The Fearless Blogger

Waterskiing Monkeys!!!!

faryl — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 05:20:49 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A-hADCTHqM

But the final stunt is when Momoko gets in the speedboat . . . and Lilly waterskis behind.

I love the internet!

Bulldog Kisses Orangutan

faryl — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 05:11:42 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hllqpstavoc

A tale of a bulldog babysitter and a lonely primate.

There’s not much more one can say about that.

Danny & Annie: A Love Story

faryl — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:19:40 +0000

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

This post is dedicated to Danny and Annie. And to finding our own Danny or Annie in each of our lives.

Be warned: This will probably make you cry. Or at least have your eyes well up!

Hat tip (and a big hug): Ahmed Naguib

I Think You Stink

faryl — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:45:42 +0000

I’ll admit it – I’m in a crappy mood.

Maybe it’s my meds. Maybe it’s the heat. Maybe I’m just scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life, the way I feel when I’m with you - ooops! That’s Baby in Dirty Dancing, not me! Got a bit carried away there!

Whatever the reason (I’m sure if I spent another couple of minutes, I could list at least five more), I’m cranky and I’m irritated and am not about to take it out on my cats – and certainly not on you. (I love you! You know that! Right? OK – we’ll talk more bout that later – remind me!)

I’d say it’s possible I got up on the wrong side of the bed – only I still don’t have a friggin bed to sleep in, thanks to a combination of careless movers, poor timing, ADHD-procrastinated paperwork, and just overall shoddy customer service from Priority Moving.

So, I’m in the mood to vent. I’m wanting to share some of the frustration that the random dingbats and doody-heads (you heard me right!) are bringing into my life.

Still, I don’t want to turn my blog into a ranting bitch-fest.

What’s a girl to do?

If that girl is me, she creates another blog to house all her complaints and disappointments. (Or some of them, at least!)

She even convinces herself this is a positive thing – rather than sit and stew, she can get it all out there, off that DDD chest that already weighs her down. Plus, perhaps by publishing these atrocities, I (yeah, switching back to 1st person – I’m crazy that way) can contribute to the googlesphere – so that others don’t repeat the same mistakes.

If I can prevent one tourist from choosing the Mission Valley “Resort”, then it’s all worth it.

Well, not really – it still sucked.

But it does feel a bit therapeutic to publicly declare to each
Truly Nolan, Priority Moving, and The Mission Valley Resort:

I think you stink!!!

Call for Nominations Now Open for “Women Changing the World” Award!

faryl — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:50:42 +0000

One of the most vital lessons I’ve learned this past year is the importance of reaching out for help.

The Speak for Success Women’s Leadership Institute is accepting nominations for its “Women Changing the World” Award.

As I’ve expressed in my most recent blog posts, the Women’s Leadership Institute was a life-changing experience for me. Over the past decade or so I’ve participated in my share of leadership trainings, goal-setting workshops and motivational seminars at some world-class organizations. Hands down, I gained more during my 10 weeks with Speak for Success than I have from all of my other experiences combined.

What does this have to do with asking for help?
(Be patient, grasshopper, I am getting there!)

I’ve yet to figure out how to succinctly articulate the impact the Women’s Leadership Institute has already made in my life – as well as in the lives of my classmates. (The words that come to mind just sound cliche and don’t embody the spirit of the organization quite well enough to do it justice.) Equally difficult has been finding a way to adequately express my gratitude to Dana and the other women who gave me this opportunity.

One way I am able to demonstrate my gratitude is to lend my voice – and my community – to spread the information about Speak for Success and its events to as many people as I can reach.

Will you help me? By giving just two minutes of your time, you can help give countless women back their lives.

To make it simple, below are 10 ways help Speak for Success change other women’s lives as it changed mine (most of these can be completed in 2 minutes or less):

Tweet a link to this post
Share this post on Facebook
Share this post on LinkedIn
Email a link to this post to your friends
Link to this post on your blog
Write about the “Women Changing the World” Award nominations on your blog. (copy & paste this to make it easy)
Nominate a woman who is changing the world (details below)
Are you a woman changing the world? If so, encourage others to nominate you!
Consider sponsoring (or asking your employer/company to sponsor) the event
Have another idea to help get the word out? Please share it in the comments below!
(bonus!) Connect with Speak for Success on Facebook
(another bonus!) Follow @Speak4Success on Twitter

Thank you for helping me!

