027. Walter Jones Sway

"Uncomplicated and pure" - Randy Mueller, former Seahawks GM.

"The best offensive player I've ever coached" - Mike Holmgren, former Seahawks head coach.

"A pro. A guy you could count on."  "A great teammate, it just happened to be that he was also the best player on the team" - Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks Quarterback.

Endless compliments are pouring out today for retiring Seahawk, Walter Jones.  This former Left Tackle has one of the most impressive resumes to grace the NFL; 12 seasons and 180 games, 9 Pro Bowl appearances and 1 trip to the Super Bowl.  It doesn't end there...  he blocked for more than 5,500 pass plays in his career and gave up just 23 sacks and was called for holding just nine times in 180 career games -all starts  and all with the Seahawks!

On the field Jones was this force to be reckoned with.  He was passionate and powerful in his position.  Off the field he was a completely different person, extremely humble, ultimately shy. He was proud of what he did, but didn't feel it was necessary to talk about it.  Walter Jones was a man of little words but all heart and he made you feel it with him. 

Walter Jones - thank you for 13 years of inspiring football. 

Walter Jones Day Announcement

026. Electron Boy

It's hard to write this blog without getting emotional.  This post is about a young boy that I have never heard of before, we have never met, and I don't know if our paths will ever cross one another.  However, in reading his story and seeing how the community went above and beyond today to make his wish come true - I can't help but get a little teary eyed.  Maybe you will too. 

Erik Martin is a local 13 year old boy who is living with liver cancer.  His dream has always been to be a superhero. Today, Thursday April 29th, the Northwest Chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation granted him that wish.  Providing hundreds of volunteers throughout Bellevue and Seattle - including the Seattle Sounders,  Edgar Hansen and Jake Anderson, and countless PSE and city employees - the Make a Wish foundation put on an all day production fit for a true superhero. 

Erik was transformed into "Electron Boy" when by his friend Spiderman called for help!  The day consisted of thwarting the evil plans of Dr. Dark and Blackout Boy (played by Edgar Hansen and Jake Anderson from The Deadliest Catch) from wreaking havoc across the area.  Electron boy saved the Seattle Sounders who were locked inside Qwest Field, he rescued a Puget Sound Energy worker who was stuck in his bucket truck in Bellevue, and he rescued trapped visitors at the Space Needle!

Watching her son run across the plaza in front of the Space Needle, mom Judy Martin said Erik goes to school when he's able, but is often too tired. "He hasn't had this much energy in a long time," she said. "They called it the power of the wish, and they're right."

Like any good superhero, Electron Boy kept his innermost thoughts to himself. But he did have one important thing to say:  "This is the best day of my life."

Click on any of the pictures to read the full story on Erik's Superhero adventure.

Electron Boys Facebook Page

Make A Wish Foundation

025. Sonicsgate

Today's sway has to go to the passionate team behind Sonicsgate.  With the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA playoffs; Seattle loosing the Sonics is finally getting a lot of national attention.  Two year ago Seattle was stripped of a 41 year basketball history.  As many of us hung our heads in defeat and watch our beloved team get dismantled, the Sonicsgate team went to work to educate basketball fans across the world.  "Sonicsgate - Requiem for a Team" is a two hour documentary/movie showing what really happened between the Sonics, Clay Bennett, and David Stern.

These guys are so adamant about there cause that they managed to get court side seats behind the Oklahoma bench during game 1! Seattle stations refuse to report on Oklahoma standings BUT they did comment on the Sonicsgate giving the website and movie lots of free press.  My favorite picture from the game - "Seattle Drafted Durant"!!!

Its painful to see this half ass replacement team succeed in the NBA playoffs this year.  It could have been us playing the Lakers... I digress, I urge you to watch  "Sonicsgate - Requiem for a Team" and decide for yourself.  Help support these guys and spread the word for their cause.

