Life of an Optimist

Life will brake you...

2013-06-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

“Life will brake you. Nobody can protect you from that, and living alone won’t either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You are here to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself you tasted as many as you could.”

- Louise Erdrich

This quote rings so true and hits home like a bag of bricks. I realized recently that I grew up listening and reminiscing on songs of love and heartbreak of the 90's, and doing so subconsciously as a child not know what true love really was at time, but knew I loved the passion and emotion that was associated with these songs/ballads sung by the likes of Whitney Houston, Maria Carey, Tony Braxton and Celine Dion. Hours of being lost in a world of fantasy as a child I think has truly affected me more then I realized, possibly ruining me, making me a hopeless romantic. Often playing out love as it was portrayed in these lyrics.

But it has also pulled me into a world of emotion and tenderness, a place of vulnerability. And for that I am grateful and would not trade it for the world. I have risked my heart, been broken, betrayed, hurt and felt lower then I could possibly imagine was even possible, but have also felt unconditional love, companionship, true romance and love, and lost in the moment. I have "...tasted as many as (I) you could," and for that, it has made it all worth it.

To the "I will always love you" and "My heart will go on" and "Breath Again" and "With Out You", my childhood will forever live on and my heart will always feel the purest of love and emotion. Thank you for that.

My Community...I can stand too.

2013-06-26T05:43:00.001-07:00

Today is a big day for many in my community. It has taken quite a while for me to consider myself part or even associated with this so called community, that being the community of talented, vibrant, eccentric, and sometimes self destructing group referred to as the LGBT or the ‘Gays’. I am one of them and today I join them in anticipation of todays ruling by the Supreme Court that will affect the issue of gay marriage.

I sit on the LIRR making my daily trek to work, popping my newly found assistance of anxiety and anti-depression medication. It has done wonders for me, and allowed me to get a better hold on my emotions. Of which steams from aspects of being gay and love and lost love.

This has causes me to reflect on the many people I have encountered in my life and events or phases in their lives that for one reason or another had to turn to these such medications to be of assistance in their time of need. A skeptic and individual that was ignorant to mental illness, I assumed such reliance on medication was a sign of weakness and self defeat, I have sense been awaken to my ignorance as I myself experienced such debilitating emotional instability and anxiety. Since then, I have laid all judgments aside and can empathize with the millions that struggles as I do, whether for a moment in time triggered by an event or imbalance or for their entire lives, I can put myself in their shoes now and appreciate their struggles.

I pray and hope the best for all of us that struggle with mental illness, may today be one of great things and positive reinforcement. One day at a time, that’s all we can do. Good Luck, Ill be cheer you on as I do for myself.

Two hours till we find out the ruling, either way…there has been great things that has come from this fight, if that is all we get. But I join the millions of our country in HOPE and resilience.

UPDATE:
Since my post, we have learned that the Supreme Court has done away with DOMA and California's Prop 8. This is a historical day for my community and for so many that have been affected. AMAZING day!

The Imperfections of a Perfectly AWESOME life.

2013-05-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

I’ve been told on a number of occasions by individuals that they wish they could see life through my eyes. It comes as a compliment and if you know me, those aren’t taken very easily or even often at all. Those words cause an instant desire for reflection and evaluation.

Why does anyone want to see life through my eyes? What is so special about my life? How am I really perceived by these individuals and those around me?

After many countless occasions of contemplation, I feel it all stems back to an ‘attitude’. An “attitude” I learned early on, as cheese as it may sound an in no way gloating or stroking my ego. I live with the notion that ‘life is to be lived’, one day we will pass on, so why not live life to the fullest and on my own terms.

This has guided me to many of my decisions in life and to situations and experiences that I would have never had. I have grown beyond measure and this mind set has taken me to some of my highest moments and pulled me threw my lowest in life.

My life is ‘Awesome’ because of this attitude, but in no way does that eliminate imperfections, hurt, mistakes, weakness, etc. along the journey. It’s all part of the adventure and I’m here for ride.

