The TV You Should Be Watching If You Want to Learn About Life

I watch a fair amount of television. Most of it in the form of comedy shows. Colbert, Jon Stewart, late night talk shows, sitcoms, hell, even Homeland can be considered a comedy at this point (albeit a suspenseful and rugged comedy, sure). I choose to watch things like this as opposed to those "news" shows. The ones that so badly wants to convince me that the world is comprised only of kidnappings, rape, and murder, while slyly concealing the thousands of heartwarming, funny, GOOD stories that exist. I'd rather read my news in the paper or online. I can see headlines, get the gist of the bad shit, and delve deeper into things that make me, as Jack Nicholson so candidly says in As Good As It Gets, "want to be a better [person]." Forgive me for not wanting to watch 24/7 coverage of the same depressing stories being argued about, exploited, and politicized over and over again. The same incessant negativity. I will always rather read an article than listen to Greta Va Crazy Pants drone on about a "Tot Mom," or Bill O'Reilly "spin" in his "zone."

Anywho, I'll get off my soapbox now and get on my funbox instead. There are a handful of heartwarming and genuinely hilarious shows out there, but 2 particular gems go beyond the realm of comedy and into the realm of pure...simple...goodness: Modern Family and Parks & Recreation.

Modern Family

Don't turn off who you are.

The people who matter may make fun of you to no end...but they will love and accept every intricacy and quirk you have to offer. Life is boring without those things. Those are the good stuff.

Flip things around on Life.

Life can get pretty weird. And it can get the best of us a little more often than we would like. So when life hands you something, don't feel like you always have to do what is deemed acceptable. Throw life for a loop for once.

Labels are silly and shouldn't matter.

The only labels that should matter are: types of BBQ sauce (i.e. chipotle vs. honey vs. terriyaki), price tags on sneakers, warnings on medications, and those wrapped around beer bottles (i.e. Coors Lite vs. Dogfish Head).

Parks & Recreation

TREAT YO SELF (The obvious one to any Parks & Rec enthusiast)

One of my favorite literary homies, Oscar Wilde, said it best: “Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about.” So too did the great Ferris Bueller:

Tom Haverford and Donna finish the sentiment: Treat. Yo. Self.

Food is good...food is energy...and you are what you eat...

If Ron Swanson can let loose...you can too. And you should.

No one looks stupid when they are having fun. Okay, maybe some people do, but if you're having fun, who cares?

Personalized gifts mean the most.

Nothing beats showing someone that you you know them and you care enough to get them something that they will actually use and/or appreciate.

Sometimes it's okay, and even better, to simply "screw it." 

Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt proved this. 

(for some reason there are no versions of this scene that I can embed in here so the link above will have to do)

Life will inevitably try to convince you that the old "too good to be true" notion exists. Moreover, it will convince you that not only does this exist, but that it is also a rule to be followed without contention. It will tell you that timing, circumstances, distance, small quiffs, minute lifestyle differences, etc. are evidence that you should abort, put walls up, and hold back from going for it. Sometimes you just have to come out with it: "This is how I feel, how do you feel?"

So how do you feel? It's Sunday night after all...let's make Monday...ah who am I kidding. Mondays suck. But I for one am looking forward to the weekend...and that's enough for me.

CHEERS!

The Clichéd Twenty-Something...Am I?

As I begin to type this, I am almost afraid to put what I have on my mind in writing...like what I want to say is somehow akin to Lance Armstrong telling Oprah that he is a big fat fraud.

Or like that time I pretended I could snowboard and kept getting invited to go snowboarding until I eventually had to say, "welp...ya see...I haven't gone in so long...I'd probably have to start back at square one...sooo...."

It's not that I'm hiding anything, really. On some level I know that the uncertainty, anxiousness, and sense of "limbo" I feel is completely normal and acceptable. On that same note, I fear sometimes that I will get..."caught" (for lack of a better word)? Caught trying to figure out where I am and where I'm supposed to be...whilst in the middle of something else...something all-consuming (a good old J-O-B). What if someone who is a big deal stumbles upon this infamous blog and misinterprets it with a disgruntled, "This girl! Hmph, this girl...this girl does not want to be here!" Au contraire, my friends (saying something in French makes it more legitimate, ja? Whoops, ci? Ah, au revoir...) I have worked hard to get where I am and will continue working my caboose off.

