Oh my god, there has been a mistake.

Well, that is embarrassing.  My last post should have been tomorrow.  What a fail.  I am just going to go ahead and do that.  Ahem…awkward.

September 12
Be alone.

I am good at being alone, though ending this blog with an embarrassing mistake isn't exactly how I envisioned my triumphant good bye.  Although, maybe this mistake is going out in "Amanda" style.   A blunder, then me trying to fix it.  Yep, that is moi.

"Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company."
Booker T. Washington

All right, so now it is goodbye.

DONE!

Wow, I am a little unsure how to go about this.  I mean, I have never finished a blog before.  In fact, this is the first time I have finished a major project.  Happy on Purpose will finally be moved from my current project shelf: an honor that most books only dream about.  I figured as a final goodbye, I will answer a few questions.

What do you feel like you have gained from this project?
Well, when I started this project I was very unhappy.  My sister had just moved away, I was single (that hasn't changed unfortunately), and I was really unhappy my situation in life.  However, I felt trapped.  I felt like I couldn't make the necessary huge changes (i.e. living a nomad life or starting a new career) that would be essential for my happiness.  By following this book, I believe anyone can be happy.  Diana Fletcher gives very simple ways of changing your thinking that makes all the difference. Not to mention the feeling of accomplishment I have gotten over finishing a year long project.

So are you happier now?
That is one question that I feel like we don't ask each other enough: "are you happy?"  Yes, I believe I am.  I am still not a hundred percent where I want to be, but I now have the tools to get through tough situations, think positively, and believe in myself.

Could you stop being so corny in your posts?
No.

What is next for Amanda?
Well, if you liked reading my writing I have three other blogs that are still going on.  Also, my sister and I recently decided to purchase a book called This Book Will Change Your Life Again.  This book is filled with daily outrageous tasks to complete, all to get you out of your comfort zone.  We are going to try to do this together, but unfortunately no blog will come out of this, seeing as how I would probably be too embarrassed to write about what I did that day on behalf of the book.  However, a new blog may result out of another project my sister and I want to complete.  We recently made a list of a hundred bucket list items we want to do before we are thirty.  We might start a blog about that; if we do, I will return to this blog and give you guys the link.  I have learned how to do the small stuff; maybe it is time for the big risks?

If you could change how something about this blog, what would it be?
I probably would have provided labels to direct you guys to different posts.  I also regret that Brie quit, but that is not really my fault.

Amanda, what will do without your wise words everyday?  Start over please!
There, there, child.  I will never really leave you.  You will carry me in your heart.  Or you could start over by reading my posts again.  I don't want to start over.  I thoroughly enjoyed doing this, but I am constantly starting new projects.  I do want to say thank you to Diana Fletcher for changing my life.  I also want to thank my loyal readers.  I know I can be lazy, short, sarcastic, and boring.  Thank you so much for hanging in there.  I will also keep reading comments if you want to get in contact with me.

So this is goodbye…forever????
You will be okay.  I have taught you all I could.  You can reach my other blogs in the my blogs section of the sidebar.  It has been a pleasure serving with you.

September 11

Stand up for yourself.

All right before I get all sentimental, this being my last post and all, I am going to respond to the message.  I recently have been letting a friend make me feel like crap and I haven't said anything about it.  Mostly, this is because I want to avoid a Real Housewives-esque scene.  Still, it is probably healthier to mention it rather than just stewing.

"He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away."
Raymond Hull

September 10

Take a deep breath.  Say "It is okay that I make mistakes.  It is all part of my story."

It is okay that I make mistakes.  It is all part of my story.

"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing."
George Bernard Shaw

September 9

Be happy on purpose!

Certainly, the name of this book has always intrigued me.  People often think of happiness as something you either have or you don't.  Or people will think they will only be happy if something big happens (i.e. fall in love or get the dream job).  I think it is extremely important to learn how to be happy without those things.  How do you this?  Ask Diana Fletcher, of course!

“Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.” 
Ernest Hemingway (all right so this quote isn't really helpful but I really like it)

"Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present."
Jim Rohn (there we go; that is more appropriate)

September 8

Start something new.

Recently I have been learning sign language.  I am doing this entirely on my own and just a learn a sign every couple of days.  I am also learning how to sign songs, which has been a lot of fun.  I am going at a slow pace, but it is my own pace and I am proud of myself for trying something new.

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."
Albert Einstein

September 7

What would you love to do today if you could?  Take an action toward making it happen.

• I would love to fly off to London (action step: plan an imaginary trip)
• Sit in bed and read all day (action step: possibly do this Sunday)
• Sit in bed and watch movies all day (action step: possibly go to bed early Saturday or Sunday and do this)
• See my sister (action step: skype her today)

"The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who'll get me a book I ain't read."
Abraham Lincoln

September 6

Wear clothes that are bright and flattering.

Last year, I used to always wear black clothes and was made fun of for it by my friends.  This year, though, I have been wearing really bright clothes that I love.  While black is flattering, it did become quite dull.  I encourage you to go out of your comfort zone with clothes; at the very least, it would be a conversation topic.

"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."
Mark Twain

September 5

If you can do something about a situation, stop complaining.

Lately, my sister and I have been complaining a lot about what is going on in our lives.  We just sit in front of each other and bitch about work, friends, guys, and life in general.  I think it is good to have one person to whine to all the time.  However, I have a plan to fix my problems.  Whether or not it will work remains to be seen.

"Man alone is born crying, lives complaining, and dies disappointed."
Samuel Johnson

September 4

Make an effort to look nice.  Don't settle.

I always look good, bitch!  All right, that is a slight exaggeration.  I do try with make up and I have cute clothes.  My hair, though slightly unruly, molds sometimes into an acceptable style.  Every once in awhile I will "work" on something with my appearance.  Sometimes it is losing weight, other times it is exfoliation.  This allows me to never feel overly self conscious.

"Clothes and manners do not make the man; but, when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance."
Henry Ward Beecher

September 3

Think of something you really need today.  A good book?  Some time alone?  A nap?  Go after it.

This is perfect because I actually just got of something awful and need this!

• Mint chocolate chip ice cream
• A good book (The Bell Jar)
• Pajamas
• Laughs

"A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy?"
Albert Einstein

September 2

Start a journal.

My blogs are kind of my journals though, granted, I don't write a lot of personal stuff on it.  I have tried to keep regular journals in the past.  Either I bore myself or I don't like reliving all the details of my day, mostly because I probably would have told them to three people by the time I write it down.  Still, I think you should keep some record that you can look back at, even if it isn't a diary.  Seeing what I thought about certain things a year ago is truly a pleasure to look back at.

"Only good girls keep diaries. Bad girls don't have time."
Tallulah Bankhead

September 1

Daydream today.  See where it takes you.

All right so yesterday was one of the worst days of my life.  I not only managed to have professional failures, but personal ones as well.  It was just altogether awful, but today is a fresh start.  My daydreaming consists of meeting the perfect guy or really interesting people.

“Nothing makes time pass or shortens the way like a thought that absorbs in itself all the faculties of the one who is thinking. External existence is then like a sleep of which this thought is the dream. Under its influence, time has no more measure, space has no more distance.” 
Alexander Dumas

August 31

The next time you have to make a simple decision, make it quickly.  Do not brood over whether or not you made the right one.  Let it go.

"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing."

Theodore Roosevelt

I chose to put that quote before my post since I absolutely adore this one. I know a lot of people, including myself, that not only have trouble making big decisions but they also cannot make the little ones.  For instance, the other day when my brother and I went out to lunch neither one of us could decide where to go so we ended up sitting on a bench for fifteen minutes in uncertainty.  Now, that is just silly.

August 30

Observe your choices today.