Don’t take life so seriously. Enjoy the small things. Stop and reflect. You deserve all that life has to offer and let your silliness loose, life’s too short. So why not enjoy it?

Me time ;-)

2013-01-01T13:46:00.001-08:00

I'm the worst blogger....months have past and now it's the new year. Much has happened....life has happened and as low or exciting as it can be, staying optimistic and trekking forward as dim and dismal as it may have seam at times, things have worked out.

This past year has given me many lessons and shaken things up for me. I've lost myself, loved, hurt, fallen flat on my face, been imperfect, fallen in love again, and lived. To a year pasted of much anxiety and great changes and to a new one of optimism and excitement, life's been good. Now to continue to improve myself, be better than I was yesterday, and give back in my own way, to pay it forward.

Happy New Years!!! In for another memorable ride...

Fake it till you make it!

2012-10-16T21:01:00.001-07:00

It's as if I've stepped into a different world. A world filled with power, money, prestige, and endless possibilities. A world I've never been a part of. Last night I was on cloud nine as I found myself there in that type of world. I was extremely fortunate to accompany a dear friend who had an extra ticket to the 'Sing for Hope' Gala in Midtown East of NYC. These tickets went for $1,000 to upwards of $50,000 a plate. Learning that alone immediately made me feel uncomfortable and out of place. But as I've typically done, I faked it till I felt like I belonged and it was great and people so amazingly nice.

These are events that I've only read of online or hear of celebrities and socialites attending, but here I was, NYC's newest resident rubbing shoulders with some of the worlds most talented performers and musicians. From Opera to Broadway, and film to music, these artists were there to make a difference.

'Sing for Hope' is an amazing foundation that brings professional artist and programs that promote the arts to underprivileged schools, assisted living facilities, and numerous other organization through out the City. I marveled at these people's desire and actions to make a difference and help.

To humanity, there is great good out there.

Run run run and fight heart disease!

2012-10-15T12:31:00.001-07:00

The big race is only three weeks away. A few months back I decided to take on the challenge of running the ING New York Marathon this year and be an official fundraiser for the Michael Ludwig Memorial Foundation, raising awareness and fighting heart disease, which claims over 25% of all deaths annually in this country. Michael Ludwig at the age of (9) nine and my father at the age of (56) fifty-six lost their lives prematurely to heart disease. Hence why this cause has resonated and hit so close to home for me.

Today I decided to run one of my long runs in Central Park, which is one of my favorite places in the world. After two and a half laps around the park, I clocked my run at 16 miles. And let me tell you, it was such a beautiful and amazing run today. As a runner, there are just some days that your entire body, mind, and soul all align and it is a great/amazing run, that was today for me. It gave me time to clear my mind and reanalyze and take life into perspective. Life is hard, it's so refreshing to be able to clear your thoughts and merely meditate as you run and enjoy the moment. Live life!

Please join me in raising awareness and fighting heart disease. Click the link below and pledge your donation today. No matter how small or large, join us in this fight. Thank you so much. (Make sure you zero out the transaction fee)

http://www.crowdrise.com/RunningForYoungHearts2012/fundraiser/WoodworthMataele

Relationships are HARDDDD…don’t let anyone tell you otherwise

2012-10-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

I am sitting at a Starbucks in NYC’s lower eastside witnessing a sad display of a troubled relationship immediately next to me. My heart goes out to this young woman as she pleads with what is obviously her boyfriend to stay with here. It was awkward enough that I had to put my head phones on to ensure I was not listening to their conversation more than I have already done. He is expressing his reasons for disappointment and need to end it, while she pleads and pleads with why she can’t do this or that as he’d like/expressed, but that she is doing her best and feels they have a happy relationship.

This situation automatically takes me back to moments I’ve been on either sides of that table pleading or expressing why I don’t want to continue with the relationship.

