When I lived in Italy, they had a saying that hit close to home. They said Italians work to live, but Americans live to work. When you think about it, it's true. From the time I was young, I've had a job - beginning with cleaning my dad's office in elementary school and then getting my first "real" job at Sizzler when I turned 16. Whether it be waitressing, office work, or retail, I've been working constantly for the past 20 years - often times working two or three jobs at once.
So, I don't find it all that surprising after all this time to need a little bit of a break. Since I've been in California, I've spent a lot of time finding my joy, doing activities I love
(that not everyone understands) and spending time with those I love. I don't find this to be alarming or make me any less of a person. In fact, I think it shows courage and strength - anyone could work at the same job forever doing the same thing and being complacent - I choose not to. It's the same way I felt about my marriage. I want more for myself and more for my life. I will find my way. I will find the perfect path for me. But just because I haven't found it yet, doesn't mean I'm a lazy, worthless person.
When I was in Utah, suffice it to say I had some less than stellar habits. I made a lot of poor lifestyle choices and am very lucky to have walked away relatively unscathed. But, I had a job. Does that mean the rest of my choices were OK just because I made money? I don't believe, nor have I ever believed, that money makes a person better. The lifestyle I live now is much calmer, safer, and my choices are 1,000 times better than what they were. So, no, I won't be made to feel badly about myself just because Taco Bell or some other dead-end job isn't paying me minimum wage. I'm working on adapting the "work to live" motto in my own life and will find my bliss in time. I love that those who know me well aren't even the least bit concerned about my job prospects even when I start freaking out. Especially McH - she never doubts my abilities and has the ultimate faith that I'll find what I'm looking for in good time. I love that. I love having my own personal cheering section - everyone could use some cheering on.
Isn't it funny how much people are dialed into their electronic devices these days? I'm the first to admit I've got a problem - if I'm not checking my email/Facebook/Twitter every five seconds, I feel like something's missing. No wonder my cell phone battery dies so quickly - it never gets a chance to rest!
Of course, there are obvious times we need to be free of these electronic chains - sleep, for example. Or a movie (although, sadly, not everyone agrees, as evidenced by the rude people throughout theaters everywhere). Or dinner with a friend (although it's become all-too-common for it to be OK to check your phone throughout the meal). As I'm guilty of all these things, I can't complain, right? Or can I? Sometimes I want to use the phone to actually TALK on or even just have a face-to-face conversation with someone. It's getting too easy to avoid doing so with so many different electronics in the world.
Don't get me wrong - I still love my toys. But I miss the days when they weren't so prevalent. When they were an after-thought, not a necessity. For goodness sakes, when I was a child we didn't even have call waiting - I remember when cordless phones were invented. Just look how far we've come. Perhaps too far?
The funniest part was that Heidi and I had just been talking about him and his dad, John Ritter, about an hour before I got to the show. Heidi had the amazing experience of working with the late John Ritter as an extra on a movie and was telling me how nice he was to everyone - even going so far as to have dinner with an old lady who lived on the street they were filming on. He was a cool guy and his son is the exact same way. Every person who meets him leaves with a smile on their face - how can they not? Jason is so great. I just adore him.
Last night I had the privilege of attending the Christmas show and it might just be my fave show yet. The guest stars were amazing and I was engaged and laughing the entire show. In fact, by the end of the show, I was wishing I were part of the cast! Still working on finding out who to talk to about that, but I'll definitely be back for more. You can learn more at www.thrillingadventurehour.com. Check it out! I highly recommend it.
Did Olivia Wilde come here from the future? And in the future, do they dress like '70s disco?
I'm not quite sure what's going on with Nicole Kidman here, but she might bite Aaron Eckhart's head off if we're not careful.
I had no idea they sold dresses which have been featured on the cover of a Harlequin romance novel. Is there some sort of store?
While it's true I'll love Madonna until the day I die, I think it's high time she stops raiding her teenage daughter's wardrobe.
I don't care who you are or what your deal is - PUT ON YOUR SHOES.
