The Bachelorette

So its been awhile since I've posted anything, but I have to tell you...

this season of the bachelorette has got me reeling! Really, I am stunned. As most of you know, I'm a sucker for these kind of shows. There is no honest way around it. I love a good love story. And this season, unlike the others (bachelor/bachelorette) has really drawn me in.

This particular bachelorette, DeAnna Papas, is focused and honest. Not to say that in past season the flower givers weren't, but this girl tells it like it is. If she's not feeling you, you're out. If you're not willing to put yourself out there, see-ya-later-sucker! The moment she knows, is the moment she says goodbye. One good example is when she sent both dudes home on a two-on-one date.

That being said, this season is heavy. She has narrowed it down to two fellows. One, a single dad, the other, the dark horse of the season, a-laid-back-lets-build-by-being-friends-first professional snowboarder. This week she sent "Mr. Perfect" home, and emotional doesn't quite cut it as a description. I'm not one who cares who she picks in the end, I'm curious, but it is not my decision to make... What is different about this one is that I'm vested. Completely and utterly invested in the outcome of this show and I really feel for all parties involved. I've found myself wiping my eyes and reaching for a box of tissues the last couple of weeks which, I admit, isn't out of the norm- except that it is the freakin' bachelorette! Of all shows, the bachelorette? Really? Really.

I know this show has its doubters. But I'm for it. Not because of the dramatic set-up situations. Or the one to twenty-five ratio. What I do like is the opportunity for greatness. And agree with it or not, This show sets the table for a great love story. Its not perfect, but it has worked in the past. Although, it has an entertainment factor, it is real. And what draws me in is that very specific potential for love. I'm a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, others have just plain labeled me as hopeful. And when all the stars have to aline to experience greatness in anything - this show helps to create that opportunity for two people.

Rodrigo y Gabriela

I have to send props to my friend Julie for introducing me. Wow! Check these videos out and tell me you're not impressed. I dare you! And while you're at it, might as well find out if they're playing anywhere near you. I know they will be in denver in July, and I'm doing whatever I can to try and get there to see them!! enjoy.

"Crazy"

Don’t wonder why people go crazy, wonder why they don’t.

Crazy has a tendency to have a bad rap. Its connotation leads one to think poor of someone or something. But you know what? I want crazy. I want to experience it in all facets of my life. I want to be the fool. I want to be so fricken enthusiastic about what I’m doing and who I’m doing it with that the only way to describe the moment would be with the words like: silly, absurd, ridiculous, preposterous, cockamamie, passionate, keen, enamored, infatuated, smitten, devoted, fanatical, wild, mad, and… hog wild.

My thing is: I think its somewhere out there looking for me. When in fact it could be right here. Waiting for life to lift me up will keep me where I am; I think it might be time to show this world what it is that I’ve been waiting on…

Anyone feel like joining me?

Welcome Back

I like George. Its true. I like George. I don't know why specifically. Maybe its because he reminds me of a friend, or maybe it's because he's relatable. Maybe I like George because he doesn't hide, is honest, and vulnerable. Then again, maybe it's because he's a character in one of the coolest TV shows ever. But for whatever the reason... George is my guy.

As most of you know, Grey's is back. For the last five months, its been on vacation. That amount of time allows for separation. It's just enough time where you still think about it, but also long enough to forget how good it is. Somehow, you get the impression that your life, in whatever capacity it held, is okay... and in some ways better without it. But then the writer's come back to work, and the show is again on the air, and all those feelings come rushing back.

I know what you're thinking... you're like: is this guy for real? Does he realize he's talking about a TV show? Does he realize it's not real? Yes... yes... and yes. I draw the picture only to illustrate the value other people have in our lives. Whether an old friend, a lost love, a family member who's been away... I think we experience those same emotions when it comes to our own lives.

What is unique about TV is that we interact with these characters. We involve them in our daily conversations. We make time for them, we add them to our schedule, we throw parties in their honor. We have reason's to build our real life relationships because of our fictional bond with our favorite television show or character.

