Do what matters, not just what is convenient. Do what is fulfilling, not just what is easy.
***I miss this adrenaline rush - the buildup of all your hard work culminating into one moment... esh too bad I feel like I'm going to hurl now.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
361. Encouraging Tweets
***I miss this adrenaline rush - the buildup of all your hard work culminating into one moment... esh too bad I feel like I'm going to hurl now.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
360. Pep Talk
Today I have to remind myself that I cannot force ppl to care or feel compassion in the same sense that I do. I can only hope for support and believe in the kindness of humanity and strangers. At the end of the day - I did something instead of just hoping for the best (I'm proud of that)...
My pep talk to myself @ 5:52 this morning
Monday, March 28, 2011
359. Seattle United + Lucky Strike for JAS
Seattle United's first event is in just 2 days! Come support the Japan Relief effort and have some fun at the same time! TONS of raffle prizes, drink and bowling specials all night.
I'm blessed to be a part of this event as it's West Coast wide. Lucky Strike is going to maximize the donation by donating 20% of their revenue as well.
Click here for the FB Invite
Click here for info on the JAS
Sunday, March 27, 2011
358. calling out tees
Available in white - let me know if you're interested!
*** NOW in BLACK too!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
357. Quoted Sway from Abe
"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing."Abraham Lincoln
#SeattleUnited
Friday, March 25, 2011
356. Divisional Award Sway
Last night was a very emotional night for me. Since leaving my last job I didn't just leave a desk job and some files - I left a team behind. My team consisted of 12 friends that were out in the field every day on the grind. It was my job/duty to keep them in the know and to fight for them no matter what. I took that as a personal mission to watch their backs, get their stuff done not only on time but correctly, and to make sure that they were consistently in the know. We were a well oiled machine and number one. Literally we were number one - division of the year 4 years in a row! I took a lot of pride in that and gloated all the time to the other divisions and challenged the team to maintain that momentum all the time.
Many changes have taken place since I left HAL - it was recently announced that my former director/leader of the West, Steve, was also leaving the team behind and moving to International Sales. With that change - the West was also going to be split up and taken on by the remaining directors. Being here in Seattle and them being out in the field - our face time was once a year. SO last night was bittersweet for everyone; it was deemed "the Last Supper". It was time for everyone to bid one another adieu.
After catching up and munching on appetizers Steve got up to make a speech and say his thank yous. Mid speech he unwrapped one of the coveted "Division of the Year" awards and presented it to our departing BDR manager. "Hello! What an awesome gift", I thought to myself. Right when I looked at the next package I realized the pause in the speech was bc Steve needed to compose himself. He started by saying "Now this one..." and then his voice cracked and he started to cry. Through my own watering eyes I looked around and saw a collective group tearing as well. Wow - this was really it... the last time the West was going to be together. Steve took a breathe and pointed at me (to my surprise) and said "No one will ever fight for you like she did. She worked so hard and she championed and complained and fought everyday. Be it with me or upper management - she fought and she loved it!" He gave me a Division of the Year award of my very own as my parting gift. I cried - I knew I would but I didn't want to admit that I left this behind for an extra $1. They were not only my team but my work family. I got lost in the emotion and just said thank you and accepted my trophy and clung onto it for the rest of the night.
Upon coming home from parting ways - I felt a hint of regret. There was so much I wanted to say and I didn't. So I took my camera and recorded my first video...
Laugh - tis ok - I did a few times but in the end - I almost cried again and had to cut the closing off.
The West - my HAL Team - Division of the Year 4 years in a row... they'll always be my #1!
Many changes have taken place since I left HAL - it was recently announced that my former director/leader of the West, Steve, was also leaving the team behind and moving to International Sales. With that change - the West was also going to be split up and taken on by the remaining directors. Being here in Seattle and them being out in the field - our face time was once a year. SO last night was bittersweet for everyone; it was deemed "the Last Supper". It was time for everyone to bid one another adieu.
