Journey to a New World

The world can look so different just by opening yourself to new perspectives. Can you stray from your comfort zone and look at things from all sides just to get another point of view?

Inside Joke

This is for a friend who is "a zillion" miles away and in the cold weather. Thought this might help bring a smile to you on a Monday morning! Remember next time you are in charge of the keys... :)

Hold Back

A home where all were welcome by open doors. Presented like an outstretched hand; warm, compassionate, giving of everything without looking ahead to the possible consequences.
Nothing held back….

Too many have come just to take and never fully giving anything of themselves in return. Now worn and run down. Whole sections of the home completely crumbled only rubble remains. Other areas have had pieces stolen from its walls and floors leaving it’s last remaining support and foundation weak.
Hold back….

Consequences have taken their toll, the home is now closely guarded by blockades to act as it’s own protection so no intruder can harm the last of it’s supporting walls. Left forgotten the wind is the only penetrable visitor. Unaware what is carried on the wind is the soft whispers of a voice. Words, barely audible creep in through the cracks of the blockades becoming more clear the closer they get to their destination. The battered door hung on rusty hinges and is tightly held shut by several locks. The home draws in a depth breath summoning up the last of its remaining strength. Can these words act as keys to open a door considered to be forever closed?
Just hold back….

In my thoughts

We live most of our lives in our thoughts. Memories act as direct journeys back to points of time. Whether they are good, bad or indifferent you travel to these places the same way. You may hear a song, smell a fragrance, see an object or person that instantly trigger your thoughts to take you away from the present and into your own world. Frozen by your thoughts, your body is still, your face is expressionless, but your eyes tell your story.

Views

Some radiate with their beauty displaying it for the entire world to see.

Others hide it like a carefully guarded secret, so not to draw any attention at all, only showing what they would rather the world to see. Not ever really realizing or admitting how exquisite they truly are.

There are the outsiders passing by, few rarely taking time for a closer look. Then there are those that have the ability to recognize when they catch even just a glimpse of hidden beauty. Having that talent is a gift almost like being given a all access pass to enter a world that a select few are fortunate enough to see.

Urban hideaway

Everyone needs their own place to go to step away from reality.

New Growth

It's strange how something as simple as a date could hold so much meaning. Looking back today at where I could have been verses where I actually landed is almost mind boggling. The reflection of the person of whom I once was has almost become a figment of my imagination; replaced by a blank canvas of endless possibilities.

Run

When you finally decide to stop will there be anyone left waiting?

"Tagged"

I got “tagged” by Anjaan the other day, while I know I can’t top his list I’m going to attempt to at least complete this task. Normally, I would not do the whole chain mail thing this one I figured I could put a twist on. While I’m not going to tag other people I’ll put the rules out so you’ll know what they are. (Even though I’m not really going to follow them.)

The Rules of the game are:
1. The tagged victim has to come up with 8 different points of their perfect lover.
2. You need to mention the sex of the target.
3. Tag 8 victims to join this game and leave a comment on their comments saying they’ve been tagged.
4. If tagged the 2nd time, there’s no need to post again.

Here’s the part where I make this thing mine. I know it really doesn’t matter to anyone else what I want in a “perfect lover”, nor do I necessarily believe that he is out there. I’ve decided this was a good day to help out the guy friends in my life who are looking for a lady. So men read carefully, I’m about to give you tips on at least 8 closely guarded secrets of what most women want.

1. A true Gentleman – Chivalry is not dead! The only excuse not to open a door for a lady is your arms are broke. Yes, this may be old fashioned, but people like the classics, think of it this way…. “new” Coke didn’t last long at ALL for a reason! Be respectful and kind, no matter whom maybe around. Look into her eyes to find out who she really is; you wouldn’t believe how close that is to her heart. Those guys that remember this will truly stand out and they don’t go unnoticed.

2. A Friend – A guy they can laugh with and talk to. You’re never too old to laugh at yourself or make someone else laugh. Most guys fear the dreaded “girl talk”, those that have mastered it know that women HAVE to talk things out. This point also will help in disagreements; it will lead to a much faster making up process.

3. Compliments – If you are thinking about her tell her. A lady doesn’t get tired of hearing sweet things even if it’s the same ones over and over again. That’s why they are called “sweet”. And Yes, for those of you who say “she already knows how I feel”, women like to be reminded, it’s a sort of check and balance thing.

