Love In The Eyes of Bob Marley

Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you have never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.” 

Bob Marley

Nothing Is Original

Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. 

Select only things that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. 

Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don't bother concealing your thievery-celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case always remember what Jean Luc-Godard said:

"It's not where you take things from-it's where you take them too."

-Jim Jarmusch

10 Reasons Why You Should Run

In honor of National Running Day

Innovative minds require a healthy dose of physical activity according to John Ratey, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School and author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and Brain. "Exercise is the single best thing you can do for your brain in terms of mood, memory, and learning." He goes on to say that "even ten minutes of activity changes you brain." Amazingly enough we fail to reap the benefits of cardiovascular and physical activity because we claim that we are too busy. But in doing so, we are actually being detrimental to our health! 

With that being said, here are Ten Reasons Why You Should Get Up and Run!

(compiled by theruniverse.com)

1. Its a top calorie burning exercise. 

2. It revs your metabolism even when you are not doing it.

3. No expensive equipment is needed

4. Solo runs provide time for self-discovery 

5. It lifts your mood

6. It boosts creativity

7. It reduces stress

8. Increases self-esteem

9. It fights depression and anxiety

10. It gives you goals to work towards to. 

Sources: US News/Health News

TheRuniverse

50 Things You Should Have Never Stopped Doing {Part Two}

Sorry for taking so long to post Part Two, but here it is:

If you missed the first post, here it is:

http://heybartenderhitmewithadouble.blogspot.com/2012/04/50-things-you-should-have-never-stopped.html 

{source: Jessica Knoll, Cosmopolitan}

26. Choreographing dances (or just re-learning the Britney "Baby One More Time" routine that you nailed in your talent show.

27. Sleepovers! Cover the living room floor w/ blankets, pillows, snacks, and now that you are of age, lots of wine and adult beverages.

28. Shopping with Mom (she has coupons!)

29. Playing makeup artist on a friend.

30. Picking out your outfit, accessories and all, the night before an important event.

31. Treating September like the beginning of the year. Who doesn't love shopping for school supplies?

32. Conference calling your three best friends on a weeknight.

33. Taking up an activity you loved at camp.

34. Spending all day in bed watching Lifetime Movies starring Tiffany Amber Theissan & Tori Spelling.

35. Keeping a list of everybody you've ever fooled around with!

36. Tickle fights.

37. Instituting Taco Tuesdays, Pizza Thursdays...

38. Getting picked up from school, only now you can hop into your sweethearts car for happy hour!

39. Wearing ridiculous party hats.

40. Writing mushy "Where are you now" letters to yourself.

41. Going by the trendy name you only wished your parents had named you.

42. Marco...polo

43. Planning your snacks!

44. Making the mall your "night-out" destination

45. Watching TV with your "Oh-so-comfy" body pillow

46. Storing make-up in your Caboodle

47. Trying on Prom Dresses & fancy evening gowns.

48. Taking a yearbook picture of yourself.

49. Make-overs!

50. Being totally infatuated with buying new bras! (Remember your first training bra)

Things to Do This Summer

It was in a moment of relaxation at a family BBQ that I found myself daydreaming of summer. As I stared at the setting sun and listened to the laughter of children running through freshly mowed grass, I experienced overwhelming feelings of nostalgia. I vividly remembered the anticipation of summer vacation and all that it had to offer: the late night swims, trips to the beach or to the lake, bad television, messy kitchens, and a feeling of freedom as I watched my overwhelmed parents finally leave for work.

Insert {sighs} here.  

Upon relieving these sweet memories I had to ask myself: When did we all have to start being responsible? Why do we have to go to work?! I joke about this particular sentiment but seriously, Why are we always so uptight? Why can't we tackle the thought of summer with the same excitement as we used to? Isn't life too short?

The answer is apparent. It's time to stop being so "lame". ;)

This summer, don't focus on work and the bills you have to pay. Indulge that younger version of yourself and....

Run through the sprinkler to cool off. 

If you decide to slide through the Slip N' Slide, I won't judge you. In fact I'll applaud you. 

Run after the ice cream truck and buy the popsicle that turns your mouth blue.

Kiss your sweetheart in the pouring rain

Slip off the stilettos and run through the grass in your bare feet

Go for a midnight swim {bikini optional} 

Grab a bottle of wine, a blanket, your Ipod and head to the backyard.

{Stare at the stars for awhile...}

Grab a bunch of your girlfriends and head to the beach

Stay up way past your bedtime. Who cares if you have to work in the morning.

Do what makes you happy. Summer comes only once a year.


Xo- Kristina

Work Smarter: 10 Tips

It's not always easy, but here are ten tips to help you work a little smarter:

1. Do one thing at a time
Although it seems impossible, especially with an extensive to-do list and an inbox of unread e-mails, it is often better do one task at a time.

2. Know or Identify the problem
Sit back, take a deep breath, and tackle the real issue at hand.

3. Learn to listen
Yes, at times we think we know everything. But that is simply not the case. Listen to what your supervisor has to say; listen to what your co-workers have to say. They may provide valuable insight!

4. Learn to ask questions
In school I remember my teacher telling me: "Don't be afraid to raise your hand and ask questions!" The same theory applies to the workplace. If you have a question, ASK.

5. Distinguish sense from nonsense.
Enough said.

6. Accept that change is inevitable.
That project you have been working on all week? Sadly, it's possible that your boss will change his or her mind and you will have to start over. Change is INEVITABLE. Roll with the punches...

7. Admit Mistakes
I'm not just talking about jamming the copying machine. That proposal that feel through, fess up baby.

8. Say it simple
No need to complicate

9. Be calm
If you need it, take a quick 3 minute bathroom break, and come back to the overflowing inbox after.

10. Smile
They are contagious.

photo: whatweareburiedwith.tumblr.com

Classic Margarita

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

 

Let's celebrate with a Classic Margarita!

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces tequila made from 100 percent agave, preferably reposado or blanco
• 1 ounce Cointreau
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• Salt for garnish

Prep:

Combine tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Moisten rim of Margarita or other cocktail glass with lime juice or water. Holding glass upside down, dip rim into salt. Shake and strain drink into glass and serve.

 

 

National Geographic