personal questions... "Am I on trial, here?" Then he punches everything you say into a computer.  More questions.  More inputting.  Then he asks a few questions you may not have the exact answer to..."Can I plead the fifth?" Then you're asked to submit evidence..."Your honor, I object!"

The whole time I'm thinking, "Will I owe?  Will he make my day?  Will I get sent up the river?!  May the court show mercy!"

After what seems like forever, my accountant says, "Okay, let's see what we got", as he, ever so slowly, scrolls down his computer screen. Just before he answers is the longest 20 seconds of my life.  I hold my breath as I wait for him to deliver my fate.  I stare at him, then at the computer screen, then back at him.   I am boring a hole through him with my eyes. Speak, Man! Speak!

Finally, he says... "Looks like you did okay this year."  I exhale and begin to feel the air coming back into my lungs and blood pumping through my veins again.  Yes, that's right, the experience was sucking the life out of me. LOL.

He finally tells me that I'm getting a few bucks back from the feds and the state.  Yay!  I'm innocent...  I mean, I'm elated!

My joy moment today was getting my taxes done... wow, who would have thought?

Court adjourned.  I'm free to go!  LOL.

Stay tuned :-)

Planning to Party

In just a few days it will be April. One of my favorite times of year.  My birthday month.

Each year I do something different on my special day, with a group of my friends.  I've had birthday dinners, a mystery dinner party, comedy club parties, day spa getaways... One year, I had mini celebrations throughout the entire month.  Ms. girl loves birthdays.

My friends also look forward to my birthday celebrations and wonder what I will plan next.  It makes me feel good that they enjoy the day as much as I do. That's where all the planning comes in, to find something fun and different that everyone will enjoy.

I still haven't decided what to do this year.  Given the crazy economy, I'm trying to find something creative yet cost conscious... thank goodness for the world wide web!  I'm googling like a crazy person but planning and researching is all part of the fun.

Thinking about my upcoming birthday and looking for fun ways to celebrate, was my joy moment today.

I'm looking forward to seeing how it all pans out.

Stay tuned. :-)

A New 'Do!

I was somewhat excited, yet very nervous when I arrived for my appointment.  I had confidence in this woman but things could still go very wrong.

Then she said, "trust me".  I thought, "aren't those the famous last words just before things go awry?"   As I sat down in a chair, facing the mirror with her standing behind me, I took a deep breath and gave her the final go-ahead.  My hairdresser was going to give me a complete new look.  Oh, my, gosh!  What was I thinking?!

I was the one who actually suggested getting a new hairdo, but now everything in me wanted to back out and revert to my same, old style. My hairdresser was having none of it.   We'd spoken about it several times before (and the last few days leading up to this one) I could tell she wasn't going to let me weasel out of it.

Let me add that my hairdresser is wonderful and very talented. I didn't have a reason to think that things wouldn't go well. But something about new and cut and hair... just made me nervous. Thankfully, my stylist has a ton of patience and explained everything, every step of the way.

A few hours later, after a wash, a blow-dry (and some questions), a cut (several more questions) and style, it was time for the big reveal.  She spun me around to face the mirror.  I looked at myself... tilted my head from side to side, adjusted my hair behind my right ear, then smiled.  I loved it!

I think we both exhaled at the same time.  I'd just been holding my breath a lot longer, lol.

I repeatedly thanked her. Not just for my cute, new hairdo but for putting up with my crazy, nervous behavior.  She laughed and told me I wasn't that bad and she's had much worse.  Good to know... I think.  :-)

My joy moment today was getting a sassy, new look... and my ride home, with the wind blowing  through my hair.

I know, very dramatic!  LOL.

Stay tuned :-)

It's Finally Friday!

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you were always off a day?  To clarify, every day this week I would wake up and think it was a day later than it really was. 

I woke up Wednesday morning and thought it was Thursday. Geez!  Then I woke up Thursday morning and thought it was Friday. Heavy, heavy sigh!  