Here is a brief list of my choices so far:

• Eating tofu for lunch
• Sleeping in
• Cleaning up before I left for the day
• Calling my sister and my brother
• Write blogs before I left for the day
• Reading The Handmaid's Tale

"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."
Eleanor Roosevelt

August 29

Create a home life that will enable you to work towards your goals.

I think it is important to keep a balance in your house.  While you need a place to relax, you also shouldn't have to many distractions where you need to get work done.  My desk, though surrounded by books, also has a bulletin board in front of it that has my goals and dreams posted on it.  Perfect balance for my goals.

"The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned."

Maya Angelou

August 28

Rest.

Yesterday I was so exhausted I collapsed on the floor and couldn't get up for a half hour.  Surprisingly, I wasn't miserable.  I had had a full, productive day that I was proud of.  I didn't overeat, I exercised a lot just by moving around, and I got a lot done.  It was a very satisfying kind of tired.

"Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired."
Jules Renard

August 27

Make a list of things that make you a good companion for yourself.

• I try not to beat myself up too much after making mistakes
• I can laugh when I find myself in awful scenarios
• I can usually find something fun to do when I am bored
• I am healthy
• I can be crafty

"What a lovely surprise to finally discover how unlonely being alone can be."
Ellen Burstyn

August 26

Carry yourself with good posture and a smile.

I have trouble with this one; I usually walk in a manner my friends have dubbed "the old lady shuffle".  This walk consists of staring at the ground and subsequently accidentally head butting people.  Today I will try to walk with my shoulders back and a smile.  At the very least, it will scare my friends.

"A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind."
Morihei Ueshiba

August 25

List ways to overcome crankiness.

• Deep breaths
• Movie
• Music
• Venting
• Candy
• Ice cream
• Swearing
• Exercise (as a last resort)

"I'm not really wise. But I can be cranky."

Andy Griffith

August 24

Exercise.

Today I enjoyed a great day showing the city to my cousin from out of town.  We walked around, had an awesome lunch, and enjoyed gelato.  That is pretty much my idea of exercise.

"Training gives us an outlet for suppressed energies created by stress and thus tones the spirit just as exercise conditions the body."
Arnold Schwarzenegger

August 23

Make a list of ten things that make you fun.

1. I can keep interesting conversation
2. I like to explore new areas
3. I can be silly
4. I can be funny
5. I have a lot of hobbies
6. I am up for trying new things
7. I am easy going
8. I like having adventures
9. I am friendly
10. I am a good listener

"If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun."

Katharine Hepburn

August 22

Shake up your lunch routine.

I know Diana Fletcher would disapprove of this but I always try to watch a funny sitcom when I am eating lunch.  It always makes me feel better and energizes me for the new day.  I also love exploring new restaurants.  I believe, and I think Winnie the Pooh and hobbits would agree, that lunch is the most important part of a day.

"Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what's for lunch."
Orson Welles

August 21

Giving can make us feel great.  Give and feel no resentment.

There is nothing like giving the perfect gift to someone (or receiving one but you really can't help that).  I love listening to someone all year and finally hearing them let slip what they really want.  I once her my sister say she wanted nothing more than a bucket of Starburst.  Needless to say I made it happen.  There is the perfect gift out there for everyone.

"Gifts must affect the receiver to the point of shock."
Walter Benjamin

August 20

Shout "I AM AMAZING!"

I AM AMAZING!  I just shouted that and startled my sister quite a bit.  Always a good time.

"The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs."
Joan Didion

August 19

Write a description of your perfect day.  Find a way to incorporate some of it into your daily life.

• A great novel
• Cupcakes by the dozen
• Sleeping in
• Staying up late
• Watching a great new movie
• Laughing so hard it hurts
• Having an adventure
• Exploring
• Finding something I thought I lost
• Pajamas
• Writing
• Accomplishing something huge

"If you don't think every day is a great day try going without one."
Jim Evans

August 18

Say this out loud "I make the choices.  It is up to me, and I can make them great."

I make the choices.  It is up to me, and I can make them great.