Details on the nomination process (courtesy @PRProSanDiego)

Note: Although the awards event is in San Diego, I’ve confirmed that nominations are open to any women – regardless of location – as long as they can be in San Diego to attend the awards ceremony

Nominations for the 2010 “Women Changing the World” Award are now open. Entering its second year, this program recognizes San Diego area women leaders who have made significant contributions encouraging, supporting, and empowering women and families in their organizations and communities.

The “Women Changing the World” Award is sponsored by the Speak for Success Women’s Leadership Institute, an extraordinary program that provides an enriching empowerment and leadership program to women overcoming serious adversities including domestic violence, homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. Graduates of the Women’s Leadership Institute go on to become inspirational leaders in the community, helping others as they help themselves succeed.

This year’s winners will represent some of the finest examples of leadership, inspiration and community service. The Call for Nominations plays an integral role in that process. We encourage your participation, and invite you to join us in celebrating the contributions made by these extraordinary women who are your colleagues, peers, mentors, friends and family. Nominations across the diverse sectors and industries of San Diego are welcome. Examples include but are not limited to community, government, business, nonprofit services, science, medicine, law, arts, media, academia, philanthropy, family, and so on.

Previous recipients including Karny Stefan, CEO, Walden Family Services; Mary Marcdante, author and motivational speaker; Dr. Carolle Jean Murat, physician and medical director of the Wellness and Retreat Center, San Diego; Helice Bridges, Founder & President of Difference Makers International; and Gael Strack, JD, Co-Founder and CEO, National Family Justice Center Alliance.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS Friday, August 27. Nominations may be submitted as an attachment via email or completed online. No exceptions to the deadline, please.

The Selection Committee is looking for nominees who meet the following criteria:

Is available to attend the September 25, 2010 awards event from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. in person to receive her recognition.
Has achieved personal and career goals.
Has overcome adversity in her life.
Is an inspiring role model.
Is a leader in the community and/or her organization.
Empowers other women to reach their full potential.
Gives back to the community in a significant way.

Please click here for the 2010 Nomination Form. Complete your form online, or email a copy of your completed nomination to womenleaders@speakforsuccess.com

For 2010 Women Changing the World Sponsor Information, click here or email dana@speakforsuccess.com

For additional information regarding nominations call Debbie Lousberg: 760-941-5166 or email: womenleaders@speakforsuccess.com

Visit: www.SpeakForSuccessWomenLeaders.org

YAC* Post: Live with a Cat? Look Familiar? (*Yet Another Cat)

faryl — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:21:08 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0ffwDYo00Q

If you are a cat owner lucky enough to share your home with a cat my guess is your mornings go pretty much like this.

Personally speaking, my feline cohabitants seem to have developed a tag team approach: (“spoiler” alert!) Marley is the master of the gentle, intermittent face-tap and persistent “meow”; Kaya Cher seems to have the other techniques covered, I’m just hoping she never gets her paws on a baseball bat!

hat cat tip: Mara

Note: This post was edited by Marley & Kaya Cher

Graduation

faryl — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:11:03 +0000

Yay! | photo credit: Lou Adzima

As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m furthering my goal to share as much of my story, with as many people who will listen, by posting excerpts of my writings from my 10-week experience with the Speak For Success’s Women’s Leadership Institute.

The prior posts have focused on where I was and were written prior to my acceptance to the program. Today’s post is the “transcript” of my speech I presented at our graduation. Although it, too, includes information about my past, it’s done so from a different vantage point and also continues to where I am now and what I am moving towards.

(Note: I’ve added section headings to help visually break up the different sections. They were not read as part of the speech.)

My Graduation Day Speech

Looking Back
Viewing life as a journey means living in the moment.

Still, it’s important to pause, to look back at the past. Like looking back down the mountain during a long hike, reflecting on past milestones reframes my perspective of where I am now, enhancing my appreciation of how far I’ve come.

A year ago, ashamed and embarrassed to tell friends what was going on, I’d isolated myself from everyone but my boyfriend.

Getting ready to share

My life was on my couch, blinds shut, blocking out the time of day. My boyfriend hadn’t stepped inside the door in six months, since even basic housekeeping had become too overwhelming for me.

