Practice Makes Practice

We all are works in progress, aren't we? Fortunate are those that realize this and seek to improve the areas in which they can gain the most return on investment? I am no different. I am not so unique.

That brings me to bring to you one of my personal development obsessions: Planning and Time Management. It presents itself in the procurement and attempted consistent use of a personal planning system. A single system by which I can document and record all personal and professional happenings and occurences. Behold my current system!

Current. That tells you that I have dappled with other planning systems. And I admit it; I have been a bit of a planner junkie. The Libra in me needs it to be cute and functional. So this time I opted for the pretty blue leather binder and the complementary Leadership inserts. The me in me needs to fill it out every day, consistently to gain all of the benefit of total organization.

Herein, the problem lies. I see myself as a planner using, task writing and checking, date placing maven. I just can't seem to execute that. Not every day. Not even really regularly. "They" say (you know, those experts) that it takes 21 days to create or break a habit. So with this knowledge, I am attempting a lifestyle change. One that consistently takes planning into account. Every day. Every single day.

I really think that with a little discipline, I can accomplish this. Just to show you how committed I am to my new goal, let's look at today. As you can see (kind of - the image is pretty small) I have my meetings in the calendar section noted and a manageable task list of which I completed most items.

Color me proud. Today was a very good day. Today is the day I will start counting to 21.

Wish me luck.

Random Acts of Blogging

• I got my brows done on Tuesday and I swear I look like a movie star (even if no one else thinks I do). It's amazing what one little bit of pampering can do to your mindset. I get my hair cut and colored on Tuesday and I am going to squeeze a pedicure in this weekend. Extreme self care is a major goal for this year.
  
• I need to get in the mindset that exercise is a form of self care.
  
• I keep falling asleep early and in front of the tv. Why can't The Office be on before My Name is Earl?
  
• Tomorrow is errand and friend day. Oil change, Costco (dipes and wipes), gocery store, and maybe the car wash. I also get to see my dear friend Ali and participate in my first Movie Club night - Harold and Maude.
  
• I have the cutest kid in the world. And his audio clips on his blog prove it. ;)
  
• I hate rude and condescending people.*
  
• I love Sugar Ray and Mark McGrath has a great cover of Ghost in You on the 50 First Dates soundtrack. I am listening to it while I blog.
  
• I just couldn't get into Jarhead but am enjoying my second stab at A Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing. I need to hurry and finish it so that I can pick up my Book Club's April selection.

That's all. I too tired to write any more.

*Wait, p.s. Karma RULES. Trust me.

Sexy Serenades

I keep reading blogs and I keep getting tagged. Claudia has a post on sexiest songs, so I guess it is my turn.

1. Let's Get it On by Marvin Gaye. Should be self explanatory. If you don't think so, download it and listen for yourself.

2. No Ordinary Love by Sade. Fantastic beat for smooooooth moooooves.

3. Crash into Me by Dave Matthews Band. The lyrics will get you every time.

4. Sadness (Pt. 1) by Enigma. If you are in for the night, this is it.

6. With or Without You by U2. Love/hate never sounded so good.

Gosh I HATE That Song

In visiting my new best friend's blog, I was tagged and am pleasantly forced into sharing with you all my top 5 most loathsome songs. Here goes...

1. Red, Red, Wine by UB40. This song is like nails on a chalkboard for me. It probably doesn't help that I am just not a fan of UB40 in general. If I had to name their sound, it would be nasal-infused pop.

2. You're the Inspiration by Chicago. When the guy you are dating says, "We need a song." and just picks one, consider paradise (or the honeymoon phase) over. I can barely listen to any Chicago just by the mere fact that this song was armwrestled into being 'our' song.

3. The Macarena by Los Del Rio. Totally annoying. And not just because I can't do the line dance to it.

4. What's Up by Four Non Blondes. There is a reason this group was a one-hit wonder.

5. Anniversary by Tony! Toni! Tone! Lyrically, it's quite possibly the dumbest song ever. Ever.

The Drought Has Ended

It's been 143 days of no rain, and finally, the spell is over. I think it started in the wee hours and we have had a nice drizzle most of the morning.

What a great day for curling up with a good book and a blanket! Except that I have a toddler. So, I will take advantage when he goes down for his nap.

Could also be a great day for a Starbucks run. But, really now; what day ISN'T good for a Starbucks run?

I'm Bulking Up

I have asked my team at work to read a book, Now Discover Your Strengths (which you will notice in my What I am Reading Now list of my sidebar). The book proposes that we acheive the greatest potential and can succeed the most if we nurture our natural talents rather than focus on improving our weaknesses.

I am also reading it and this past weekend I took the online assessment provided by purchasing the book. This assessment, known as the Strengths Finder, helps you identify your 5 greatest talent themes, which if nurtured, will provide the greatest opportunity for success - because they are the areas you are naturally, intrinsically good at.