Just in case you were wondering, there was no alcohol consumption the night before, LOL.  I think my fuzzy morning memory had more to do with the fact that I was sleep deprived due to a busy week.  Plus, I’m a nocturnal person and tend to stay up waaay too late and always regret it in the morning. 

I think my subconscious mind was hoping (praying and pleading) the week was flying by. Not the case. 

So when I woke up this morning and it really was Friday... I was very happy!

Normally, in the mornings I’m quiet, moving slowly, and a tad grumpy. 

This morning, I was upbeat, with a pep in my step and feeling good.

My joy moment today was the realization that the weekend was finally here!... And sleep time was near. :-)

TGIF... big time!  Have a good one, everyone!

Stay tuned :-) 

Facbook Connection

Today, two relatives that I haven't heard from in ages found me on Facebook. 

I was so happy to see to their faces and connect with them.  I'm not trying to promote the popular social networking site (they're doing very well on their own), but I will say that I've had many amazing reunions with their help.

I've been in touch with several good friends from high school and college that I'd lost touch with... I even heard from a few grade school buddies that found me!  Let's "face" it (pardon) it probably wouldn't have happened through the phone book. The site has made it fun and easy to rediscover old friends and family from years past.  As a result, I've had many great trips down memory lane.

It also helps me to stay better connected with my friends and relatives that I'm not able to see all the time or who live far away. 

I think of Facebook as a daily newspaper for each of my friends and relatives lives.  Their status updates provide little nuggets of what's happening in their world, keeping us connected and current in a whole new modern way. 

I'm looking forward to catching up with my long lost relatives, finding out what's new... and hopefully, getting some face time very soon. 

My joy moment today came after receiving two Facebook friend requests from long lost family members.   Such a nice surprise.

Technology rocks! 

Stay tuned :-) 

Weight Watching!

Recently, I mentioned that I started a diet and exercise regimen to get in shape for a friend's upcoming wedding. The wedding is in May. I started in late March.  I know, I should have started earlier... like somewhere around the millennium. LOL. Now the time is flying by and my pounds are holding firm.

I get on the scale every day and I'm amazed that after all my sweat and pain (and sappy tears) it barely moves. I'm just losing ounces, it's crazy!   The bulge is definitely winning this battle.

I don't get it. I'm putting in a good effort. I'm at the gym a few times a week, I'm eating MUCH less (I'm hungry right now!), and I'm counting my calories like a crazy person.  Ms. Girl is suffering (insert pouty face, seeking sympathy, here).

Yet, when I get on the scale at the end of the week, I've barely lost anything. Sometimes, the scale has the nerve to go back up!  For three weeks now, I've been hovering around the same number... and did I mention I'm starving?!

It's like the scale is taunting me.  As if it's mission is to drive me back into the hands of my hot lover... food!

It's a very mean scale.

This morning I got on the scale, sighed, looked down... and the number dropped!  Yes!  A pound... and a half!  Finally!  Just when I was about to give up, the scale relented.  I think this was part of his plan.  Mr. Scale does care.  He just wanted to teach me a lesson... Water weight.  lol.

I'll take it!  :-)

Stay tuned :-)

Stressful People

It's been one of those days today.  An annoying situation has reared it's ugly head once again.  What to do when you are dealing with an unkind person?

I've tried every way I know how to rectify the problem as nicely and as calmly as possible, but to no avail.  For whatever reason, this person feels the need to be this way... at times it's hurtful.

Today was one of those days when I let the situation affect my mood. I decided to go out, get some air and call a friend for support.  After several minutes of relaying the details, my friend responded, "You can't change people, you can only change how you react to them. Stop trying to figure them out... let God do that."

I know these may seem like really simple words but they totally clicked for me. I was letting this person and situation take over. It was affecting my mood, interrupting my thoughts, taking up time and energy and stressing me out!

It was time to let go. I couldn't control it or fix it but I could stop letting it control me.  We can't change people... and we shouldn't let the negative ones change us... for the worse.