I’d make plans I wouldn’t keep and spend days online trying to find work.

And I cleaned my ears.

Later, I’d learn it was OCD, exacerbated by stress and a change in medication. At the time, I only knew that I’d lose whole days – and sometimes nights – compulsively poking at my ears and it was gross, it was dangerous and it was something I didn’t want anyone to know about.

When I Knew I Needed to Change My Life
Waiting online at a food pantry –my food stamp benefits cancelled because I’d forgotten to file the paperwork in typical ADHD fashion – I knew something had to change.

I emailed my mother. I told her what my life had become. In admitting this to her, I would finally admit to myself what was going on.

I have a disability. My mental illness can be just as debilitating as a physical one. Recovery is not something I can manage on my own.

I shared this with my mother.

I asked for help.

What I Learned
When a cat is sick, its natural instinct is to hide its symptoms as long as possible. Cats feel vulnerable exposing weakness and will expend a lot of effort to not act sick. A cat’s illness often has reached a crisis stage by the time we notice something’s wrong.

A Life-Changing Experience

What I learned about myself from this experience is that my cats & I share more in common than just our love of days spent napping and eating. Unwilling to make myself vulnerable others, my life reached a crisis stage before I’d let anyone see something was wrong.

When I applied to the Women’s Leadership program, I’d been on my journey for several months. I was able to recognize the distance I’d covered. The steep path ahead was in my sight, and I was motivated to reach the summit. But, my lack of confidence, damaged self-esteem, and unfamiliarity with the upcoming landscape had stalled me in my path.

The Women’s Leadership Program helped me find my inner compass, and learn to trust it. I’ve learned how to create my own map. I can face the possibility that I may stray from my path, maybe even get lost, with confidence, because I’ve learned the skills to find my way back.

Where I Am
And, ten weeks later, I stand here, looking out at you from that summit.

I didn’t climb that steep path alone. Even as I pushed through the most arduous stretches, with my classmates – my sisters – and teachers by my side, I’ve loved every single moment and appreciate that each step brings its reward.

For a moment I stand still. Not stalled, but paused, to celebrate my accomplishment. Just as I’ve learned the value of looking back at where I’ve been, from this vista I am able to look forward at what lies ahead.

Oh, yeah! | photo credit: Lou Adzima

Where I’m Going
I continue on my journey with two new goals. The first, to seek out opportunities to share my story, so others like me might connect with it. We can feel stronger when we know we’re not alone. And I’m off to a running start: A CNN.com feature on overcoming phobias related my experiences as their example. (OK – so, at this point, the audience clapped and cheered!*)

The second goal points me to my next destination. I’ll be getting my coaching certification so I can help others adults with ADHD find the tools they need for journeys of their own.

Mom was there to share the celebration! | photo credit: Lou Adzima

*As a little background: I only mentioned the CNN post because several of my instructors asked me to add it to my speech. It wasn’t until about 10 minutes before I had to be out the door that I finally thought of a way to integrate it into my speech in a way that seemed to somewhat flow. Needless to say, standing on a stage and having over 150 people cheer you on is an incredible feeling (I highly recommend it). To have so many people recognize this particular achievement was probably one of the highest moments of my life.

An Ideal Candidate

faryl — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:36:50 +0000

Image: Wisdom Cards - Affirmations by Louise Hay

What makes you an ideal candidate for this program?

I can’t adequately articulate the surreal sense I feel reading these words today, realizing I wrote my response just over three months ago; realizing that such a short window of time is the only buffer between my life now and my life then:

I’d pulled one of my final(!) all-nighters on that white leather couch that’s become a symbol of a dark, isolated time of my life (and the reason I am currently without a couch :-) ).

As I clicked “send”, I said a little prayer in my head: “I just need one positive thing to grab onto to help pull me out of this hole I’ve been lost in. I finally see which direction is up – please give me this opportunity to get myself back on solid ground and out of the darkness.”

Someone was listening.

It’s amazing what 10 weeks can do.
Ten weeks is enough to give someone back their life.

Why I was the Ideal Candidate:

On the surface, my adversities may appear to be different from those who have overcome domestic violence or substance abuse. However my past experience of living with a friend who was battling his drug addiction has helped me identify similarities in the challenges and stages of my recovery process.