But for the moment, humor me... because this is what my horoscope said today :)

Someone sweet from your past might pop back into your life again soon, either in person or over the internet. Greet them with open arms or an enthusiastic reply. They were very important to you once, and they could be again. The two of you have a lot to catch up on, and their news might shock you in the most delightful way. You might have thought you had no more room in your life for more friends -- but this person isn't new, so integrate them back into things!

big pimpin'

This has got to be a factor on why I like the acoustic guitar.

91 and Counting

Okay, my disclaimer first for all those out there reading. I'm not looking, not interested, and not found wanting... but this is entertaining.

In the last few days dating back to Thursday, my Yahoo personal page has got I-kid-U-not: 91 hits. I've had my yahoo personal page for probably two years. I'm a casual user who doesn't do much with it. In fact, I haven't tried to use it as a way to meet someone in about 6-7 months. Its become something of a curiosity. I log in to see who's checking me out. And in the span of two years, I think I've had a total of maybe ninety people check out my profile. and no more than seven in a given week. I think seven is good. Until now...

Well the stars must be in line, or something crazy because since thursday (I have to say it again) 91 clicks to my page and somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 messages in my inbox...

Now don't let the numbers confuse you. The odds are definitely good... but the goods are a bit odd.

so far some of the latest headlines are:

minnesota nice

- someone forgot to tell her MN nice, really isn't that nice!

looking for a guy like U

- U don't know me yet.

looking for someone special

cool... but seen this one like a dozen times.

(reads a book in waiting room) 'sigh'

- what book is so exciting that a: you sigh, and b: you put it in your headline... definitely not warranting any attention.

looking for love in all the wrong places

- is that something you want to advertise?

beautiful girl waiting for commitment

- thats like showing up for a blind date with a promise ring.

this is the best one today:

willing to lie about how we met

--like it, because I understand how meeting someone online may be taboo... but really?!? :)

Okay, so mine (no parachutes or safety nets here) isn't the best. But I stayed away from the: Hi-nice-guy-looking-for-my-number-one-special-are-you-out-there-one-more-click-type-of-girl. I mean really. If you want to meet, either get a glamour shot, b/c most of them need one, or find something that peaks interest. Most don't... go figure. I think I'm going to change my next tagline to: "if you don't want my worst, you don't deserve my best" May not be the best one but its definitely better than:

Last item on the clearance rack?

Affirmation

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge -- myth is more potent than history -- dreams are more powerful than facts -- hope always triumphs over experience -- laughter is the cure for grief -- love is stronger than death. ~ Robert Fulghum

While in church yesterday, I had somewhat of a realization. I realized while singing, that I was not only in worship but in affirmation. (Some of you reading are thinking, “well...duh!” but I had never put it into that framework before.) An affirmation is an action or declaration a person may make in relation to conscience. Many of us daily will constantly make affirmations to ourself. Most of them are unconscious while some have purpose, either way they continue to affirm the things we believe - whether we want to or not.

Among other things, music does that for us. Affirms our beliefs, our ideas and our feelings on a certain topic. The reason certain lyrics speak to me in worship is the same reason others will be welcoming when I’m experiencing a broken heart. Think about it, if only for a moment, music is one of the few mediums that can change our mood in a matter of moments, regardless of our activity. Think about the music you listen to when you’re running, or doing something active, or when you’re trying to stay awake when you find yourself driving a car late at night. Now think about the music you listen too during dinner, or winding down, studying, reading, or perhaps when you’re sad or upset. The music will reaffirm a feeling we desire to feel. Now you’re thinking who wants to feel sad, why would we want to revisit that particular state of being? Maybe you’re recovering from some great love affair, maybe you’re remembering a lost friend or family member, maybe the song reminds you of an old pet. Listening to the song may bring some longing, but it also reaffirms that the time spent with that person was one worth remembering. A moment yesterday where time vested was worth the sadness you may be experiencing today.

So what does this mean for me? It means that I must create a thicker filter. Not to keep myself from experiencing sadness, but one that ensures growth, one that leads to positive experience. I’m not just referring to music and the songs I listen to, but also the environment I find myself spending my time. If our thoughts have an unconscious impact upon our lives, I want to ensure that mine will be productive and positive. Today I must take steps that will promote the growth God has in store for me.