Is it just me, or has music declined recently? I'm not even sure what I mean by recently. I just know that I tend not to turn on the radio now if I can help it, unless it's some form of oldies station. I used to enjoy finding new music on the radio.
But let's face it. We're addicted to Herpes Music. You know what I'm talking about. The sound that's catchy, but it's crap. Just a heaping pile of hot dung. But you find yourself singing and bouncing along anyway.
In case you're having trouble understanding what I mean (or are in a severe state of denial about how terrible your taste in music really is), I'll help you out. Below I've provided a list of some current Herpes Music:
1. Ke$ha - ANYTHING she does. Tik Tok, Blow, We R Who We R, Dinosaur (We won't even talk about her stage name. A dollar sign. Really?)
2. Katy Perry - Extraterrestrial, California Gurls, Peacock
3. Kanye West - Stronger
4. Lady Gaga - Monster (What does this song even mean??)
5. Puff Daddy/P. Diddy/Diddy/Prince? - Coming Home
I just sort of generally despise Kanye. Not sure if it's that I find his music offensive and talentless or that he generally seems like a drunken douche, but the idea of him just makes my skin crawl. I promise I wouldn't sleep with him if he begged me. The chance that he could maybe possibly impregnate me is just too much.
But with the others, I really enjoy the music. I work out to it. I chair dance to it at work. I drive with it on loudly, "singing" along. (I put singing in quotes because I'm quite certain what I do does not qualify as singing under any circumstances.
I know that these people don't represent ALL new music. They just seem to be the most popular and what's on the radio when I do turn it on. I can sort of feel my IQ dropping as I bop along.
Of course, when we combine the music with reality TV, I'm pretty sure that we'll be crawling around on our knuckles before too long.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Get Sexy Campaign
I've been thinking a lot about my Battle of the Pudge/Countdown to Sexy. I feel pretty good about how things have been going for me so far, but I've decided that I've been confusing some concepts that are really quite distinct things.
Weight loss and fitness are great things. Don't get me wrong. I'm feeling better, less tired, all of that good stuff. However, sexiness doesn't necessarily have anything to do with weight. I know we've all seen an overweight man or woman, and still thought, "Hot damn! He is SEXY." And we all know skinny/thin people who don't feel sexy. So obviously it's not really about weight or looks.
Someone in college (coughcoughRichycoughcough) once said to me that sexy is an attitude - that it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with physical appearance. I looked it up in the dictionary, and sure enough, it's about exuding sexuality.
I feel like one's ability to exude sexuality comes from confidence. You feel good about yourself or your abilities and you can't help but let that flow out of you. And as it flows out of you, other people pick up on it and are then attracted to you. Pretty simple really.
Weight happens to be one of my weak spots (for ridiculous reasons) and getting control of it makes me feel confident. (I also like getting leered at by random men.) For other people (read: thin people), it may come from other things. Getting control of your finances. Rock climbing. Baking a cake without burning down your kitchen.
I will continue to focus on my Battle of the Pudge, but I feel like adding some other things in there. Reminding myself of things I'm good at. Trying things I've always wanted to, but have been too intimidated to do. I'm looking forward to myself.
Weight loss and fitness are great things. Don't get me wrong. I'm feeling better, less tired, all of that good stuff. However, sexiness doesn't necessarily have anything to do with weight. I know we've all seen an overweight man or woman, and still thought, "Hot damn! He is SEXY." And we all know skinny/thin people who don't feel sexy. So obviously it's not really about weight or looks.
Someone in college (coughcoughRichycoughcough) once said to me that sexy is an attitude - that it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with physical appearance. I looked it up in the dictionary, and sure enough, it's about exuding sexuality.
I feel like one's ability to exude sexuality comes from confidence. You feel good about yourself or your abilities and you can't help but let that flow out of you. And as it flows out of you, other people pick up on it and are then attracted to you. Pretty simple really.
Weight happens to be one of my weak spots (for ridiculous reasons) and getting control of it makes me feel confident. (I also like getting leered at by random men.) For other people (read: thin people), it may come from other things. Getting control of your finances. Rock climbing. Baking a cake without burning down your kitchen.
