Good Shopping Karma

How often do you put a store's sale on your calendar? And how often do you make a list of things to look for at that sale? And further, how often do you actually go to the sale, with your list and find everything on it? Dare I say, it's as rare as the Eagles in the Superbowl?

Yesterday was REI's member garage sale. I got there around 11am, though there had been people camped out overnight waiting for the doors to open (maybe I'll consider that someday when I can actually buy a kayak and other larger equipment). It was jammed. The line was long, but moving quickly. I felt a flush come over me as I considered the possibility that they would be all out of the stuff I was looking for.

But after a brief, yet worthwhile detour through the shoe section (where I scored two pairs of Keens for about 75% off), I found what I was looking for in the climbing section. I got the shoes and harness that were on my list, and they were both on sale!

I went prepared to spend $100 on the climbing shoes alone. Instead, I spent a little more than $100 on EVERYTHING!

So in two weeks when I go back to the rock climbing gym, I'll have my very own gear to break in... which excites me to no end! I guess the moral of the story is, sometimes it really pays to mark your calendar and make a list. At the same time, don't be so overly focused that you miss out on the detours!

Laws of Attraction

A friend recently encouraged me to read the book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. I was reluctant. It's been on Oprah, and it's on the best seller's list, and it's new-agey and I was sure it would be cheesy.

Turns out it is sort of cheesy, but once you get past the cheese, there's so much meat! The premise is that life's key (the secret) is the law of attraction. You attract your life with your thoughts and energy. So if you're constantly thinking about what can go wrong, you'll attract the bad stuff. But if you set your sites on what you really want, you'll attract it into your life.

Hardly a new concept, the secret. It's been around for eons, and the book talks about that. I remember exploring this concept in the early '90s when I was going to semi-regular meditation group. But if it's new to you, or if you're only just now ready to embrace the concept, its age is irrelevant. Now is what matters.

One of my favorite lines in the book is "the most important thing for you to know is that it's impossible to feel bad and at the same time be having good thoughts." I've been walking around with that in my head all week, and I've received more compliments and had more attention paid to me this week than I can remember in awhile! This stuff flows out of your pores.

I also like that it's inspiring me to truly envision the life I want. And further, to actually imagine what it would FEEL like to have that life. Try to imagine that you have it NOW and feel it. I was brought to tears the first time I tried it.

Ok, now I'm sounding new-agey. But that's ok. My feet are still planted firmly on the ground... but why not let my mind float a little? It feels good to feel good.

This is the Year of Pinpoint Aim

I get the Free Will Astrology e-newsletter by Rob Brezsny every week. It's not like me, because I've never really been a horoscope reader. But week after week (even year after year), it's amazing how spot-on it is. Rob seems to know what's on my mind, and his predictions and assignments speak to my personal journey! This week's was so stunning, I had to share it... partly so I can keep re-reading it. It's incredibly inspirational and hits the bullseye of what I want for myself this year. Thanks Rob!!

Aries Horoscope for week of January 17, 2008

I urge you to spend 2008 turning all of your pretty good but half-developed
notions into a few brilliant, fully formed ideas. While you're at it, melt down
your hundreds of wishy-washy wishes and recast them into three driving desires.
This is the Year of Pinpoint Aim, Aries, also known as the Year of Lasering Your
Focus and the Year of Seeing with Fierce Clarity. Psyche yourself up for a major
campaign to cut the crap so the essence can shine.

My new friend the WindStopper

I recently splurged on the Women's WindStopper SYNC Jacket by EMS that has turned out to be one of the best clothing purchases I've ever made! EMS emailed me an invitation to review it, so I figured I'd reprint it here:

Unexpected Features Make it Even Better

I live near the Cooper River in NJ, and there's a terrific 4 mile loop around it that I walk several times a week. It gets pretty windy in the fall/winter, so buying this jacket was the end of my "it's too windy" excuse for braving the colder months!
And what's even better are the little unexpected details:

-- The underarm zipper vents allow me to cool down if I get sweaty without unzipping the front, exposing my chest.

-- The zippered arm pocket which is perfect for my iPod.

-- The little zippered pocket inside the hip pocket so I can secure my keys without closing the whole pocket.

-- The extra sleeve length tucks easily into my gloves.

This is a GREAT jacket and I have been raving about ever since it arrived.

Waiting for the Eagles to fly

The Philadelphia Eagles' season only ended a week and a half ago, and I'm already anxiously awaiting the 2008 season. This year was painfully ... painful. But next year could be amazing. Seriously.

As long as McNabb and Westbrook stay healthy, that's at least half the battle. The other half has many parts, including acquiring some new offensive weapons, remaking the special teams and more consistently aggressive play calling.

It was so frustrating to see the team play better than their record suggested week after week after week. Their stats were generally good, but somehow the boys just lacked the focus to win. A few points here and there, and we'd still be fighting in the post-season.

I'm partial to Donovan McNabb. He's the biggest reason I love the team so much. So the main reason I'd like to see us go all the way is so he can retire with one of those coveted rings on his hand! He truly deserves one. It would look good on him!