Well, I have to say that this book and the assessment are both very interesting! If you are interested in personal development, I highly recommend it. So, after taking the assessment (which is arranged through the Gallup organization - lahdidah), I was told my greatest themes, in order, are:

Communication: People strong in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters.

Harmony: People strong in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don't enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.

Consistency: People strong in the Consistency theme are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same. They try to treat everyone in the world with consistency by setting up clear rules and adhering to them.

Adaptability: People strong in the Adaptability theme prefer to "go with the flow." They tend to be "now" people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time.

Positivity: People strong in the Positivity theme have an enthusiasm that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.

There are 34 themes they account for and these are my five. Not bad, eh? But all 34 are really cool sounding things. So now, I get to spend some time figuring out if I am utilizing these themes in my work, and if not, figure out how I can.

A Bizzaro Thing Happened on the Way to My Sunday...

I learned that the Wheel of Fortune Bus was parked out at one of the casinos on the outskirts of town. And they were taking applications. And it meant I could try out for one of my favorite gameshows. And it seemed, for just a moment, that I might live out one of my crazy life dreams (that and being an Oscar winning actress - which isn't too likely at this point) of being on a gameshow and winning oodles and oodles of cash awards and prizes.

I threw on my best suit and my mom and I took off leaving Emerson and T to do guy things for the day. It was about a 30 minute drive there. The Parking Gods were looking over my shoulder and we got a spot just steps from the audition arena, I mean tent, I mean handling area. Mom and I wove our way through what seemed like rows and rows of looping aisles only to stand right behind a couple of hundred people who were also waiting.

The stage was rather simple. The wheel was upright and listed prizes like t-shirt, hat, blinky pen and Wheel Pack. As it turned out, contestants didn't actually spin the wheel. That task was managed by Marty, Wheel of Fortune's Traveling Road Show host. The board was operated manually by a perky, fresh-faced and well-toned Heidi (aka Vanna) and instead of lighting up the letters as they are called, Heidi had write on, wipe off spaces that she used to spell out the words. Truth be told, it lacked the glam and glitz I was expecting.

A local news affiliate was there broadcasting weather updates and shots of all the lunatics trying out for Wheel (present blogger included). After standing in line for about 30 minutes we were told by some production staffer the drill.

1. There would be 3 'shows' that day.
2. We had a chance to 'appear' on the shows by filling out an application.
3. Each 'show' was marked by a different colored application.
4. Our group was waiting to participate in the 11:00 (or yellow application) group.
5. Once our applications were filled out, we would continue weaving through the makeshift aisles, drop our yellow applications into a yellow box and make our way to the 'studio audience'.
6. Marty and Hiedi would run the show which would consist of pulling applications out of the box, 5 at a time, and completing speed rounds.
7. Folks who were lucky enough to have their names drawn were considered auditioning from the time their name was called. So in other words, you'd better be PUMPED UP from that time on.
8. They would go through as many speed rounds as they could in one hour (approx. 30 people) and then they would have two more 'shows', at 12:30 and 2:00, respectively. Each of these subsequent shows were assigned a different color and if you wanted to try out - back in the line you went, filled out another application and herded your way through for a CHANCE.
9. Now, it is important to note: having your name called didn't mean you would be on the show. Participating in the speed round did not mean you would be on the show, winning or losing the puzzle did not mean you would be on the show. The folks with Wheel were looking at the total package.

So, they would check you out and if they liked you, they would take your information and e-mail you in a couple of weeks and have you come back for another tryout. If they still liked you, you then went to LA for a third and final tryout. A lot of trying out for something you may not get.

You've prolly figured with all my rambling that neither I nor my mother were called up to the stage. It was a shame too, because we are just as good and enthusiastic as the folks that were (moreso, in fact). And, GET THIS! A husband and wife were each picked for different speed rounds within the same hour! How random and totally unfair is that.

As the last grouping of 5 made their way to the stage, I turned to look behind me to see how bad the line would be if we wanted to consider 'trying out' for the 12:30 show. It was significant. I loooked at mom and said, "We'll, it was fun and we have a memory. I'm ready to go." She agreed and departed from our small little dream, we did.

Top 5 Guilty Pleasures - Movies

In response to Cynthia's post of Guilty Pleasure Movies, I am going to prepare my own list. Guilty pleasures are hard to define - especially if you aren't embarrassed by anything. However, I think a guilty pleasure implies that you should feel guilty (even if you don't). I also think there has to be some sort of cheesiness factor associated with it. That being said, here are my cheesiest of cheesy, guilty pleasure movies.

