Go Ahead, Make My Day…No Really Don’t

am i paranoid or just aware? when i’m exiting a building and walking towards my car the first thing i do is grab my keys. on my key chain i have two keys, which are then placed in between my knuckles. if you try to surprise me, believe me when i say you have another coming. then when i make it successfully to my car i immediately lock the doors. so what other tips do you have for me? if i’m going to do this i have to do it right.

What Do You Know About Omaha?

Omaha here I come.  I got into grad. school, so I’ll be moving out to Nebraska sometime at the end of the summer.  I’m so excited, but I’ll be honest and say all I really know about the area is what I read on Wikipedia.  So if you know anything please leave a comment, especially if you know good bars or restaurants.

So the best part is I’ll be living with my cousin.  A few weeks ago we walked through stores like Pottery Barn together while we compiled a mental image of our “dream” apartment.  But of course, like most people our age, we can’t afford Pottery Barn, so we’ll have to do our best imitation.  I know how to find good deals, and ikea is great for basics, but are they any other stores or online chic places to shop?

So like I’ve said I’m very excited, but there’s still that small part of me that is scared.  The part of me that is always very vulnerable to change.  The good part is if I would have done this a year ago scared would have been terrified and the move never would have happened.  Lately I’ve seen myself open to new opportunities, and this is just another chance to accept that change.  So if you have any advice on moving to a new city it would be much appreciated.

Getting Out and Getting Ahead

 

I’ve been doing some research on the comfort zone and found many lists of things you can to do to get out of it.  On these lists were some things I’ve already tried:

Try some new food

Smile at strangers

Say hello to people in the grocery store

Use public transportation

Wear an outrageous outfit

Start a blog

I’ve tried sushi and caviar recently.  I’d eat sushi again, it was pretty good, but caviar was so slimy and salty that I think I can live without it.  I smile at strangers all the time, whether I’m in the grocery store or on the RIPTA, especially little kids because they’re so cute.  I’ve even talked to some people on the bus (One lady was on her way to her daughters house and another girl was going to school downtown, both were lost and needed directions).  Just the other day I wore what I considered to be an outrageous outfit: sweatpants.  When my roommate saw me she asked if I was going to the gym because she knows that I normally dress up for class.  I was kind of insulted, but I just rolled with it and said I felt like being a scrub.  And of course, this blog is here to document it all.

Over the next few days I’ll be out of town, so I apologize in advance, but I have a few things to work on in the mean time.  On these lists were also things I want to try:

• Compliment three strangers each day for a week
• Take responsibility for something you didn’t do
• Act more feminine (this is my own add on)

It might seem that complimenting people is easy, but with strangers that’s a whole new game.  It’s only thing to say something nice to a friend, but it’s completely different to go up to someone random and not seem like a freak. 

For me, taking responsibility for something I didn’t do, will be to take the fall for someone else or to just admit to something that I don’t think is a big admission.  For example, let’s say you’re arguing with a friend because you just ate the rest of her peanut butter.  Instead of wasting time arguing about it (which in female ways is very passive aggressive little movements and mutterings under your breath), I’ll woman up and just admit it…so many things can be avoided this way. 

And lastly, being more feminine is something I always strive for, but I’ve been slacking lately.  I’ve been reading some articles about the feminine qualities in a woman’s voice; this is very important.  Sometimes it’s not what you say, but how you say it that’s more important.  Also you can’t forget the accessories.  I often don’t bother to change my earrings before going out, or I forget to spray some perfume on.  It’s not because I don’t have earrings or perfume, it’s just not on my mind.  Wearing clothes to show off your figure, and picking the right materials is also crucial.  So when I have a choice to wear jeans or a dress, I’m picking the dress.  Or if it’s a decision of a lacy top or tshirt, it’s gonna be the lacy top.  I already embrace the Betty Crocker way of life, I love to cook and share that.  And have things like purple pens and pink post-its.  So it’s not like it’s not in me, sometimes it just gets hidden in the shuffle.  I’ll be back to report in a few days, till then your suggestions are wanted.

Seinfeld Experiment

I’ve been writing a lot about getting out of my comfort zone, and even lately in class we’ve discussed it too.  We’re learning how to challenge the systems that we are in and to actually think for ourselves.  I just finished a reading in the book “Beating the System,” when i came across this post on Jack Goes Forth.  I guess everyone is trying to break free and find their calling…good luck Jack!

Phase 3

 

Since this experiment started just a week ago, I completely transformed.  I’m starting to feel just like George did after he made the change:

George : Hey, I just found twenty dollars! I tell you this, something is happening in my life. I did this opposite thing last night. Up was down, black was white, good was

Jerry: Bad.

George : Day was

Elaine : Night.

George : Yes!

Last night was a night of firsts, I tried iced coffee and went to a psychic.  I know iced coffee doesn’t seem like a huge deal, but to me it is because I have an issue with beverages.  I don’t like carbonation (soda, champagne, etc.) and I really don’t like anything hot (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc.)  So when I got the coffee I added milk and sugar to ease into the experience.  Unfortunately, it still didn’t win me over, but I’m so glad I tried.  Going to the psychic was definitely more of a risk.  It was down a shady alley and in an older woman’s appartment.  Most of what she said was rather broad, but the good news is that I’m only getting married once (no divorces…woo hoo!!), and living until I’m 94.  I can’t say I would ever go again, but now I can say I did it.

I feel like a whole new person.  I never would have done these things two weeks ago.  Normally I would have stayed in last night, and gotten a good night’s rest; but instead I haven’t slept more than 5 hours a night the past few days.  You would think I would feel exhausted, but I actually feel like I have more energy than before.  So if you’re reading this in your comfort zone I have one message for you: get out while you still can!!