There's no doubt in my mind those Birds will at least go to the playoffs next year. As for the you-know-what, we'll have to wait and see.

2007's Bests & Favorites

In my opinion:

Best New TV: Man vs. Wild (favorite episode is the one where Bear catches a salmon in a stream, and takes a raw bite while it's still wriggling in his hands -- now THAT's sushi!)
Best Reality TV: Survivor (it never gets old)
Best Drama TV: ER (ok, maybe it's old, but I still LOVE it)
Best Comedy TV: The Office (I've never been so delighted to cringe, and that Steve Carell is swoon-a-rific)

Best Movie(s): Once (heartbreaking romance and music); La Vie en Rose (I cried from how beautifully acted it was); Juno (refreshing and lovely and inspiring)
Best Netflix: Big Love, season 1 (Mormon fundamentalists on TV? Righteous!)

Most satisfying album: Raising Sand by Alison Kraus & Robert Palmer
(download "Gone Gone Gone")
Dirtiest single (in a good way): Icky Thump by The White Stripes
Coolest new discoveries: Dr. Dog (download "Worst Trip"); and Lily Allen (download "Smile")

Jewelry trend: huge rings (bigger is definitely better)

Favorite dessert: Tres Leches cake at Casona in Collingswood
Favorite entree: Pulled pork with peanut bbq sauce at Tortilla Press in Collingswood

Best concert: Soweto Gospel Choir in Verizon Hall (they come back next year, and I can't suggest strongly enough that you DON'T MISS IT)
Best theater: Wicked at the Academy of Music (gotta love a good prequel)

Rounding it up

Can it really be the end of 2007? It's hard to believe that just a year ago I moved to NJ after living in the same apartment in Glenside, PA for 9 years. The change in scenery and surroundings has completely turned my life around.

This calls for a list. The top 5 highlights of 2007 (in no particular order)
Note that technically, I moved to Collingswood in 2006, so the move itself doesn't exactly qualify.

1. Two Fantastic Friends
My newest friend Elizabeth and I were introduced late last winter by a mutual friend, and immediately felt like we had known each other for years. She's the kind of friend you can talk to about anything. Hours go by during our chat-fests, and I treasure every moment. Alison has been a friend for many years, but since my move to Collingswood we have bonded like sisters. 2007 simply wouldn't have been the banner year it was without her loving friendship.

2. Rock Climbing
It was something I had always wanted to try. And watching Bear Grylls do it on Discovery inspired me that much more. I'll never EVER forget my first trip up a rock face, with the circulation in my toes cutting off from the tight shoes, the comforting feeling of resistance in the belay rope, and the unexpected ease I felt nearly three stories up. It was beyond exhilarating. And I'll amend this entry by adding my first whitewater rafting excursion—another thing I always wanted to try, and finally found the motivation to do.

3. Cooper River Walks
I couldn't count the number of times I have visited the path surrounding the Cooper River. It's a mere three blocks from my place, and about a 4-mile loop around. I've used it to sweat, to think, to breathe, and to enjoy the view. I've seen egrets, scullers, sailors and sunsets. I've walked it jogged it, ran it and sat on the banks of it. I've photographed it too. Sometimes I go it alone, and sometimes Alison and her dog Neemo join me. With them it's more about talking—and sometimes swimming for Neemo—than walking ... but no matter the circumstance, it's always good. Beyond good.

4. Gatherings at My Place
In the 9 years I lived in Glenside, I could probably count on one hand the number of times I entertained more than 1-2 people at a time. In the year I've been in Collingswood, there's no doubt I've already surpassed that number, or even doubled it. It started on move-in day. There were at least 6 of us in a caravan from Glenside to Cwood, and after unloading everything, we stood around my new kitchen eating pizza and drinking beer... and suddenly I realized that this group of friends from all walks of my life were meeting for the first time and enjoying each other! Since then I've thrown several parties, had impromptu dinner gatherings, hosted 2 clothes swaps, and even sat 7 for Thanksgiving dinner! It's such a good feeling every time people gather here.

5. I'm Really a Jewelry Designer
Since I was a little kid, jewelry has fascinated me. My first earring designs were made from tape recorder parts when I was about eight years old. I've made lots of jewelry since then, but this year was my most creatively inspired year ever. Not only did I begin to develop a cohesive line of designs, but out of nowhere, a local gallery sought me out and invited me to show my work there. So between the gallery, launching my etsy shop and excellent friend/co-worker sales, I have suddenly found myself in the midst of having my own small business! I'm proud of what I've made, and I can't wait to see what I make next.

Items that almost made the list:
My fabulous porch, visiting the roof of the Kimmel Center, getting my tarot cards read, discovering the Discovery Channel, Perkins Art Center, and turning 40 (and the everlasting party that came with it).

2007 has rocked. So much has changed and improved for me this year. I have a few goals and aspirations for 2008, including lots more of all of the above, plus learning yoga, returning to Greece, canceling my online dating subscription for good, and quitting my 3-cigarette-per-day habit. CHEERS!!!