1. Scary Movie - Parody on scary movies. Cheesy, low-brow, all around perfect guilty pleasure.

2. Booty Call - The whole movie is about two guys trying to kick it with some ladies. Totally stupid, totally cheesy and I am embarrassed by how much I liked it.

3. The Naked Gun - The best quote should suffice:
[Jane climbs a ladder]
Frank: Nice beaver!
Jane: [producing a stuffed beaver] Thank you. I just had it stuffed.

4. Clue - There is no logical reason why a board game could be a movie, but they tried. It got horrible reviews, but I loved it! Tim Curry is fabulous in this!

5. Bring it On! - Kirsten Dunst leads the pack in this campy flick about competing high school cheerleading squads. Best part is when the white girl squad tries to rap: "Yo! Yo! Yo! Wassup? Wassup? It's time to get busy, so let's kick this shit and knock the C.K. off your face. "

Emerson at Rest

My little angel.

Rambling

Totally random rambling...

• Has anyone seen the similarity between Coldplay's Green Eyes (from A Rush of Blood to the Head) and anything by Wilco (when Billy Bragg is fronting)? Try Wilco's California Stars. Listen closely. There is a real likeness in sound of voice and sparseness - is that even a word? Trust me.
  
• I am really worried that Maroon 5's sophomore effort won't be as good as the first. Despite the fact that crazy bigtime debuts often don't have follow up efforts that garner the same kind of success as the first, I just think Adam Levine is spending too much time playin' the ladies of the biz, and maybe needs to spend a little more time in the studio.
  
• The Office is crazy funny. I watched all of Season 1 this past weekend. Okay, so it's only six episodes and without commercials that's only 20 minutes per. But laugh out loud fun I am telling you.
  
• What's going on with Jen and Vince's new movie, The Break Up? First it was scheduled to release in Feb. Then in April. Now, I can't find it in my Entertainment Weekly Spring Movie preview. What gives?
  
• My brother sent me a totally cool link for this online game where you try to stump the computer and pick a dictator or sitcom character. You then answer questions and the game tries to guess who you are thinking of. If you want to try it, be my guest: http://www.smalltime.com/dictator.html. I stumped the chump twice.

Lara's Must List for March

Happy March Everyone! Here's what you have to check out this month:

READ
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert

WATCH
1. The Amazing Race on TV
2. Arrested Development on DVD
3. Brokeback Mountain on Screen

HEAR
Anything by Joshua Radin

I will also post this on my Must List in my sidebar so you can refer to it all month. Which I am sure you will as I make such awesome recommendations.

Seven Songs Meme

I have been tagged by Cynthia.

"List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to."

La Belle et le Bad Boy by MC Solaar - It's the sexy French/Rap song playing in the background of the last episode of Sex and the City when Carrie dumps the Russian and is running through Paris. I can't stop playing it.

Broken by Jack Johnson - My friend Tristin got me a copy of Johnson's soundtrack for Curious George and I just love it.

Got to be Real by Cheryl Lynn - I am on a big Sex and the City kick after having made a compilation of great songs from the show. This plays when Carrie becomes 'fashion roadkill' while making her way down the catwalk for Dolce & Gabbana. This song plays as she picks herself up and keeps on truckin'.

You Got the Love by Candi Stanton - Great song abou the empowerment good lovin' can give a gal. Also on my SATC compilation.

Wish You Were Here by Ryan Adams - How can you not like the following lyrics, "Cotton candy and a rotten mouth/You know you're so fucked up/You know I couldn't help but have it for you/And everybody knows the way I walk/And knows the way I talk/And knows the way I feel about you/It's all a bunch of shit/And there's nothing to do around here/It's totally fucked up/I'm totally fucked up/Wish you were here." I find myself singing it when it isn't even playing.

Starry-Eyed Surprise by Paul Oakenfeld - This song made for the best Diet Coke commercial that catered to the younger generation. Does it help that Diet Coke is my favorite drink. Perhaps. But it's got some sweet beats.

Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson - I had to have a guilty pleasure in the mix. But you know, she won two Grammy's...

Okay, my blog is taking over my life.

Later.

What a Day

Today was Emerson's FEES study across town. Parking was a major biotch and T and I both had to park a million miles away. Good thing I was wearing brand new cute strappy sandals that the back strap kept falling off. Good thing.

So we get to admitting, and Emerson LOSES HIS MIND. Nothing will make him happy and he is wailing. That's right. WAILING.

Come to mommy.

Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Come to daddy.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!

So, the seven intake people pow-wow and review their resources. Across the group they have a handful of stickers, coloring books and crayons. The crayons and paper win him over and he is content for the duration of the intake process. Barbara, our intake specialist, is very thorough but mentions about 13 times that she is admitting Emerson for a procedure that she has never heard of. In all six years that she has worked there. Excellent.

