On Top of the World

Today I'm working on more spreadsheets for the contract work I'm doing. Focusing on detailed spreadsheets all day long can try a person's sanity. Thankfully, I have a good playlist on my iPod to keep me from poking my eyes out with sundry office supplies found on my desk.

The song "On Top of the World" by Imagine Dragons just came on my iPod, and I found myself dancing in my chair and wanting to sing along (which, if you knew the library-like environment I'm working in here, you'd know would've been more than just a little awkward, and might result in a security-escorted brisk walk out of the building, haha).

It's not just a happy, peppy tune that inspires chair dancing: the lyrics inspire as well. Particularly inspiring to me--and to other fellow dream-seeking travelers--are these words that remind us that there is something within us that keeps urging us on, and that there is purpose in what we are doing.

I’ve tried to cut these corners
Try to take the easy way out
I kept on falling short of something

I coulda gave up then but
Then again I couldn’t have ’cause
I’ve traveled all this way for something

Enjoy the song! And be warned: you may start dancing in your chair and/or wanting to clap along.

What songs / lyrics inspire you to keep moving forward toward  your dreams? What songs cause you to dance in your chair, feel happy, and belt out the lyrics?

"On Top of the World" by Imagine Dragons
 
If you love somebody
Better tell them while they’re here ’cause
They just may run away from you

You’ll never know what went well
Then again it just depends on
How long of time is left for you

I’ve had the highest mountains
I’ve had the deepest rivers
You can have it all but life keeps moving

Now take it in but don’t look down

‘Cause I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
Waiting on this for a while now
Paying my dues to the dirt
I’ve been waiting to smile, ‘ay
Been holding it in for a while, ‘ay
Take it with me if I can
Been dreaming of this since a child
I’m on top of the world.

I’ve tried to cut these corners
Try to take the easy way out
I kept on falling short of something

I coulda gave up then but
Then again I couldn’t have ’cause
I’ve traveled all this way for something

Now take it in but don’t look down

‘Cause I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
Waiting on this for a while now
Paying my dues to the dirt
I’ve been waiting to smile, ‘ay
Been holding it in for a while, ‘ay
Take it with me if I can
Been dreaming of this since a child
I’m on top of the world.

‘Cause I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
Waiting on this for a while now
Paying my dues to the dirt
I’ve been waiting to smile, ‘ay
Been holding it in for a while, ‘ay
Take it with me if I can
Been dreaming of this since a child

And I know it’s hard when you’re falling down
And it’s a long way up when you hit the ground
Get up now, get up, get up now.

And I know it’s hard when you’re falling down
And it’s a long way up when you hit the ground
Get up now, get up, get up now.

‘Cause I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
I’m on top of the world, ‘ay
Waiting on this for a while now
Paying my dues to the dirt
I’ve been waiting to smile, ‘ay
Been holding it in for a while, ‘ay
Take it with me if I can
Been dreaming of this since a child
I’m on top of the world.

Our Secret

And this post is dedicated to Ella and Daizha. I love you, girls!

Thanks for being the best roommates ever. :)

She's Got the L-word

This post is dedicated to my sister, who, for the record, does not have leprosy or lice (as far as I know...).

I'm soooooo excited for you, sis! Let the crazy times begin!!!

P.S. When I saw this movie in the theaters with Patty and her daughters Ella and Daizha, the four of us started cracking up at this line. What pushed me over the edge to crying was when Ella, who was laughing very exuberantly, stopped and said quietly, "What is leprosy?" She was laughing but didn't know why it was funny. That's Ella for you. She's the best! :)

Let's Hear It for New York

Today my story is... I'm missing New York City. Mara, author of A Blog about Love, one of my favorite blogs, posted the video (below) a while back (I was catching up today); watching it made me miss NYC so much.

I never thought me and NYC would ever have a relationship. Honestly, moving there was kind of an "I don't really know what I'm doing but it feels like the right thing to do" experience--the kind that requires great trust and courage. I turned my life upside down (quit my job, sold my house, etc) to follow this feeling....