I wouldn't allow this situation to take up any more of my energy.  I wouldn't let it hinder me from being the outgoing and friendly person that I try to be and I refused to stoop to their level.

My joy moment today was my phone chat with my friend.  Their words gave me some solace and helped me to re-focus. They reminded me of something I'd momentarily forgotten. When problems get too big, step back, let go and let God. He will work it out or show me a way. He always does.

In the meantime, I will continue to try to be the best that I can be.  :-)

The joy journey continues.

Stay tuned :-)

Staying Calm Amidst Craziness

Crazy Monday.   There was a bomb threat at our building today. I work in a high rise building, 20 floors. Scary stuff.

Supposedly, there was a suspicious package left in the hallway on one of the floors. They evacuated several levels of the building and the bomb squad was called. I was told there is a Consulate office on the top floor. As a precaution, this was taken very seriously due to political controversies.

We couldn't go very far, since our cars were in the building parking structure. Plus, it was mid-day and we were still on the clock.  Our boss suggested we all go to the coffee shop across the street (and down a few doors), to wait it out.

We all had a pretty clear view from the coffee shop, as we watched police cars, fire trucks and two bomb squad vehicles show up with gear and head into our building.   It was crazy and scary.

We tried to act normal and passed the time with each other by having coffee and then going around the table of 5, playing a word game. Whenever someone would look out the window and get nervous about the situation, someone at the table would make a joke to lighten things up.  We kept each other calm under the crazy circumstances.  In a weird way, it became a bonding experience.

Over an hour or so later, we cheered as we saw the bomb squad leave and the police caution tape come down.  Everyone was relieved as we happily, headed back to work.

My joy moment today was finding comfort and security amongst friends during a tense situation.

A crazy Monday, indeed.

Stay tuned :-)

A Sweet Passion

A good friend of mine had been really down in the dumps for several months following the loss of his job. It's hard seeing someone you care about become so unhappy.  Like many people these days, he was laid off from his job due to the lagging economy. He'd been there for 16 years.

For the last eight months he's been looking for work, but nothing has come up, so far. As the months rolled by, I witnessed his spirit and confidence decrease considerably. His family and myself tried to be supportive and helpful in every way we could, but the situation was still pretty hard on him.  One of the things he said bothered him the most was all the idle time.  Although, he tried to keep busy, he still didn't feel productive.

Things started to change a few months ago.  During my holiday gathering this year, my grandmother showed him how to make some of her delicious and popular pies.  As he prepared the pies with her, you could see his whole demeanor change. He was having so much fun. It was something totally new and different for him.

Fast forward to the present, three months later... baking has become his passion!  He is constantly trying new recipes, baking pies, cakes and has even started selling them!  Lately, he's been building up a small clientele.

How does all this relate to my joy moment?  In the last few weeks, my dear friend has been laughing and smiling like his old self.  Today, as I was enjoying one of his amazing cakes, he shared with me how much he loves baking and how happy it makes him.  His eyes teared-up as he talked about his goals for his new passion and possible, new career path.   My eyes did too, seeing him so happy again.

He's still looking for full time work but in the meantime he's found something that gives him joy and comfort.

My joy moment today was sharing in his joy moment.    I've said it before, joy is contagious... thank goodness for that!

Stay tuned. :-)

Scream for Ice Cream!

I've been on a diet lately. Boo, hiss! I'm trying to get in shape for an upcoming wedding in May.  I would like to be in better shape overall but for now, let's concentrate on getting me into a cute dress.

The clock is ticking and I probably should have began my diet in January (like January 2009, lol) but I just couldn't seem to get started.   I wasn't looking forward to some of the food restrictions.  For some  reason, ice cream, cake, chocolate, pies, and other tasty treats are not  allowed on a diet.

I'm sure many of you are thinking that's what landed me here in the first place. Now is not the time, dear friends.  I'm fragile and sweet deprived. But, you are right.