Allow me to reiterate: I am dedicated in everything I do (regardless of its rating on the enjoyability scale). Many of us share in this sentiment, I imagine. Even if what I am doing isn't currently unraveling the career/life development I seek....even if it isn't spurring spontaneous bits of passion deep in my core...passion that radiates through my entire system, engulfing my very being in "work" that is so inspiring that it is no longer considered "work" ... I still want to succeed, excel, grow...you know, the works. And maybe I am right where I should be, but just haven't let myself realize it yet. Having said that, maybe I am just being a dreaded, clichéd twenty-something...but I sure hope not.

It's just that sometimes I feel like this is what I am doing:

So there is a little background, and here is a little foreground: I am in business. And I mean let's face it, I am literally an International Business Machine. I have a great job. A job I am honored to have. I am surrounded by some of the smartest and most diverse people out there--something that it is both intriguing and refreshing. Moreover, the opportunities at my fingertips and people that I work with are both intellectually and personally stimulating...and often very rewarding.

BUT (you knew there had to be some sort of "but" here...), sometimes I just get this ache. Like this pulsating pang in the back of my belly (is there a back to one's belly? If not it's just somewhere in there...behind a few organs and between a few bones...) This feeling of...shame almost? Not shame in the sense that I am copping out by taking a "practical route" as opposed to chasing "my dreams," but shame in the sense that I have always been too scared, or maybe just too lazy, to figure out what those dreams are...what it is that makes me want to jump up and down, spontaneously break out into the Thriller dance, hug a stranger, pour Gatorade all over myself (because I am a WINNER dammit), and various other things that I imagine come with finding one's niche. What moves me mentally to be a better person, what moves me physically onto the next phase, what moves me emotionally to be a mother-effing butterfly exploding out of a cocoon? Because let me tell you, if I am in a cocoon (which I very well may be after re-reading what I just wrote), if I ever figure out the exit code, I am going to erupt out of that sucker in a Hulk-eqsue fashion. Why don't I know what the heck I dream of? 

**And no, I don't mean dreams like the one I had last night in which I was presenting a "Golden Eye" award to Daniel Craig at the Golden Globes. But seriously--had that dream and am mind blown by the intricacies of it. I mean at first I woke up thinking, ah, Golden Globes were just on, and a Golden Eye award at the Golden Globes, how clever...and to Mr. Craig because his eyes are just oh so very dreamy. And then I though OMG...GOLDENEYE! BOND!  Whoa. Anywho. **

This relates to the above sentiments about things often feeling rewarding...but then also emitting quite a few "oy vays" and feelings of unease at the same time.

For instance, one moment could feel like this:

And then the very next moment can feel like this:

Office/cubicle life in general has been known to drive people to extremes (both big and small). Little sunlight, dry air, hot air, collective sneezes and coughs...these have been known to lead to some extreme behavior. For instance, behavior such as unconventional attachment to inanimate objects...

Or irrational anger toward inanimate objects...

Don't get me wrong. I really am learning so much. And I really do feel very grateful. And proud. And I am loving the opportunity to be learning at all, really. And honestly, what I most love learning about right now is people. I am working with so many of 'em. So many wildly different people. I am learning to communicate, cooperate, comically commiserate. We toss around buzzwords like "bandwidth," "due diligence," "utilization," and "billable hours..." and we also say things like "oy vay," "bah humbug," and "oof" quite a bit. But the people I am meeting, the relationships I am building, and the sheer diversity of the people around me everyday is truly fulfilling and salvages even the worst of days. Moreover, I feel like those kinds of "learnings" and "experiences" are far too often overlooked. Learning to interact and work with anyone and everyone is an underrated intangible.

So having said all of that, I can sit around, continuously over-think, type furiously, and succumb to the status quo...or I can grow a pair and push myself to diagnose that ache...to learn so much that I am literally forced to find my passion...to keep on truckin' until it is launched into my face...like a shoe...

