And So It Begins...

I find it so hard to believe that the summer is almost over. School is about to begin, I will head to Flushing for the US Open very soon. I really wish that you could join me...but I will be okay if you don't. As I approach Labor Day, I start to look forward to the end of vacation, beaches and tourists and I look forward to the fall, reading and relaxing. To what are you looking forward?

Many people start to feel blue as the seasons change but I love it. Fall is definitely my favorite season. I can't wait for the crisp weather to nip my face and fall fashions to take over the streets. Fall fashions are much more interesting than the minimalist gear of summer. I know that it is hot but we all still need to keep it in perspective. At some point the midriff, halter, and thong cease to be attractive.

Fall is especially beautiful in Washington, DC. I love it here. Nothing beats the drive through Rock Creek Park or sitting along the Potomac looking into Virginia. You have to visit...it is amazing!

I found this picture and I loved it! To me ...it means "and so it begins." What begins, you say? Everything...the beginning of a new season, a new book, a new fire in my fireplace, another chance to hang out with my family...it is just beginning! What will you do this fall? Here is your chance? Don't miss it!

Peacefully,

Chocl8drop

Perspective

What's to complain about? This is such an amazing photo. Washington is setting for the day and for the week. One more day! I have not had the best attitude today...actually and honestly, I have had a pretty crappy attitude this week. Amazingly, I have this attitude for no legitimate reason at all.

I actually think that I was much happier when I had much less. Have I developed a sense of entitlement? While I am not sure what the problem is; I am sure that I need to get over it pretty quickly.

"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well." --Diane Ackerman

I hope that quote means as much to you as it means to me.

My Perspective,
Chocl8drop

Monday

Okay...it's Monday. It is amazing how we all work for forty, very long, hours each week and we take off for forty eight, very short, hours each week. Where does the weekend go? Don't get me wrong, I actually like my job. Like many, I complain often and to anyone willing to listen but I still like my job. Not only do I like my job, I appreciate my job.

What I have noticed is that my weekend activities directly impact my attitude towards my week. If I do something exciting then the excitement lingers throughout the week. When I am miserable, the week is miserable.

Maybe, I will forget about being excited or miserable and just settle on being grateful. I am grateful. I am grateful that I don't have this guys job.

I lived in Spain. I love the pagentry of bull fighting. Sorry PETA!

Gratefully,
Chocl8drop

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Stumbled across this picture on the web as I was sitting wishing that I was somewhere else. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to be where I am but it would be great to be here. I can see myself sitting in one of the bay windows reading one of my Harry Potter books for the third or fourth time. By the way, the new Harry Potter movie opens tomorrow. I am looking forward to returning to Hogwarts!!

Every once in a while it is a great idea to escape from our reality. Escapism refreshes our spirit, energizes our imagination and most importantly, makes us smile. Where will your imagination take you...hopefully, somewhere over the rainbow.

Dreamily,

Chocl8drop

Kiss and Make Up Already

Why don't they kiss and make up? Armstrong is two seconds behind Contador and still in third place. Stay tuned....

Drama

Monday. Why is Monday such a tough day? I was off for two days. I didn't relax but I was off. I started my day off by wrestling with my daily problem of finding something to wear. Why do I have this problem everyday? It would be a great idea to pick something the night before, but would the battle be any less weary? I dreaded putting on my make-up, pouted while finding my shoes, and cussed when I could not find my Blackberry, and finally, almost lost my mind in DC traffic. By the time I arrived at work...I was exhausted. I JUST HAD TWO DAYS OFF!!!!!

I can sum my morning up in one word, DRAMA. My problems had nothing to do with work, clothes, make-up or traffic. I was determined to have a bad day, not that anything or anyone contributed to it. I woke up with my typical attitude of Monday, and everything associated with it being against me. The problem was that I was dealing with the DRAMA of not liking myself and anything associated with me.

A little later in the day, while washing my hands in the ladies room, I looked at myself in the mirror and I reflected on real DRAMA. The fact that I was standing there only because sisters before me who really had DRAMA. My slave ancestor sisters who saw their children sold on an auction block, my African sisters who are watching their babies die right now from starvation or AIDS. My sister, Sonia Sotomayor, testifying today in front of a Senate committee to become the first Hispanic justice of the United States Supreme Court while fighting partisan DRAMA. I am so proud of her.