I finally got with the program and gave up almost all of my sugar vices and started eating better.  But one thing I still seem to have trouble giving up is chocolate.

In the past few weeks, I've kept my chocolate fix down to a daily, mini chocolate bar... caloric content, 38 calories.  Well, really, 76 calories because I always have two.  I'm trying, people!

Anyway, other than that, I've stayed on track and haven't had any of my favorite sweets, like ice cream.  That is, until I came across, (insert music crescendo here), Three Musketeer mini ice cream bars.  I love them!  It's chocolate and ice cream and a musketeers bar... all combined.  Can you say heaven?!

I know I sound like a commercial but I could very well be their spokesgirl.  These bars have come to my rescue and the best part... they're only 90 calories! Come to Mama. LOL.  Now I can stay on my diet and indulge in TWO of my favorite treats.

My joy moment today was finding these bars and finding out they are delicious.

Don't we all scream for ice cream?!  :-)

Stay tuned :-)

A Night with "Cats"

Going to see the musical play, "Cats" .  Very excited.  Recap to come.

Stay tuned :-)

Get Your Vitamin D!

Had a very busy day at work today. So busy, I barely left my desk and worked right through lunch.  By the time I packed up and headed to the car I was ready to go home and go right to bed.

As I drove out of the dark parking garage, my mood changed when I saw the sun was still out.   It was such a nice surprise, since it's always dark when I leave.

It's funny how at that moment I was very happy that we sprang ahead an hour this week, although that wasn't the case when I woke up this past Monday morning.

Seeing the light outside actually made my mood a litttle lighter.   I  started thinking about my plans for  Friday... my agenda for the weekend... things I want to do for my upcoming birthday....  All of a sudden, I was a more upbeat.

You're probably saying she needs to get out more... and you're probably right. The fluorescent lights in the office do nothing for me (or anyone for that matter).  This girl needs real light... sunlight.  I need my daily Vitamin D fix!  Note to self, must leave office for at least ten minutes of sunbathing. 

My joy moment today was basking in the remaining sunlight after work.... it left me with a pleasant glow.  :-) 

Stay tuned :-) 

Someone to Watch Over Me

I have a little routine that I do every day that I've never shared with anyone, until now.  It's pretty personal (or was! lol).  I do it every morning in the car before I take off to drive to work. Allow me to explain.

With the radio off, the car in park and complete silence in the car, I have my morning talk with God.  

Before I go out into the world and get on the road, I ask God to watch over me as I journey to and from my destinations.  I always ask the same for my family and friends.   I also pray that He guides my words and actions, and helps me to be all that I can be... and He would have me to be.  Each talk is different but those are the things I pray for daily.

I enjoy my daily prayer-talk with God. It always leaves me feeing encouraged, pumped up and ready for the day ahead.  I know He's got my back and I go about my day taking comfort in that.   

After my morning chat, I start the car, back out of the driveway and head down the road knowing that I'm in "good hands" because He is watching over me. 

My joy moment today occurred after my prayer-talk.  I smiled to myself, realizing that my early morning talks with God brings me joy and comfort every day.  

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

Thank you for allowing me share my private moment with you.
Be blessed.

Stay tuned :-) 

A Wonderful World

Tonight I had the pleasure of hearing Louie Armstrong’s classic song, “What a wonderful world” on the radio. I was a little surprised because it’s March and that song is usually reserved for the holidays.

The radio host said it was the station’s most requested song.  I was surprised to learn that.

As I listened to the song and began to sing along, I drew my own conclusions as to why it was the top selection.

It's a happy song, the lyrics are sweet and fun.   Then there is Louie Armstrong's distinct, amazing and melodic voice that makes the song sound like a beautiful lullaby.

Finally, the song centers on the basic and simple things that make the world we live in a great place...  sometimes we just need to do that. We all know the realities, but in spite of, there are so many things that make it a beautiful and wonderful world.

This great song is a cheerful reminder... no wonder it's so popular!