Relationship as so hard and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. They are either lying or never have been in one or at least a real one. The emotions run wild; the hurt, disappointment, love, yarning, missing, everything is heightened tenfold for that one person. So to be in the position my current coffee shop neighbors are in now, is one that I do not envy or want to be in. It’s feels like your heart is being ripped right out of you. You want to stab your partner and kiss and embrace them all at the same time. Well at least that’s how it’s been for me.

I pray they can work out their differences and realize that at the end of the day they love each other and being together with all the issues they may have is 1000% better then it will be without the other person they love in their lives. Hahahah, listen to me, I should take my own advise right. Always easier said than done. To LOVE, may we all find our true love and keep and cherish it like its the most valuable treasure in the world.

It’s the small things…

2012-09-30T16:13:00.001-07:00

I lay low and hold out making sure that I’m not the crazy one, the one that makes the wrong moves…maybe it’s too soon, or the one that looks needy. But then there is a small gesture, one ounce of affection or indication of mutual feelings. Then it’s all over and the emotional damn begins to gush open like an uncontrollable hurricane force winds and I find myself simply texting ‘I love you’ with a big grin on my face and a burning sensation in my heart.

Am I crazy or just a happy optimist?

Moments ago I opened my email to find this link sent from none other than my best friend J

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW4qjDP5j8I

Recharged...

2012-09-28T21:08:00.001-07:00

After a blissful week with my best bud, I wait at the Phoenix airport for my connecting flight back home. I'm not sure what if anything may come of this last minute 'loco' booking of a trip, but it was well worth it! I feel good and at peace, even if its just closure that this trip provided, but more so it was great to see and spend time with my best friend with no expectations or agenda. Just great times to be spent and memories to be made.

I've been truly blessed, one of which has been landing my first NYC job in duration of my travel. Truly optimistic...

Why do we do the things we do?

2012-09-24T19:34:00.001-07:00

I find myself currently on a plane flying across country to see my best friend, my love, my ex! I know. ..As I sit here after a last minute frantic purchase and race to catch a flight purchased hours prior to departure, I find myself asking, "why do I do the things I do?"

Ive fallen for him and felt that despite our problems, I could be happy with him for the rest of my life. But hes not ready nor wants that now.

Recently I've moved to New York City, I thought that would make me move on and get over my dear friend. But to my surprise we do nothing but souk and long for each other. Endless texts of our longing and love we have for one another.

I miss our companionship, his laugh, his goofy ways and original dance moves, and most of all I miss him. I've been emotionally unstable as my heart has yearned for his touch and embrace. And so today I've had enough and decided I'd join him on his week long work trip to Oregon.

Is this the right thing? Am I setting myself up for disaster? Why can't I just move on!

The heart is a funny thing and I've come to learn that it can't be tamed or controlled nor can I manipulate it dispute all my efforts. My life, never a dull moment. Let's stay optimistic...

A Day to Remember

2012-09-11T03:42:00.000-07:00

Today the nation memorializes the events and the people affected on this day in 2001. September 11 will forever be the day tragedy hit this nation and a new reality of life was upon us. Each person that was alive on that day eleven years ago can tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing when they learned of the horrific events that unfolded. For me, that day I was an extremely green missionary in Ft. Lauderdale, eager to spread the gospel. I can still remember the eerie feeling as we traveled through downtown Ft. Lauderdale and feeling as if it was abandoned, a ghost town, the few roaming the streets crying uncontrollably, and the residents viewed from the streets were glued to their televisions with the look of disbelief and horror.

Today as I too join the nation honoring the lives that were lost that tragic day, I also remember the life I have just left behind as I enbark on this new adventure. I remember the friends, family, coworkers, etc. that I have grown to love and cherish, now left behind in Salt Lake City, UT as I chase the dream of making it in NYC. This day will now have added meaning to me. It will be the day I began my new life and arrived in New York City, NY. The excitement is high, but the sadness of leaving the past behind is even greater this day. I mourn those lost this day in 2001 and also remember my life I’ve enjoyed in UT. I pray that I have made the right decision and that this new adventure will bring many positive experiences. The adventure is on and I’m ready for all that’s to come. Live your dreams!

