“You'd kill yourself for recognition. Kill yourself to never ever stop. You broke another mirror. You're turning into something you are not.” - Radiohead
Maybe the best thing for me to do would be to stop listening to music that causes me to ponder to deeply, but let’s face it - that will never happen. Music is a part of my life. Always has been and always will be. I’m tuning in when I get ready, in the car, almost all day at work. And even if it’s not playing out loud that doesn’t mean I don’t have a song playing in my head.
Even today I sit at my desk grappling with my mounting assignments, deadlines and thoughts of the unknown. Songs randomly shuffle through my ipod as background. Then occasionally things happen, like a wave of emotion suddenly rushes over me.
Sometimes this can be wonderful. Ya know I will hear something I haven’t heard in a while and my whole attitude will change. It can make me smile and get me to secretly be dancing in my chair. It can make me think back onto a fun memory associated with a tune. Other times I hear songs and it floods my mind with thoughts like “what are you doing?” or “where are you going?”
It was not long ago I was sitting behind a similar desk in Georgia (and for the record it was cluttered chaos too) churning out work. Wondering who I was going to be in 5 years, but not having a clue. Thinking if I could just be down the road onto the next thing I would be able to prove myself. I could be that something or someone. Now it’s beyond that 5-year mark and I’m not sure I’ve blazed anymore of a path then when I started. Could it be that I’m like this Radiohead song spinning my wheels (sometimes selflessly) for something that I’m never going to quite be? Thus setting myself up to be left “High & Dry”?
I’ll continue to ponder this concept and other thoughts as I motor along through my working days contemplating what’s in store for my life.
6.18.2006
It’s our time down here!!!
“Don't you realize? The next time you see sky, it'll be over another town. The next time you take a test, it'll be in some other school. Our parents, they want the best of stuff for us. But right now, they got to do what's right for them. Because it's their time. Their time! Up there! Down here, it's our time. It's our time down here. That's all over the second we ride up Troy's bucket.”
-Mikey Walsh from “The Goonies”
Just like Mikey Walsh stated at the time of this quote, I too am feeling a bit empowered as of late to make the most of my time. Maybe this has to do with the fact a few of my friend’s are departing or have departed Memphis this month for locations around the country and world. They are blazing new paths in their lives from afar, but I do hope that our Goonie like spirit will help to ensure our adventures continue on for another day.
Truth be told, what I’m going to miss the most from these folks is the constant joy and smiles the contributed to our gatherings. I don’t believe this is going to fade over time & distance, but it sure won’t be the same since our conversations won't be face-to-face.
Those one-on-one conversations, complimented by those facial expressions often left me in hysterics. The laughter causing so much pain in the sides that tears literally began to roll down my cheeks! The dueling quotes, the intense debates and the sporadic train of thoughts that somehow all tied together...
And knowing how long-winded I can be on occasion, it is quite refreshing to have that balance of friends that aren't afraid to deflate my precious bubble. Popping that mentality bubble of “your never wrong/always perfect” innuendo (which many of us often live in). This always allowed a revelation within me and others that life shouldn't be taken so seriously, but lived with a little more of that love and lightheartedness.
That’s why I ending this entry by simply saying – “Goonies never say die!”
-Mikey Walsh from “The Goonies”
Just like Mikey Walsh stated at the time of this quote, I too am feeling a bit empowered as of late to make the most of my time. Maybe this has to do with the fact a few of my friend’s are departing or have departed Memphis this month for locations around the country and world. They are blazing new paths in their lives from afar, but I do hope that our Goonie like spirit will help to ensure our adventures continue on for another day.
Truth be told, what I’m going to miss the most from these folks is the constant joy and smiles the contributed to our gatherings. I don’t believe this is going to fade over time & distance, but it sure won’t be the same since our conversations won't be face-to-face.
Those one-on-one conversations, complimented by those facial expressions often left me in hysterics. The laughter causing so much pain in the sides that tears literally began to roll down my cheeks! The dueling quotes, the intense debates and the sporadic train of thoughts that somehow all tied together...
And knowing how long-winded I can be on occasion, it is quite refreshing to have that balance of friends that aren't afraid to deflate my precious bubble. Popping that mentality bubble of “your never wrong/always perfect” innuendo (which many of us often live in). This always allowed a revelation within me and others that life shouldn't be taken so seriously, but lived with a little more of that love and lightheartedness.
