Unexpected Support

Two days ago I posted a quick blurb on Facebook about how Kate and I had ordered all the supplies and equipment necessary for making soap, and how we were that much closer to our first batch. It was the first time I'd mentioned it on Facebook, so no one had any preconceptions about what we were doing. Almost immediately I got a comment from an old high school classmate asking if we were planning on selling our soap, adding that she'd happily buy some if so. That was followed minutes later by another old classmate chiming in her intentions to purchase, too. A few other people entered the conversation after that, and it felt good that my short comment had stirred an unexpectedly large reaction.

The next day my formerly good friend (we just lost touch...it happens) from high school, Heather messaged me for the first time in years to ask if we'd made our soap. She was excited for us as well. It was really a great experience because it showed me that there's support out their for any endeavor you might try your hand at. And you don't even have to look that hard. Kate and I haven't made soap bar one and we already have customers. I think that's pretty cool.

As an update, all the stuff we ordered ought to come in sometime next week. That weekend after is Kate's birthday, and then we're at the beach for a few days with the extended family. So, hopefully, if nothing changes, we'll create our first batch of soap the weekend of the 19th.

Random Dream Worlds

Dreams can be so far fetched from your reality. How in the world do you even fathom the ideas our dreams contain? It's fascinating to me. Two nights ago I dreamt of all my old friends from High School, some folks that I met up with at my HS Reunion a few years back and others I have not seen in 10 years were present. I can't quite remember the context, but I remember it being bizarre. Last night I dreamt that my dad, mom, sister, some other random handy men, and I had to paint the interior of a Giant Food store to celebrate my grandpa's birthday (who has passed away in reality). Very strange. How in the world do our minds come up with this stuff. It's really crazy to me. I have so many obstacles approaching in my real life like teaching or getting my next photo gig. You'd think one of these current dilemmas would haunt my dreams, but no, they are all completely random. It's just crazy to think about, but completely fascinating.

Loving the Coffee

I know it's not the best thing for my tummy, but I really love the taste of coffee. I've started drinking it more often since I've been unemployed. The creamers they have these days make the coffee even tastier.

During the Summer months I make iced coffee. It really wakes me up in the morning. Being in the house most days it's sometimes hard to stay motivated, so the coffee gives me that extra burst of energy to get me working.

During my Senior year in high school I remember drinking coffee all the time. It was the perfect drink right before an exam. I was dating a guy that worked at Starbucks so that might have had a lot to do with it.

I also love coffee-favored ice cream and chocolate covered coffee beans. I am a fan of the taste and I can't help but indulge every once in a while.

The Success of Others

I just got back in contact with Randy, an old friend from high school.  We had a great time back then, but unfortunately didn't keep in contact very well, especially after college.  Mostly my fault.  I've never been terribly good at keeping up with people.

Randy had a daughter a few years ago, Sophia.  I've never met her...another thing I regret.  But that's all in the past.  Randy's coming into town for a few days at some indeterminate time in the near future, and Sophia (and possibly his wife Nicole) may tag along.  I've resolved to sort out the lost time.

But the point of this post...

Randy's got a beautiful family in New Orleans, a city he loves, doing high-level design work at an architecture firm there.  It's a culmination of a life, up to this point, well lived.  And I couldn't be happier for him.  I don't know Randy like I used to, but he was always a stand-up guy, and I have no reason to think that's changed.  He deserves everything he's got.

That's the great thing about the success of others.  If you view it correctly, without jealousy, it can't help but have a positive effect on you.  Happiness is contagious, and your successful friends are excellent vectors.  Finding parallels between your successes and those of others helps cement friendships and leaves an indelible mark on your relationships. When others are successful, they become poster children for the fact that life, on the whole, has a way of working itself out.  Taking an honest look at their successes can help pave a path out of adversity, demonstrating that all things are transient; that poor circumstances will eventually give way to improvements.

Plus, everyone you know has, at least to some small degree, been shaped by their relationship with you.  You've stamped a bit of yourself into all of them, and the reverse.  So their successes are, to a degree, yours, and vice-versa.  We are all meandering through a sea of shared successes and failures, and we sink or swim together.

Volleyball

One way or another, I played every sport by the time I graduated High School. For some the interest lasted years, while I just dabbled with others for a short time. Track and Field lasted a few months with only one actual Meet (is that what it's called, Meet?). I played volleyball for only one year in H.S. and for some reason whenever a volleyball game's being played nearby or I see a court, I just gravitate towards it. I love it as a recreational activity. I play okay and I know I could improve if I just played more.

Let's hope I do because my friend George at work asked if I'd be interested in playing on an adult Baltimore recreational league and I said yes. My folks won't be too fond of my decision.  Some friends might be nervous as well, because every time I join an adult league I get injured.  I find that balls like to fly at my head. Since I have a strong love for volleyball I hope I can remember the rules.  I will continue to think positively and just have FUN!

Mix CDs

I really enjoy listening to and making mix CDs. My love for the habit started when I would make mix cassette tapes for my boyfriends in Middle and High School. I would even create covers.

I love taking up an entire afternoon listening to my favorite music as I create different genre combinations or collect music selects that enhance a mood or an attitude. Sometimes when I'm bored by the music selections in the car, I'll collect a bunch of music from my Itunes and just jumble all the music up and start burning CD collections. It's great not knowing which one of your favs will come on next.  It keeps listening exciting and unpredictable. This is always perfect for road trips.

I am aware that there's this great new technology now called the Ipod, but I have yet to try one out and don't even know if either of our cars have Mp3 capabilities.  CDs are still the way I chose to travel. Until I see and experience all the hype, I'm continuing my old school artistry. Later.