I really like these easy exercises.

“It is our choices, Harry, that show us what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” 
Albus Dumbledore

Shut up; that is a great quote.

August 17

Cheer up and laugh by looking at greeting cards.  They can be pretty funny.

So kind of a weird suggestion but I like it.  My birthday was at the end of July and I got some funny messages.

Quotes from greeting cards:

"I always wanted to be somebody, but I realize I should have been more specific."


"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing."

"Start every day with a smile, and get it over with."

August 16

Treat the members of your family with respect.

Although things have been a bit rocky with my family lately, we do enjoy each other's company, I think more than other families do. There is nothing more awkward than being around a family that doesn't get along.  Of course, I have put friends in that position when I am arguing with family members so I probably should preach.

"The other night I ate at a real nice family restaurant. Every table had an argument going."
George Carlin

August 15

Take good care of yourself.

Yesterday, I dropped books on each foot and cut my finger with a razor.  I also ate crap and was on my feet all day.  My clumsiness aside, I am in tune with my sleep cycle.  All right, the bank appointment is now fourteen minutes away and I am still not dressed.  Can she make it?

"The devil has put a penalty on all things we enjoy in life. Either we suffer in health or we suffer in soul or we get fat."
Albert Einstein

August 14

Walk for ten minutes.

I have always loved walking in foreign cities but hated walking at home.  I think the act of exploring is really important to me.  I am going to the city tomorrow so maybe I will explore a bit there.

"Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time."
Steven Wright

August 13

Demand what you want.  Be powerful.

I really have to pump these out.  I have an appointment at the bank in a half hour and am currently wearing boxers and a democrat t-shirt.  Dressed to impress.

Anyway, I think this is especially important to do in romantic relationships, which I am not in, and work related situations.  I have no problem in the latter category since I rarely want anything but to be left alone.

"The power of an air force is terrific when there is nothing to oppose it."
Winston Churchill

August 12

Really listen to other people's ideas.  It is important to open your mind up in new ways.

I really don't think I am guilty of being bossy.  If anything, I need to learn how to speak out more with my ideas, though I think I am becoming better at that.  Anyway, bossy people are just plain obnoxious.  Don't be one of those people.

"I like long walks especially when they are taken by people who annoy me."
Noel Coward

August 11

Decide on something that you want to change in your life.

I decided a little while ago that I wanted to start to have more adventures.  To make this happen (I think I have mentioned this before), I made a list of one hundred things I wanted to do before I turned thirty.  This is a great motivator for me.  First of all I love lists; I will check off anything that stands still long enough.  Second of all, it is not as easy to put things off if you are constantly looking at a list. It is a constant inspiration to get out of my shell and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss, but that it is too low and we reach it."
Michelangelo

August 10

What is your area of weakness?  What can you do about it?

I suppose I can be weak when it comes to putting myself out there.  I could try to speak out and approach people more.

"All cruelty springs from weakness."
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

August 9

Come up with some new mantras to say whenever you find yourself going over mistakes in your past.

If I hadn't _________, I would not be the same person I am today.

Everyone makes mistakes.

I am so glad that that experience is over and done with.  I never have to think about it again.

If that is the stupidest thing I have ever done I suppose I am lucky.

I am really glad I am letting that go.

“You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles.”
C. JoyBell C.

August 8

Let yourself feel joy.  Don't just wait for the other shoe to drop.

I understand this one completely.  There is always something to dread in life.  Always.  But why dwell on it?  I have really been trying to live in the present lately and to spread this message to people around me.  Of course, they probably think I am really annoying but I, at least, am enjoying myself.

"As selfishness and complaint pervert the mind, so love with its joy clears and sharpens the vision."
Helen Keller

August 7

Make a list of the things that bring you joy, no matter how silly.