Bike...lets go cycling. To Life's Adventures

2012-05-14T15:27:00.001-07:00

If you were to ask some of my closest friends to describe me, they'd most likely use words like 'random', 'implosive', 'adventurer', 'thrill seeker' just to name a few. I would not disagree with any of those statements, but would say that life is full of possibilities and new experiences...yup that is exactly what I would say.

I feel life is too short to let little things get in my way of LIVING! One day I will pass on to another, but till then, this world has much to offer and to experience. I hope that I will remember this often and enjoy every opportunity that comes my way in this life.

Life is meant to be LIVED and enjoyed, with a few bumps on the way.

Fridays at the office

2012-04-13T15:48:00.002-07:00

Fridays are usually quite slow at the office, but today was even more so being spring break and all. With that said, we had maybe three customers and a handful of calls. It gets quite boring and restless around the office. In addition, there are usually less employees sticking it out till the end of the entire work week.

What can a person do in this situation? Well, let me tell you, obtain 5,000 calories, yup, 5,000. That's exactly what me an Carolyn did for lunch. It has been a tradition for us to get takeout for Friday lunch, since we are usually the only ones around. Its quite exciting really, we get to brain storm on our vice for that day, and then we go for it. Today, it was Honey Baked Ham tavern combo sandwiches with chips and soda, extra large size onion rings and sneaker milk shakes from Iceburges. It was AMAZING!!!

Hence, I had to forfeit my lunch workout and possibly do it tonight. What can I say...lunch 5,000 calories, the company and savoring pleasure, priceless. Everyone should have a Friday like ours.

Utah Lake, eye soar/possible amenity to the region...

2012-04-12T16:24:00.002-07:00

I got to experience Utah Lake for the first time the other day and my thoughts on this large body of water that occupies a large portion of the region is as follows.

There is this stigma about Utah Lake that you don’t find with other bodies of water in the State. Residents of this area would rather travel hundreds of miles to waters then to recreate here in their backyard. With Geneva Steal’s long time operation and degradation as well as regional waste that have been drained and dumped into this Lake for decades, these stigmas may be justified. The Lake’s shallow depths and carp infestation do not add to the lack of appeal either, but there needs to be a change and education to alleviate that mentality and make this Lake an asset to the community rather than a nuisance.

It’s time to take these shores and the Lake back and make it what it once was. This Lake was the lifeline for the regions Native Americans as well a major food source for the early pioneers. It was said that hundreds of fish could be caught and dried with the toast of a single fishing net during the early settlement of the pioneers in this area. It later became a major gathering place, the area of recreation, and dinner & dance cruises arose. There was a resort constructed, Geneva Resort, to accommodate the large crowds that would congregate and celebrate at the turn of the century.

Why couldn’t we make this a tourist destination, a place locals would recreate and take pride in? Why couldn’t we restore these shores to the way the Native Americans saw it and the early pioneers enjoyed it? Why not?

One day, I hope we can educate and make the necessary changes to save our Lake, till then, I’ll enjoy the shores for recreation.

Frustrated and lost...

2012-04-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

Relationships are hard, frustrating, hurtful, confusing and on and on and on and on…but there are those amazing times that seem to make it all worth the effort. The thought of not being with that ‘frustrating’ person is more devastating than their inconsiderate actions or sometimes hurtful words.

These moments can be a time to reflect on our own actions and possible flaws and downfalls. It’s an opportunity to see where we can change or contribute to the solution and make it a better relationship then it has ever been.

I hope I can remember this perspective as I go through this rough phase in my relationship. I vow to be the best companion that I can be and conscience of my actions and there affects on my relationship. Wish me luck, I’ll need it :-d

New Year Calls for Organization and Resolutions...well and BLOGGing again.