After catching up and munching on appetizers Steve got up to make a speech and say his thank yous. Mid speech he unwrapped one of the coveted "Division of the Year" awards and presented it to our departing BDR manager. "Hello! What an awesome gift", I thought to myself. Right when I looked at the next package I realized the pause in the speech was bc Steve needed to compose himself. He started by saying "Now this one..." and then his voice cracked and he started to cry. Through my own watering eyes I looked around and saw a collective group tearing as well. Wow - this was really it... the last time the West was going to be together. Steve took a breathe and pointed at me (to my surprise) and said "No one will ever fight for you like she did. She worked so hard and she championed and complained and fought everyday. Be it with me or upper management - she fought and she loved it!" He gave me a Division of the Year award of my very own as my parting gift. I cried - I knew I would but I didn't want to admit that I left this behind for an extra $1. They were not only my team but my work family. I got lost in the emotion and just said thank you and accepted my trophy and clung onto it for the rest of the night.Upon coming home from parting ways - I felt a hint of regret. There was so much I wanted to say and I didn't. So I took my camera and recorded my first video...
Laugh - tis ok - I did a few times but in the end - I almost cried again and had to cut the closing off.
The West - my HAL Team - Division of the Year 4 years in a row... they'll always be my #1!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
354. Elizabeth Taylor Sway
"I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them."Rest in Peace Elizabeth Taylor
(February 27, 1932 – March 23, 2011)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
353. Hiatus
I know it's been a few weeks since I've posted anything... my bad. There's good reasoning...
ON Valentine's day (Feb 14th) I got balls and decided to take a completely different/random job offer. I walked into my bosses office w/ a smug grin and told him to shove my 4.2% = 0.62 cent raise and put in my 2 weeks notice. After that I put in my request for 4 days off (yes - I worked the shit out of the HR system).
It's been 3 weeks since I started in this new job and I can't complain too much. I am at rock bottom of a very tiny company (28 total employees, inc myself). I am learning all kinds of things that I am not privy too and that have absolutely nothing to do with my previous 5.5 years of the travel industry. I have to learn techy lingo and am constantly googling words from conversations I am overhearing. I also am learning new terms like "OOO" which I thought was just another pretty way to intro something like ~ or * but it actually means "Out Of Office" yeah like I'd know that?! In between washing dishes, making coffee, and going on beer runs - I find myself studying our software manual and comparing it to the actual product. I am told that if I want to move or progress here - it's up to me. That's a nice feeling; my destiny is actually in my own hands instead of some maniacal ass bag who bases my progress on who I know and what I'm willing to do not what am I knowledgeable in and capable of.
I'm commuting now - which is something kinda new. I filled my gas tank up on Feb 28th and I drove to and from the Park and Ride everyday - I filled my tank up again for the first time this month on the 19th. 20 days on one tank of gas!? AWESOME! I just have to get used to remembering to bring my bus pass daily and remember which Park and Ride I parked at in the morning lol - I have forgotten twice (typical of me I know)
SO I feel like I made the right choice in jumping from the sinking ship that was Holland America as they just did a St. Patrick's Day Massacre and let 25 people from the Sales Department go... I would have most likely been on that ship. So starting anew, at the bottom again, BUT with more money, more options, and a clearer head.
Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forward...
So please bare with me as I get my shit together and start posting when I can... thanks much :)
ON Valentine's day (Feb 14th) I got balls and decided to take a completely different/random job offer. I walked into my bosses office w/ a smug grin and told him to shove my 4.2% = 0.62 cent raise and put in my 2 weeks notice. After that I put in my request for 4 days off (yes - I worked the shit out of the HR system).