That’s why I ending this entry by simply saying – “Goonies never say die!”
6.07.2006
Back In The Blogosphere
Oh My!!! Look at how quickly the time has slipped away. I do declare that I've been rather negligent about keeping up with my blog. Well hopefully this will change in the future. As of right now I would like to share the wisdom that I’ve been seeking/gaining over the last month. Below are two highlights:
Field Trip for Work
Oh yes my friends!!! Some people don’t like to travel for work, some people do…I on the other hand don’t get to do it that often, so I’m pretty much ok with it. In fact one of the best reasons to travel with work for me is because it equates to a big field trip. And we all know what happens on field trips – lots of good intentions, lots of information in a short amount of time and lots of laughs :-) . In all serious though I headed to East Tennessee for a week in Chattanooga. Along the way I just had to make a stop at Rock City (how could one resist all those signs planting subliminal messages along EVERY single mile marker), getting into to the city about an hour after anticipated. Of course this gave my co-workers much fodder for the duration of the trip. The next two days I worked my arse off visiting an end-user in Dalton, GA and spending the rest of the time at the Plant. Did you know that Dalton, GA is the drug trafficking capital of the US? Did you know that spending hours in a plant wearing those fashionable earplugs and safety glasses is so in the season, but still doesn’t reduce headaches? Did you know that eating steak two nights in a row could send you into a carnivore spinout? Who knew that traveling for work could lead to all this new knowledge. But remember this was like a field trip and just like the kid I am at heart I embraced and soaked up the surroundings like a trooper!
Hot Butter Rolls!
Memorial Day also lead a few of my friends and I on yet another mini field trip/adventure to the “Home of the Throwed Rolls.” For those of you who are not privy to the ins and outs of the southern living – Lambert’s is a famous down-home cooking restaurant located in the heart of the boot heel of Missouri. Folks that's right - my friends and I traveled up along the Mississippi river half way between Memphis & St. Louis for LUNCH…Who could blame us though? A 5 hour round-trip to get hot rolls thrown at folks heads, friend okra, country fried steak, black-eyed peas, fried taters, fried chicken and all the fixins’. My oh my with all the southern style it could get even novice singer to belt out a country tune. After we filled our bellies we decided to head home. Only to travel slightly south to visit New Madrid, MO the site of the great shake. This little sleeper town held a small museum that showcased information about the great earthquake on the New Madrid Fault Line (which runs also along the Mighty Mississippi) that created shakes for days on end in the 1800s. The quake was so violent that is caused the Mississippi River to run backwards and created Realfoot Lake. Needless to say we spent far too much time in the museum (which was initially just a potty break) because the old ladies running the place kept showing us videos and suggesting we do a complete tour of the place. So we turned our trip for lunch into a semi-historical tour of the river most of us have grown up on.
Obviously there was much more that occurred in the last month, but I’ve waited so long between posts most of my thoughts seem to be blurring. The two solid weeks of traveling, catching up on movies, reading, BBQs, watching baseball and hours of hot yoga have made my mind has gone to mush. I hope to catch ya'll sooner rather then later!
Field Trip for Work
Oh yes my friends!!! Some people don’t like to travel for work, some people do…I on the other hand don’t get to do it that often, so I’m pretty much ok with it. In fact one of the best reasons to travel with work for me is because it equates to a big field trip. And we all know what happens on field trips – lots of good intentions, lots of information in a short amount of time and lots of laughs :-) . In all serious though I headed to East Tennessee for a week in Chattanooga. Along the way I just had to make a stop at Rock City (how could one resist all those signs planting subliminal messages along EVERY single mile marker), getting into to the city about an hour after anticipated. Of course this gave my co-workers much fodder for the duration of the trip. The next two days I worked my arse off visiting an end-user in Dalton, GA and spending the rest of the time at the Plant. Did you know that Dalton, GA is the drug trafficking capital of the US? Did you know that spending hours in a plant wearing those fashionable earplugs and safety glasses is so in the season, but still doesn’t reduce headaches? Did you know that eating steak two nights in a row could send you into a carnivore spinout? Who knew that traveling for work could lead to all this new knowledge. But remember this was like a field trip and just like the kid I am at heart I embraced and soaked up the surroundings like a trooper!
