good morning

"The moment when you first wake up in the morning is the most wonderful of the twenty-four hours.  No matter how weary or dreary you may feel, you possess the certainty that, during the day that lies before you, absolutely anything may happen.  And the fact that it practically always doesn't, matters not a jot.  The possibility is always there." -Monica Baldwin

so wake up ms. by-herself-she-so-impressed. good morning, on this day we become legendary, everything we dreamed of

well, that's just fabulous

Later that day, I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to new and exotic. Those that are old and familiar. Those that bring up lots of questions. Those that bring you somewhere unexpected. Those that bring you far from where you started. And those that bring you back.

But the most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all..is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous.

Carrie Bradshaw

namaste

amazing mantra to recite during yoga. my late-night session was one of the most amazing yet, just because i breathed every single stress out, and concentrated on being my own decisive element.

I AM THE DECISIVE ELEMENT
by Goethe

I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element.
It is my personal approach that creates the climate.
It is my daily mood that makes the weather.
I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous.
I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.
I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.
In all situations, it is my response that decides
whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated,
and a person is humanized or de-humanized.
If we treat people as they are, we make them worse.
If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become
what they are capable of becoming.

i also found this relatively soothing piano for yoga playlist via imeem. (*disclaimer: i DID choose to skip over some of the songs). i still have it on repeat right now. check it out.

Yoga Piano

word to the wise - Sara Paddison

"Sincere forgiveness isn't colored with expectations that the other person apologize or change. Don't worry whether or not they finally understand you. Love them and release them. Life feeds back truth to people in its own way and time."

exercising my patience, for it is starting to wear thin.

embrace the martian

rather, the recessionista.

the SIX things to buy before the economy improves:

1. women's clothing: "That means less expensive clothing stores can lower their prices through lower productions costs, and more expensive clothing stores will be forced to have more sales and clearance racks." or just settle for thrift/vintage stores (that's my super secret).

2. laptops:  "...laptop prices have dropped thanks to the interest in netbooks." Apple hasn't seemed to go too much with the trend in terms of pricing, but it's quite the investment. $999.00 + student discount + finance plan, and i can no longer efficiently function without my white MacBook.

3. toys: "More affordable toys are on their way for the holidays." does KidRobot count? in that case, my pastel pink Munny zipper pull is my fave toy this year.

4. televisions: "...decreases are starting to make larger flat-panel TVs far more affordable." i didn't get one, but my sister did. it's huge.

5. furniture: "With fewer people buying houses, fewer people are buying new furniture....Retailers still in the market have to respond to those liquidation sales with price cuts and clearance items of their own." not applicable in my situation, but you interior decorators better get on that!

6. diamonds: "the recession has quashed demand for diamonds, creating deals." i got Blair for over 50% off her original $1,000.00+ value back in december [;

i guess i've been braving the recession in all the right ways? lol.

(article courtesy of Forbes via Yahoo.com)

we make a difference

"...it was the nurses that were there with us when she had to get...all sorts of things that were just bringing me to tears."

he just likes nurses. i'm honored, Mr. President!

(article and image courtesy of People)

say it right, say it all

pretty ill site of sayings. a mix of cynicism and elation. the bright colors and photo graphics help too. this one's one of my favorites, between the image and the quote, style and drive.

(image courtesy of wordboner)

basking in the ambience

Carolina Herrera! she is one gorgeous woman for a 70-something-year-old. also saw Nina Garcia, but was too nervous to even think of taking a picture of her. she was literally right in front of my face! haha. i get so star struck when it comes to the fashion world.

*sigh. i'll be INSIDE those white tents, instead of freezing my cute little tush off outside. [;

in this skin

"Sheila Kelley's S Factor is a groundbreaking movement technique and workout that cultivates sensuality, confidence and an inspiring body attitude. A combination of yoga, ballet and pole dancing...[they] teach a whole new language that is intimate, beautiful and strenuous. You will move your body into its natural shape, in a profound, joyful and celebratory way. you will own your body like never before, gaining a sense of power and confidence that will follow you throughout your daily life. Not to mention, you will get into the best shape ever!"

sounds like a handful from a "stripper class." a few of my girls and i attended their intro class today, and i can honestly attest that i came out feeling 10x more confident than i have ever felt in my life. the experience was surprisingly invigorating, as well as nerve-wracking cuz i'm normally such a reserved person, with a refreshing element of fun! they cater such a comfortable and non-judgemental aura that facilitates the breaking of any boundaries you may have up. and just the unconscious and natural movements your body applies brings a sense of empowerment, harboring an increased confidence in your own skin. it was absolutely amazing. i signed up for their Level I course [;

paging doctor kitty?!

ok, so how seriously would you take me if i were your surgeon, waltzing in with this bad boy?! but knowing me, i probably would...in addition to the matching surgical cap [;

FOUR in the morning.

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there...to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be but you lock eyes with them, you know that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.

And sometimes things happen to you at the time that may seem horrible, painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would never realize your potential, strength, will power or heart.

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of luck. Illness, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test limits of your soul.

Without these small tests, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere safe and comfortable but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet affect your life. The successes and downfalls that you experience can create whom you are, and the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact they are probably the most poignant and important ones. If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them because they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart.