"Yes, I think to myself... what a wonderful world.  Oh, Yeaaaah!"

Thanks, Louie.

Stay tuned :-)

"And I Quote..."

I like to share inspiring quotes that I come across with my friends and family.  I also find them motivating and seek a unique one, daily.  Oddly enough, most of the of the good ones are from unknown authors.

Each day I post a different quote on my Facebook account.  I get comments on them from time to time... more if it's a really good one but other than that, I didn't think anyone besides me was enjoying them. I found out recently that's not the case.

A few people have expressed to me how much they enjoy getting the quotes.  At least two have said it has spurred them to take action on a particular situation that needed addressing.  I heard from yet another person today.

A simple sentence helped make a difference.  It was nice to hear that I had small part in that.

We never know when someone needs a hand, needs someone to lend an ear or just needs words of encouragement.... even if they are not your own.

My joy moment today was learning that the inspiring quotes I share are inspiring and helpful to many.

"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."
                                         --James Matthew Barrie

Stay tuned :-)

Here's Gladys!

Getting my Sunday post in a little late, busy night.

Was out and about today, met up with a friend for dinner and then we went to see the legendary, Gladys Knight in concert.

She was wonderful... and still sounds amazing! The audience could hardly stay in their seats as she sang many of her classic songs.   "Neither one of us wants to be the first to say goodbye" and "Midnight Train to Georgia"... were two popular songs that had the crowd stirring.  

Ms. Knight looked beautiful in her green ensemble. Although we had great seats, just six rows away,  I only managed to sneak a few pictures. LOL.

Throughout the show, she told great old stories about her singing career, shared some laughs, danced and thanked the audience for always being supportive.  You could tell she was genuinely having a good time and so were we!

Added treat... her brother, "Bubba" Knight (one of the original Pips) came out and sang a few songs, too.  He  added comic relief as he played around with the audience and teased his famous, little sister.

Amazing show.  A lot of fun.   A great "Knight", indeed.                          
Stay tuned.  :-)

Makeup!

Today I was doing some returns at a department store when one of the sales clerks mentioned there was a celebrity makeup artist doing makeovers that afternoon. I didn't feel like sitting down for a total face job but I was in desperate need of some updated lipstick.

I can never find a lipstick that works for me so I continue to use my very old, but tried and true color. I've been wearing it for - ev - er.  It was definitely time for something new, so I hopped in the makeup chair.

The friendly makeup artist came over and asked me what I was looking for in a lipstick... Gloss? Semi-gloss? Matte? Cover?... etc, etc. etc.  I quickly surmised that answering, "something pretty", wasn't going to cut it.  This might not be as quick as I thought.

Yet, I've never had so much fun looking for lipstick. The makeup artist and I were laughing and chatting it up the entire time. He was very funny and made me feel like a beautiful model as he and his associates simultaneously worked on me, as if prepping me for a photo shoot.

What started as a lipstick search, ended with me being made-over in full, glam makeup.  I had long, luscious eyelashes that would make Lady Ga Ga drool, gorgeous glittery eyeshadow, pink rosy cheeks and finally, beautiful, glossy lips.  I looked fabulous and camera ready... from the neck up. LOL

I ended up purchasing some great makeup products, except for... wait for it ... lipstick.  LOL. They were out of my chosen color.  But I'll be back to pick it up next week.

My joy moment  today was getting painted up like a supermodel.

Insert... a hot, model stare and vogue pose here. :-)

Stay tuned. :-)

The Little Things...

You ever have one of those day where things just go smoothly? Usually, my answer would be, "not really".  But today I had that kind of day.

It was totally unexpected since it began with an 8am dentist appointment.  I was also operating on little sleep, so I figured I wasn't off to a great start.

But it was a good day. Nothing special happened, just little occurrences that made it pleasant.