Hot Butter Rolls!
Memorial Day also lead a few of my friends and I on yet another mini field trip/adventure to the “Home of the Throwed Rolls.” For those of you who are not privy to the ins and outs of the southern living – Lambert’s is a famous down-home cooking restaurant located in the heart of the boot heel of Missouri. Folks that's right - my friends and I traveled up along the Mississippi river half way between Memphis & St. Louis for LUNCH…Who could blame us though? A 5 hour round-trip to get hot rolls thrown at folks heads, friend okra, country fried steak, black-eyed peas, fried taters, fried chicken and all the fixins’. My oh my with all the southern style it could get even novice singer to belt out a country tune. After we filled our bellies we decided to head home. Only to travel slightly south to visit New Madrid, MO the site of the great shake. This little sleeper town held a small museum that showcased information about the great earthquake on the New Madrid Fault Line (which runs also along the Mighty Mississippi) that created shakes for days on end in the 1800s. The quake was so violent that is caused the Mississippi River to run backwards and created Realfoot Lake. Needless to say we spent far too much time in the museum (which was initially just a potty break) because the old ladies running the place kept showing us videos and suggesting we do a complete tour of the place. So we turned our trip for lunch into a semi-historical tour of the river most of us have grown up on.
Obviously there was much more that occurred in the last month, but I’ve waited so long between posts most of my thoughts seem to be blurring. The two solid weeks of traveling, catching up on movies, reading, BBQs, watching baseball and hours of hot yoga have made my mind has gone to mush. I hope to catch ya'll sooner rather then later!
4.07.2006
April Shower Bring May Flowers
Well it’s been a long time passing since I paused to reflect in my blog. So today I’ve decided to revisit my little venture and jot down a few thoughts. It’s the spring so let’s begin by cultivating some ideas and thoughts. Hopefully by doing this something will come to fruition like a flower popping from the ground. So let’s take a gander at the idle thoughts rummaging through my head and see if we can string anything together:
“With a shiver in my bones just thinking about the weather...” 10,000 Maniacs
Yes indeedy - I do occasionally get a concerned with the weather in my fair city of Memphis. Especially when twice in one week I spend hours listening to the tornado sirens shrieking outside my window (which I probably shouldn’t be standing close to anyway) implying “Danger, Danger Will Robinson.” But what is truly sad is that most people tend to ignore these sirens and go on about their daily lives. And who can blame them we are trained to keep pursuing our end goal no matter what, especially while you are at work.
“But it's always me that ends up getting wet …” The Police
All right it’s true. I get wet from all the normal ways – baths, showers, taking a dip in the pool or the occasional water balloon fight. Plus I do occasionally get soaked because I actually prefer not carry an umbrella. Sometimes it’s actually fun to watch people act like they are going to melt from a few little raindrops. And of course anyone who knows me really well knows that sometimes I spill water on myself from my Nalegene.
But really the quote above has little do with getting physically wet and more to do with getting yourself out there and living your life. Sometimes the best things happen in life because you keep on calling, you keep on seeking and you keeping yourself uncovered and unprotected to try new things or engage someone new.
“Have you ever seen a sight as beautiful as that of the rain-soaked purple of the white birch in spring?” Cowboy Junkies
What’s most refreshing about spring is that it’s a time of awakening. The environment awakes from the wintry slumber. Thing around us seem to become rejuvenated and refreshed. Things start sprouting left and right, the day becomes longer and pollen abounds (creating allergy problems in the process too). It really is quite a beautiful time to spend lazy weekend afternoons strolling with no particular destination in mind. Just like the feeling of waking up on those groggy winter days that seem reel on and on, spring awakes with a bright smile of possibilities (and extended daylight) of what could be and what will still come.
Well take some time and ponder. Let me your thoughts on turning these showered thoughts in flowered ideas. I’m off to go ponder some work or ideas for the weekend…
“With a shiver in my bones just thinking about the weather...” 10,000 Maniacs
Yes indeedy - I do occasionally get a concerned with the weather in my fair city of Memphis. Especially when twice in one week I spend hours listening to the tornado sirens shrieking outside my window (which I probably shouldn’t be standing close to anyway) implying “Danger, Danger Will Robinson.” But what is truly sad is that most people tend to ignore these sirens and go on about their daily lives. And who can blame them we are trained to keep pursuing our end goal no matter what, especially while you are at work.
