088. Swan Dive Sway

There's just omething about the new Old Spice commercial campaigns that have me cracking up every time!  So stupid yet so humorous.  Just wanted to share a giggle or two with you for today's sway.  *heheheh*

087. Colliding Sway

There's just something about the melody and the words and the feeling that I get when I hear this song.  
Please forgive the awkward photo - I couldn't find an audio only clip.

Howie Day singing "Collide" (acoustic version)

086. Gumptious Sway

gump·tion   
/ˈgʌmpʃən/  Spelled[guhmp-shuhn]
– noun Informal .

1. initiative; aggressiveness; resourcefulness: With his gumption he'll make a success of himself.

2. courage; spunk; guts: It takes gumption to quit a high-paying job.

3. common sense; shrewdness.

Origin: 1710–20; orig. Scots

gump·tion·less, adjective
gumptious, adjective

085. Quoted Sway

"The reward of a thing well done is to have done it"
Ralph Waldo Emerson

084. Vacation Spot Sway

Many, many, many years ago - when road trips were the way to vacation in the summer time - my daddy took us on one of his famous last minute road vacations to a destination unknown.  After a few days in the car, we were in Utah at Bryce Canyon National Park.  I will never forget the feeling I got when I stood on top of a post and looked out into the distance... this is what I saw:

Inspiration Point

Bryce Canyon
Utah

083. Cinematic Sway - Robots

Robots is a super cute animated film about the struggles of a Robot trying to make it and work for his dream company.  One of my favorite lines from the movie was

"Remember, whether a bot is made of new parts, old parts or spare parts…
you can shine no matter what you’re made of."

082. Quoted Sway

"Courage is fear that has said its prayers and decided to go forward anyway."
Joyce Meyer via Twitter

081. Sexy Sway

I know how tacky of me...

whatever this is a HOT picture so it's sway worthy in my book *drools*

080. Sister Sway

Happy Birthday to my Ate Pauline... 

079. Summer Sway

It's the first day of summer 2010 - and I'm wearing a sweater and scarf as I type up this blog.  FAIL Seattle Weather - major fail.  Despite the frigid like weather that is forecasted for the area - I plan to make 2010 an EPIC summer.  Hope you all feel the same way :)  *cheers*

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date"
William Shakespeare's Sonnet 18

078. My Daddy the Hero

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads and dads to be!

This special blog goes out to my hero - my daddy.  Sharing the same birthday I'd like to think that I'm his favorite :)  of course there's no way to prove that as he treats all of us in the same manor (less my brother the spoiled one) but in any case - I'd like to assume I have a one up w/ the birthday thing... HAH

Anyways - so my daddy - the hardest working man I know.  Busting his ars 7 days a week with 2 full time jobs for the past 30+ years.  Never can anyone complain about being tired until they've gone a week working his schedule.  Then please educate me as my dads jobs are still a slight mystery to me!  

My dads biggest thing was to push us to always work hard.  Study hard. And look ahead.  We always talk about the future, investments, goals etc.   Maybe that's where my paranoia of the future comes from.  But it helped me always try to stay a step ahead in everything I do.  Even in school he always pushed us to read ahead. 

My dad, always the silent teacher yet the goofiest man that I know!  I love you daddy :)  Happy Fathers Day!

077. Break from Sway

I do realize my daily blog has become a weekly updated thing and I'm working on bringing it back - your patience is much appreciated as I work on some personal things.  In the meantime - here is my hiatus photo taken from my new coffee/wine/crepe spot called Citizen Coffee in lower QA.  It is the perfect blogger spot; free wifi, excellent food and service, retro furniture, and solitude! 

laptop, camera, mp3 player, headphones, and wine.. hello :) 

076. Dancing Sway Brian Gaynor

Another moment in Season 7 "So You Think You Can Dance" has brought tears to my eyes.  This clip is of Brian Gaynor, a talented dancer born with Scoliosis.  Brian first graced the sytycd stage in season two; wowing the judges and his peers with his amazing robotic technique.  This particular contestant always sparks a nerve in me because I feel like someone with so much talent should be put through to the next round instead of being critiqued about pairing issues.  A good choreographer would find a way to make it work.  Once again the judges gave him kudos but did not let him progress through... Nigle did however promise to feature his group on this season... be prepared to be amazed.

075. Kooza Sway

Last night I had the privilege to watch the Cirque du Soleil show called Kooza.  I was in shock and awe throughout the entire performance.  The show is a masterpiece displaying a wide variety of talent with emphasis on strength, flexibility, music, balance etc.