I joined my co-workers for a group lunch at a popular eatery.  I received unexpected good news from a friend about a personal project I'm working on.  Our department had a meeting today with our director and my pitches went very well.   Later, I had my first workout with my new trainer, who seemed nice and gave me a solid workout.  Finally, I arrived home to find a thank you note from friends with a special inscription telling me how much they enjoyed their wedding gift and our friendship.

It was just one of those days that had me upbeat all day.  That's not something that happens everyday.  Often times, it can be a series of occurrences that have turned a day upside down.

So I took notice of all the little things... and I appreciated the fact that I had several, "joy moments" today.

It was a good day.  Hope yours was, as well.  Happy Friday!

Stay tuned :-)

The Stranger

I met a kind stranger this evening when I stopped at a gas station to fill up before going home.

An elderly gentlemen startled me when he quickly rode over on a bicycle that seemed to be carrying everything he owned.  He asked, "Can I clean your window for fifty cents?"  I looked at the gentle-faced man and said, "that's okay, but let me give you something anyway."  He smiled and said, "Well, they really do need to be cleaned." I laughed (my windows were pretty bad) and said, "You're right" and accepted his offer.

We shared another laugh from a funny comment he made as I pumped my gas and he made my car windows visible again.  Was I a bit wary? Yes!  We live in a crazy world, in tough economic times. A stranger coming up to a female, at night, at a gas station, will give a girl pause. But he seemed to be more concentrated on giving me a sparkling view... as he moved over to my dirty side windows and mirrors.

After showing my appreciation monetarily, I thanked him and hoped he would be blessed. 

Something about our exchange touched me.  Was it his upbeat attitude, even when it appeared he had fallen on tough times? Maybe. His humor, his kind eyes?  I don't know.

I do know that his spirit was contagious. With all that he was obviously dealing with, he still had a smile on his face and humor in his heart. He wiped away the grime and made me see clearly again.   Figuratively and literally.

Instead of a joy moment, I had an inspiring moment today.  God bless the kind stranger.

Stay tuned :-)

The Still of the Night

Noise. It's all around us... blaring loudly, but most of the time we're immune to it.

Sometimes it starts with a loud and annoying alarm clock, at least for me.


For the most part, as soon as we get up, the sounds of life are all around us.... and that's a good thing.  It means everything is working and moving along accordingly, well, most of the time.

But I love that time of night when everything starts to become quiet. When all the hubbub of the day has died down. When there is no noise, no sounds... it's just the still of the night.

It's that special time of night when all the electronics are shut off. When all the cars outside are parked. When there is no one walking, talking, working, running, barking, etc.   It's just peaceful and quiet.

It's usually when I reflect on the day's activities.  It's when I can "hear myself think" as the saying goes.  When I can just be still.

Due to busy schedules, many of us don't always get to enjoy some quiet time. If we do, it's usually just a few short minutes before we turn the lights out to go to sleep.

I tend to stay up a little longer than I should just to revel in the stillness for a bit. I'm always surprised at how calming it can be.  It's the perfect night cap.

I look forward to that private time before bed and it's become one of my favorite parts of the day.

Shhh. You hear that?  Me either.  That's my joy moment for today.

Stay tuned :-)

Hooray for Hollywood!

Isn't it funny, how at certain times we just operate on automatic? We get up, we get dressed, we get in the car, we drive to our destinations....  Many times, we have the same routine day in and day out.
We live on auto-pilot.

One of the reasons I started this joy journey was to shake things up in my life....to take notice and appreciate life. Finding the joy or "joy moment" in each day, would take me off cruise control, at least once, daily.

I was definitely on auto pilot this morning during my hour and a half drive to work in bumper to bumper traffic.  I was listening to the radio, running "to do" lists, work stuff, and heaven knows what else, through my head when I looked up and saw the Hollywood sign, sitting brightly, ahead in the distance.

I couldn't recall seeing it during my drive before.  It might have been due to the L.A. smog or it could have been due to my 'routine fog', but there it was this morning, as plain as day, poking out of the hills.
It made me smile.