I arrived in NYC with great apprehension and uncertainty. KShum, who had moved there in 2011, and I spent time exploring the city...and I fell in love with it. With all of the peculiar, crazy things you'd find only in New York. And with the people!

When I was offered a temporary job back in Utah, I wrestled with the decision for almost a week: I needed the money...but I didn't want to leave the city I loved. Practicality won out, and I returned to Utah. Unfortunately and fortunately I guess, that temporary job turned into another...and I've been here longer than I thought I'd be.

But I'm going back.

Soon.

Thanks to Mara for posting this video, for reminding me why I love NYC so much: the diversity and quality of the amazing New Yorkers!



P.S. Back in September I had the privilege of hearing Danny & Mara speak at a young single adults' conference near Lincoln Center. I arranged my teaching schedule to ensure I could hear them--and it was sooooo worth it! I couldn't take notes fast enough; I'm still pondering some of the insights they shared. And Mara was so kind when I spoke to her briefly after the conference concluded. Let's hear it for New York...and the wonderful people there!

Living Authentically--and Colorfully!

I love Sophia Grace and Rosie, the British girls who've won over the hearts of Ellen and so many others. There are many, many brilliant clips I could share of these girls...but this one is probably my favorite.

What strikes me about these girls--what I love about them--is that they are so authentic. Sophia Grace says what is on her mind and gleefully exclaims her thoughts and feelings, even her gratitude (as you can see in this video when the girls go on a shopping spree paid for by Nicki Minaj) in the moment. She doesn't calculate what to say; she just is, and says what comes from her heart. And Rosie, bless her little tutu, though more taciturn, is still as real as her cousin Sophia Grace.

Case in point: In this video when Russell Brand asks Sophia Grace what she's thinking of right in that moment, she answers him honestly. (And her answer is beautifully authentic! LOL!)

I'm a big fan of Sophia Grace and Rosie. You go, girls!

P.S. Thanks to my dear friend, Line, who introduced me to these videos. Line is another person who is very authentic. Love ya, Line!

When Things Don't Go As You Planned

When things you've been planning for ages don't go as you planned, how do you act / react? How do you feel about yourself? 

Does it make you want to run and hide (like Moss tries to do)? To where do you run when you feel like this? What or who can help you stop hiding / running?

O, Canadian Jason!

And who could forget this classic coming-of-age tale of a young Canuck? Riveting. I was on the edge of my seat as we waited for the Village Elders to make their decision. A nail-biter!

Love ya, JOler!

O, Canada: Part 3

Some classic bits from How I Met Your Mother about Canadians and all things Canada.

Enjoy, eh?

O, Canada: Part 2

More Corner Gas fun. (SIGH. Oh how I love this show!)

O, Canada!: Part 1

In honor of Canada Day (that's today for all of you non-Canucks), I'm going to be posting some of my favorite Canada themed clips.

The first ones are from (of course) Corner Gas.

A Real New Yorker

This morning I had to dispose of a body.

I found curled up on our bathroom tile the lifeless body of the little mouse I'd seen just a few days ago. And whilst this is not my first rodent rodeo, I've never had to dispose of the remains by myself: I've always had a dad, home teacher, roommate, or someone else to do that for me. And since I couldn't just leave the dead body there in the bathroom for someone else to clean up, I had to perform the body removal on my own--with lots of "ewww!" and plenty of plastic bags so I didn't have to feel the body (gross!).

Body disposal isn't on the How I Met Your Mother "Real New Yorker" list, but I think it should be. (And for the record, I've only done one thing on their list: cry on the subway and not care what anyone thought.)

This One's for Crutchie!

Um, apparently Newsies is on Broadway! I must see this!

As per my belief that life should be a musical, the 1992 Disney movie shows how this is legitimately plausible (haha).

Who could forget one of Christian Bale's finest moments singing "Santa Fe"? That was the beginning of heartthrob status for Mr. Bale indeed.