I don't think writing my thoughts would really do this show justice so I added in the link to watch a preview for you to see for yourself!  The show is running Under the Grand Chapiteau, at King County's Marymoor Park through July 11th.  It's definitely a must see show!

TICKETS

***** Thank you to Chuckie for the wonderful tickets :)

074. Mountainous Sway

"It's always further than it looks.

It's always taller than it looks.

It's always harder than it looks."

 - the 3 rules of mountaineering -
(applicable to life in general)

Gasworks Park, Seattle; circa August 2006

073. peliCAN Sway

With the Gulf Oil disaster still in full effect - many companies are taking a stand in pooling efforts to raise money, volunteer hours, and offer any type of relief.  A few posts ago I featured the efforts of Gene Juarez.  Today's post comes from one of my favorite tee shirt websites (http://www.threadless.com/).  They are featuring a tee shirt designed to spark a little fire in you; a very distinct picture on a white tee of an oil covered pelican - the tee shirt design is on sale for only $10 (men and women sizes).  All proceeds from the purchase of this tee go to the Gulf Restoration Network.

Being in the Pacific NW - many of us think that the Gulf events don't effect us much. If you recall, the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska (11 million gallons)or the Edmonds Oil Spill in 2004 (just a tiny fraction) did. Those disasters not only hit close to home but they poisoned our waters, ruined our marine and sea life for years, and it took years to recover. To date - the BP oil fiasco has dumped over 114 million gallons of oil into the Gulf!  Do your part to assist the millions of others that are/will be affected by this environmental tragedy!

From http://www.threadless.com/:

peliCAN, a Gulf Coast relief tee
by Frederik Wepener and Ross Zietz

A couple weeks ago, we reached out to our own art director (and Baton Rouge native), Ross Zietz, to collaborate on "PeliCAN" along with Threadless member Frederek Wepener. All proceeds from the sale of "PeliCAN" will be donated to Gulf Restoration Network. The ink was graciously donated by Sharprint and both designers donated their payment as well.

Ross Zietz: "Hearing the sadness in the voices from all my friends and family back home plus seeing all the depressing but very real images on the news and web, I just really wanted to do something about this nasty disaster."

Frederik Wepener: "Having spent my summers [on the coast of South Africa] as a boy, I can only imagine how I would feel if something similar struck the place I hold so dear."
  

All proceeds from the purchase of this $10 shirt go to Gulf Restoration Network

072. Grandma Sway

Today's sway is dedicated to my loving grandmother on her birthday.  I was not able spend a lot of time with her since we lived in different cities BUT I do vividly remember the time that I did.  A great example from when I was in elementary school, I remember her looking over my homework one day and I had purposely made some mistakes just so that she would take some extra time with me to go over it.  I also worked ahead in my studies so that there were more items to review (weird I know but I enjoyed being taught by her).  She liked to read a lot and there were times where I would see her reading on the couch.  I would get a book and sit next to her and not say anything but just sit there are read next to her.  It was silent her quality time :)  Thus the nerd in me was also created. 

She had a gentle and nourishing way of teaching you lessons weather it be on paper through your studies or general life lessons.  My cousin best described her as a "silent force".  She would rarely yell, snap, or scold you.  She would rather lead by example.  I think about that all the time and hope that I can draw from that characteristic of hers that I admired so much. 

I am constantly reminded of her through our random similar quirks.  We both have a love of the baby cologne by Johnson and Johnson (the blue bottle only found in Asia).  We both love the feel of fine tooth combs (the tiny pocket ones that you get a drugstore checkout counter); I carry mine in my purse just like she did!  We both have super cold feet and kick our socks off at night in our sleep.   And we both love having our backs scratched; its very soothing.  I smile as I think of these things - so random yet so on point and detailed.   

Happy Birthday Grandma Ising!
Wishing you a great hair day and a long soothing back scratch :)

071. Woob Woob Sway

070. Baby Sway

Welcome to the world

Baby Gabriella

born today 3:34 am

weighing in at 6 lb 7 oz

Congratulations to Raquel, Shawn, & Bella!

069. Smooth Sailing Sway

This is a photo of the ms Zaandam en route to Alaska.  During the summer months the course from Seattle to Glacier Bay is fairly calm.  Unfortunately, it wasn't today.  When I saw this photo I was reminded of this quote:

"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship".
-  Louisa May Alcott

Wishing you all some smooth sailing sway!

068. Wild Sway

067. Mother Teresa Sway

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."