• Reading
• Singing
• Writing
• Listening to music
• Watching movies
• Doing bad impressions
• Playing board games
• Playing charades
• Laughing
• Eating brown sugar
• Baking
• Coloring
• Pretending

"Joy in looking and comprehending is nature's most beautiful gift."
Albert Einstein

August 6

Let yourself completely enjoy a hobby today.  Don't say "I don't have time" or "I should be doing something else".  Enjoy.

Well, right now I am listening to a Paul Simon album while writing.  Also, this morning I got to read for about an hour before I started my day.  I rarely feel guilty for devoting myself to a hobby.  This is mostly because I know I would go absolutely insane if I didn't make time to do the things I love.  I constantly hear people say they don't have time to devote to their hobbies.  I believe you can always make time, as I am doing right now!

"When your hobbies get in the way of your work - that's OK; but when your hobbies get in the way of themselves... well."
Steve Martin

August 5

Say "I am powerful."


I am powerful.


Also, today is the anniversary of the biggest, most painful surgery I have ever had.  And I survived.  I can feel the power!


"I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good."
Martin Luther King Jr.

August 4

Break down the big stuff you have to do into reasonable, small tasks.


Had to think about this one for awhile because right now, I don't have any huge tasks to do.  I am busy, but it is mostly small things.  I am taking this to mean that I have done well with today's message because my work is already broken up!  I am so on top of things. 


"Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one."
Hans Selye

August 3

Take care of your health.  Without it, you cannot live a happy, fulfilling life.


I completely agree and I consider myself a healthy person.  Sure, I am not in the best shape of my life, but I don't drink a lot or smoke...sorry had to pause in my writing to take a sip of a Coke Zero which I am sure is full of horrific chemicals.  Still, I am better off than most people.  I also think intellectual health is just as important as physical health.  I myself am worried that if I am not constantly learning new things, I could develop Alzheimer's, which runs in my family.  Taking care of yourself should not be considered selfish; in fact, I think it would be inconsiderate to your family if you let yourself go.


"The devil has put a penalty on all things we enjoy in life. Either we suffer in health or we suffer in soul or we get fat."
Albert Einstein

August 2

Stay away from people who want to argue all the time.


Well, if that was the case I think we would all be permanently disconnected from our families.  However, I do agree that we should limit our contact with people that make us angry or upset constantly.  With family it is a bit trickier; that's where anger management classes kick in.


"The other night I ate at a real nice family restaurant. Every table had an argument going."
George Carlin

August 1

The world will not end if you set boundaries for yourself and others.


There have been a lot of messages on saying no, so I will not dwell too much on this one.  I have never really been used for anything, mostly because I am not skilled at anything that helps anyone.  My sister, on the other hand, is remarkably good at both cooking and make up so people (me) often use her for this.  Maybe this message is more for her than me.


"Boundaries are to protect life, not to limit pleasures."
Edwin Louis Cole

July 31

If you feel like you are not getting the love and respect out you deserve out of a relationship, you can seek help.  There are organizations that will help you.


Well, I am not in a relationship so I really don't have this problem.  Lucky me!


"Deceiving others.  That is what the world calls romance."
Oscar Wilde

July 30

Tell yourself you are strong enough to forgive someone.


A couple days ago a friend informed me that her dad thought I was a grudge holder.  Why she shared this, I have no idea.  However, when I looked up at my other friends, no one disputed it.  On the contrary, they all said I do.  I have never thought that I hold grudges.  I can usually remember what people have done to me namely because I am particularly good at remembering horrifically embarrassing moments (it's a selective gift).  However, I don't hold things against people.  I suppose it is good for us to hear what people think of us every once awhile but that was quite a shock.  Still, I think I am good at forgiving people so I will continue in  my flawed ways.  My friend's dad can suck it!


Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much.
Oscar Wilde

July 29

Always make time to read.


Today was my birthday.  No one in the world does birthdays better than my mom and sister.  I received wonderful gifts (including movies and chocolate) and spent a wonderful day with my sister just having fun.  I think birthdays should always be very special days, whether you have to coordinate them yourself or not.