Barbara walks us to the place we are supposed to go (because she wants to make sure that we are going to the right place since she has never heard of this before) and sure enough, we are in the right place.

Kelly V. our Speech Professional is great. Down to earth and answers all of our questions. While I don't feel like Emerson's other health care providers have kept things from us, I felt like I got more from Kelly in terms of information. So, while T and I are talking to Kelly, these two Child Life Specialists are entertaining Emerson with toys that light up and make noise. He's sufficiently distracted. The goal is to keep him this way so that while Kelly takes this super thin probe with a bright light on the end of it and pushes it up Emerson's nose and down to the top of his esophagus, he won't notice. Now, remember, I love Kelly. But even this is a stretch to think that Emerson will be distracted while his entire face is being invaded.

Sure enough, my boy melts down and is a big ball of screaming and sloppy tears. We are able to get 3 spoons of food in him and watch the screen - which looks like we are watching an episode of Discovery Health and we can literally see the inside of his throat. It's cool and gross all at once. After gagging and throwing up all over himself, the evaluation is over. Good news: His Pharyngeal Structure is sound (meaning everything sized and shaped appropriately). Interestingly enough, he has a wealth of 'cobblestones' on the inside of his esophogeal lining. What does this mean? It's just little bumps that are indicative of reflux. AHA! I am not sure why they use the clearly non-medical-technical word of cobblestones to describe bumps, but whatever. Good news, part deux: Treating the reflux could get us closer to solving the problem (or it could be the total problem, who knows?). Which leads me to the bad news: We still don't know anything definitively, but we have something to work toward. My positive thinking tells me to focus on that object of all of this.

So, we are in the process of coordinating a prescription to start meds for his reflux and a follow up with his G.I. doctor (of which the earliest is mid-April UGH).

Our little trooper has had a rough few days but keeps on going.

He is just simply amazing.

Today is a Big Day

Today, Emerson goes in for a Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (aka FEES) to see if we can figure out why he can't consume liquids without aspirating them into his airway. A full update will be on his blog this week.

I really hope we can get some answers from this evaluation. The past year has been understanding and maintenance but no real solutions.

The First of Many Lists

I am a listmaker. I like all kinds of lists: Grocery, task, movies seen, movies I want to see, books read, best songs, worst songs, lists that track and rank and lists that keep me on track. You name it; I like it.

My love of lists is so strong, it only makes sense that I put some on my blog. So, here goes...

My Top 10 Favorite Bands/Singers Right Now

1. Ryan Adams (solo), Whiskeytown, Ryan Adams and the Cardinals and any combination therein.
2. Jack Johnson
3. Coldplay
4. U2
5. Paul Simon
6. Eva Cassidy
7. Maroon 5
8. Five for Fighting
9. Josh Kelley
10. Michael Buble

In no particular order, of course, because that is too hard. And it's the weekend, and I want to keep things nice and easy. Like everything in a Real Simple magazine (which happens to be my favorite magazine, btw.). How nice would like be if everything looked and worked like it did in the pages of Real Simple magazine? I wonder if the March issue is now available? Sounds like just enough reason to hit the bookstore today. :)

Kids are so Freaking Amazing

My little guy experienced an extremely painful infection last night and this morning that had us in the ER today. He was such a trooper despite pain, but could manage a smile and a laugh and of course eating once we ruled out surgical intervention. If you want to know more, you can check out Emerson's blog in my Links section.

Healthy weekends everyone...

~ La

Ode to a Cookie

Dang those Girl Scout Troops!
Selling me those Samoas
Perhaps just one more...

Shameless Mommy Brag

I have THE CUTEST boy in the whole wide world! This is true, I speak no lies - because it's true for me! Check out his super cute school picture! My little two year old can finally sit still for the camera and ACE the photo shoot!


Send good vibes, because he's a bit under the weather right now, but hopefully will be all better soon.

~ La

Lara's February Must List

Here's my musts for February.

READ
Three Martini Playdate: A Practical Guide to Happy Parenting by Christie Mellor

WATCH
1. Curb Your Enthusiasm on DVD
2. The Office on NBC
3. Date Movie on Screen

HEAR
Any CD by Eva Cassidy

Monday Night Guilty Pleasure!

It's just 21 minutes until one of my most favoritist guilty pleasures kicks in: The Bachelor.


And not only is it THE BACHELOR, but it's THE BACHELOR: PARIS. And not only is it THE BACHELOR: PARIS, but it's THE BACHELOR: PARIS - THE WOMEN TELL ALL!

It will be, quite possibly, the most dramatic Women Tell All Bachelor history. All but the final two contestants are here to dish,
dig and attempt to dignify their behavior for the past several weeks. It's what I like to call - Bimbovision. I would love stay and tell you more about it, but I gotta go get my reality dating tv fix!

Later gaters,

~Lara