2012-01-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

Oh the retched task of bring the blog up to date with life's adventures thus far. Lets see if I can put it all in a nutshell and do it in one quick post.

Since the last entry, there was a Layton Marathon, NYC adventure in running the ING NYC Marathon accompanied by some amazing friends, Thanksgiving with the BF and his family, the ups and downs of a past relationship, the incredible buildup of my Etsy shop, first Christmas away from home, and New Years and resolutions to make this the best one yet! Did I mention that I have some of the best supporting friends out there, and I'm grateful and count myself 'soooo' blessed to have them in my life.

I resolve to keep blogging on a regular basis. Happy New Years!

Saying 'Good Bye'...the hardest thing

2011-10-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

The end of a past love can be a very hard thing to go through, I know. A few days ago, I had to do one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. That sounds cliché, but it is the honest truth. The moment came when I had to tell my ex that I could not see him any longer as a friend or otherwise. My heart broke as I said it, but I knew it was time to cut all ties, this was the final ‘good bye’. We both sat in practical mourning as we processed the extent of those words. For nearly five years we had shared a life together and it was finally the last string to be cut, my heart sank. The brake up had been particularly hard for me, but it was officially over now.

As I continue to navigate the course of life, I will always think of him. My life has been a better place because of him, and to that I will always be grateful. To my best friend…I will always love you.

The funny thing about LOVE...

2011-09-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

What can I say, the innate human desire to love and be loved. Sounds like a line from Moulin Rouge, I know.

My 'significant other' or as he'd prefer, 'my buddy' has just left for a two week work trip and for me, I am missing him tremendously. But due to the infancy of the relationship and maybe subconsciously afraid of being hurt or alone with this feeling, I lay low and pretend to be OK with the void of his presence. The lack of returned contact becomes aggravating and perturbing, but the smallest ounce of affirmation of love or attention suddenly resonates 'all is well in the world'.

Why are we such SUCKERS? Such romantics and full of hope for love and affection? I'm not sure, but I wouldn't give up any of that sh@% for love...

You take my place and Ill take yours...

2011-09-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

What was I thinking, I guess I'm going to run with it and see where it may lead. Yet another adventure, yayyyy!

Heart of Salt Lake City...

So I have used and love to browse a site called airbnb.com for vacation rentals. One of my favorite things to do is plan out my next adventure/trip. Earlier this year, I had an amazing time in Sydney, Australia by booking a apartment on this site and later next month I will be staying at a place in Manhattan through the site. Well as part of this recent booking they offered to give me a credit by posting a ad on their site. So as my typical self, I posted my apartment and low and behold I immediately got an interested party for the weekend of the Sundance Film Festival.

Awww! Not what I was expecting and I have to decide to either go with it or deny the request. What would the 'Optimist' do, oh yes, I am running with it. I have since taken some photos of my own to post and will be getting a free photographer provided by the site to come over and snap a few shots of my pad.

What else do I have in the horizon coming my way. Till then...

Logo is complete...mybe even a tatoo of the design..hmmm, not a bad idea

2011-09-21T16:02:00.000-07:00

The design is complete and it has been sent to the printing press for the creation of my designer tees!

I decided that instead of begging people for money to support my fundraiser for the Michael Ludwig Foundation (heart disease and awareness) as part of the ING NYC Marathon, I would print some designer tees and sell them with 100% of the purchase price going to the charity. For those that know me, I can't ask people for money, no matter the cause or the situation. This was the small way I felt I could give back and honor both Michael Ludwig and my father Maasi that passed from a heart disease last year. I really feel that this is a great cause, and selfishly this is a wonderful motivation for me to continue racing/competing through out my life.

I am just going to run with this cause and see how far I can go with it. In three weeks both I and a friend Lucy, will run the Layton Marathon and wear these shirts as the start of our efforts as a push for awareness and to honor these two great people that were taken so early in their lives. This would also be a catalyst for me to push for a healthier lifestyle for my own family. Then in November, I and some of my great friends Barbara & Debbie, will be sporting these in NYC for the ING Marathon.