Anyway, I am always surprised when someone tells me they don't have time to read.  That is simply not true; I don't care how busy you are.  You can always make time.


"If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all."
Oscar Wilde

July 28

Do something today that you wouldn't do if you were a mature grown up.


I have no trouble at all acting immature; in fact I would consider this my area of expertise.  I love games, goofing off, and calling people fart faces.  I cannot take total credit for my maturity since I grew up in a remarkably silly family.  Today I plan on laughing a lot and being enthusiastic about ordinary things.  If no one carts me off to a facility for this behavior, you shall hear from me tomorrow.


"The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives."
Albert Einstein

July 27

Schedule a time today for a walk.


Waaaah.  I don't wanna!  I live in an area where there are no sidewalks and fast cars.  Thankfully, I am not suicidal so I have no urge to go out there in the sweltering heat.  I do like taking walks in the fall when it is cool and pretty.  To compromise, I will take several walks to the kitchen today.  I make so many sacrifices for this blog.


"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."
Helen Keller

July 26

Think about a potentially nerve wracking situation that you may be presented with in the future.  Decide now how you will handle it.


Next time I get lost I will

• Take deep breaths
• Pull into a safe establishment and decide what my next move will be
• Get oriented by looking at several maps
• Make sure I fully understand the steps of my new directions, not just the first one

"Many a calm river begins as a turbulent waterfall, yet none hurtles and foams all the way to the sea."
Mikhail Lermontov

July 25

Spend fifteen minutes today cleaning.


As I look around right now I have money strewn across the floor, several books on my desk and lap, and piles of laundry to do.  However, because I will fully commit my fifteen minutes after I write this post.  Jeesh, it is like my mother is writing these messages...


"I've always had the impression that real militants are like cleaning women, doing a thankless, daily but necessary job."
Francis Truffaut

July 24

Say no today to one ridiculous request.  This does not make you a bad person.


I have been on the road most of the day so I have not been confronted with too many ridiculous task requests.  I will just pretend that someone asked me to dance around in an orange jump suit to the song "I Wanna Sex You Up".  NO, imaginary person!


And it comes from saying no to 1,000 things to make sure we don't get on the wrong track or try to do too much. We're always thinking about new markets we could enter, but it's only by saying no that you can concentrate on the things that are really important.
Steve Jobs

July 23

Create a hideout that only you know about.


Well, if I told you where my hideout was it wouldn't be a secret anymore, would it?  However, I will give you a hint.  It is surround by books, warm drinks, and silence.  I often envy kids because it is still socially acceptable for them to make pillow forts.  I do think it is important to always have a hideout; it can be quite a comfort for you to always know it is there.


“In the wide pile, by others heeded not,
Hers was one sacred solitary spot,
Whose gloomy aisles and bending shelves contain
For moral hunger food, and cures for moral pain.” 
Walter Scott

July 22

Really think about how you spend the minutes of each day.


I read in a book somewhere that for one day, you should mark down every minute of the day as it passes.  I suppose it supposed to be eye-opening.  To me, it sounds incredibly tedious.  However, the sentiment makes sense.  It is almost scary to think what a large portion of your life you spend doing simple things like brushing your teeth or making your bed.  Really appreciate the moments today.


"Well, yes, ma'am, I do... I mean, I got everything I need right here with me. I got air in my lungs, a few blank sheets of paper. I mean, I love waking up in the morning not knowing what's gonna happen or, who I'm gonna meet, where I'm gonna wind up. Just the other night I was sleeping under a bridge and now here I am on the grandest ship in the world having champagne with you fine people. I figure life's a gift and I don't intend on wasting it. You don't know what hand you're gonna get dealt next. You learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count."
Jack Dawson, Titanic (yeah, I went there)

July 21

STRETCH!

I really hate stretching since I am about as flexible as a two by four.  However, for the sake of this blog, I will oblige.  Just did a twist.  I am awesome.


"Don't keep reaching for the stars because you'll just look like an idiot stretching that way for no reason."

