Don't just say "I love you more," say "I love you" more...

It's a phrase never heard enough, never said enough, never meant enough. It can be expressed in grand gestures or quiet, simple acts of service. But, the way I like it most is in it's pure simplicity: "I love you." I can't express enough what it means when you say it.

Getting ahead

This semester I am determined to learn a ton and minimize stress. Felt pretty good when Friday night hit. I had spent some time doing some extra training with my stage managers, and it felt so good to see them feeling confident. I got a jump start on my homework and worked two weeks ahead on the readings for one of my classes. So when I woke up sick today, sneezing and runny nose everywhere, I was so relieved I had worked ahead. I'm pretty much ready for class for the next two weeks and can take a deep breath and relax knowing I have one less thing to worry about. Now if I take a sick day tomorrow and don't go in to work, the building might implode. Hey, you can't win everything. But you can celebrate the small wins. And getting ahead in the right way is definitely a cause for celebration.

Own it

Today I was discussing with a classmate the idea of teaching by letting the novice become an expert. While she was sharing with me some of her thoughts, she totally inspired me. Learning is the one thing you can't do for someone else, the one thing no one can do for you. It's something you own completely...so own it. Be inspired, and let people know that they inspire you.

Making in personal

I have some really good friends, many that I greatly admire. Last night I was reminded of some of the truly amazing qualities they possess. I come across people who love to express love for other people, and at times, it can seem a little impersonal when you hear them say the say little quaint phrases to everyone. But when it becomes personal, when someone expresses appreciation for who you are in a specific and personal way, not just posted on a Facebook wall for everyone to see, but face to face, expressing gratitude for the way you look at life, or your optimism, or your ability to show love and encouragement, or to just listen when someone needs a friend, it really does bring a little sunshine into your heart. And so I thank you generally for your ability to thank specifically, with a renewed resolve to do more to seek out the good in others and to thank them for it.

Little rays can bring a whole lot of light

Donate $10 to the American Red Cross by texting "Haiti" to 90999. As of Thursday, 700,000 customers with AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile did, to the tune of $7 million to help the victims of the horrible tragedy in Haiti. Every little bit helps. Donate to the American Red Cross via text, or on their website at www.redcross.org. Or donate to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org. Or give to your local congregation's humanitarian fund that can make sure the money goes where it is needed most. Every little bit helps make a big difference.

So many reasons to celebrate

I have many reasons to celebrate this week. Monday was a super special anniversary. Wednesday I went to a totally awesome concert with totally awesome friends. My roommate finally arrived. And that reminds me of more reasons to celebrate. She got up at 6am twice with me this week to go to the gym. This is super awesome for a few reasons. First, she totally doesn't need to be up that early, but got up anyway. Second, yay for roommate bonding. But most importantly, I thought how wonderful it was that I could walk. After spending most of last year on crutches and in a boot, I am just so grateful to have my foot back. And to celebrate, I think it is time to dance!

Put a little love in your heart...

A good friend came to me today who is having a really rough time. I hope that she knows how much she is loved. Life is hard- really hard sometimes. But there is hope. I sent her a little note today, not wanting her to feel like I was preaching to her, but wanting more than anything for her to know that she is not alone, that she is being watched over, that she has a greater capacity to love than she gives herself credit for, and that there are better days ahead.

Not everyone can do what you do

Today at work someone helped do part of the type of job I do...and I watched them lose their cool a little bit and show their frustration at trying to juggle the situation. I was grateful for the reminder that not everyone can do what I do, and do it with a smile. And I totally saved a singer's dress today. :) Hooray for pliers.

It is better to give than to give

I had a conversation with a friend this week about being a good friend (she is wonderful by the way). I went with her to be moral support one night for something she was nervous about. She had apologized for not being a very good friend recently and not being there enough. The truth is, back in November I had something I had been pouring my life into, and she was the one who showed up to show me support when I needed it most. And as much as it meant to me to be able have her there, what a beautiful gift she gave me by letting me be there for her.

It is good to give...but is it better to give room for others to give? I vote for both. :)

You're Welcome

Driving home from work, I was sitting at a stoplight....forever...and "Five Hundred Miles" came on the radio. To say I was rocking out would be an understatement. Singing at the top of my lungs...bouncing my head...dancing in my seat...and providing ample entertainment to the driver's around me.

You're welcome.

Growing

Today I had a scary meeting with my supervisor. Or at least I thought it would be scary. I've been trying to find I way to show him that I need a more reasonable work load/schedule. And I wasn't emotional, I wasn't aggressive, I wasn't demanding, and I wasn't afraid. I was calm, confident, and at peace. Look at me learning to work with difficult people...and learning to trust promptings.

To the driver of the red Ford SUV...

To the driver of the red Ford SUV...thank you for not only allowing me to merge so I could get on 183, but letting in another car as well. When the BMW rushed in at the last minute in front of me, I felt glad to do it after your kindness. Sometimes I think cars and freeways were created to reveal our true character, and dear driver, your character is beautiful.

The first ray

Today I was walking down the hallway at work and came upon a student who was very lost. No surprise since the office they were looking for is in an obscure place you would only find if you knew the building. It was on the way to where I was headed anyway, so I showed a very grateful student the way. In the process I had a few thoughts. So many times I come to work and wonder if what I am doing even matters, that because of budget limitations, burned out employees, and constant frustrations, it's hard to feel like I can do anything to keep a positive attitude. And yet in that moment, I wanted to thank that student. I wanted to thank him for the look of relief when he found his way, for having the courage to ask a stranger for help, and for letting me be a little ray of sunshine today.