If you are interested in a shirt, contact me or go to http://www.crowdrise.com/RunningforYoungHearts/fundraiser/WoodworthMataele to help support the cause. Thank you and wish us luck.

Being Proactive…finally walking the walk (CHEESY, I know)

2011-09-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a full and productive day for me. I planned on blogging the events last night, but fell asleep, exhausted.

Yesterday began with a carpool ride down to Orem (where I left my car for the weekend) with ‘my buddy.’ With half an hour to spare before I was to be in at a workshop, I hit up Starbucks and dove into my new novel I just picked up, ‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta,’ by Rebecca Skloot. It’s a gripping account of injustice and the contribution a young African American woman’s cells have had on modern medicine, which I would highly recommend. Then I got to sit through a very informative workshop on bicycles and the principles in adding/providing routes through our cities to accommodate these riders. It was a very educational and activating workshop for me (just gave me a large jolt to get back on my bike and ride). I then got to spend an hour or so with ‘my buddy’ before I headed over to the American Fork Commuter Rail parking lot to embark on my first transit experience to and from work. Although it took nearly two (2) hours to get from American Fork to Salt Lake City, it was a great opportunity to get into my book again. With the workshop still fresh on my mind, I got home and immediately got my bike (yellow thunder) off the wall and rode over to Liberty Park. It was so refreshing to bike through the city at dusk and see the full moon rise over the Wasatch, a magnificent sight. While at the park, I decided that I should start a long run as part of my training for the upcoming marathon since I had been so lazy lately, so I ran. It turned out to be great evening of relaxing meditation as I ran in the evening moon and street lights that lined the parks running path. Ten (10) miles later, I decided to head home and await my new roommates. Moments after I got home, they arrived, Jose and Doug, the two cutest cats. Their owner asked me to watch them for a few weeks while she was in the process of moving to a new apartment and so I agreed. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t usually like cats, but these two are little friendly guys. They explored the home, getting into every hole and cranny. Then this morning, they were nowhere to be found, I’m guessing they slipped into my couch and slept there, I’ll find out this evening when I get home.

That was my wonderful day; I slept well and was up bright and early to start another one this morning. To many more days like this…

Team 'Running for Young Hearts' 2011 NYC Marathon

2011-09-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.crowdrise.com/runningforyounghearts/fundraiser/WoodworthMataele

Help me support this great cause by donating to the 'MICHAEL H LUDWIG MEMORIAL FOUNDATION.'

I thought I would join the ING New York City Marathon challenge and raise money for a charity of my choice. With only eight (8) weeks away, I figured that this would be a great motivation for me and also make this run that much more special. As you may have already figured out, I was fortunate enough to draw a spot in this year’s NYC marathon. This has been a dream, and though I have procrastinated my training, this challenge has given me a new spark of excitement to do extremely well for 'Michael'.

"Running for Young Hearts" are wonderful people that are running on behalf of the Michael H. Ludwig Memorial Foundation. Michael Ludwig died at age nine (9) from an undetected congenital heart defect. Michael was a solid athlete who loved life and had a passion for many sports; at times he had trouble with sustained running but always seemed to bounce right back. No one including numerous doctors and Michael's parents ever knew he was in any danger. The Michael H. Ludwig Memorial Foundation aims to improve awareness, detection and treatment of life-threatening congenital heart conditions, especially among young athletes.

Loosing my father last year to a heart defect has made me that much more of a supporter of this cause. So help me run for Michael Ludwig and my father this November and lets make a small difference.

Food, my first true LOVE!

2011-08-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

I'm a FAT BOY in a small body, go figure. Food has been my first true LOVE, and as far as I can remember, it was always there for me. From every holiday or celebration (whether note worthy or not), to my hardest times in life, FOOD has been there for me. This is my tribute to FOOD, the introduction to one of my favorite guilty pleasures (had one this morning, and a few friends were introduced pleasantly introduced).