Jimmy Fallon

July 20

Be kind to someone who is sad today.


I haven't come across a sad person today, mostly because I have been hiding from the world like  Obi Wan Kenobi.  I guess I am a little down in the dumps today so I will cheer myself up with this:

That's better.

"The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer someone else up."

Mark Twain

July 19

Apologize to yourself for being harsh.  Say something nice about yourself.


All right, Amanda, it is time we had a chat.  I apologize for being harsh to you about not being active after your surgery.  You are way too pretty to have to do anything for yourself. Also, you handled the surgery well.


"To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man."
William Shakespeare (also Clueless)

July 18

Take responsibility for your choices.  Do not blame anyone else.


You might have noticed that recently I have not been able to shut up about my surgery, and this post will be no exception.  I often have felt that it is extremely unfair that I have a bone disease that one in a hundred thousand people have.  It is, of course, but my body is still in my domain of power.  I can control how I handle the stress and the pain.  Sometimes I even think that I wouldn't change my bones if I could because they are uniquely mine and they have probably made me a more empathetic person than I would have been.


"Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility."

Sigmund Freud

July 17

Look at today as though it is an opportunity to improve yourself.


Sorry about the hiatus but ever since my surgery I have little inkling to do anything but lie down, read, or work on jigsaw puzzles (this is only slightly different than my normal routine at any rate).  However, today I am pushing myself to at least get a few things done, including packing for a trip to Michigan.


Yesterday was a great opportunity for me because I believe I nailed a job interview by being delightfully quirky. Today is another glorious opportunity because I will get to see my relatives and laugh a lot.


"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
Winston Churchill

July 16

Stay away from people that hurt others.


All right, so I have written a bunch of these today and I want to keep this one short.  I feel like I have addressed hurtful friends in earlier posts so I will just leave with some quotes.


"A single rose can be my garden...a single friend, my world."
Leo Buscaglia


"Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies."
Aristotle

July 15

Step up and deal with your money problems.


I have recently had some cash flow problems.  I am not a huge spender except when it comes to books and movies.  I think there are going to be times when your cash flow is going to fluctuate and as long as you are responsible you will come out all right.  At least, that is what I am telling myself.


"The lack of money is the root of all evil."
Mark Twain

July 14

Think of something you are worried about.  Ask yourself: can I do anything about this?  what would be a healthy way to handle this so I can let go?  Take deep breaths.


I constantly worry about my romantic life (or lack there of).

• I could potentially talk to more guys but considering the last encounter I am a little gun shy.  I was trying to impress a certain attractive blond and proceeded to detail my vomit history from about four years ago to present day.  You read that correctly.
• A healthy way to handle this would be to put myself out there more.

“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.” 

Dalai Lama XIV

July 13

Do something that requires strength.


Awhile ago, my sister and I made before 30 bucket lists.  I highly recommend making bucket lists since it is a great motivating.  Our lists are comprised of a hundred things that will push out of our comfort zone and can only be accomplished by us (i.e. get married would not be on the list since that resides in another person's control as well as ours).  One of the things on my list is to exercise everyday for a month which I will be attempting to complete in August.  This will be incredibly hard for me since I would rather use the Machine from The Princess Bride than spend an extended amount of time on the elliptical.  Still, I will attempt to make it work!

Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning.Thomas Jefferson

July 12

Laugh.


During my invalid stages, my sister, aunt (especially when she fell out of a chair), and mom have been a constant source of laughter for me.  I also started watching Parks and Recreation which is an extremely funny show.  Here are some funny sites that will make you laugh:
http://howdoiputthisgently.tumblr.com/

http://whatshouldwecallme.tumblr.com/

"A day without laughter is a day wasted."
Charlie Chaplin


"Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand."
Mark Twain

July 11

Take a day off.