WATCH Sonicsgate here
Follow Sonicsgate on Twitter
Sonicsgate on Facebook

024. Wappler Sway

I grew up watching Harry Wappler on Kiro 7. For years he told me when to bring my umbrella, get my sunglasses, or when to layer up. There was something special about how he could speak to thousands of people and tell you a wind storm was coming yet he was fun about it. This was before all the high tech scrolling green screens etc. Weather is weather and we take for granted those that put in the extra effort to make something so broad like the weather seem so personal. arry Wappler some how managed to do that every time he was on the air. I am sadden to hear that he recently suffered a heart attack and past away a few days ago. So today's sway goes out to Mr. Harry Wappler; a weatherman for the Seattlites. May you have clear skies and calm breezes - Rest in Peace.

023. Cupcake Sway

Not the nom nom nom kind but the Johnny kind!  I have been a HUGE fan of the Johnny Cupcakes brand for a long time. Johnny Earle, was high school drop out that used to work at a comic book store.  His coworkers used to make fun of his name creating nicknames like Johnny Appleseed, Johnny Be Good etc... One day Johnny decided to take his newest nickname to a new level and printed a cupcake on a tee... suddenly people started to ask where he got it and where they can get the same shirt.  Thus, he started to sell the random tee shirts he designed from the trunk of his car and Johnny Cupcakes was born.  

Nine years later Johnny's going back to the basics; the Johnny Cupcakes brand is going mobile across the states :) selling limited tee's from the "trunk of their fancy car".  Sadly, I missed out on the Seattle stop this weekend but a few of my friends waited in line and 4 hours later... they met Johnny Cupcake himself.  When asked about his experience, Paul John Pacampara said, "He is my living sway!  Patience is a destination that everyone hopes 2 arrive to but only those who can tough out the the lulls can say they have arrived."  He goes on to say "It refers to how we waited in line and about Johnny's patience in building his empire."

Johnny Cupcakes Website

022. Showbox

It might seem a little tacky for me to do a post on Showbox but I'm gonna do it anyway! I'm not writing this as a clubber or a promoter but as a Seattlite that appreciates this amazing venue.  Showbox, now called "Showbox at the Market", is an iconic club and concert venue nestled in the heart of Downtown Seattle.  Opened in 1939,  Showbox has hosted some of the greatest artists in the world Duke Ellington, the Ramones, Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Musiq (which I witnessed first hand).  It's a standing room only venue that makes you feel the music and just vibe w/ the atmosphere.  I don't know what it is about this place that just makes you surrender to it.  I can't deny attending an event at Showbox!  Maybe it's because I used to party there at NVRMT and Juliblasian events, I dance on stage for the first time there, I've said Hello and Good-bye to many a friend there, I also hosted my first party there... I don't know if I'll ever figure out what it is about Showbox that makes concerts so much better and club events so classic.  But I have to say; this place has a sway of its own.  If you've ever set foot in there you know what I mean!  Cheers to you Showbox.

021. Driven Sway

Constantly pushing themselves and their cars to the next level, Team Menace has evolved as one of the hottest car crews on the West Coast.  Within  it's 11 years of existence, the Team has collected an impressive amount of awards, trophies,  Best of Shows, and magazine features.  I'm honored to be a part of the Team Menace family and I look forward to the future as they continue to challenge the import scene. Team Menace you are the Driven Sway....

The movie seen here was produced by the talented  Philip Thangsombat in collaboration with Team Menace for their 2008 Hot Import Nights booth.  The Team walked away with Best Team Overall Representation for their red carpet movie premiere theme!  I welcome you all to enjoy a glimpse of "The Good Life" of Team Menace!


The Good Life from Philip Thangsombat on Vimeo.
starring Team Menace

020. Awesome Sway

I heard about this website on the radio and had to laugh because it just sounds ridiculous... but then I went on it out of curiosity and am now in awe.  Most Awesomest Thing Ever is one of those sites that lets to decide what is more awesome... ninjas vs chocolate? book reports vs breakfast in bed? light saber vs katana swords? A simple site yet pretty fun... check it out on your spare time and decide on some awesomeness!