I will continue to focus on my Battle of the Pudge, but I feel like adding some other things in there. Reminding myself of things I'm good at. Trying things I've always wanted to, but have been too intimidated to do. I'm looking forward to myself.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Battle of the Pudge (Round Two)
Welcome to Battle of the Pudge (a.k.a. Countdown to Sexy).
Back in 2009, I lost about 60 pounds on Weight Watchers. I think it's a decent program, but it got frustrating because I wanted to add an exercise component. When you add exercising to dieting, your scale tells you one thing but your body tells you another. Weight Watchers is based entirely on your weight (shocker, given the name).
At the time, I figured I'd just run with it and dropped the exercise component. Fast forward a year and a half, and I've found the weight again. I think Weight Watchers is probably designed that way on purpose. You have to keep going back to their product to continue to achieve success.
Well, this time around, I don't have a scale and I'm not going to buy one. I'll know if I'm doing the right thing by whether pants that used to fit do so again.
To reach my goal I'm trying a few things:
1. Eating less. This one's pretty obvious. I'm trying to keep myself from snacking too much between meals and I'm trying to make sure my meals are reasonably sized.
2. Avoiding crap foods. I won't do this all the time, but my regular trips to McDonald's are no more.
3. Adding some exercise in at least 5 days per week. I try to at least walk for 30 minutes and I will now be availing myself of the gym available at work.
4. Not eating past 7pm. This one came from a friend at work. I'd heard it before, but had really put it out of my head since I love evening and late-night snacking.
We'll see how I do with all of this.
I'd like to thank K-Man for the motivation to do this again. K-Man's gotten himself in some incredible shape and I'm a bit jealous. Nothing like someone else's hotness to motivate you.
Back in 2009, I lost about 60 pounds on Weight Watchers. I think it's a decent program, but it got frustrating because I wanted to add an exercise component. When you add exercising to dieting, your scale tells you one thing but your body tells you another. Weight Watchers is based entirely on your weight (shocker, given the name).
At the time, I figured I'd just run with it and dropped the exercise component. Fast forward a year and a half, and I've found the weight again. I think Weight Watchers is probably designed that way on purpose. You have to keep going back to their product to continue to achieve success.
Well, this time around, I don't have a scale and I'm not going to buy one. I'll know if I'm doing the right thing by whether pants that used to fit do so again.
To reach my goal I'm trying a few things:
1. Eating less. This one's pretty obvious. I'm trying to keep myself from snacking too much between meals and I'm trying to make sure my meals are reasonably sized.
2. Avoiding crap foods. I won't do this all the time, but my regular trips to McDonald's are no more.
3. Adding some exercise in at least 5 days per week. I try to at least walk for 30 minutes and I will now be availing myself of the gym available at work.
4. Not eating past 7pm. This one came from a friend at work. I'd heard it before, but had really put it out of my head since I love evening and late-night snacking.
We'll see how I do with all of this.
I'd like to thank K-Man for the motivation to do this again. K-Man's gotten himself in some incredible shape and I'm a bit jealous. Nothing like someone else's hotness to motivate you.
Friday, April 08, 2011
The Eternal, Universal Truth
Yes, I am about to reveal the secret so many have searched for. It's really quite simple, if you get down to it. But for so many, it needs to be something so much more complex and mystical.
I once read somewhere, "Truth is simple. Complexity represents the force of one's ego." I can no longer find where I read that. Googling only reveals someone's MySpace page, and while I'm sure "April" supports the idea, I doubt she is the origin of the expression.
The point, my friends, is this: The Truth of Life, the Ultimate Truth, is Love.
A lot of people see Love as something complex and confusing. But that's only true because we twist it and contort it. A man once said to me that he finally understood unconditional love being with me, because he was willing to overlook my faults to stay with me. He was using that as a stab at me because I was in the process of breaking up with him because I could no longer take his abuse.
That isn't unconditional love, or love at all. It's manipulation.
Love is really quite simple. Sometimes you have to strip off the fear you wear to let it shine in its true glory. But it's not the Love that's complicated, it's the layers we pour over it to protect ourselves.
Love just exists. We don't even really know what it is. It's a feeling that you can act on. It's our desire to see something succeed outside of ourselves, when we get no benefit from it. It doesn't require language. It transcends ethnicities, nationalities, gender, and religions.
Love knows no barriers. It's never too late for Love.