“But it's always me that ends up getting wet …” The Police
All right it’s true. I get wet from all the normal ways – baths, showers, taking a dip in the pool or the occasional water balloon fight. Plus I do occasionally get soaked because I actually prefer not carry an umbrella. Sometimes it’s actually fun to watch people act like they are going to melt from a few little raindrops. And of course anyone who knows me really well knows that sometimes I spill water on myself from my Nalegene.
But really the quote above has little do with getting physically wet and more to do with getting yourself out there and living your life. Sometimes the best things happen in life because you keep on calling, you keep on seeking and you keeping yourself uncovered and unprotected to try new things or engage someone new.
“Have you ever seen a sight as beautiful as that of the rain-soaked purple of the white birch in spring?” Cowboy Junkies
What’s most refreshing about spring is that it’s a time of awakening. The environment awakes from the wintry slumber. Thing around us seem to become rejuvenated and refreshed. Things start sprouting left and right, the day becomes longer and pollen abounds (creating allergy problems in the process too). It really is quite a beautiful time to spend lazy weekend afternoons strolling with no particular destination in mind. Just like the feeling of waking up on those groggy winter days that seem reel on and on, spring awakes with a bright smile of possibilities (and extended daylight) of what could be and what will still come.
Well take some time and ponder. Let me your thoughts on turning these showered thoughts in flowered ideas. I’m off to go ponder some work or ideas for the weekend…
1.20.2006
Freewheeling Friday
It’s time to get this party started people! Current temperature is 64 degrees and falling on January 20th at 1:14pm*.
Right now I’m sitting here with Norm the Gnome chilling like a villain. Or shall I call him DJ NormEGnome Fresh? Not sure if it’s just a coincidence, but my little gnome has vacated his Astroturf and strategically moved himself closer and closer to my Ipod in the past few weeks. He must be in desperate need for some tuneage too! No matter the case, we are both sitting here jamming out at my desk to an Ipod Remix. Ya know kicking it a little before I head off site to a meeting.
I then predict a reunion with NormEGnome, where we will share a quiet cappuccino and listen to some more tunes. Then I will toil away to wrap a few more odds and ends piled up on my desk. Then I will get ready to break free with that ever so tempting 5pm dash. On your marks…Get Set…I’m outta here :-)
Then we can mark it off my calendar. And I will then be able to commit myself fully to another fun, freewheeling Friday. That’s right folks bring on the friends, the laughs, the good times and some RUACH (“Spirit” in Hebrew). So if I get a little rowdy, don’t protest, just join in the celebration of another fulfilling week.
And as I close the chapter of this week, let us reflect upon a few mere sparks:
*Floor seats for the Grizzlies vs. Spurs game on MLK day – not only a great game, but had a great message, special guests (Alabama Blind Boys, Elmo & the Shades, Bill Russell, etc.)
*Driving a brand new Hummer off the lot (I will probably never own one, but it was kind of cool to drive it off like it was mine. And I can always say I drove it first!)
*Watching Death Cab for a Cutie on SNL (I may seriously never delete this from my DVR. I “Heart” that Ben Gibbard fellow!)
**Please note that this is a courtesy call from our friend’s at Captain D’s.
Right now I’m sitting here with Norm the Gnome chilling like a villain. Or shall I call him DJ NormEGnome Fresh? Not sure if it’s just a coincidence, but my little gnome has vacated his Astroturf and strategically moved himself closer and closer to my Ipod in the past few weeks. He must be in desperate need for some tuneage too! No matter the case, we are both sitting here jamming out at my desk to an Ipod Remix. Ya know kicking it a little before I head off site to a meeting.
I then predict a reunion with NormEGnome, where we will share a quiet cappuccino and listen to some more tunes. Then I will toil away to wrap a few more odds and ends piled up on my desk. Then I will get ready to break free with that ever so tempting 5pm dash. On your marks…Get Set…I’m outta here :-)Then we can mark it off my calendar. And I will then be able to commit myself fully to another fun, freewheeling Friday. That’s right folks bring on the friends, the laughs, the good times and some RUACH (“Spirit” in Hebrew). So if I get a little rowdy, don’t protest, just join in the celebration of another fulfilling week.