While I cannot promise that next Monday will be great, I can promise that it will be DRAMA free. I owe that to my sisters.

Humbly,
Chocl8drop

P.S. Found this amazing photo on the web. I can't see her DRAMA because I can only see her BEAUTY. Trust me, her clothes and make-up were irrelevant this morning.

Eight Harsh Truths

I read an excellent article titled "Eight Harsh Truths That Will Improve Your Life" by Dumb Little Man. Well...Dumb Little Man is not so dumb. He is actually on to something. The eight harsh truths are:

1. Friends Come and Go

2. You Won't Always Get What You Want

3. Many People Will Love You, but Many Will Not

4. Nobody Can Transform Your Life Like You Can

5. Your Are Going to Fail

6. Rain Will Sometimes Cancel Play

7. There May Be No Tomorrow

8. Somone Else Will Always Have More

I know, I know...I told you they were harsh, but I have provided white wine to soothe your hurt feelings and facilitate acceptance. In fact, just enjoy the bottle...on me. The grapes are because you look upset and hungry. Read the entire article at www.divinecaroline.com/article/22189/72598.

Your Caring Friend,

Chocl8drop

Johnny

You have to love this man...okay, I love this man. He is just amazing. Remember him from 21 Jumpstreet? If you are too young to remember 21 Jumpstreet, then get off of this blog as it is NOT for you. : )

How many of us have the courage to be different? Being different is not a bad thing, it is a powerful thing. I have never wanted to be like anyone else. My problem is that I never understood myself. It has taken a bit of experience (age!) to prepare me for the opinions (unsolicited, of course!) of others when I refuse to be what they want me to be. There is nothing better than being who you are. Don't change for anyone.

"I love you just the way you are"

--Billy Joel and

--Mr. Rogers

We all have something to offer, what is your offering?

Uniquely,

Chocl8drop

Simple Living

Good Morning,

Trying to get to the bottom of my coffee cup in an effort to feel somewhat human. It is too bad that this picture is not reflective of my view this morning; however the view from my living room window is not bad. It is not bad because I am able to sit here and quietly type to you. Many people would love to be in my position. I am very grateful for where I am. The photo is a picture taken from my hotel room in Beijing.

I have done a lot of things but I have learned to be grateful for the little things, i.e., my family, friends, quiet time, good glass of wine, and a great book. It is also interesting how quickly we forget these things. There is truth to the fact that we do not miss things (or people) until they are no longer there. My username is "chocl8drop", that is what my grandmother called me. I was raised by my grandmother so we maintained a pretty close relationship. The call came to me at 11:43am on December 4, 2008 that she passed away. She was buried on my son's 15th birthday. I miss her.

An overwhelming part of me wanted to feel sorry for myself but why would I do that? I am still alive and healthy...more importantly, she never felt sorry for herself at any point during her illness. She even planned her entire funeral. She was amazing. Her life was simple, as all of our lives should be.

Today, I suggest that we all live and strive to achieve simple living. Enjoy the view from where you are!

Warmest Regards,
Chocl8drop

Tour de Lance

This is such an amazing shot of the Tour de France time trial course through the sunglass reflection of one of the riders. Lance Armstrong is vying for number 8! He was in second place but now in third, thanks to his teammate. There is a bit of tension on the team. Keep checking back for updates and some amazing shots of the race.

Welcome to My Spot!

Welcome to My Spot!


My Spot is a comfortable place where I have chosen to live my life on my terms. So many of us allow ourselves to be defined by others, I have chosen to define myself. I have found that curiosity and courage have been my best friends and worst enemies. My life has been and continues to be an amazing journey...share it with me.


I most admire people who have chosen to defy the expected and be themselves. Because of that, I feel that my first post should honor the memory of Michael Jackson by sharing my favorite photo of him. I can't remember where I found this but I really like it. You may not like it...actually, you may not like him. I DON'T CARE. This is my life, my terms, my spot...


RIP Michael!


Fondly,
Chocl8drop