There's also nothing better than Loving. Nothing makes a person feel freer, more alive. If you think back in your life, I'd imagine what you'll find is that your happiest times are those where you've made someone else feel the Love you feel for them.
I feel like we don't Love enough these days. On a global or specific level. We're so busy trying to get wherever we're trying to get that we forget to stop and Love those around us. To just feel that for humankind. We've stopped being thankful for the feeling of Love. It's not something we should take for granted. It's a gift. A very precious gift.
And if we spent more time giving the gift, we might spend more time receiving it. Then, maybe we could finally reach the heights that seem so far out of our reach. Together we can accomplish so much more than we can individually, but we all want the recognition that comes from accomplishment.
What we don't see is that we're searching for the wrong kind of recognition. We want Love, but settle for achievement of goals that probably won't matter in a few months' time.
Spend some time today expressing your Love for someone else. How you choose to demonstrate it is up to you. The point is just to do it. Just let go and show it. And ride the high that comes with that. Then do it again. And again. Until it's just part of you.
I once read somewhere, "Truth is simple. Complexity represents the force of one's ego." I can no longer find where I read that. Googling only reveals someone's MySpace page, and while I'm sure "April" supports the idea, I doubt she is the origin of the expression.
The point, my friends, is this: The Truth of Life, the Ultimate Truth, is Love.
A lot of people see Love as something complex and confusing. But that's only true because we twist it and contort it. A man once said to me that he finally understood unconditional love being with me, because he was willing to overlook my faults to stay with me. He was using that as a stab at me because I was in the process of breaking up with him because I could no longer take his abuse.
That isn't unconditional love, or love at all. It's manipulation.
Love is really quite simple. Sometimes you have to strip off the fear you wear to let it shine in its true glory. But it's not the Love that's complicated, it's the layers we pour over it to protect ourselves.
Love just exists. We don't even really know what it is. It's a feeling that you can act on. It's our desire to see something succeed outside of ourselves, when we get no benefit from it. It doesn't require language. It transcends ethnicities, nationalities, gender, and religions.
Love knows no barriers. It's never too late for Love.
There's also nothing better than Loving. Nothing makes a person feel freer, more alive. If you think back in your life, I'd imagine what you'll find is that your happiest times are those where you've made someone else feel the Love you feel for them.
I feel like we don't Love enough these days. On a global or specific level. We're so busy trying to get wherever we're trying to get that we forget to stop and Love those around us. To just feel that for humankind. We've stopped being thankful for the feeling of Love. It's not something we should take for granted. It's a gift. A very precious gift.
And if we spent more time giving the gift, we might spend more time receiving it. Then, maybe we could finally reach the heights that seem so far out of our reach. Together we can accomplish so much more than we can individually, but we all want the recognition that comes from accomplishment.
What we don't see is that we're searching for the wrong kind of recognition. We want Love, but settle for achievement of goals that probably won't matter in a few months' time.
Spend some time today expressing your Love for someone else. How you choose to demonstrate it is up to you. The point is just to do it. Just let go and show it. And ride the high that comes with that. Then do it again. And again. Until it's just part of you.
I miss college
A few of my cousins are in college now - one at my alma mater. I have to say, I'm incredibly jealous.
I had a blast at the University of Florida. What should have been a three-year experience took four. The advisors tried to get me to graduate after my third year, but since my full ride was still in place for the fourth year, I declined their kind offer.
Classes were something I did off and on (mostly off), but I was really involved with on-campus activities. I did the Dorm Geek thing for three of the four years, and though I hope to never share a bathroom with 50 women again, I have to say it was a remarkable experience.
I led groups, created events, worked with a budget - all things I'd never done before. I met an incredible number of people. I ran for student government. I lost, but I did it.
I helped a close friend run for student body president. A TEN THOUSAND DOLLAR campaign. Also a loser. But I've never worked harder for something. It was my job to keep him in line, make him show up to things on time. I was only brought in because the party (yes, the student government PARTY) didn't think anyone else could. It was a crushing loss, but we all shared it together.
I think the thing I loved the most about college was that I had no idea what the hell I was doing with my life. But back then, I didn't feel like I had to. I was there to explore, to grow. The point wasn't the end result, but rather the journey.
Now that I'm out in the real world, I feel pressured to figure out what I'm doing with my life. I'm almost 30. I have a law degree. I've almost completed a master's degree. And because I've acquired almost another two degrees, I have to work to pay for it. The time for exploration is over.