It's been 3 weeks since I started in this new job and I can't complain too much. I am at rock bottom of a very tiny company (28 total employees, inc myself). I am learning all kinds of things that I am not privy too and that have absolutely nothing to do with my previous 5.5 years of the travel industry. I have to learn techy lingo and am constantly googling words from conversations I am overhearing. I also am learning new terms like "OOO" which I thought was just another pretty way to intro something like ~ or * but it actually means "Out Of Office" yeah like I'd know that?! In between washing dishes, making coffee, and going on beer runs - I find myself studying our software manual and comparing it to the actual product. I am told that if I want to move or progress here - it's up to me. That's a nice feeling; my destiny is actually in my own hands instead of some maniacal ass bag who bases my progress on who I know and what I'm willing to do not what am I knowledgeable in and capable of.
I'm commuting now - which is something kinda new. I filled my gas tank up on Feb 28th and I drove to and from the Park and Ride everyday - I filled my tank up again for the first time this month on the 19th. 20 days on one tank of gas!? AWESOME! I just have to get used to remembering to bring my bus pass daily and remember which Park and Ride I parked at in the morning lol - I have forgotten twice (typical of me I know)
SO I feel like I made the right choice in jumping from the sinking ship that was Holland America as they just did a St. Patrick's Day Massacre and let 25 people from the Sales Department go... I would have most likely been on that ship. So starting anew, at the bottom again, BUT with more money, more options, and a clearer head.
Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forward...
So please bare with me as I get my shit together and start posting when I can... thanks much :)
Monday, March 21, 2011
352. Happy Birthday Thuc
Chuckie, foyucky, get pump, Hella Slap, Thuc
Yesterday (3/20) was our good friends birthday and we celebrated ALL weekend long doing a plethora of things! Chuckie is one of the hardest working people I know. He's a student by day at UW and a lab tech at night. When he's not being a Vietnamese Vampire on the prowl for nice veins to poke - you can usually find him in line camping out for new release shoes, practicing at the gun range, eating sushi, or lounging around w/ us (when he should be studying).
It took we a little while to get used to having Chuckie around in the beginning, I'll be the first to admit that. All it took was this amazingly ugly funny face and I knew that he was a keeper! We ended up playing - "who do you know" til the wee hours of the morning, making connections and laughing at how our social circles intertwined over the years. He and Kenji both had a love of cars and have crossed paths in the past as well. This kid was destined to get to know us lol.
I'm so glad that he has not only become such a close friend but family to Kenji and I. Aside from being hard working and a shoe whore - Chuckie is a very giving and helpful soul. He will drop everything from his busy schedule to help a friend in need. His mentality is that friends will always be there in return - I believe that 100%. He's made the SEMA trek not once but TWICE with Kenji and made it a point to be back home in time to get to class! That's a homie and a dedicated student! I could list out endless examples of his kind acts but that would take forever and I'm hungry right now so...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHUCKIE - our friend, our family
(PS So glad you didn't foyuck this weekend)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
351. Seattle United is born
Today Seattle United was born... watch out for us - we're about to be making moves and changing the world!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
350. Spring Sway
Taken w/ my BlackBerry
First Day of Spring
March 20, 2011
Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer.
Geoffrey B. Charlesworth
March 20, 2011
Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer.
Geoffrey B. Charlesworth
Friday, March 18, 2011
349. Quoted Sway
"They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night."
by Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849)
from the story “Eleonora”
by Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849)
from the story “Eleonora”
Thursday, March 17, 2011
348. Flower Power
Ran into this cute guy on my break today; he handed me this pretty flower courtesy of the Pike Place market brigade. A tribute and welcome to spring!
Thanks for making my day Kenji <3
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
347. Twitter Sway from the Rock
I'm so glad he's back <3 Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson - hell yeah I smell what your cooking baby!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
346. Cinderella Sway
A picture of the quote from "Cinderella Story" staring Hillary Duff and Chad Michael Murry (yum)
Monday, March 14, 2011
345. Something Borrowed Sway
The book synopsis:
Something Borrowed tells the story of Rachel, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. Rachel has always been the consummate good girl---until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend, Darcy, throws her a party. That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiancé.
Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from. As the September wedding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make a choice. In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness. Something Borrowed is a phenomenal debut novel that will have you laughing, crying, and calling your best friend.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
344. Tone's back
This post is to welcome HOME my good friend Tone :) He wanted to set out and live outside of the area for a little bit and 3 years later he's baaaaaaaack! Nothing says homies like picking back up right where you left off. Last time I was in the townhouse was when I was helping him pack up all his shit - and here I am helping him unpack all of it! LOL. Welcome home homie!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
343. Duo Birthday Sway
Mikey – what can I say in a paragraph to describe Mike and do him justice? Since the first time I met Mike he has always been a kind and loving soul. Open and honest. Ready to bink you in your arm when you make fun of him but quick to laugh his ass off when you act a fool. He is one of the most giving people that I know. Passionate about his “kids”, the law, Mason, and food; Mikey also sports shiny shirts and shows his cleavage tattoo. When he’s not hosting the homies for game night and letting me sleep on the chaise couch – he can be found making fun of Moses, helping out a homie in some way shape or form, or at Starbucks. I kid but not really. Mike’s great! Everyone should be like Mike or have a Mike… but not this Mike… he’s ours!HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIRE MARSHALL HUFF AND STUFF!
Angela or as Anna calls her ‘baby girl’. It’s been a great year for this young beauty! With a fierce fashion sense – Angela can rock heels and chug a beer while whooping your ass in poker and be super cute about it. Lol. She’s a loving chick who’s always supportive of her friends even if she can’t be there in person. She keeps it real and is quick to tell you that you’re being dumb. This year Angela gave us all the privilege of being a part of her prep to motherhood. I learned a lot from her this year and feel well educated in what to say when you want your friends not freak out about babies. I digress; Baby Ayumi is a beautiful gem – just like her mama! I’ve been reluctant to let her know that I’m very proud of her and her journey this year. I look forward to celebrating many more days and moments with her and her little one.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS CHINATOWN!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
341. Ice Cream Sundae Sway via Baby Yu
Ice Cream Sundae Vol.1
The Mixtape -
Slow Jam Edition
Hosted By: 112
Released in 2005
(an oldie but a goodie)
Download this masterpiece and many more:
http://babyyu.urbanradioondemand.com
THE LINE UP:
1. Baby Yu/112 Intro
2. 112 – Anywhere (Baby Yu Exclusive)
3. Next – Butta Luv
4. R. Kelly feat. Ron Isley – Down Low
5. Jagged Edge – Gotta Be
6. Kut Klose – I Like The Way
7. Jodeci – Cry For You
8. Dru Hill – Beauty
9. Aaliyah – 4 Page Letter
10. R. Kelly – You Remind Me
11. H-Town – Part Time Lover
12. Aaliyah – One In A Million
13. R. Kelly – Feelin On Your Booty
14. Bell Biv Devoe – When Will I See You Smile Again?
15. Jodeci – Feenin'
16. R. Kelly – Sex Me
17. H-Town – Knockin Boots
18. 112 – Missing You
19. SWV – Weak
20. Shai – If I Ever Fall In Love
21. Surface – Shower Me With Your Love
22. Atlantic Star – Always
23. Changing Faces – Stroke You Up
24. Jodeci – Stay
25. R. Kelly – Bump N' Grind
26. Silk – Freak Me
27. Jodeci – Freakin' You
28. Isley Brothers – Choosey Lover
29. Mint Condition – Pretty Brown Eyes
30. New Kids On The Block – I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)
31. Force MD’s – Tender Love
32. New Kids On The Block – Didn’t I
33. Xscape – Understanding
34. New Edition – Can You Stand The Rain
35. 112 – Your Letter
36. Bobby Brown – Tenderoni
37. Chicago – Glory Of Love
38. Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam feat. Allure & 112 – All Cried Out
39. Bobby Womack – If You Think You’re Lonely Now
40. Chicago – Inspiration
41. George Michael – Careless Whisper
42. Luther Vandross – Here And Now
43. Hi-Five – Can’t Wait Another Minute
44. Guy – Let’s Chill
45. New Kids On The Block – Please Don’t Go
46. Bobby Brown – Rock Witcha
47. Aaliyah – At Your Best RMX
48. Chaka Khan – Sweet Thing
49. Zapp & Roger – I Want To Be Your Man
50. Zapp & Roger – Computer Love
51. Babyface – When Can I See You Again
52. Janet Jackson – Let’s Wait Awhile
53. Baby Yu/112 Outro
54. 112 – Cupid
55. 112 – Love You Like I Did
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
337. Quoted Sway
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning."