I realize that this (well, all of THAT above...) is a whole lotta talk. I know that. The "walk" portion is yet to come. And as much as I love to run, I'm going to try to take my time with this one (a little). Maybe a light jog so that I am not wasting time, but also not rushing into the wrong direction and adding unnecessary mileage. And I also realize that all of this hullabaloo, hooplah, melodrama, etc. is not unique to me. So maybe I just need to get over myself for a hot second. I mean, life is pretty damn good, after all.

I suppose the only way to not be a clichéd twenty-something is to...not be a clichéd twenty-something (ala Fight Club...? Nah, I guess not really...but I have been told I throw a mean jab). 
 

Let Today Be A Good Day

Are you having one of those days? Weeks? Months, even? Months compiled of days and weeks where every little thing is amplified into a depressing hodgepodge of catastrophic proportions? When miniscule things like missing a shot in the trash emote feelings of utter despair? When every thing that should go right just seems to go wrong? When you finally find out Lance Armstrong is a sham? Officially rendering the "hip" yellow band around your wrist obsolete and even offensive (let's face it though, folks, we've known old Armstrong had no balls long before he lost an actual ball).

Well, friends, I am here to tell you that despite feelings akin to those listed above, today (and every day for that matter) is a GOOD day. Why, you ask? Because YOU CAN MAKE IT SO.

Allow me to list a just a few reasons why today is a good day:

1. Unlike this poor pug, you could reach this cookie if you wanted to (okay, not through the computer screen obviously...but if you and this little guy were to switch places, you could).

2. Even Pandas help a brotha (or sista) out. People can, and should, do the same.

3. This is not you:

4. This is not you

5. This is not you

6. This is not you

7. Comedians are friends with each other. They do things like this on national television. And they are the best.

Also, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey exist. And they are awesome.

Also again, Conan O'Brien and Stephen Colbert exist. And they are awesome.

8. Even Bane likes to Boogie

9. Photos like this are of REAL places...and you can GO THERE.

10. Even Ron Swanson cracks a smile every now and again...and when he does, it is pure bliss.

11. Betty White says things like this. And she really is on Facebook. And The Twitter.

12. Racoons may pop up out of no where and scare the beejeezus out of us humans once in a while, but karma is a bitch.

So buck up skippers, it's FRIDAY. So do as Dumbledore does and...

Or if Michael Scott is more your style...

Regardless of how your day, week, month, year is going...just breathe. We all are as happy as well allow ourselves to be. Even if the happiness threshold you can reach today is not as happy as you've been before or can be tomorrow...even if you cannot reach that maximum allotted happiness within your wonderful self, push to get as high up on that happiness scale as you can. And when you get there, reward yourself for it. It'll make you even happier.

Peace, love, and Cocoa Puffs. Cheers!

It's Not A Love/Hate Relationship, DC. It's A Meh/Meh Relationship

"Meh" is an appropriate word for many reasons. First and foremost, let's face it DC, you are chock full of hipsters. Hipsters say meh. Second, you are chock full of bureaucrats. Bureaucrats make people feel meh. Thirdly, meh is the epitome of "on the fence." One can be "meh...kinda like it." Or "meh...not really feelin' it." So, DC, our relationship is meh/meh. I kinda sorta like you, and I'm kinda sorta over you.

Admittedly, I have explored probably 1/100th of your repertoire. I am entitled to my opinions nonetheless, however off or on point they may be.

You have your charms, oh capital of ours.

First of all, the sunrises/sunsets around here are cuh-razy.

Sunrise crossing the Potomac on the way to work.

Sunset on the way home.

So much going on in this picture. Crazy sky + planes, trains, and iPhones.

On the road in Alexandria. Bright lights fighting for attention.

All of those photos were taken on the Metro or on the street before/after work. Nothing like a little, "Holy shit planet Earth is friggin' ridonkulous" to serve as a perspective defibrillator and and awe generator.