And that makes me sad.
I had a blast at the University of Florida. What should have been a three-year experience took four. The advisors tried to get me to graduate after my third year, but since my full ride was still in place for the fourth year, I declined their kind offer.
Classes were something I did off and on (mostly off), but I was really involved with on-campus activities. I did the Dorm Geek thing for three of the four years, and though I hope to never share a bathroom with 50 women again, I have to say it was a remarkable experience.
I led groups, created events, worked with a budget - all things I'd never done before. I met an incredible number of people. I ran for student government. I lost, but I did it.
I helped a close friend run for student body president. A TEN THOUSAND DOLLAR campaign. Also a loser. But I've never worked harder for something. It was my job to keep him in line, make him show up to things on time. I was only brought in because the party (yes, the student government PARTY) didn't think anyone else could. It was a crushing loss, but we all shared it together.
I think the thing I loved the most about college was that I had no idea what the hell I was doing with my life. But back then, I didn't feel like I had to. I was there to explore, to grow. The point wasn't the end result, but rather the journey.
Now that I'm out in the real world, I feel pressured to figure out what I'm doing with my life. I'm almost 30. I have a law degree. I've almost completed a master's degree. And because I've acquired almost another two degrees, I have to work to pay for it. The time for exploration is over.
And that makes me sad.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Feeling good
I have to say, I'm feeling pretty good right now. As any reader of this blog knows, the last few months have been a bit tough. Abusive boyfriend, back surgery, moving around. It's just a lot to handle.
Today was a really great day. Lately I've had some great times, but they may have been induced by painkillers and muscle relaxers. I've had my back pain flare up on me, so I've been back on the pills and I've been feeling pretty light.
I had an appointment to get an epidural steroid injection. I poked some fun at the doctor (he went to Ohio State University - hates the Gators since we stomped them in two sports in one year...) and I think it encouraged him to cause me pain. I actually asked him at one point, "Why would you do that to another person?!?!?!?" He was amused. I was not.
But yeah, even before I had some pain meds, I was having a great day today. I really feel ready to get my life back and just really enjoy the shit out of it. I have plans to go take photos with someone since I haven't done it in ages. I'm not an expert by any means and I really only seem to photograph slugs and other insects. But I'm stoked to get back into it.
I'm also back on the online dating scene. And oh how I've missed it. Some of the people out there are just off the map. Just totally out there. My dad always told me there's someone for everyone, but I have to seriously question that. I know we've all met someone and just thought, "Um, so yeah. You're going to reproduce one day?" (Britney Spears, not that I've met her...)
I've been told that the dating sites are a numbers game, sort of like photography. Every photog will tell you that to get one good shot, you have to take 100. Online dating isn't that different. You send a bunch of emails and see what works. I'm sure I'll have some great stories :)
At any rate, more than before, I really feel like I'm getting back to being Lyndsy again. I missed her.
Today was a really great day. Lately I've had some great times, but they may have been induced by painkillers and muscle relaxers. I've had my back pain flare up on me, so I've been back on the pills and I've been feeling pretty light.
I had an appointment to get an epidural steroid injection. I poked some fun at the doctor (he went to Ohio State University - hates the Gators since we stomped them in two sports in one year...) and I think it encouraged him to cause me pain. I actually asked him at one point, "Why would you do that to another person?!?!?!?" He was amused. I was not.
But yeah, even before I had some pain meds, I was having a great day today. I really feel ready to get my life back and just really enjoy the shit out of it. I have plans to go take photos with someone since I haven't done it in ages. I'm not an expert by any means and I really only seem to photograph slugs and other insects. But I'm stoked to get back into it.
I'm also back on the online dating scene. And oh how I've missed it. Some of the people out there are just off the map. Just totally out there. My dad always told me there's someone for everyone, but I have to seriously question that. I know we've all met someone and just thought, "Um, so yeah. You're going to reproduce one day?" (Britney Spears, not that I've met her...)
I've been told that the dating sites are a numbers game, sort of like photography. Every photog will tell you that to get one good shot, you have to take 100. Online dating isn't that different. You send a bunch of emails and see what works. I'm sure I'll have some great stories :)
At any rate, more than before, I really feel like I'm getting back to being Lyndsy again. I missed her.
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