And as I close the chapter of this week, let us reflect upon a few mere sparks:
*Floor seats for the Grizzlies vs. Spurs game on MLK day – not only a great game, but had a great message, special guests (Alabama Blind Boys, Elmo & the Shades, Bill Russell, etc.)
*Driving a brand new Hummer off the lot (I will probably never own one, but it was kind of cool to drive it off like it was mine. And I can always say I drove it first!)
*Watching Death Cab for a Cutie on SNL (I may seriously never delete this from my DVR. I “Heart” that Ben Gibbard fellow!)
**Please note that this is a courtesy call from our friend’s at Captain D’s.
1.17.2006
Rock Chalkless Nights
There was no joy in Lawrence, KS or Memphis, TN since the mighty Jayhawks & Grizzlies have now both dropped 2 games in a row. As I sit here and type this message out…my heart sighs just a little bit.
I get a bit misty-eyed thinking about how KU has now lost to both K-State aka “The Purple-Power Kittens” & Mizzou aka “Muck Fizzou” within a mere 48-hour period. What’s the freaking deal? We lose to both sworn enemies in one fail sweep? I’m almost at a loss for words…
Physically it pains me to know KU’s 2006 season has boiled down to these two losses, but now I’m trying put a positive spin on the situation. First off – I’m happy for K-State. Partially because my friend RJet (who recently became engaged) now can go about his merry way knowing that his alma mater doesn’t stink that bad.
I mean it only took the power kittens 31 tries to finally put that W in the record book, but they finally did it. RJet - let us just call this little victory an early engagement/wedding present for ya! So don't forget this generous gift. And let me ask you a quick question – weren’t you still in school the last time they beat good ole KU? I thought they said it was 1894, oops I meant 1994. Oh how the time flies…
And then of course I’ve got my close KU pal Crider (another recently engaged friend). She’s getting ready to join herself for richer or poorer, in sickness & health to a Missouri Tiger grad for ETERNITY. They are one happy & cute couple, until KU/MU game day arrives. No worries though my Rock Chalk friend - we still have our 2005 football victory :-)
Just please don’t make any bets that will lead you to ever have to wear that dreaded black and gold. Again, let him know it’s just an early engagement/wedding present. There will be no need to make a big affair about the victory. I’m just hopeful that we won’t be Rock Chalkless situation over our archrivals in next round of match-ups this season.
BTW – I had to DVR the KU/MU match-up last night because I watched the Griz drop another one to San Antonio at the FedEx Forum. Thanks to Zig for giving me a live play by play of the KU/MU game when it went into overtime. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for part 2 – I “Heart” Griz/Rachiley Rocking the FedEx Forum.
I get a bit misty-eyed thinking about how KU has now lost to both K-State aka “The Purple-Power Kittens” & Mizzou aka “Muck Fizzou” within a mere 48-hour period. What’s the freaking deal? We lose to both sworn enemies in one fail sweep? I’m almost at a loss for words…
Physically it pains me to know KU’s 2006 season has boiled down to these two losses, but now I’m trying put a positive spin on the situation. First off – I’m happy for K-State. Partially because my friend RJet (who recently became engaged) now can go about his merry way knowing that his alma mater doesn’t stink that bad.
I mean it only took the power kittens 31 tries to finally put that W in the record book, but they finally did it. RJet - let us just call this little victory an early engagement/wedding present for ya! So don't forget this generous gift. And let me ask you a quick question – weren’t you still in school the last time they beat good ole KU? I thought they said it was 1894, oops I meant 1994. Oh how the time flies…
And then of course I’ve got my close KU pal Crider (another recently engaged friend). She’s getting ready to join herself for richer or poorer, in sickness & health to a Missouri Tiger grad for ETERNITY. They are one happy & cute couple, until KU/MU game day arrives. No worries though my Rock Chalk friend - we still have our 2005 football victory :-)
Just please don’t make any bets that will lead you to ever have to wear that dreaded black and gold. Again, let him know it’s just an early engagement/wedding present. There will be no need to make a big affair about the victory. I’m just hopeful that we won’t be Rock Chalkless situation over our archrivals in next round of match-ups this season.
