Awkward and Awesome Thursday

I'm back with another installment of A & A Thursday!  

Awkward:

• While I was working on Sunday, I had a table that would not leave.  I walked by A LOT and each time removed something from their table like drink glasses, etc.  It got really awkward when a sob fest ensued, but I kept walking by.  Pay your darn bill!
• This week my mom asked me to return a carpet sample.  I had a general idea where to go, and then saw a sign.  When I walked in there was no one to be found, until a guy saw me through the window.  "You're looking for the showroom, which is at the end of the parking lot."  Yup, definitely walked into the warehouse.
• Getting physical therapy on my jaw.  I have pain in my collar bone and we've tried everything, and then my physical therapist decided my popping jaw was causing misalignment.  Then he proceeds to tell me about the time someone worked on his saw and it was totally moved out of the socket.  Thanks for the reassurance buddy.
• Getting a call from one of my Breckenridge accounts nearly a month after the fact.  I just called to say bye and thanks for everything at the end of September.  Well yesterday she decided to return my call.  Random!
• The other night this guy texted me and asked what I was up to.  In all honestly, I was hanging out at home catching up on my DVR with my mom, but not wanting to sound like a total loser I said I was "hanging out with friends."  Then he goes on to say, "Don't lie.  You know you don't have any friends."  I of course didn't tell me he caught me in my white lie, but how rude was that?  Excuse me, what would lead you to that conclusion, joking or not?  

Awesome:

• Lazy, yet productive days.  Yesterday I prepared for 13 inches of snow so didn't have anything planned other than lounging around watching Phantom of the Opera."  I also did 3 loads of laundry, baked banana muffins, and cleaned my room.
• The Colbert Report.  Just started watching it within recent weeks and he literally makes me laugh out loud.  
• I took my dog Riley to Petsmart to get a new dog tag.  If you know my dog, you know he's quite the handful and jumps on people a lot.  Well, as I was getting his tag, he jumped on a girl that worked at Petsmart.   A lot of people are annoyed my his shenanigans, but she said "Aw, how did you know I needed a hug?"  That's exactly how I feel about my boy!
• Getting to break out my Lady Gaga costume again this weekend!  I have to work all weekend, but really hoping to go out Saturday night cause baby I was born this way! 
• EOS lip balm.  I usually don't like lip balm, but this stuff is amazing!  The best part about it, is that it's made in the USA.  How many products can say that these days?  You can find it at Target.

buddha brain: be for yourself

So it's week one of my 52-week mission to developing a "buddha brain" using the book "Just One Thing" by Rick Hanson.  There are 52 simple practices, so each week I hope to focus on one and recap it before starting the next practice.  It's broken down into 5 parts and the first part is "Be Good to Yourself" and the first practice is BE FOR YOURSELF.

The basic premise of this is to look out for yourself, and wish yourself well.  It can be very easy for us to put ourself and our happiness on the back burner in order to please those around us, but how can we help others if we can't first help ourselves?

The best way to "be for yourself" is to ask yourself, am I on my own side?  Am I looking out for my best interests?  A few months ago I wrote a post about not being able to say no.  By learning how to say no, I am looking out for my best interests.  Another way to be for yourself is knowing you should be doing something for your own benefit, but not doing it like finding a new job or kicking a bad relationship to the curb.

This week I am going to be aware of my happiness and my feelings, and do what I can to look out for myself.  I'm going to assert myself if need be, and say no if I don't feel like doing something.  This may sound selfish, but it's not.  Like I said, in order to help others, you have to be able to help yourself.

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

My apologies for being MIA last week.  Last week was super hectic as I was managing a bathroom remodel while my parent's house and starting a new part-time job.  But anyway, I'm back.

Awkward:

• Bowling.  I went bowling a couple times and it's just awkward, especially in a "date" type setting.  "It's your turn, k my turn, your turn."  Back and forth, back and forth.  Oh, and let's not talk about the view everyone gets as you go up to bowl.
• Starting a new job.  I literally feel like I'm walking around like a lost puppy dog.  I don't know anyone, I don't know where I'm going, what I'm doing.  And then, you have to follow someone to "learn the ropes."  Then, even more awkward is when they follow you to make sure you know what you're doing.  Luckily, I've made it through the training and now ready to fly solo this week!
• Forgetting one of my good friend's birthday (and having her tell me I forgot it).  Oops! Luckily she forgot my birthday too, so now we're even.
• Running out of the garage because I didn't have the garage door opener.  Our garage has a motion sensor so I had to get out while not triggering it, all while in heels.  It was a quite a show, that some stranger on the street got to enjoy.
• Wrinkles!  Yes, I have under eye wrinkles and I'm only 23.  Wear your sunnies people! 
• This article from Fox 31.  Are people really this ignorant about hockey?    
• Being home alone at night while my parents were out of town.