Additionally, having encountered emotional and verbal abuse towards me in different relationships throughout my life, I recognized the circumstances that might drive a woman to remain in a situation where she is faced with domestic violence. It was finding myself perched on the top of that slippery slope that scared me into a wake-up call to seek professional help. As a result, I found myself at the start of the path that led to where I am today.

Because of these experiences, I understand what it’s like to walk around hiding a secret from my colleagues. I am familiar with the feelings shame and embarrassment and the accompanying sense of living a dual life. I was shielded from adding the complications of managing my mental health challenges to this, by the leave of absence my employer’s HR policies required me to take.

I’ve experienced life through the eyes of a jet-setting professional with full benefits and a disposable income that far surpassed my needs. I’ve also experienced life through the eyes of someone who feels powerless, paralyzed with fear, overwhelmed by basic activities that intellectually should not have been a problem to achieve.

I know what it feels like to line up outside a food pantry. I’m familiar with the frustration that results from navigating through social services hurdles, only to fall through the bureaucratic cracks for landing outside seemingly arbitrarily-defined demographics.

Like Leaping Lucy, I too shall soar!

These experiences do not make me an ideal candidate for your program. I am an ideal candidate for this program because I’ve molded these experiences to form my second chance at taking control of my life and to actively define the success I achieve.

Part of your program’s mission is to launch a national program to empower more women to reach their potential in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. Investing in my future will provide you with one more person empowered to be a leader, role model and a voice towards helping you achieve that goal.

I’ve been fortunate to overcome adversities including my untreated ADHD, learning disabilities and mental illness, to achieve financial success. Having gained the knowledge and support to better manage these same adversities, can only increase my potential to surpass my prior accomplishments and lead to my true success.

Full Trailer for BOTH “The Facebook Movie” AND “The Myspace Movie”

faryl — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:52:11 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0589zt79kBo

Honestly, with my boy Justin Timberlake in the movie, I would have watched it even if it was just him making Facebook status updates for two hours.

But, I have to admit, the new “Facebook Movie” looks like it has actual potential. I guess one shouldn’t expect less from a David Fincher movie though (one scored by Trent Reznor, no less). hat tip: Digital Inspiration

(I love that the name is not actually “The Facebook Movie” but that’s what everyone calls it!)

More of a retro, Myspace fan? You’re in luck! For you Tom fans -- er, friends -- out there, there’s a movie for you as well! OK, not really, but the Huffington Post shared a “trailer” from Best Week Ever here.

What do you think? Will this be a movie you’ll be checking out?

Crossing a Threshold: Where the Internet Ends

faryl — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:50:28 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMnpWYaCKB0

(watch at your own risk!)

Might as well close up the internet and go home -- there couldn’t possibly be anything left to share that is cuter than this.

Now, it’s no secret that I love ice cream. Or that I love cats. And yes, I am incredibly fond of cats wearing hats. Imagine, if you will, if one were to somehow combine ice cream and cats and hats.

Don’t worry if you can’t. Prior to 10 minutes ago, the idea of such a medley was far beyond my realm of possibilities.

So, we’re in complete agreement: It would be too much.

It would be like the cuteness equivalent of “The Light” in Lost -- a threshold so very tempting, but one I’d dare not cross.

Of course in L.A., the concept of “too much” just doesn’t exist.

In fact, a cat in a hat with ice cream is just barely “enough” in L.A. L.A. takes it to the next level.

L.A. gives us a kitten wearing a tiny hat eating a miniature ice cream cone. As a commercial! I couldn’t even pick which words to italicize because it’s all just too friggin’ cute!

Gotta love L.A.!

A kitten’s tiny hat tip to: Kitten In Tiny Hat Eats Ice Cream | Comedy.com.

The Fearless Blogger

Waterskiing Monkeys!!!!

other posts you might enjoy

Bulldog Kisses Orangutan

other posts you might enjoy

Danny & Annie: A Love Story

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I Think You Stink

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Call for Nominations Now Open for “Women Changing the World” Award!

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YAC* Post: Live with a Cat? Look Familiar? (*Yet Another Cat)

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Graduation

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An Ideal Candidate

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Full Trailer for BOTH “The Facebook Movie” AND “The Myspace Movie”

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Crossing a Threshold: Where the Internet Ends

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