It brought back the reasons for my initial desire to move here. I wanted to work in television and live in Los Angeles... Hollywood... where dreams are made... and crushed... but let's not go there. LOL.

Seeing that iconic sign reminded me that I'm a lucky girl.  I live in sunny California and I have a freelance job that allows me to work on a variety of Hollywood television shows.  That was just a dream way back when... and here I am.

I might not be living all of my dreams (yet!), but I am living one of them.

Remembering that, was my "joy moment" today.  It's a Hollywood fairy-tale come true.  LOL.

Stay tuned. :-)

Cha Cha Cha!

Feeling good. I have a Monday class at the gym that I actually love.  It's called Latin Impact.  The class attendees perform numerous meringue and salsa moves, individually, to great latin music. It's so much fun!  If it wasn't for all my sweating, I wouldn't believe I was really working out.

The teacher of the class is hilarious. He loves to watch himself in the mirror.  It cracks me up the way he preens in the wall mirror while shouting at us to "be sexy!"  We all have a great time in his class. At times, I find myself laughing out loud, that is ofcourse, after I've caught my breath.

My joy moment today was attending a cardio class that is fun and gives me a great workout.

I'm actually beginning to love Mondays!  Sorry, didn't mean to get carried away.

Adios amigos!

Stay tuned :-)

Oscar, Oscar, Oscar!

Oscar Night.  It was a pretty good show but they saved the best for last... of course!

Sandra Bullock won the award for Best Actress and gave a wonderful, touching speech.   Kathryn Bigelow became the first female to win Best Director.  Her movie, "Hurt Locker" also swept many of the awards over the popular blockbuster, Avatar.

I can't forget two, great moments that happened earlier in the show, both were for the movie, "Precious".  Mo'Nique deservingly won the award for Best Supporting actress and Geoffrey Fletcher became the first African- American to win for Best Adapted Screenplay. Kudos to them.

Oh, yeah... and Jeff Bridges got his due and won Best Actor for his stellar acting in, "Crazy Heart".

I thought it was a great idea to have Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin co-host the show this year..  They were both very funny and played well off one another.

It was a celeb overload day for me.   I watched the pre-Oscar red carpet show, then the entire Oscar Show, followed by last Barbara Walters Oscar special.... and I enjoyed it all!

I saw many of my fav stars all dolled up, listened to touching speeches, and witnessed two Oscar firsts!

Great stuff.  I'd like to thank the Academy... LOL!

Stay tuned :-)

Hyped over Skype

Today I had conversations with my mom and brother for the first time using the video software program, Skype.  What a treat!

I don't know what was funnier, all of us trying to figure out how to get connected or our excitement over finally seeing one another.

It was great to be able to see each of them as we talked. Looking at their faces and expressions made it much more intimate and enhanced our communication experience tenfold.

During my video chat with my brother I was able to meet and see his new girlfriend.  In my next call with my mother, she was able to give me a tour of a room she'd recently redecorated.  It was almost like we were right there with each other... so much so, my mother even started critiquing my hair! LOL.

I love Skype and foresee it becoming a regular feature during phone calls with my family.

Although, I may need a hair and makeup person for my close-ups with my mom. LOL.

Stay tuned :-)

Ready for the Friday Whistle!

It was a pretty stressful Friday, but I made it through. Yay!   My joy moment will begin after work, unwinding and catching up with a good friend.

I'm getting together  with a girlfriend for dinner and then we'll check out "Crazy Heart", one of the Oscar nominated movies.  Every year my goal is to check out as many of the Oscar noms as possilble before the awards show.  I've seen many of them but as always, I never manage to see every one.

I'm looking forward to forgetting about the craziness of the day, immersing myself in good conversation,  and hopefully, good cinema.

I'm clocking out!  Weekend starts now.

Have a good one!

Stay tuned. :-)

On The Move!

Busy day today.  After a full day at work, I rushed out to attend my voice-over class. Following that, with minutes to spare, I caught a Cardio class at the gym. I felt like superman rushing from one place to another and doing a quick clothing change.  That is, if Superman drove a Honda and changed in a women's locker-room.