And then there are those rare gems of Metro car drivers...like the guy who trumps even the best song on my iPod. Every morning, I eagerly await the voice over the loudspeaker, hoping to hear, "Welcome aboard the Yellow line en route to your very own L'Enfant Plaza" as opposed to the usual "This is a yellow line train. Doors closing." And it gets better...as we approach our destination (or mine at least), he says things like, "We seem to have a straggler on the platform, so be forewarned, we will be coming to a stop. But don't get up just yet, we ain't quite there." Most drivers just stop. Like dead stop (which, okay, is often a bit amusing to me given that I live near the end of the line and almost always have a seat, so I get to watch those idly standing tumble around like bowling pins). Then the voice returns with a friendly, "Well, it looks like it is our turn, folks. This is L'Enfant Plaza, in case you forgot. Have a wonderful day and thank you for choosing to ride Metro." What better way to cheer up at 7am on my way to work than feeling like I'm riding a tram from the parking lot to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World? Let's just say it makes me wanna bop off the train like this:

And then there's the food trucks.

I know many big cities have these, but do they have Curbside Cupcake? I think not.







This little bit of Heaven on wheels even has an iPhone app to track the truck. Not that I would do that or anything. But if I did, it might have something to do with this army of uh-maze-balls Oatmeal Raisin cupcakes...



And of course the history of the city is great and all. I'm obligated to say that, right? There are surely secret service agents or just really bananas historians keeping residents in check to make sure AMURICAN pride is all around. But yeah, it's pretty cool when you realize you accidentally strolled right by the White House with a midnight burrito in hand. Not that I would do that either.

Just stopped by to say hello on Election Night.

And then there's Old Town Alexandria, my humble abode.

King Street = Allen Street (from Penn State) on uppers.

And don't even get me started on the Mt. Vernon Trail.

**These pictures are not my own...I don't snap photos while I run...but they true to the scenery. However, they are NOT a true reflection of the activity on the trail. They are wildly misleading in terms of traffic. I fear my days of NOT getting utterly destroyed by a maniac cyclist are wearing thin.**

The community in general is refreshingly, albeit slightly obnoxiously, active all around. From the Capital BikeShare, to Pacers Running Stores, to bike paths lined like roads, to trails through the woods, past the Washington Monument, along the Potomac, all the way to good old GW's former home in Mt. Vernon...it's not the worst place in the world to run (minus the above not about potential annihilation by bicycle)

But DC, my dear, you have your downsides

This is usually how I feel when I get my bar tab:

Let it be known that while Yuengling Lager is a wonderful beer, it is not a coveted import from Belgium. And it should never cost $6+ unless it is a 40oz beer. Moreover, Miller Lite should never cost as much unless it is a 100oz beer.

Then there's L'Enfant Plaza after 6pm. Fun fact: this is where I work on my current project. It's not terribly horrible if I take the Metro and don't even have to go above ground to get from the office to the train (though a coworker did witness a man wearing only an open trench coat trying to walk down the up escalator...while lettin' it all hang out...and naturally flop around a bit given the endeavor in which he had partaken). Should I ever drive to work, however, the area surrounding the closest parking garage by the waterfront is the local hangout for some of the weirdest, creepiest, shadiest, naked-est, highest, drunkest...you get the idea.

And the Metro on the weekends. A few Sundays ago I went into the city to meander around with a friend and relax. After wearing ourselves out, I went to a metro station with the line that should have taken me back to my place easy peasy Japanesey. Of course, however, being a Sunday when fewer trains run, I had to wait probably 15 minutes for a train...only to find out that the line I needed was closed between certain stations for track work. The point of this story is I ended up having to transfer lines 3 times (aka get on and off 3 different trains), all of which required a 10+ minute wait, and what should have been a 20-30 minute trip took an hour and 15 minutes. I think the biggest downside of this story is not the fact that this trip was unbelievably long and annoying, but that it has now led to me bestowing this annoyance upon you by making you read this horribly confusing and unnecessary rant of a paragraph. END. 

And the equation of death: Persistent name-droppers + rat-racers + corporate biggots + bureaucratic dingleberries + hipsters + entitled products of family inheritances + college students = Most of the U Street bars.

At first I'm like...

 

And then I'm like...

Also, this guy lives here. And people love him.
 