Something I discovered a few years ago, was Les Madeleines, Kouing Aman. Located in Down Town Salt Lake City, this pastry is truly "To Die FOR". This is such a hot item that they sell out nearly every morning within the first few hours of opening. Crisp and flaky, it is unlike anything I've ever had before. Its like a warm sugary (caramelized) pastry, oozing buttery flakes of goodness. It feels like a warm embrace of a true love ;) If you are ever in Salt Lake City, make a stop at this shop and you will not regret it.

To the simple pleasures of Life!

ADELE...what more can I say!!!

2011-08-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

To begin, you should know that I don't typically attend concerts. I don't enjoy crowds or the price tag that is usually associated with these events. But occasionally, occasionally I find a group or a performer that has the power/ability to get me off my cheep @#% to buying a ticket or two to their venue. That was defiantly the case with the gifted British vocalist ADELE...what more can I say!!! I have grown to LOVE her songs and her effortless ability to draw you in to her lyrics and exceptional voice/style. She is definitely unique and a ability and talent that I'm sure doesn't come around but every few decades or so.

It should be noted that I attended this even with the 'EX', yes it was 'different', but we had purchased these prior to the brake up. In no way was I going to pass 'ADELE' by or allow someone else to take my place of experiencing this phenomenal talent, and it was worth every penny and awkwardness. I was a bit concerned during a few of her songs, since they often are about brake ups and passed loves, but we both were good sports I guess and just enjoyed the talent that we were witnessing.

The evening began with Wanda Jackson (The First Lady of Rock & Roll) and The Dusty 45s. At the age of 73, Mrs. Jackson rocked the crowd with her chart topping songs of yesteryear. She was hilarious and full of vigor and The Dusty 45's did an exceptional job accompanying her. Then the main event began and the crowd went crazy. She began with singing the first verse of 'turning tables' behind the stage and then crepes out as the audience frantically cheered her name, it was phenomenal. I couldn't have asked for anything more then to be there to see this amazing vocalist. Adele won our hearts over as she sang the songs that had meant so much to her personally, I even witnessed her wipe a tear away as she sang a song of lost love. She was personable and fun as she spoke and sang to the audience. Unlike concerts that I've attend in the past which was full of dance moves and flashy lights and effects, this was just her standing still and using her god given talent to express her emotions and past experiences that anyone could relate to. I couldn't help but think of how amazing it would be to befriend this wonderful young lady that seamed mature beyond her age. Her voice resonated through the evening sky, even more powerful and piecing then even her recorded albums could ever sound.

Experiences like this, though small and insignificant in the scheme of things, reminds of the why life is worth living every moment. The reminder of the goodness that can be found around us. To life's small gifts.

Pepsi Time...

2011-08-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

Today's adventure included a trip to a Pepsi distribution center for its 'friends and family sale'. Now hold your excitement, I know that you can't think of anything more thrilling then going to a distribution center (parking lot that is, where they have these drinks stacked up). But let me tell you, I was thrilled and beside myself. The thought of challenging others to grabbing as many cases for $4.00, yes, $4.00 a case was exhilarating. I felt youthful again and full of life. There was even a gimps into the human psyche, as we witnessed man protecting and arguing for his coveted goods (at least in his mind it was) and two people grabbing from our stack of drinks. The thought crossed my mind, why is it that getting anything for a bargain, even if you don't typically drink it or use it makes us do some illogical things (couponing is a good example of this). As if I am going to drink 100 cans/bottles of carbonated drinks in the near future, crazy I know.
Even with this thought crossing my mind, I agreed with a friend that we are going to do this every time they offer this bargain. Call me odd fashion, but I feel all warm inside with the thought of possibly saving a few pennies. Ok that is a lie, the adventure and observation of others is what I really appreciate. Till the next Pepsi adventure, I’m signing off. ;)