Note To Self...

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"When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’
They told me I didn’t understand the assignment,
and I told them they didn’t understand life...”
- John Lennon

Please and Thank You...

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So, I'm in Starbucks a LOT. It's a really great way for me (and the bf) to get work done without the distractions of being home.

The one thing I've realized during my time here is the fact that some patrons (in Starbucks and other public venues) lack basic etiquette. Since I'm not the classiest person in the world, I usually give people the benefit of the doubt when it comes to this. But, I do believe that simple consideration for your fellow human beings is a foundational trait.

With that being said, here are a few simple things to keep in mind when in a public place:

Use headphones. What's up with people watching movies and listening to music like they're at home?? Today we were sitting next to two women that turned on their computer with the volume so loud that felt like we were watching it in a public amphitheater. On the train, we sat across from a teenager who played his iPod as if it were a modern boombox...and singing along as if he were on American Idol: F Train Edition. Why is this okay??

Inside voice, please. Whether you're inside a tiny coffee shop or your local strip mall, if you need to talk on the phone, please take it outside. I've heard many conversations (not by choice) about dinner options, medical conditions, dating adventures, etc. I really don't need to know that you're deciding between chicken and meatloaf, or the fact that you think you got an STD because of your burning reproductive parts. Seriously.

Stand in line. Why do some people insist that blocking the door or crowding around the cashier will help expedite their purchases quicker? Or worse, skipping ahead as if the cashier was a bouncer they knew at a local club? This just results in: 1. Cashiers gravitating to the tall guy (so not me) 2. People shouting their orders like they were on the floor of the Stock Exchange. 3. Getting punched, slapped or shoulder shoved - 80's movie style. Please don't do it, and wait your turn.

Be polite. Use your eyes. Look around. Chances are, other people are around you! So, be nice. Speak politely. If you can't speak, use a bodily function to get someone's attention without being rude (a slight burp, a quiet fart, slightly urinate on yourself, etc.) Kidding about the last one (especially since releasing gas can be very offensive), but you know what I mean. Instead of shoving past someone by using your huge bookbag (or butt) say "excuse me" (again, nicely - saying it with a loud attitude eliminates the "nice" factor...) If you're on the customer service end, take care of your customers. I know it's not the best job in the world, and we can be very difficult, but a little courtesy can easily turn a bad day into a slightly improved one.

Flush. No one needs to know what you had for dinner last night.

Say please and thank you. Please? Thank you!

=)

xoxo andrea

If You Don't Know...

Howdy friends!

We've gotten our first snowfall of the year in the N-Y-C and hopefully, it'll be the last! =P
I've also (agh!) lost my voice! It's pretty interesting facing the day without having the simple skill of speaking...

In any case, here's the weekly round-up!

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• Some pretty hilarious passive-aggressive notes (one of my faves, above...LOL)

• Speaking of butter, the scariest "buttah"-laden recipe that I've ever seen from Paula Deen.
  

• This year, I need to pursue some good ol' happiness.

• Since we're on a positivity kick, check out this beautiful song from a husband to his wife here. (with an awesome photo to boot!)

• One of my fave comedians, Aziz Ansari, has contributed his ten things you can do to "upgrade your life" in New York City for Time Out Magazine.

Enjoy!

xoxo andrea

Note to Self...

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"When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: 'If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right.' It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."
- Steve Jobs

If You Don't Know...

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Happy Happy New Year!!!

We're only a week into 2012 and I've been busier than ever! I'm contemplating on whether or not I'm going to list my resolutions for the new year. Nevertheless, being happy, healthy and having more fun are among my Top 3!

In the meantime, here's my weekly list of 'webtastic finds...

• Discount retailer Filene's Basement officially closed the last of its stores this week. I'm super sad! It was my go-to place for brand names at decent prices! Read one shopper's look back at her experience at "the Basement" here.

• Once upon a time, I was a Facebook addict. Here's a few (hilarious) reasons why I quit (and why I'm seriously contemplating a comeback): Facebook Fiascos.

