FedExcellent

I decided to read a magazine today while I worked out. I don't do that often but it seemed to be that sort of day. I grabbed January's issue of "O" magazine. I've only read the magazine once in my life (when Ellen was the second person in history to share the cover. Obviously) I thought I'd give it a shot but believe me, I will not be making it a regular thing. As I was reading I flipped and skimmed through the articles about the new year and how to make it great for yourself, etc. I reached a blurb that I found both fascinating and brilliant. It explained that an Australian based company allows their employees to take a "FedEx" day. During this day, an employee needs to do something other than work. It doesn't matter they can have their choice but at the end of the day, they must have completed something. The guidelines were clearly not specific but if they took a day off to garden, they should have flowers or vegetables planted by the end of the day. Another important factor, the employees had to make sure they laughed during the day. I think those Aussies are on to something! What a perfectly simple idea. Have a productive day that doesn't incorporate work related issues but is not wasted at the same time. What about actual FedEx workers? They have FedEx days every single day. Is it a bit redundant? Perhaps they could take a "UPS" priority day and but it can actually last for 3-4 days. Just a suggestion. I'm sure there are some kinks that need to be worked out. I hope the bosses don't have a tracking number that can track where their employees are during that day...

So, with all of the hopes and anticipation for the new year, maybe you can think about taking a "FedEx" day every once and awhile. It couldn't hurt, right? We have to stay sane one way or another. Otherwise we may FedExplode.

Best,

Anne

Do button up, it's awfully cold outside.

Melissa and I enjoying the tiniest of trees a few years ago.

Well I have been home for a week already and boy has it flown by! This worries me for my final two weeks but I will try not to focus on that. So far I have been enjoying my time going to the dentist and eye doctor to name a few of the appointments. Boy has it been a treat! I have been gone so long that apparently there is a new way to clean teeth. When I was sitting in the chair cringing and fighting back the urge to grab that little metal pick, the woman started to describe how she was going to clean my teeth. I knew how they cleaned teeth until she threw in the words "sodium bicarbonate" and "raise your hand if you need me to stop in the middle of it". Excuse me? Then she proceeded to put a shield in front of her face and put a kleenex over my face so I couldn't see anything. Before I knew it, I had teeth that were smoother than ever. Regardless of the contraptions and chemicals, the new version of brushing teeth worked out for the best. I realize how curious you were of my trip to the dentist so why not fill you in to the fullest extent? You're welcome.

As for the rest of break, I am rather excited to enjoy it and catch up with friendly, familiar faces. But really, when did it get to be the 19th already? I'm not done with my shopping. I don't want to fight the crowds. I just want an extra week or so. Is that so much to ask? I think not. Speaking of time, I think I should spend some time opening some of the Christmas decorations in the hallway to put them out. Sure, Christmas is in a week, but I don't think it's too late. It's better than a standing snowman with a garbage back over it or several cardboard boxes interspersed throughout the house. That does not scream Christmas to me. The tree will be here later today and the rule in our house has always been "Put 15 ornaments on the tree and then you are done". How terribly sad that we had reached that point. As if it's causing physical pain to put ornaments on the fresh tree. Heaven forbid you stopped at 14 or were the over-achiever who put 16 or more (that was usually me in case you were wondering). Thankfully we have outgrown that stage in our lives where decorating was a chore and complaining was held at a constant. At least I think we have....John?

Good luck with the final preparations, all. We'll be chatting again soon.

Best,

Anne

I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me.

"Tiger this. Tiger that." "More on Tiger." "What you didn't hear about Tiger." "The truth about Tiger." "Wait, we retract that and this is what happened to Tiger." Tiger Woods is the focus of every topic, joke and article out there right now. Yes, the phenomenal golfer has "transgressed" in the eyes (even in the eye of the Tiger....) of everyone but can we stop talking about it already? Oh I know, but what would Jay Leno say in his monologue then? What would the entertainment shows provide for their followers? I suppose the questions are endless and people want to hear about their favorite golfer but aren't there more important things to report on? The unfortunate "transgression" of our country? The buzzer beater shot made by Kobe Bryant the other night? The soldiers who can't make it home for the holidays? There are so many other things more worthy. Of course I realize people thrive on hearing these stories. Well, maybe for a day. Yes, it was a terrible thing he did...or didn't do...or whatever the truth may be. Regardless, he has won more majors than you have.

With that said, this will be my final blog post before I head home on Saturday! Antsy? You bet. Tired? You bet. Ready to head home? You bet. The only thing in my way are three finals this week. Very crazy! It has been sunny in Bellingham but a bit chilly. I am completely content with that. I'm not sure I'll be able to deal with the bitter winter in Illinois. Alright, maybe I won't head home. Just kidding...brutal weather will not affect me! Besides, it's not the weather I'm coming home for. So there you have it folks. I'll be seeing some of you soon and others I will keep posted through the blog. "As always, I send you best dishes from my kitchen to yours" I am not sure why but I thought a quote from Paula Deen was necessary...what has become of me?

Best,

Anne

Leftover thoughts...

Has the long holiday week/weekend left you confused on what the actual day is? I have been completely thrown off schedule and for that, it has left me baffled. Of course, I know it is Saturday November 28th, 2009 but I had to think about it before the realization hit. Since Wednesday I have been thrown off. The best part is that I have continuously been thinking that it is later in the week than it really is which makes me content. It's Saturday and it feels like Sunday. Two days ago felt like Saturday when it was clearly Thursday. Needless to say, this break has been the perfect amount of time to relax. I am getting back into finals mode after a few days (it doesn't matter what day it was, it was more important to fill it with stress-free activities) to calm down and enjoy company. Thanksgiving has passed by just like that! Did you have a wonderful day? I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and reveled in the delicious and comforting food surrounded by family and friends. What more do you need?