019. Sexy Sway

Everyone has their own definition of sexy... this ad released today via Lane Bryant pushes us to see that.  I think the commercial is risqué yet needed. Because of all the headlines and controversy all over the news and airwaves today this Lane Bryant ad has already had 395,000+ hits just on youtube.  The company is accusing ABC of denying them air time not because "they are showing too much skin but because they have too much skin to show."  Weather the accusations are true or this was merely a campaign stunt... well played Lane Bryant.  You got me to look up your sexy stunt!  

018. Friendly Poem

A good friend is a connection to life

A tie to the past

A road to the future

The key to sanity in a totally insane world.

Lois Wyse

017. Open Sway

Sir Thomas Robert Dewar was the founder of the self titled "Dewarism" philosophy, he attempted to show that the way to success in life is not through an arduous or painstaking work agenda; success can be attained without compromising joy in life.

I found his thoughts/teachings to very simple and easy to remember.  One of my favorite statements is captured below.

016. Poetic Sway

After a While

by
Veronica A. Shoffstall

After a while you learn

The subtle difference between

Holding a hand and chaining a soul

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning

And company doesn't always mean security.

And you begin to learn

That kisses aren't contracts

And presents aren't promises

And you begin to accept your defeats

With your head up and your eyes ahead

With the grace of a woman

Not the grief of a child

And you learn

To build all your roads on today

Because tomorrow's ground is

Too uncertain for plans

And futures have a way

Of falling down in mid flight

After a while you learn

That even sunshine burns if you get too much

So you plant your own garden

And decorate your own soul

Instead of waiting

For someone to bring you flowers

And you learn

That you really can endure

That you are really strong

And you really do have worth

And you learn and you learn

With every good bye you learn.

015. Natures Sway

st week Mother Nature unleashed a number of natural disasters worldwide. To name a few... there was a huge earthquake in China, a cyclone hit India, mudslides in Brazil cut off visitors to Christ the Redeemer and a volcano erupted in the middle of a glacier field Iceland. With Earth Day just a few days away; I wonder if these events will raise a few eyebrows and make people rethink their environmental approach. I won’t get preachy just wanted to share this stunning photo of Eyjafjallajokull…

Nature’s Sway – inspiring us to marvel at its creations and tremble in it's fury.

014. Forever Young

Tonight's sway goes out to everyone that's ever felt chills up their spine when they hear great music.  As I said in my first sway post - music is so powerful.  This post is a video from Coachella last night.  Power couple, Beyonce and Jay Z, rocked a HUGE crowd with their duet of "Forever Young".  Simply amazing...

"Forever Young

I wanna be forever young

Do you really wanna live forever?

Forever, Forever"

013. Successful Sway

Being one of the most gifted athletes of this time; Michael Jordan has a ton of promotions and commercials out there.  This particular one aired back in 2006.  Still inspirational today!
Enjoy...  Michael Jordan's "Failure" Commercial for Nike.

012. Strong Sway

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” 

 Lance Armstrong

011. Photographic Sway

Sent via Iphone from Daniel
Sunset in Bellingham 04.14.10 @ 7:29pm

010. Walking Sway

0This afternoon I was blessed to take a nice walk with my best friend Fahm. It means a lot when you can make the 2.8 mile loop around Greenlake in pain and not think twice about it because you are so deep in conversation and enjoying your company! I don’t know if it was the adrenaline or the nature of our conversations but I swear there were so many signs passing us… I mean this literally. Mid conversation I stopped talking bc this guy ran right past us and the back of his white t-shirt said “Be INSPIRED”. I was! Fahm and I both laughed about it as I tried desperately to get my phone out to snap a picture… and failed. A few other noteworthy signs/shirts were “Want it More”, “Run Faster” and “What are you afraid of?”