If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but also because they are teaching you to love and open your heart and eyes to little things. Make every day count. Appreciate everything that you possibly can, for you may never experience it again.

Talk to people whom you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to.

Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you. Create your own life and then go out and live it.

treating the dis-ease

"Moral distress -- knowing what is ethically appropriate but being unable to act on it because of obstacles inherent in a situation."

nurses and doctors alike (though nurses moreso than physicians) are more and more subjected to this dilemma. the problem? insistent insurance companies, fussy risk managers and lawyers, exacting administration, and incredulous patient demands. it has become an issue of which rules and regulations they need to abide to instead of the best genuine interest of the patient.

it's very much disheartening that the intimate, emotional, and intense environment of healthcare is now less an inspiring rush than it is a potential threat to each practitioner's professional integrity. 

(courtesy of NYTimes)

moving on up, or not so much?

New York Fashion Week has a new home. after 15 years, Bryant Park will no longer house the semi-annual festivities. volume and inconvenience was the biggest issue. the replacing venue is still under discussion, but rumor has it that Lincoln Center is the winner, starting in 2010. will we ever see those ever-quintessential big white tents again?

however, the up-coming fall '09 collections, dated for February 13, will still be held at Bryant Park.

goal for after graduation...attend at least one of the shows during Fashion Week, wherever it may be.

(courtesy of NYTimes)

word to the wise - Henry Miller

Why are we so full of restraint? Why do we not give in all directions? Is it fear of losing ourselves? Until we do lose ourselves, there is no hope of finding ourselves.

p.s. i always loved Eminem

Lose Yourself - Eminem

pop that shit!

am i the only one who is sufficiently entertained by sitting around popping bubble wrap? now they come in pretty colors! for only $0.01/5.0'...in honor of Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, which was the 27th of this month. crazyyy. it would definitely make for a good stress reliever [;

(image courtesy of gizmodiva)

take it back. wayyy back.

the thing about american idol...you hear songs you probably haven't heard in FOREVER! case in point, Dusty Springfield's "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," and Taylor Dayne's "Love Will Lead You Back."  

here are some renditions by american idol contestants: Nadia Turner, Stephanie Edwards, and Ramiele Malubay.

Love Will Lead You Back - Taylor Dane

You Dont Have To Say You Love Me - Dusty Springfield

see your shadow!

it's definitely still early, but come groundhog's day, i hope hope hope he sees his shadow. cuz i sure am tired of all this snow, ice, and slush. 

besides, it's so depressing to see all the resort and spring collections when you know you still need to rock your snow boots. lol.

cannot wait for spring, so i can finally utilize all the fillings of my closet space [;

fortune cookie for the year

not one for horoscopes, but is it semi-coincidental that some of the stuff listed is correct so far? check your own out, find your birth year to see which animal you are.

Ox Overview
The Ox can do well this year through steady progress. There may be a number of experiences that will provide great joy for the Ox. One area, in particular, is the Ox's personal life. You may see an addition to the family. You will be surrounded by those who care. Look for the early summer months to attend many social occasions, providing many new faces in your social circle. One area of focus is to be open to the advice of others, as you tend to keep your issues to yourself. Overall, your own year can be one that you will look back on with pride and a genuine sense of achievement.

Ox Career
In 2009, the Oxen will be given many opportunities to further your plans and goals, as well as consolidate your position. Steady progress is the position where the Ox is most comfortable and that is where you will find yourself this year. You will also have a chance to impress and gain support from those around you. This is a good year to enhance your skills and add to your repertoire with added training or study. You will be satisfied in knowing that anything you do this year will repay you in this year and the years to come. The months of May, late August and September may mark a change in your career.

Ox Relationships
2009 will be a year of personal happiness. For the single Ox, there may be a chance to engage in new and meaningful friendships, romance, and possibly even marriage. Others will take comfort in their domestic and social lives. Being an Ox year, this is one that will provide enjoyment for you as long as you allow it. Beware of your strong will and do not allow any minor disagreements to escalate and put a damper on a fine year. May is a month that will highly favor a chance meeting or a heightened level in a relationship.

Ox Health
Health matters don't seem to be too much of a concern for the Ox this year, as you are good at implementing some sort of physical activity into your routine. The Ox's discipline does well to carry over into your health. It never hurts to find ways to improve in this area, so don't discount anything that will improve the quality of your life. Even though there may not be any large issues, stress can be a surmounting factor to be aware.

Ox Wealth
The Ox could enjoy an improvement financially, but you may face a number of large expenses over the year. To maneuver your budget through the year of the Ox, exercise care and sensible spending. It would be wise to seek professional advice when it comes to any speculative ventures or risky investments that create some sense of doubt.

word to the wise - julia devera

as my awesome doctor's-office-buddy says:

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia."


i think it's the perfect mantra for 2009, no?

word to the wise - Epictetus

i was watching Serendipity last night, and this quote stood out.
"If you want to improve, be content to be though foolish and stupid."


then i googled it, and found even more prophetic quotes from this Greek philosopher.
"If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: 'He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned.'”

"We tell lies, yet it is easy to show that lying is immoral."

"If thy brother wrongs thee, remember not so much his wrong-doing, but more than ever that he is thy brother."

"The greater the difficulty the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests."


and of those, i believe the most profound...and the least words.
"If you want to be a writer, write."