If You're Nerdy and You Know It...

Another TV show KShum introduced me to: a Brit-com called The IT Crowd. Huh-lare-e-us!

My favorite character is the socially awkward, nerdy Maurice Moss: he has THE best lines and bits! KShum and I quote them often.

Some of the most extraordinary ones are below. Enjoy!

Put It on My Tab

Part of the general social scene here in NYC revolves around pubs, taverns, clubs, and the like--i.e., places where alcohol is served. Coming from a predominantly teetotaler environment, this focus on socially imbibing brings with it some challenges. Like what to order when they don't have sodas.

I'm learning quickly, though.

Every time I go out to one of these establishments, this NKOTB song comes to mind, particularly the phrase "Hey Mr Bartender, please make a pina colada, hold the alcohol please."

(This one's for you, Kerry!)

The Laundry Day Song

What KShum and I sing on laundry day when we're NOT humming along to the Latin accordian music.

It's All Fun and Games until Someone Sues

KShum introduced me to a new television show: Drop Dead Diva. Over the last few weeks, we've watched all 3 seasons on Netflix. When I see Jane (the main character) in action as a lawyer, I imagine that that's how JenE is in the courtroom--brilliant, sassy, compassionate, and innovative.

Here's to JenE, the coolest lawyer in school, as she studies for (and will pass!) the bar in yet another state! Whoo-hoo! You can do it!!! (Would I lie to you?)

WWDRD: What Would Danny Reagan Do?

Today whilst perusing the online job postings, the quiet of my morning thoughts was interrupted by a scene from Blue Bloods: 5 police officers stood outside of the apartment across the hall and started pounding on the door. The woman (who I guess is someone named "Miss Miller" because that's what the officer kept calling her) did not want to answer the door, despite the persistent police officer banging on the door and shouting for her to open it for quite some time.

I kept waiting for the police officer to Danny Reagan the door (i.e., impatiently kick it open), but I realized that that wasn't a good idea because the apartment door is made of steel or krytonite or something like that--very heavy and difficult to open, even when you have a key.

Finally, after 15-20 minutes of constant banging on the door, she must've finally opened it or something because the ruckus ceased...and I went back to my regularly-scheduled job search as if nothing ever happened (except, you know, I just blogged about it -- haha).

I think I'm becoming more of an official New Yorker every day!

C'Mon 'N Ride The Train

When navigating the Metro, it's important to know a few basic things.

First, you need to know the alphabet and then a few numbers (1 through 7 should be sufficient).

Next, your directions. Forget about north, south, east, and west. (There aren't mountains here anyway to help distinguish east and west.) All you really need to know are two little directions: UPTOWN and DOWNTOWN.

And finally, local or express? Local means the train stops at numerous stations along that line; express means the train is scheduled to stop only at specific stations (refer to the Metro map for which stations those are).

There you have it! You're a Metro pro now!

P.S. I think I've seen some of the people on the Metro dressed like this (like they are in this video). Just sayin'... LOL.

One Direction: OMG! It's Me 21 Years Ago!

So...there I was, leaving the Trader Joe's (the IKEA of grocery shopping, btw) and walking a few blocks north to find a food truck (it's what's for dinner) and then to catch the 1 train when my contemplation was interrupted by screeches from pre-teen girls. I looked up: across the street was a queue of girls wrapped around a local theater, and outside of this theater were the members of One Direction (yeah, I wasn't quite sure who they were either, so I looked them up here) being interviewed by MTV.

My first thought was, "That soooo would've been me 21 years ago screaming for NKOTB and Donnie Wahlberg." I chuckled as I walked past the queue, especially at the girls I saw crying. Perhaps I'm heartless, but I've never understood, even at the zenith of my New Kids on the Block obsession, why a girl would start crying over a pop group. Crying? That's...odd. I don't understand that response...but then again, I'm not really a crying kind of girl--you know, except when I have ALLERGIES and all that.

Ain't Nobody Don't Like a Tiara