After the gym, I made the hour drive home and finally pulled into the driveway at 10pm. Funny enough, I wasn't as tired as I thought I'd be.  Although, the effects of the repetitive leg lunges were starting to kick in.

You could argue I wasn't tired because of the adrenalin and endorphins that were probably released from my flurry of activity. But I think it was because I was pumped up and feeling good after getting a lot done.

I started out with a plan and I pushed myself to make it happen.  I was focused, efficient and productive... and afterwards, very satisfied for accomplishing my small goals.

It was a good feeling... and it was my joy moment for today.

Okay, time to crash! LOL.

Stay tuned :-)

Reaching Out... Gotta do it!

Today I decided to reach out to some of my family members.  My relationships with some of them is one of the many stressors that precipitated my joy journey.  I'm thankful that we're not totally estranged but we don't speak to one another nearly as often as we should... or could.  

Sometimes family relations just aren't the way they should be.   "Can't we all just get along?'   Guess not.

Many of my family members I speak with often and we have a good relationship, but a few others are strained.  It truly saddens me that some of us rarely speak to one another, due to old wounds and hurts on both ends.   I single no one person out because we are all to blame for the state we're in.

One of the things I hope for this year is to make my relationships with all of my loved ones better and closer.   I thought a good way to begin would be to reach out and make contact.  A good way, but scary and stressful, too!   But I knew I had to do it.  We're family.   The alternative stinks.

So, I reached out to seven of my loved ones today. Five of the contacts were through email, Facebook, and text ( No, I'm not a scaredy-cat!  Ok, maybe a little).

I sent out five quick notes to say, "hello" and to let them know I was thinking about them. Short, sweet and personalized messages for each person.

The other two contacts were made by phone.  Those conversations were fun, light and lengthy. Yes!

Afterwards, I exhaled deeply, at ease after all was said and done.  I felt hopeful.  Joy was brimming.

My hope is that they each know that they are thought about often and loved much.   My hope is that we can all heal and begin anew.

It's a start. We'll see what happens.

Stay tuned :-)

The Journey for Joy

My joy journey is truly a roller coaster, as is life.   The reality is that sometimes with the stress and craziness of life, it's hard to take a breath, much less find the joy in each day.

Sometimes, when I've had a particularly crazy day and nothing seems to be going right, I say to myself... "What's the joy going to be in this day?  'Cause, I don't see it."

That's when I remind myself that's the sole purpose of this journey.... to find it... each and every day.

The joy moments are my realization and appreciation for a particular moment that has brought me happiness, joy, peace or contentment. It may happen naturally through the course of a day, or I may have to discover it. 

Sometimes it's an hour in the day, other times, it really is just a moment.  Sometimes it surrounds events I've planned, other times, it's totally unexpected.  And on those wonderful rare occasions, it's just a natural state of being... those are the best ones.

Joy for me today was taking stock of my journey so far, and feeling proud that I've actually stayed on track... each and every day.  It's shocking really.  It's easy to say you're going to do something but doing it is another matter.  At least that's been my M.O. Yet, here I am, almost three months in.

It's crazy!  It's amazing!  It's joyful.

Stay tuned  :-)

Oh, The Possibilities!

Today a friend of mine called and said he would give my book synopsis to an industry friend of his, that deals with films. I was elated. In Hollywood, many times it's about who you know.

Although, it's not a guarantee that my friend's contact will even read it or that anything will happen at all, there's still a possibility.

It's possible the manager could read it and love it and become insanely driven to turn it into a movie.  It's possible he could give it to a famous director, actor or screenwriter who becomes enamored with my story and characters and demands they're part of the project.

It's also possible he could say, "thanks but no thanks" or "get this crap off my desk"... but this girl dares to dream!  It was my joy moment for today.

Oh, the possibilities!   I'll keep you posted.

Stay tuned :-)