Awesome:

• The Avalanche are off to a great start.  Many people picked the Avs to finish last in the league.  The season is still young, but so far they are 5-1, which is better than anyone expected at this point!
• Book stores.  I went to Tattered Cover the other day and just walked around for hours.  I like to use the library for books because it's cheaper, and it's the "green" alternative to book stores, but I like going to book stores to see which books to add to my ever expanding list of "books to read."
• The Fray's new single, Heartbeat.  They are my favorite band.  If you haven't seen them live, DO IT! They're incredible.  

• I made $200 on ebay selling a few things!  Money in the bank!!
• While I was at Tattered Cover, I picked up a book called "Just One Thing: Developing a Buddha Brain One Simple Practice at a Time."  For some Buddhism is a religion, but I also look at it as a way of life.  And this book is a way for us all to adopt some of their practices like being good to yourself, finding strength, being patient, etc.  There are 52 practices in the book so I plan on focusing on one per week.  The plan is to blog about each one.  (We'll see if that happens, but I'm going to try my best).
• Another book I really like is "Why Men Love Bitches."  I bought it awhile back, but started reading it again.  The word bitch is used in a "tongue in cheek" sort of way and just tells women to be strong and independent, and stick up for yourself!
• Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi is dead.  This is such a historic moment for the people of Libya, and the world.  

Fashion Friday-Ponchos

Sorry for the "Fashion Friday" hiatus!  But I'm back and my favorite trend of the moment is PONCHOS, especially ones with a tribal or navajo print.  You can dress them up or down depending on the occasion or the weather.  With the right accessories they are so chic, but so incredibly comfortable!

I bought this at Forever 21 and look forward to wearing it tomorrow in the cold weather!

The black pants and booties dress this up and make it so chic!

I love this print!

 This looks so cozy and comfortable, yet more put together than a hoodie and jeans.

The animal print boots bring this look to another level!

 Another poncho from Forever 21 but with more color and interest.

  Ponchos are definitely "in" right now, but it's a trend that you love or hate. 

What are your thoughts on ponchos?

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

Finally settled into life back at Casa de J (aka my parents' house) and here with another installment of Awkward and Awesome Thursday. 

Awkward:

• Telling people I quit my job and moved in with my parents.  You're living at home?  But what are you going to do?  Oh ya know, I just thought I'd mooch off the J's for awhile til they kick me out.  I moved back home to pursue other opportunities like my master's degree.
• Snooki wannabe at Hacienda.  If I was in downtown Denver at a club this wouldn't be so awkward, but I was at a restaurant in Lone Tree.  
• My friend and I went to Noodles and Co. for her birthday (we do it big) and she gave them her coupon for a free noodle bowl of your birthday.  She also ordered flatbread, which they don't give you on your birthday (what cheapos).  Anyway, she owed $0.80 so she handed over her debit card.  "You can't use a card for anything under $1."  My friend is like, "Oh, I think I have a quarter.  Wait, no never mind."  "Oh that's ok, don't worry about it."  Take that Noodles and Co! We just took you for 80 cents, what now!
• After our Noodles, we went to Old Chicago for some celebratory beverages.  I start talking to the bartender (who we happen to know) and I'm trying to be discreet about the conversation we're having.  Out of nowhere, this dude a few seats away interjects into the conversation.  I'm sorry sir, I'm not talking to you.
• Seeing a guy from my 8th grade class that I literally haven't seen since the 8th grade.  He was one of the most popular kids so naturally I knew exactly who he was, but I tried to play it off like "Didn't you go to MRMS?"  And he goes yeah, I thought your looked familiar.  What's your name?  Yeah right I look familiar, you're probably just being nice.  Whatever.

Awesome:

• Mac MatchMaster foundation.  I just bought it a couple days ago and so far, I love it!  Highly recommend it, and definitely worth the money.  
• Getting accepted to graduate school.  I got into the CU Denver Masters of Management program and would like to get a specialization in sustainability.  I also landed a part-time job!
• The Avs season starts Saturday!  And they're retiring Forsberg's number.  When Sakic retired, I maybe got a little misty-eyed.  I think I'll be alright with Forsberg since he hasn't really played in years.  
• Being able to celebrate my friend's 25th birthday with her.  Wouldn't have been able to do that if I was still in the  mountains.  Friend, I love you and don't worry about being halfway to 50.  Life happens the way it's supposed to and I know that the universe has something amazing planned for you!