Louis L'Amour
Louis L'Amour
Saturday, March 5, 2011
336. The Amazing Joffre
I fail - will all the changes and ish going on these days, I failed to post my "HB Jeff post". For the record - this post was completed a long time ago - I just never posted it :(
Jeff is my eccentric fashionista friend that has also been my unwavering sidekick for many years now.
I've watched him go from hairstyles upon hairstyles and random clothing trends to expensive key pieces. He has the talent to change a GAP back slit ankle denim skirt to a mini skirt with detailed pockets with original stitching! As well as change a pair of awkward colored jeans to todays newest craze.
His love of non-top 40 music introduced me to the XX and Nujabes as well as a deep hidden love of the Backstreet Boys. I also would have never heard Bon Iver's "Bon Hiver".
Needless to say - Jeff, my Jeffery, Joffre is the best :) When he's not riding his broomstick or shit talking with me, he's slaving away at his desk designing all kinds of new fashion creations. I wish him well and can't wait to finally see his work hit the runway on some anorexic giraffe necked underage model in NYC!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY --> on Feb 20th!
Jeff is my eccentric fashionista friend that has also been my unwavering sidekick for many years now.
I've watched him go from hairstyles upon hairstyles and random clothing trends to expensive key pieces. He has the talent to change a GAP back slit ankle denim skirt to a mini skirt with detailed pockets with original stitching! As well as change a pair of awkward colored jeans to todays newest craze.
His love of non-top 40 music introduced me to the XX and Nujabes as well as a deep hidden love of the Backstreet Boys. I also would have never heard Bon Iver's "Bon Hiver".
Needless to say - Jeff, my Jeffery, Joffre is the best :) When he's not riding his broomstick or shit talking with me, he's slaving away at his desk designing all kinds of new fashion creations. I wish him well and can't wait to finally see his work hit the runway on some anorexic giraffe necked underage model in NYC!
Friday, March 4, 2011
335. March Sway
Today's blog sparks a little nostalgia for me and I hope it does for some of you... For my fellow high school alum that had the terrifying yet educating privilege to experience the teachings of Ms. Kovatch (political science and history) this blog will bring back memories. If it doesn't then you probably failed her class!
Today is Ms. Kovatch's favorite day of the year. She reminded us every year too. Do you know why it was her favorite day? Today is the only date of the year that is a complete sentence.
*write that down*
MARCH 4TH
Today is Ms. Kovatch's favorite day of the year. She reminded us every year too. Do you know why it was her favorite day? Today is the only date of the year that is a complete sentence.
*write that down*
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
333. kiss radiothon
Once a year I myself crying out of control early in the morning as I commute into work. They are tears of fear, and sadness, as well as joy and hope. Children have the power to open your eyes and your heart to a world you never knew existed. The thought of a child not being able to live the life they were born to live is heartbreaking. Jackie and Bender from KISS 106.1 sponsors an amazing fund raiser called "One Big Kiss" which benefits the Seattle Children's Hospital.
The radio dedicates 2 days of airtime and broadcasts live from the hospital. They have clips from past Radiothons and on occasion special guests. Patients, parents, family members and friends - they all have stories that will bring you to tears and tug at your heart.
I am a strong supporter of the Kiss Radiothon and encourage you to listen in next year and allow yourself to hear the courage and life stories of these children that are influenced through this amazing cause.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
331. New Adventure
"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do."
Pope John XXIII