Alexander Ovechkin. Consider yourself lucky if you don't know who he is.

And then there are those moments when I get the e-mail saying my obnoxious rent is due...

And finally, the inside scoop on a little known fact about our nation's capital and its surrounding area...a lot of people live here. 

 

And these are the roads they drive on.

 

 

So when I have to venture out into the world of DC traffic I begin my trek hesitantly...

And then inevitably end up like this.

So I guess what I'm trying to say, DC, is that we can work through things for now, but eventually we are going to have a heart to heart to see where this is going. For now, I will enjoy your charms and accept your intricacies...for now.

Life Is Friggin' Fragile, Man

January 2nd, 2013

Firstly, this entry is going to start out as a ramble that, by the time I end up posting it, will have occurred days beforehand. 

Secondly, this post probably won't be the hunky-doriest of posts. Sometimes embracing pain, loss, sadness, and the like can be refreshing...cleansing almost. Way more productive than chugging some lemon juice, maple syrup, goopy death concoction for days or something.

So many thoughts and feelings are ambushing my mind right now. Every brainwave is racing, stopping, starting, making illegal U-turns, switching lanes without signaling...a Kardashian-sized buttload of emotions, all trying to merge together at once...like an exit at Tyson's Corner on the Capital Beltway...a thousand times over. And yet at the same time I am like, totally zenned out. The language in that sentence, I assure you, was intentional (I hope you don't think I say "like, totally" on a regualr basis). It was intentional because while feelings mentally dizzy right now, I simultaneously feel like Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Like everything has slowed down, and become very clear and very fuzzy all at once.

A few days ago, the Dean of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State unexpectedly lost his 8 year old son, Mack. On New Year's Eve he was taken to the hospital, and by New Year's Day he was gone. I never knew his son, and I don't really Dean Brady on a personal level other than hearing him speak at SHC events, occasionally running into him on campus, and conversing on social media, but this news makes my heart ache, hard.

It's sad and unfortunate that the sheer fragility of life is often only realized when it is taken away. Of all the cliches that too often hold true, that one is the worst. Seriously. And I am so friggin' guilty of it. If my previous posts haven't already made that clear. It is so hard to actively appreciate and be conscious of the importance of every fleeting moment. And obviously it is simply not realistic to do so, but that doesn't mean it is not worth trying. We get so caught up hurtling through time faster and faster, disregarding our emotions, shluffing off those who are important to us, taking for granted the things and people we claim to hold dear, and succumbing to laziness and the status quo. And moreover, much of the time we are scared. Scared to feel, scared to love, scared to let ourselves hurt. Sometimes having the courage to rip off all of the band aids we put on and expose our wounds to life is a necessary evil in order to heal, recognize, appreciate, and ultimately make skin stronger. 

And even as I type this, I fully recognize that I am being a ginormous hypocrite. But at least I'm trying...the first step is recognizing and admitting flaws...right?

January 6, 2013

In the days that have passed since, I have felt a warmth that I can't really articulate. I actually just sat here for 10 minutes trying to think of the right word. I can't. This warmth emulates from the outpouring of love I have witnessed. The spirit of a community, a university, friends, family, strangers...coming together to honor a boy they may never have even known simply because they care about PEOPLE. Moreover, the Brady family's response to such an intense loss...the courage, strength, resilience, and grace...has been inspiring to say the least.

Geez, listen to me being a sappy wannabe life advice columnist. Oh well. I still think that the above ramblings are worth letting out. And you know what, they are not ramblings without a cause. I typed what I felt and still am...unfiltered and honey badger don't care. Nevertheless, I am going to end them here.

If you want to feel the warmth from sadness I described, check out Dean Brady's blog.

An avid soccer junky, Mack's dream was to play for the US National Soccer Team. A soccer scholarship is therefore being established in his honor. I hope that you will consider donating to Mack's memory here or by sending a check, payable to Penn State with “In memory of Mack Brady” in the memo line, to: Penn State University, One Old Main, University Park, PA 16802.

 
I promise to post something happier soon, but it was important to me to share this. 

