No need for words

All commercials should be this great...



I'm sure I don't have to point out to all of you that it hails triumphant praise from all who see it because it is centered around the family. Though blind ones may bleat about artistic beauty in ignorance, family is that inexplicable heart-string you feel being tugged. Not art.

Formalities

Inextricably linked to the unending, red-tape adorned political mayhem of higher education: formality. I understand the origin, and even the necessity in some situations. But... My dear colleagues, must my precious seconds be ticked away by the nonsensical musings of this ever-present tradition? I'm certain at some future moment my feelings will morph into gratefulness for such a learning experience, but, at present, I am simply down-heartened by the consequences of this so-called "formality" seeping into these relations, planting seeds of discord among us that may quite possibly sprout trust-damaging issues in our lives.

(Plain English: Position open at work. Application submitted. Interview conducted. BUT, it seems, at this point, that this first-round interview was simply a formality held-to for all in-house applicants. Gee, thanks. You know, I have a lot to focus on right now. If you simply did that because I already work here, a little heads-up would have been nice.)

Bring it

The great music is back! Finally. WHEW. I hope they keep it this way from now on...no more selling out to crazies like Madge. I challenge you to find any other show that rocks Springfield, Mellencamp, U2 and Sammy Davis Jr. in one shot...AND manages to mock Miley Cyrus in so doing. HA! Much enjoyment, fo' sho'.

C.R.E.A.T.E.

Stumbled upon this video today. Thought I'd share.



Amen.

Proverbial Plateaus...never a good thing

Sure, heaven-made mesas are lovely to look at:

(Don't steal this picture from this guy. It is lovely, and he very kindly embedded the necessary attributions for me.)

However, today it dawned on me that life's plateaus are never good. Case in point:

Research plateau--invisible until within millimeters. As my nerdy friends can attest, these suck! Not much more can be said. Except, gratefully (there isn't really an adverb that does this emotion justice), HF keeps providing ways to bust through mine.

Personal improvement plateau--stealth, unhealthy. This could be in any aspect of one's life, whether at work or (heaven forbid) in the social world. In this context, I believe that stagnant = stale. (Exhibit A: South Provo...) Whatever you need to/should be working on, get on it! (I know, I know..."Hello, Kettle? This is Karen. You're black.")

Spiritual plateau--possibly eternally lethal. While many believe that this type of personal flat-line exists, I do not. I believe that you are either rising or slipping backward. Stand-still is not in Ella's vocabulary in this context. Pause. Let me just say: it is worth every effort it takes to continue to rise, friends. Every effort. Now, game on.

Which brings us to the reason for this post today:

Weight-loss plateau--extremely unwelcome. As has been mentioned in previous posts, health is now MUCH farther up on the priority list than it has been in the last.....ever. In my quest to reign in the negative affects of the last 10-12 years, I have conquered many a mountain. Kudos to me (and, most certainly, to those to have encouraged/dragged me along the way). However, while foraging through this uncharted territory, I happened upon my plateau. Boo. It's there, staring me in the face every morning. Evil number.

As I stood at the drinking fountain, my refilled, 1-liter water bottle overflowing everywhere (oops), my fervent motivation to endure slowly reformulated, recalculated, and rejuvenated. I invite you all to reset your mind as well (if you are in need)....

Who cares about that stupid number? The fact of the matter is, I'm healthier than I have ever been in during the entire last half of my life! Throw out the energy-busters that flow readily when your dreaded plateau number stares back at you. Healthiness prevails, no matter the number. In fact, I'd go so far as to say, healthiness prevails IN SPITE OF the number.

Health. THAT is the goal. THAT is what actually matters. Period.

(Ok...now how do I get down off this big ol' box? Sheesh...I dont' recall climbing up here...)

Glory Hallelujah...

My faith is once again restored. Last night's rendition of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" laid the musical smack D.O.W.N. Finally. I've been waiting for this good of a song to come along for four weeks now, peeps.

Don't get me wrong. I got my old school swerve on with the best of them during "Ice Ice Baby" and "Can't Touch This"...please raise your hand in solidarity if you 1) danced to those songs when you were little, 2) did those exact moves at some point in time, or 3) owned Hammer pants. (Thank you 80s dancing childhood.) Mucho cackling.

But. Rare emotions were stirred during that freakin awesome final song. Rachel Berry's voice ROCKS. Pair it with Finn, Puck, AND Jesse....there's no stopping this show...

(Sorry non-Gleeks. You're missin out on some great music...)

(PPS. Note the lack o' shout out to Ms. Newton-John...can I just say, what the H?)

Bad News Bears

Note to self: do not mix any of the following ever again:

1. Amoxicillin
2. Lortab
3. Aleve
4. Laughing Gas
5. Dental deadening medicine...whatever that is...

Just a reminder. Good riddance to today, here's to tomorrow and less drugs to make it through!