I just decided to update my iPod with some new music. I am a big fan of iTunes, but can get sucked in for hours at a time, so I try not to get on very often.
As I was listening through my new set of tunes, I realized that my favorite play mode is random. Not only the play mode, but the variety of music: you'll find Frank Sinatra, John Mayer, Flogging Molly, and Kings of Leon all on my playlist! Sure, I'll always skip over a song if it's not what I am in the mood for, but I just can't resist the not knowing which song is coming next. And THAT got me wondering... what does that say about me?
There are times when I like to know what is coming next, but spur-of-the-moment suites me just fine. I love spontaneity in part because it forces you out of your comfort zone. And maybe I wouldn't do that on my own.
As a mom, my life is very much scheduled. If you're a mom, you know what I mean. Kids need to be fed at a certain time or be to school at a specific hour. They need to have a bed time, a reading time, scheduled play dates or practices. If you are a mom who works outside of the home, your own life has it's rhythm because you have to "clock in and clock out."
So maybe that's my problem. Life seems so scheduled that I'll take a little bit of randomness wherever I can take it.
So, what is your play mode?
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Reality... Check
I was reading the latest issue of In Style magazine and oogling over the clothes and the Hollywood crowd, and the shoes, and the beautiful bodies, and the extravagant living. I get sucked in just like the rest of the world. But I had to take a moment and have a reality check. I'll share it with you.
These men and women make a ridiculous amount of money and obviously spend most of it on themselves. They are scrutinized by the media (and by us) and have to spend most of their time creating the facade of being "perfect."
They have personal trainers and nutritionists. They have cosmetic surgery and if that doesn't help, they can be airbrushed for magazine photos (eg. In Style). They are being constantly compared to every other musician or actor in the spotlight and at some point the only place to go is down.
Now we may be hard on ourselves, but I'm guessing your life doesn't look quite like that. You may want to impress your circle of friends or neighbors, but the pressure is coming from you, not them.
So when you feel like you just can't compare to the magazines, remember that it's not reality. We would look hot too if someone did our hair and make-up and wouldn't let us eat anything with calories, carbs, caffeine, carbonation, fat or salt. So, in reality, we are hot. As hot as a mom who loves her husband, kids, and life can be. Because that's what makes you beautiful: love for life.
When you are loving, thoughtful, generous, and sincere: you are beautiful. When you take care of yourself and your family because you are content: you are desirable.
Don't waste your time comparing yourself to what the media focuses on, it's merely a distraction from all of the good in your life. Enjoy it!
These men and women make a ridiculous amount of money and obviously spend most of it on themselves. They are scrutinized by the media (and by us) and have to spend most of their time creating the facade of being "perfect."
They have personal trainers and nutritionists. They have cosmetic surgery and if that doesn't help, they can be airbrushed for magazine photos (eg. In Style). They are being constantly compared to every other musician or actor in the spotlight and at some point the only place to go is down.
Now we may be hard on ourselves, but I'm guessing your life doesn't look quite like that. You may want to impress your circle of friends or neighbors, but the pressure is coming from you, not them.
So when you feel like you just can't compare to the magazines, remember that it's not reality. We would look hot too if someone did our hair and make-up and wouldn't let us eat anything with calories, carbs, caffeine, carbonation, fat or salt. So, in reality, we are hot. As hot as a mom who loves her husband, kids, and life can be. Because that's what makes you beautiful: love for life.
When you are loving, thoughtful, generous, and sincere: you are beautiful. When you take care of yourself and your family because you are content: you are desirable.
Don't waste your time comparing yourself to what the media focuses on, it's merely a distraction from all of the good in your life. Enjoy it!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Redbox Etiquette
Redbox is spreading like wildfire, and many are using it without understanding a few general rules of etiquette. If you are not familiar with Redbox, well, frankly, that's unbelievable. But I'll humor you and give you the gist of it. These stand-alone machines are housed in many McDonald's and other retail establishments and mechanically distribute DVD's of all kinds for $1 per night with just the swipe of a credit card.
As with any good invention, Rebox has a learning curve. Not only that, things have evolved over the last 3 or so years. I would consider myself a seasoned user, maybe not expert, but darn close. So here is some advice on how to be a courteous and savvy Redbox user. You'll be in-and-out faster and others waiting behind you will be thankful!
First, know before you go. There's a little place called www.redbox.com where you can find the Redbox closest to you, see the movies that are there, and reserve your selection. Then, once you arrive at Redbox, all you need to do is swipe your credit card and voila! - there's your movie!
Of course, this isn't always a practical option. Sometimes you just swing by spur of the moment. So my next tips is use the tools. Remember to sort alphabetically, by release date, availability or genre to make your selection more quickly. If someone is waiting, be courteous and tell them you are not sure what you are looking for but will only take a couple of minutes. If the person waiting is just returning a DVD, be a gem and let them return before you continue your purchase.
Rebox is the ultimate in frugality and convenience, so use your best common sense to keep it that way. Since DVDs are due back by 9pm, if you see someone trying to return theirs at 8:55pm, do the right thing and let them jump to the front of the line. And if you are so lucky as to get the Free Movie Monday code, be sure to pass it along (it says right in the text message you can send it to all your friends). I've even seen someone post it with a sticky note right on the Redbox machine.
Remember, this is choosing a movie for 24 hours - that's it. Most of us, however undecisive, can choose a movie in under 3 minutes - choose it, pay for it, and be out the door. I'm just saying.
So in short, be quick, be friendly, be courteous and Redbox can continue to be our new best movie loving friend.
As with any good invention, Rebox has a learning curve. Not only that, things have evolved over the last 3 or so years. I would consider myself a seasoned user, maybe not expert, but darn close. So here is some advice on how to be a courteous and savvy Redbox user. You'll be in-and-out faster and others waiting behind you will be thankful!
First, know before you go. There's a little place called www.redbox.com where you can find the Redbox closest to you, see the movies that are there, and reserve your selection. Then, once you arrive at Redbox, all you need to do is swipe your credit card and voila! - there's your movie!
Of course, this isn't always a practical option. Sometimes you just swing by spur of the moment. So my next tips is use the tools. Remember to sort alphabetically, by release date, availability or genre to make your selection more quickly. If someone is waiting, be courteous and tell them you are not sure what you are looking for but will only take a couple of minutes. If the person waiting is just returning a DVD, be a gem and let them return before you continue your purchase.
Rebox is the ultimate in frugality and convenience, so use your best common sense to keep it that way. Since DVDs are due back by 9pm, if you see someone trying to return theirs at 8:55pm, do the right thing and let them jump to the front of the line. And if you are so lucky as to get the Free Movie Monday code, be sure to pass it along (it says right in the text message you can send it to all your friends). I've even seen someone post it with a sticky note right on the Redbox machine.
Remember, this is choosing a movie for 24 hours - that's it. Most of us, however undecisive, can choose a movie in under 3 minutes - choose it, pay for it, and be out the door. I'm just saying.
So in short, be quick, be friendly, be courteous and Redbox can continue to be our new best movie loving friend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