In Defense Of New Years Resolutions

Sure, New Years Resolutions are basically the most repetitive things out there with the exception of episodes of Jerry Springer and Maury Povich. I admittedly just had a good chuckle reading through all of the "This is the year I lose weight! #blessed," "2013, everyday is a gift," "Starting the next chapter...now!" But even though I laugh a little, what's so bad about looking back and making goals...? Not much, really. Self reflection ain't such a bad thing, and doing so once a year is healthier than it is unhealthy, so what the hell. Maybe the people who poo-poo grand goals are stuck satisfied with the status quo...or maybe they're right where they want to be (but I doubt it).

Rather than a typical list of resolutions, I have come up with a handful of things I'd like to do less...and more...and hopefully not just in 2013.

Do Less: 

Eating/hoarding candy at the office.

This is honestly becoming an issue. Not only am I gorging on unprecedented amounts of goodies, but I am building up a scary inventory of Rolos, Snickers, 100 Grands, Butterfingers, and the like. Kind of a kelpto-candy-mania, if you will.

In addition to the candy, I have become a bit of a scavenger. It doesn't help that there is literally a birthday, holiday, or retirement celebration every other day in my office. Cake icing is my weakness...and kryptonite.

Hanging out/procrastinating by a treadmill instead of running on it.

Fear of incidents like this will help get me on this stinker on winter nights when all I wanna do is run outside.

Being an occasional curmudgeon/continuing to be moody even after I've realized that I am being unnecessarily moody.

We've all been there. That moment where you become conscious of how much of a stinker you are being, but fall back on the excuse, "well it's too late to salvage it now..." Baloney. That's just curmudgeonly laziness. Suck it up, apologize, hug it out, move on.

HOWEVER...if I am going to be a curmudgeon, I hope to be on the same level as this bull dog pup:

Saying weak/awesome sauce.
I adore those phrases...but it's time for something new. Marvelous marmalade, anyone? 

Being honest when it doesn't matter and may unnecessarily hurt someone's feelings.

I've been known to have a lack of a filter...accompanied by an abundance of bluntness. A lot of the time, this is deemed a good thing. I often admire this quality in others as well--the ability to tell it like it is and voice an opinion without fear of judgement. On the flip side, however, being "honest" by voicing an unwarranted and unnecessary opinion simply to voice an opinion is just that: unwarranted and unnecessary. An example on a rather small scale, I have a habit of correcting grammar...so unless it is just so bad that I simply cannot bite my tongue...I am going to try to just swallow that habit.

Waiting for people to figure things out for me.

Complaining.

Especially about things like my XM radio not working. Or my Siri not understanding what I'm trying to say when I use speech-to-text. Or not having any spending money after paying my ridiculously high rent. That means I make enough to at least get by with a ridiculously high rent. So...

Giving in to preposterous posture (couldn't resist).
I seriously sit like Sonic the Hedgehog runs--curled up in a ball.  

Trying to pass literally everyone I see running no matter how far ahead of me they are.
I have literally pulled my ass doing this. Like actually ripped an ass muscle. I think I can still consider it a strong, fast run, even if I never get ahead of the speedy little man a half mile ahead of me. A stupid runner is the one that rips an ass muscle and is therefore unable to pass a person moseying ahead of them in the grocery aisle. End of story.

Do More: 

Write everyday. Whether it be things overheard on the metro, daily ramblings, social commentary, or this doohickey.

Despite the fact that I spend many of my work days writing and editing software requirements documents, work does not count for this one. That is good for structural and grammar practice, sure, but it is not the kind of writing that will get me where I want to be. Moreover, as is true for running, writing is a therapeutic outlet for me. More writing = less curmudgeon-ism.

High-fiving.
I friggin' love high fives.

 

 Especially turkey high-fives.

Let people take care of me. 

I've become somewhat notorious for being emotionally...stubborn and handicapped. The most bass-ackwards part is that I tend to care and do things for other people and expect nothing whatsoever in return. And this is not because I'm this first-class, stand-up, wonder-being... I simply enjoy showing people I care about and appreciate them...but I am conversely uncomfortable with and almost scared of letting people doing the same for me. That is not to say, however, that I am ungrateful in any fashion. Quite the opposite. In any event, I think it's about time I worked on not being such a stubborn nimrod and just gave in to feeling good.