-  Mother Teresa
(August 26, 1910 – September 5, 1997)

066. Photographic Sway

065. Quoted Sway

"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him"
- James D. Miles

064. Race for the Cure

My 3rd year of doing the Race for the Cure Seattle - after weeks of trying to prep and fund raise and train - the day came and went in a blur.  I write this from the recliner in my sweats w/ salonpas patches on my calves while wrapped in a blanket.

I woke up to an awkward yet familiar sound this morning?!?  Is that... RAIN?!  After searching for my glasses I glanced at the clock 7:22am - I should be on the way to Seattle already!  scrambling around the house trying to grab everything and get out the door; I forgot my bagels and water and realized the last thing I consumed was a redbull vodka the night before (smh).

Cranky, panicked, and hungry - I missed my 8:15start time :(

BUT after much coursing - Kenji and Chuckie agreed to run the coed 5k w/ me!

My Team @ the Start Line

Chuckie, me, Kenji

I was so eager to cross the finish line!!

 

extra perk - We also saw James Riley *oh boy*

Despite the late start and the crappy weather - I have to say that the day was amazing.  I am so appreciative of all the well wishes, the donations, and the general support.  Special thanks to Kenji and Chuckie for not only agreeing to be my teammates but for running the course on the fly (and beating me)!  You guys were great company for the 2.5 miles :) Thanks for seeing it all through.

To my mom - you'remy hero and my inspiration.

063. Twin Sway

Another So You Think You can Dance clip that has brought me to tears...

Andrew Philips auditioned in Chicago as a so so contemporary dancer.  Along with him was his fraternal twin who was born with a spinal condition (spina bifida). Being the "able bodied twin" Andrew stepped up his game and lives and dances for his brother with his encouragement.  His brother comments that his joy is watching Andrew dance. *tear*  It is a very heartfelt and selfless act in my eyes.  I think that this story is so touching and emotional.

With the personal story set aside; Andrew has a lot of growth BUT advancing to the Vegas round will surely be another step in his journey...

062. Quoted Sway by His Holiness

"Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent."

- His Holiness the Dalai Lama

061. Quoted Sway

"The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand"
Frank Herbert (1920-1986)

060. Dancing Sway - Tyrell Rolle

Season 7 of So You Think You Can Dance has officially started.  I have been a HUGE fan of this show since it first premiered.  Granted I am not a dancer but I can't help but be inspired by the drive and passion that dancers show year after year.  I admit that the show tends to get really cheesy from time to time and I feel like they can "over play" the dramatic aspect sometimes but I feed into it over and over.  Don't be surprised if you find a ton of sytycd references in the next few weeks!

I have to start out with this video clip of Tyrell Rolle - a young contemporary dancer from the hard streets of Liberty City.  He's quoted in the following clip, "I found dance as my outlet and now I want to use it as an exit".  His passion for dance is so amazing.  I will be honest, I was NOT expecting him to dance the way he did when they did his introduction.  Flawless lines, musicality, his emotion... amazing!  BRAVO!

060. Smiling Sway

This is a really cute commercial via American Express.  Even if the message is cheesy you can even just watch it in mute... smile away!

059. Soccer Sway

With the 2010 World Cup just a few days away, I felt it it was time to sway some attention over to www.gousabid.com.

In December 2010, soccer’s governing body—the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)—will select the countries that will host the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup™.

FIFA has received confirmations of interest from ten potential bidders, including the USA, to host one of the two tournaments. The other countries currently in the process of bidding for the event are:

Australia Belgium-Netherlands England Indonesia Japan

Qatar (2022) Russia South Korea (2022) Spain-Portugal

Before voting, FIFA’s Executive Committee will visit each of the sites to confirm that the bidding country meets the requirements to host the event. Ultimately, the host countries are determined based on votes from the FIFA Executive Committee members.

FIFA

Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, FIFA is the international governing body of soccer.

In 1904, nine countries signed the foundation act establishing the Association. Today, FIFA has more member associations than both the United Nations and International Olympic Committee.

Each member association—country—sends a representative to FIFA Congress. 

FIFA Congress generally meets every two years. It makes decisions on governing matters, decides on the an annual reports and rules on the acceptance of national associations. Perhaps most importantly, FIFA Congress also elects the President, the General Secretary and other members of the Executive Committee. 

The current President of FIFA is Joseph "Sepp" Blatter of Switzerland.

FIFA held the first FIFA World Cup™ in 1930. Since then, countries have participated in the tournament every four years.*

To learn more on their web site, click here.

* With the exception of 1942 and 1946 due to World War II