It’s been far too long since I've enjoyed my "home track" (in high school track Greenlake was a part of our daily run) and since Fahm and I have just chatted about anything and everything. Sometimes you have to go back to something familiar to get yourself grounded again. The past few days I’ve been restless and this walk was just what I needed to get back to where I needed/wanted to be. Be it the air, atmosphere, conversation, or company – it was inspiring all together!

I did manage to stop and snap this photo as I was inspired by the moment, the lighting, and it’s one of my favorite spots on the lake.

009. Quoted Sway

From the movie Dead Poets Society

"No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world."

008. Loving Sway

I'm such a lucky gal - today I was taken away by my love on a spontaneous and romantic road trip. I'll spare the details but this song seemed fitting for today's sway. Nothing is more inspirational than love...

John Legend's "Take Me Away"

Oh, I got a full tank of gas girl

Anywhere, you wanna go girl

All you have to do is ask girl

Oh, she said…

Take me away from here

Take me somewhere where love is like breathing

I don’t care where we go

Long as I’m there with you, baby

Long as I’m there with you

007. Friendship Sway

After a wonderful unexpected meeting of friends... I thought today's sway should be about friendship.  Regardless of how you met, who you know, or who introduced you, etc... you can find the virtue of friendship in the most unexpected people.  I know this first hand.  Today I was reminded that friends bless your life at the most random times and in the most random ways.  Regardless of the situations you endure, the time that passes, the miles that are placed in between you - a true friend will be there to pick up right were you left off.

Friends will be there to pick you up even if you don't realize you have stumbled, they buffer your bad decisions, let you make your mistakes and come running as fast as they can the second you need them.  I am very fortunate to have friends in my life that I can count on to tell me the ugly truth, share their good and bad news, listen to to me, or do nothing with for hours.  So today - I thank all of you that have befriended me in one form or another - I appreciate all that you do and say more than you could know. I can only hope to return the favor.

“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”

William Shakespeare

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Dr. Seuss

"A friend is long sought, hardly found, and with difficulty kept."

St. Jerome

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou

006. Motivational Sway

Every week a coworker of mine sends out an email called "Friday Morning Motivation".  Its usually a generic mini pep talk to start your day off.  I skim through the email once in awhile.  However, today I appreciated the message it had... hope you do too... Happy Friday!

Other Options

Here's a quick, easy and extremely effective way to remain confident in practically any situation. Always keep in mind that you have other options.

Sure, you want to do the best you can, and to get the most value from whatever you're doing. Yet excessive worrying about the results will destroy your effectiveness.

Of course it's important to expect the very best of the other people you deal with, and your positive expectations can have a profound effect. Even so, there will still be times when other people disappoint you, and times when factors beyond your control will hinder your efforts.

So remind yourself that if it doesn't work out, you have other options. Free yourself from worry, and move confidently forward.

If one path is blocked, there's another way to get there. If the door is slammed shut, there's most likely a nearby window you can climb through.

You may not know exactly what they are, yet you do indeed have other options. And though you probably won't even have to use them, knowing you have them can make all the difference.

005. Cinematic Sway

Today's sway is from the movie "Pursuit of Happyness" staring Will Smith.  Based on a true story of a father struggling to protect his son from the harsh reality that he's been thrown into; this movie has so many life lessons to learn.  This scene is one of them..."Protect your dream".

“Don’t ever let somebody tell you… you can’t do something. Not even me. All right? You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it.

If you want something, go get it."

004. Equal Sway

 I got an email about this the other day and felt that it was an important view and aspect to touch on.  The Give a Damn Campaign was launched last week by singer Cyndi Lauper and her True Colors Fund.  Its purpose; to educate everyone on gay, lesbian, trans-gender, and bi-sexual rights, news, events, and experiences.   Click on the link to check it out. 

Everyone has a right to love, laugh, and live with whoever and however they choose...    

The Give a Damn Campaign is for everybody who cares about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality.

But, it’s especially for all you straight people out there! Whether you’re already an active supporter, want to show your support for the first time, or hadn’t given equality a lot of thought before and now want to learn more, we are here to help you get informed about the issues and get involved, at a pace that works for you.