Take better care of other people.
This goes without saying. It should always be a goal. 

Treat myself.

I don't necessarily mean I'm going to drink Mimosas and buy FINE LEATHAH GOODS like Tom and Donna from Parks and Recreation, but I do think that I, and many others as well, need to consider making this kind of thing more of a priority. For me, this means doing things like creating a 6-pack at the grocery store, ordering a pair of obnoxiously bright running shoes, getting fro-yo with a ridiculous number of toppings for lunch during a long workday, putting whipped cream on my coffee (or anything for that matter) just because, or shamelessly spending an entire day watching Modern Family/Friends/Boy Meets World/The Office/Parks & Rec...you get the idea.

Think more about how to get where I want to be instead of sitting around at the office like this:

Be honest when it matters, even if it hurts.
This is the other end of the spectrum from the unwarranted and unnecessary honesty. I have gotten myself into trouble by denying how I'm feeling, fearing losing someone or something, being afraid of ending up hurt, being afraid of hurting someone else, etc, etc, etc. I know I am not alone in this, but that does not make it okay. Cowardice is succumbing to this notion. Courage is owning up to it.

SLOW THE EFF DOWN.
Seriously. Ferris Bueller said it best:

I want to physically slow my days down. Many of us get so trapped in the busy. Yeah, that's right, I just made "busy" a noun. It has become a "thing." There are so many days where I am plowing around the office like a Roomba vacuum in fast-forward. Then I skedaddle home, atomic bomb myself into new clothes, rush out the door for a run, let every little idea and worry speed through my brainwaves, jump into the shower, throw some dinner together, shovel said dinner into my gullet, then scoot into bed...only to have my brain continue running at ludicrous speed.

I want to pay attention to the minutes as they pass. Breathe a little deeper, see a little more, worry a little less.

Drink more water, less coffee.

I have been known to drink 2 large coffees and 2 small sips of water at work on a given day. I'm not expert, but that's probably not the best medicine for a long run.

Take the advice that I give to other people.
If I am being honest with myself, I am guilty of not doing this quite often. I think I am a pretty good listener, a pretty thoughtful advice giver, and overall, a fairly logical person...but I am more stubborn than anything else. Even when I hear myself giving advice to someone else that I am too chicken to actually own up to, I still have a hard time breaking that barrier and making a change.

Smile at and say hi to people on the DC Metro.
I'm as guilty as the next person for sleepily zoning out to me iPod and staring out the window, but there is no reason why I shouldn't share a friendly hello with another human being. I know that it can truly help brighten a day because it has worked for me in the past. Smiling more even when you don't feel like it can trick your brain into thinking you are in a good mood. Kind of like gum tricking your stomach into thinking it is being fed...or that time I taught myself to like Wasabi Peas.

Take the stairs.
I live on the 2nd floor of my apartment and work on the 3rd floor at the office...and despite being scared of elevators, nearly always forgo the stairs. And for someone who takes fitness and health pretty seriously, this my friends, is sloth at its finest.

Read more.
Yeah, yeah, I know everyone says this. But I have no excuse because I actually LOVE reading. Why am I not doing it then? I blame the interwebs and good TV...and my GD laziness. These are the next 3 books on my list:

"Wild" - Cheryl Strayed  
@CherylStrayed

"Half A Life" - Darin Strauss
@DarinStrauss

"Drop Dead Healthy" - A.J. Jacobs

@AJJacobs

Be mindful everyday of what I have to be thankful for. 
There's a lot to be said for not only looking at the big picture everyday, but also the tiniest of tiny good things that happen on a given day. Like today, I slept in later than I have in months (11am baby) and found a bag of peanut M&Ms in my laptop bag. BOOYAH.

Make use of my internet obsession and share more of the gems I stumble upon.

Yeah Lamb:

And finally, friends, I leave you with an image that encapsulates the the bulk of the spirit of 2012 (via Reddit)

I do wish you all the happiest of New Years. May 2013 be better than 2012, but not as good as 2014.

Now go outside and do something.