• Bloggers everywhere are posting their resolutions and promises for 2012!
  

• Director Tom Shadyac (Ace Venture, Nutty Professor, Bruce Almighty) just released the documentary I AM, a film about making the world a better place. Boy do we need some of that! I definitely plan to check it out very, very soon...

• Finally, a great quote that relates to one of my personal resolutions from one my favorite writers:

“If you never did you should. These things are fun and...

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Enjoy! =)

xoxo andrea

Redemption

source: a. singh, 2010

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors,
and let each new year find you a better man..." - Benjamin Franklin

As most people do at the cusp of the pending year, I tend to think about the last twelve months - how much I've changed, how much I've lost and how much I've gained. This year, I remember how much I've given in love, received in love and all that I've gotten in return.

I'll just be honest, my 2011 seemed to be filled with complete loss. I've lost grip with the familiar - lifelong friends, loved ones, my job - and there were times when the world looked like it was determined to press itself against me. I wondered why people did the things they did and I felt as though there was no one I could trust. When I vented my frustrations, I realize that I went into victim mode, and in turn, this transformed into guilt.

I thought I'd always look at this year as one that I'd like to put behind me. But now, with two days left in 2011, I realize that while I've lost my faith in some people and circumstances, I've simultaneously learned so much about myself in return. I've learned how resilient I really am and how well I can bounce back when life gets tough. I've also learned to stand up for myself and say no (and really meaning it this time...) I've come to really appreciate the support system I have in my life. Most importantly, I've learned what true love is. Whether it be from family, friends or a significant other, unconditional love is something that you can't value until you've hit that proverbial brick wall - when it seems like you can't go anymore in any direction. When you are difficult, irrational, and so angry at the world, yet finding that someone is still there to dry your tears or simply pick up the phone when you call. And for this unconditional love, I am grateful.

With that being said, thank you 2011, for teaching me that while things can be worse, I'm still learning how to deal with unexpected circumstances. Although I will continue to question people and fall back into familiar patterns, I still have the ability to appreciate the good along with the bad, while building trust in myself and others. Lastly, I'm lucky enough to have people in my life that remind me of this and so much more, especially when I tend to forget...

If You Don't Know...

Happy Wednesday, folks!

So it's the third official day of vacay...it's practically Thursday already!

Here's a weekly round-up of interesting web finds...

• New York Magazine has gathered a list of Vulture's Top 30 Clickables - fun amateur vids that have apparently caused quite a stir on the 'net. Beyonce Surprising School Kids is definitely among my faves.
  

• There will be no Friday in Samoa this week! Read the NPR article here.
  

• Every year, I have new year's resolutions. And every year, I struggle to maintain them! Here are some tips on how to keeps yours intact.

• I fully intend on making this easy yet delicious baked egg recipe. Crack eggs in a buttered ramekin bowl, season and place in oven. I love simplicity!

• Finally, I received this feel-good e-mail from a great friend (Thanks, Jeff!) Seems perfect for the new year...

Enjoy!

xoxo andrea

The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle,
When 24  hours in a day is not enough;
remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of  coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and  had some items
in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large
and empty mayonnaise jar and start to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar.
He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again  if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand  and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded
With an unanimous  "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the  table
and poured the entire contents into the jar,
effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.

"Now," said the  professor, as the laughter subsided,
"I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - God,  family, children,
health, friends, and favorite passions  -
Things that if everything else was lost  and  only they remained,
your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else --  The small stuff."

"If you put the sand into the jar  first," he continued, "there is no room
for the pebbles or the golf  balls.

The same goes for life.   If you spend all your time and energy
on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that  are important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness:

Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time  to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.

Take care of the golf balls first --  The things that really  matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand  and inquired what the coffee
represented.
The  professor smiled.   "I'm glad you asked."
"It just goes to show you that  no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Please share this with the other "Golf Balls" in your life...

I  just did......