BTW – I had to DVR the KU/MU match-up last night because I watched the Griz drop another one to San Antonio at the FedEx Forum. Thanks to Zig for giving me a live play by play of the KU/MU game when it went into overtime. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for part 2 – I “Heart” Griz/Rachiley Rocking the FedEx Forum.
1.16.2006
Yogalicious!
What's up ya'll? Well for me it's been quite an interesting week rocking and rolling around town. Last week brought a bit of adventure, romance, luck and some new forms of relaxation. I spent a great majority of the week really trying to get back into the swing of everything. Seeing as it was my first full week back in the office for 2006. And my pal Kac is officially a married Swiss Miss, which meant no more wedding stuff going on. I attempted to make plans with folks who I hadn't seen in weeks. And I decided to try to tackle a new workout regimen for 2006.
So let's chat about the new workout ideas for a sec. Starting a new program or restarting a new program is always rough. I tend to get very bored going to the gym day in or out. So that's why I usually vary with indoors and outdoors activities. But a friend convinced me I should join the gym near my house. This way we could occasionally work out together and keep each other motivated. Yesterday she convinced me to try the gyms Yoga class. So I go and this is my adventure:
LilVin: "How are you liking it?"
Rachiley: "Is this supposed to be relaxing?" (slight giggling ensues)"
LilVin: "You get used to it."
Rachiley: "I'm not sure I'm breathing right. Or even doing this right..."
LilVin: "Do you have asthma? I think you're doing great, it just gets some taking used to..."
Rachiley: "No, I don't have asthma. You've seen me workout and run. I'm just not keeping up with the breathing according to the instructor. And I look like a flippin' moron trying to twist!"
At the end of the class my friend went to go change and the instructor came up to chat with me. She actually said that I did really well in the class. She even thought it had looked like I had taken some classes before. She hoped to see me again in the future. It was hard for me not to blatantly laugh in her face as she seemed to be very sincere about my efforts. Honestly, I was terrible at the Yoga. Who knows I may try it again since I did feel a bit of relaxation after the naptime portion. Let's face it though - I'm the straight little twig pretzel trying to fit into twisty pretzel world.
Relaxation doesn't come easy to me. Maybe it's truly an acquired state of mind. I'll let ya'll know if I decide to get a yogalicious again in the near future or if I just stick with a more traditional plan of action.
So let's chat about the new workout ideas for a sec. Starting a new program or restarting a new program is always rough. I tend to get very bored going to the gym day in or out. So that's why I usually vary with indoors and outdoors activities. But a friend convinced me I should join the gym near my house. This way we could occasionally work out together and keep each other motivated. Yesterday she convinced me to try the gyms Yoga class. So I go and this is my adventure:
LilVin: "How are you liking it?"
Rachiley: "Is this supposed to be relaxing?" (slight giggling ensues)"
LilVin: "You get used to it."
Rachiley: "I'm not sure I'm breathing right. Or even doing this right..."
LilVin: "Do you have asthma? I think you're doing great, it just gets some taking used to..."
Rachiley: "No, I don't have asthma. You've seen me workout and run. I'm just not keeping up with the breathing according to the instructor. And I look like a flippin' moron trying to twist!"
At the end of the class my friend went to go change and the instructor came up to chat with me. She actually said that I did really well in the class. She even thought it had looked like I had taken some classes before. She hoped to see me again in the future. It was hard for me not to blatantly laugh in her face as she seemed to be very sincere about my efforts. Honestly, I was terrible at the Yoga. Who knows I may try it again since I did feel a bit of relaxation after the naptime portion. Let's face it though - I'm the straight little twig pretzel trying to fit into twisty pretzel world.
Relaxation doesn't come easy to me. Maybe it's truly an acquired state of mind. I'll let ya'll know if I decide to get a yogalicious again in the near future or if I just stick with a more traditional plan of action.
1.03.2006
Welcome Aboard
Welcome aboard! My name is Rachiley and I will be your host on this blogventure. The destinations and discoveries will be unknown, but hopefully it will be an exciting journey that will lead to a little self-discovery and loads of fun along the way. I can't think of a better way to start off 2006. So sit back and relax, because I think we are about ready for take-off!
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