I am back from a rather painful hand surgery.  It certainly wasn't pleasant but I have been through worse.  Today is the first day that I am going back to my normal routine.  My days off have been spent lying in bed taking a ridiculous amount of naps and being in pain.  Today, I would actually rather get some tasks done but I might call it an early night.  Good to be back.
AMANDA

July 10

Make a one hour date with yourself.


Yesterday I got a one hour massage which was really relaxing.  Sometimes, it is scary to just be alone with your thoughts for an extended period of time.  At night when I am going to sleep is usually the scariest time for me because it is when I worry the most.  However, if we shut ourselves out, we will not know what we need or want.


Sorry I can't write more; I am a bit of a nervous wreck today.


"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein

July 9

Look for a way to help other women today.


So Brie has officially quit (probably due to my excessive pushing).  I am flying solo now, which is unfortunate because my posts are quite short.  Of course, if people keep commenting it will help to make posts more interesting and diverse.


Helping women seems to be quite the recurring theme in this book.  Today I attempted to help by just listening; the women in my life each have a lot going on right now.  Some people are simply not good at listening.  My sister, mom, and I have a way to prevent this.  When a listener is not giving a talker the reaction they were hoping for, the talker simply says "redo".   The listener then has to alter their reaction until it is satisfying to the talker.  There is a fine art to these things. 


Since it is no longer necessary for me to sign my posts, I will end with an inspirational quote:


"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
Leo Buscaglia

July 8

Play today.  Stop taking everything so seriously.


Last night, I went to a movie night that was actually a lot of fun with some old and new friends.  I also think I have established a firm guy friendship, which was one of my resolutions.  Unfortunately, all the other resolutions have kinda gone to shit but hey, 1 out of 10!

Anyway, I haven't actually played in awhile.  I do play Freecell and Spider Solitaire whenever I should be doing actual work but that is too mature for my taste today.  I really love board games and might pull one out today and I suggest you do the same.
AMANDA

July 7

Aim for a few minutes of the day to be positive.


I use to find it extremely hard to be positive for even a couple seconds but I have gotten better at it over the past few months (partly because of this blog:)).  I think that it is not only detrimental to yourself to be negative but it is also annoying to the people around you.  I have also found that if you try to be positive to a negative person, they think you are the most loathsome thing they have ever encountered.  Don't be one of those people!
AMANDA

July 6

Enjoy the world with all its improvements.


This is a constant argument between my brother and me; I once said that I wished I was in the nineties and he nearly died.  I once read that people interested in science should read the latest things (him) and people interested in English should read the oldest things (me).  Since I fall in the latter category (I am also constantly watching old movies and listening to old music) I suppose it is natural for me to have some doubt about what era I would like to live in.  I do know that, rationally, medicine and technology has greatly improved.  Is there some part of me that wishes that I was walking the moors of England in a dress with my drawing master?  Maybe, but I think I am overall grateful for when I live.
AMANDA

July 5

Tell yourself you are perfect and fabulous.


I AM PERFECT AND FABULOUS!  I am going to take this a little further and remind all the women in my life today that they fit the p and f quota.
AMANDA

July 4

Claim one bit of your house as completely your own.  Ban all others.


First of all, happy Independence Day! My family doesn't eat meat so this holiday has always been virtually nonexistent in my life.  I spent last fourth of July in France which was pretty weird but I digress.


I guess for me, this area would be my desk.  My desk is where I write all blog posts.  I also have a bulletin board right in front of me so I have goals, art, and photos to look at.  I am both driven and relaxed when I sit at my desk which for me is the perfect combination.
AMANDA

July 3

Learn how to do something for your car that you don't already know how to do.  It is scary to feel helpless.


I am not exactly car savvy.  Just last week, I got really lost, scratched the car, and subsequently burst into tears.  At other times, though, I can be calm.  Recently my car was doing this weird wheel lock thing where reverse and the steering wheel didn't work (a particular nightmare whenever you are parallel parked).  However, I was able to stay calm and read the manual to figure it out.  I think it is all about keeping a cool head and knowing you will be able to figure it out.  Now to take my own advice...
AMANDA