4. Patience – Lord knows if you are going to be with any woman for any amount of time you are going to need this. We do thing COMPLETELY different than guys, get used to it.

5. Love – Everything about her. When I say this I think back to someone in my past that looked at me when I was really sick, hair all messy cause I had been laying down all day and told me how beautiful I was. Someone who can make a lady feel special is something that a woman never forgets.

6. Respect – Words are easy to speak, but one of the things in life that can’t be taken back. Keep that in mind the next time you speak to the one you care about.

7. Someone who appreciates the little things in life - Long walks, reading the Sunday paper in bed, football games, hanging out with friends, late night movies, family, rainy days, soft kisses, warm hugs, laughing so hard you cry, holding the one you love tightly in your arms and in return being held. (Just to name a few of my favorites.)

8. Honesty – A man who is not afraid to be himself and most importantly someone who you can trust.

I think all these and MORE are very much the responsibility of both people when you are in a relationship, with the exception of chivalry, to make it a lasting one! SO there you have it my thought on the subject. Anjaan, task completed.

My Man

It was hard for me to trade in my Toyota 4 Runner (A.K.A. “ My girl”). I really had no complaints other than I really did not like the radio in it and she was 6 years old. I set out to find a new truck that would capture my heart like she did. After many weeks of looking and reading reviews I came home with a new truck. Keep in mind that I can’t replace my girl …. I want you all to meet the new man in my life…….. My “Little Monster”.


Huge smiles go to my sister for making my parking sign as a surprise for me. Thanks seester!!

Ripley's

This is going to be one of those posts that only 3 people will get. To those people this one’s for YOU…… and yes, the key is in both pictures look carefully.

Hidden Treasures

Choices

Have you ever noticed that some of your daily choices look the same, just with a bit of a twist?

Florida's Best!!

Pay backs....

Looking back at the weather in Chicago a week before I got there it was very cold and snowing everyday. When I arrived, the Florida heat must have stowed away with me on the flight because the temperatures never went below 27 degrees, for the most part it stayed in the 40's or higher throughout the days (although it felt pretty darn cold to me). The snow was no where in sight. The last full day I was there my wish was granted to see snow fall for the first time ever. I have to admit I acted just like a kid. I ran straight out in it and let the snowflakes fall down on me. I even tried to catch a few, running around the office parking lot. Just as soon as they hit the ground or me they melted, but I could not complain I was experiencing the flurries for the first time. I have to admit I thought it to be beautiful, peaceful, and even a bit romantic.
The reason why I bring this up a week later is due to the fact I was speaking with some friends in Chicago who told me they just recently had a blizzard. Living there they don’t share the same enthusiasm I do about the snow and picked on me quite a bit. I just figured I would give a huge shout out to them and let them know today it was in the 80s and I wore shorts! hehe

Miss yal!

Possibilities

Nights when you toss and turn waking up as quickly as when your eyes closed and you no longer are aware of your surroundings. Segmented dreams come into play, where each scene presented to you like flipping through a photo album. The only difference is that right as the next picture falls into view its gone again. You only have a chance to see a high level view of the actual happenings. Then just as you begin to focus on the details of faces, signs or locations….. Flip…..the next picture is in front of you.
As you wake your mind is in a race trying to recall and decode each of the pictures before they slip back to your subconscious. Is it just a night of fighting to find sleep, or signs sent to somehow help you in your life? If you are one to feel they are pieces given to you to help complete your life’s puzzle, the more daunting question remains. In the end will your puzzle be complete or, like many times in life, will you finish your puzzle with holes remaining from the pieces that slipped away and you could never seem to find?

Rising Up

Pieces of Chicago

The Signature Lounge 96th Floor

This is one of the most breath taking views I have ever seen. I have to give a huge thanks to a friend who suggested this as a must see.

Chicago dogs...

Things I was told you must do while visiting Chicago, one was to eat Chicago pizza and hot dogs. My family will NEVER believe me that I ate a hot dog much less how they make them in Chicago so yes, I took a picture. This hot dog had mustard, relish, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, and one large pickle (my personal favorite) I opted out of the hot peppers . Just in case you are wondering, no I have not changed my mind on hot dogs... and don't plan on eating another one anytime soon.

Oh and big thanks to Kate for letting me borrow her camera phone for the snap shot. Metal note: remember to get the battery for my camera out of the charger. :o)