You’ll find a lot of useful information throughout this site—information that’ll engage you, surprise you and move you. You will also find a bunch of ways to get involved and show your support and encourage your straight peers to show theirs as well.

For all you gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender folks—we need and want you here, too! Because this site is also for you. Not only will you learn new things that might surprise and interest you, you’ll also find a lot of useful tools and resources that will help you encourage the straight people in your life to give a damn.

Like we said, the Give a Damn Campaign is for everyone. Because the only way we can truly achieve equality for all is if we all get informed and get involved. So join us today and let us know you give a damn!

Get Informed. Get Involved. Give a Damn!

003. Biblical Sway

One of my favorite inspirational Bible verses is Psalm 40.  I have it book marked in my bible for safekeeping whenever I'm in need of a spiritual reminder.  This one I actually found on my own one day while sitting at Sharis reading.  Again, another example of sway when you least expect it!

¹ I waited patiently for the LORD;
       he turned to me and heard my cry.

² He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
       out of the mud and mire;
       he set my feet on a rock
       and gave me a firm place to stand.

 ³ He put a new song in my mouth,
       a hymn of praise to our God.
       Many will see and fear        
       and put their trust in the LORD.

002. Sway V1.0

It's only day 2 and I find myself already struggling to make a post... *shakes head*  Last night I remembered my Jordan Trunner box in the other room.  In high school we had red books; they were like our own journals; something that you kinda just took a few minutes out of your day to update w/ whatever you wanted.  

I guess back in the day I was in great need of some inspiration; thankfully I boxed it up for future reference!  I started to store my "red book" items in my Trunner box with an inspiration theme and left it to collect dust.  So - here's the contents of that box- my first try at a Sway project...

postcards, pictures, bible verses, pictures, cards, poems, bookmarks, newspaper clippings.  

001. Musical Sway

I was fortunate enough today to spend Easter surrounded by family and friends and good food!!  My first post is going to be about music...  I feel a strong connection and influence by music as it can play some many roles in ones life.  Your soundtrack can dictate your emotions, assist with your thoughts, convey missing words etc.  Today I had great conversations with others that were just as passionate about music as I am.

I was given the duty of driving my younger brother back to school this evening and the entire 2.5 hour drive up we chatted back and forth about musicians and songs.  Tossing back suggestions and favorites.  He left this cd in the car for me to listen to on the way home... Thanks Daniel!

"Something Chill" 

1. You Make It Real -  James Morrison   Songs For You, Truth For Me

2. Nothing Left To Lose -  Mat Kearney  Nothing Left To Lose

3. Come On Get Higher -  Matt Nathanson

4. Electric Feel - MGMT Oracular Spectacular

5. Show Me What I'm Looking For  - Carolina Liar  Coming To Terms

6. Gravity - John Mayer   Continuum

7. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz    We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things

8. Angel - Jack Johnson   Sleep Through The Static

9. No Such Thing - John Mayer   Room For Squares

10. Summer Skin -  Death Cab For Cutie     Plans

11. Take Me Away - John Legend   Evolver

12. Just What I'm Looking For  - Matt White      Best Days Rock

13. Fix The World Up For You - James Morrison   Songs For You, Truth For Me

14. Where Do We Go From Here - Mat Kearney      Nothing Left To Lose

15. Broken - Lifehouse      Broken

16. Better Together - Jack Johnson      In Between Dreams

17. Love It All - The Kooks     Konk

18. Become - Goo Goo Dolls      Let Love In

19. I'm in Peace - Justin Nozuka        Holly

20. Everything - Michael Buble  Call Me Irresponsible

Project Sway Launched

The purpose of this blog is to post at least once a day for the rest of this year about something/anything that inspires or moves me... People find inspiration and strength in the most random places.  I hope somewhere along the way you to will feel the sway! 

SWAY
Part of Speech:	noun
Definition:	strong influence