The crisp weather is turning into chilly weather. December will be arriving any day now. (I'm sure of it!) The thrill of the holiday season is accumulating in the air and there is an alluring warmth along with it. The thrill has hit me already. I'm thrilled at the thought of being home in a mere 14 days. 14! 2 weeks. 2 Saturday's from now. 7x2 days! Simply, a fortnight away from the Land of Lincoln. Well, I haven't really given it much thought...but I suppose that's when I will be home.

Enjoy Sun...Saturday and have a happy rest of the weekend!

Best,

Anne

“Most of the successful people I've known are the ones who do more listening than talking.”

It has been six whole months since I have moved to the beautiful West Coast. Six months. It doesn't seem like I have been experiencing, traveling, enjoying, discovering, and adapting to this lifestyle for half of a year already. It has been an incredibly rewarding change in my life and I can't see myself anywhere else for the time being. It's no wonder why three of my relatives have lived in this state for so very long!

The other day I began to think about living here. I thought about living on my own. I love that part but I couldn't help but realize the amount of talking I do, or the lack of talking. I mean, don't get me wrong, I always talk to people at school, and on the phone (multiple times per day....Mom...) but when I am at home? Who can I talk to? It is quite interesting, to be honest. I would love to do a study on how the amount of fewer words per day a person talks when they don't share a home with family or friends. Don't you think it would be a drastic difference? I'm not completely sure why I began thinking about this but it sort of came to me. Warning: This could mean that when I am in the presence of family and friends again I may over-talk...in which case, you may tell me to calm down. I will not be offended.

Naturally, I googled the topic. What was one of the first results, you ask? "Get a Roommate! Living Alone May Be Bad For Your Heart"

Hmm....Not exactly the response I was looking for. If anything is going to cause problems for my heart, it will be the stress of Anatomy and Organic Chemistry---NOT living alone in a peaceful place.

I suppose tax dollars would be better spent funding research on cancer and other unknowns so I will leave this topic up for debate. It's not worth spending much time thinking about. I mean, I'm not even talking about it. I'm just typing. Another case of lack of speaking. Technology...

Best,

Anne

Sunday not Shun-day.

Looks like a Sunday. I have been thinking about Sunday and how it draws the negative vibes. People dread Sunday because it means the work week, school week, or just a new week is about to begin or has started. Don't get me wrong, Sunday doesn't excite me in particular and I have dreaded the day just like many of you but I think we should take something into consideration here: Sunday is not Monday. Let me repeat, Sunday is NOT Monday. That, in itself, should please you.

I can be blamed for negativity toward the day but I thought that we should look at the positives of Sunday. Surely we can find something to enjoy on this day of rest and relaxation.

1. Sunday is a day of the weekend. It gets overshadowed by the significant other: Carefree Saturday. You can still accomplish things on Sunday!

2. Sunday is full of football (if you are into that sort of thing)

3. Sunday is full of God. (if you are into that sort of thing)

4. Sunday is usually the day award shows are televised. (if you are into that sort of thing)

5. Sunday allows you to relax and sleep in.

6. Sunday is a day for a delicious breakfast. (Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, in case you forgot! Indulging is welcomed.)

7. Sunday can be a day to catch up on anything. Your choice!

8. Sunday can be a perfect day to catch up on reading a good book.

9. Sunday can potential encourage cleaning. It's a judgment call.

10. Sunday is a day of thinking. Thinking ahead to the next week, thinking about what to cook, thinking about a bad call in a game, thinking about all the positive things to come, thinking about loved ones, thinking about the weather, thinking about winning a Nobel Prize...whatever it is, I do hope you think.

11. Sunday can be a day for family. Chatting, visiting, laughing with...your choice again.

12. Sunday should be like it sounds. A sunny day, regardless of the weather, and full of warmth and happiness.

13. Sunday is a day to push you to run errands early because the world shuts down early on this day!

14. Sunday doesn't want to be melancholy so don't let it.

15. Sunday is hopeful for the week ahead. So you should probably have the same attitude.

Sunday can't help where it falls in the week. I suppose we should show it a little more respect and appreciation. It's there to keep us on our toes. Don't let it bother you. All you have to do is enjoy it until the day turns into Monday...then we can change our attitudes...

Best,

Anne

Bear-y tired

It's one of those nights. A magnetic force is pulling my fingers to the keys of the computer in hopes that I will be able to blog about something so incredible that you will not believe a word of it! Well, on the contrary, I find myself at a loss of what to blog about. I can only think for so long before I tell myself that there is nothing up there in that brain of mine that feels like being translated into blog format. This has happened before, I'm aware of that. I cannot let you down without saying something though! After countless minutes (roughly 22) I decided to give in. I'm only human, you know. Yes you guessed it... I Googled "What should I blog about?" You'd think of 504,000,000 results, I'd have found something worthy but the truth is, I rummaged through a few of the first links and was not pleased. I'm already tired so I certainly do not have time to sift through millions of results. It is not uncommon to be at a loss for words. In fact, I learned some new terminology called "Blogger's block" which I'm currently facing. Anyway, there were plenty that suggested to "write something you are passionate about". Well, alright, where would I begin? That's like saying write about a dessert you like. So it's back to square one. What's the best thing to do when you're brain just doesn't want to function anymore? Sleep. Goodnight and I'll be back soon.

Best,

Anne