Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 20

It's time for another Four Faves and I'm excited about these, people!

In case you missed part 19 (and all of the 18 before that), click here: http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2014/10/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html

Last night I was home watching the tube and realized it was Tuesday (so the next day -- today -- is blog day) and started thinking about what to write. I actually do think about what I'm going to write in advance sometimes, but those of you who know me won't be surprised to learn that sometimes I just sit down without a F-ing clue.


NOTE: Last week's post is an example of no advance prep, and you guys still read and liked it, so why prepare? I try to prepare because it saves me time at my keyboard staring into space. Lauren (our fabulous Program Director at Community Partners of Dallas) once came in my office and said -- "Oh, I'm sorry to bother you, are you writing the blog?" I didn't know I had a tell -- apparently it's staring off out the window with a dumb-ass look on my face. Great.


Anyway, doing a Four Faves post is really my most fun writing, so here goes...
  1. SOOOOOO excited that The Americans is starting back up tonight! It is such exciting television and if you haven't seen the first two seasons, they are available on Amazon Prime, so go to your dvr, tape tonight's Season 3 opener on F/X, and start with Season 1 and 2 -- I promise you won't be disappointed. Warning -- it is not for kids or the faint of heart. Sex and violence galore. Here's the star Keri Russell on this morning's Today Show. Fun Fact: Keri and her co-star are together in real life too -- or at least they were last season.
  2. I love this gift from my wonderful friend Stacey -- it came with the whole Oprah Chai Tea system from Teavana -- called the Teavana Perfectea Maker. It is truly ingenious how it works and I love making myself a cup on the weekend.
  3. While I'm having a cup of tea, this is the current book I can't put down -- I've only read about 100 pages, but it has me on the edge of my seat! Order The Girl on the Train today!
  4. My final fav is my almost everyday read of Jeanne Prejean's My Sweet Charity Blog: http://mysweetcharity.com/ Jeanne's blog is a must-read for everyone in the non-profit world and for everyone who is interested in culture, fashion, and celebs of the local-type. Her writing is spot-on and she is a champion for so many in our community who have no voice. She's a marvel. Dallas is lucky to have her on the job!
What are your faves?

Thursday, January 22, 2015

5 Tips for Getting Back Control of Your Life

I have a big project to work on at Community Partners of Dallas, but I just can't get going. My eternal question is

Why am I too busy to do anything?

If you're like me, this is your problem. Even as I write this post -- and I'm one day late writing it, BTW -- I'm having my hair done at The Dry Bar. 

NOTE:  Yes, The Dry Bar is my secret to great hair. Now you know. 

NOTE to NOTE:  And it's not only my secret. I know someone in the joint every time I darken their door. 

Anyway, I've now rushed to the office for about 45 minutes, then I'm off to a lunch, then back and then and then and then...

Ugh. 

I don't know exactly how to get my life back and my project completed, but I'm starting now. Here's my starting tips for control:
  1. Get your hair done and wear a good looking outfit. If you look like crap, you feel like it too. 
  2. Clean off your desk. Get out the Clorox Wipes and get the dust off. Don't forget to wipe down the phone -- gross!
  3. Go through your piles. File stuff. Sort into like action piles, then attack the ones you must and put the others aside. 
  4. Make a cup of tea or coffee -- I'm having peppermint tea right now and I love it -- drink some. 
  5. Look at your email. Respond to those that need response, then turn off notifications. Don't check again until 4 pm. 
Now, quit farting around and start that project, people!  Or at least I'm going to try to start.

No matter what, I'm looking great while drinking my tea.


Wednesday, January 14, 2015

WTF -- Christmas Pumpkins?

Have you seen it?  This is one of several houses that I saw this year sporting both Christmas decor and pumpkins.



As my old friend Tom Foote would say "It just ain't fittin." 
  • Number one, pumpkins are so autumn, so dump them for winter, right? 
  • Number two, how are they possibly not rotting away on your front porch in January?
  • Number three, why do you want to divert attention from your Christmas stuff with all that orange?
But the real problem here is why do I think this is any of my business? 

It ain't.

I've started getting exasperated with all of the people who want to bitch about things about which they have no business bitching. 
  • Tom Thumb moving out of Highland Park Village?  Buy HPV from Ray Washburne and family and keep the store, otherwise shut up.
  • Don't think HPISD needs to add a new school/redo old ones?  Run for the school board or attend a town hall meeting.  NOTE:  Don't get me started on complaining if you don't even live in PC anymore -- you don't get a vote.
I'm going to start focusing my attention on my priorities and stop judging others.  Will you join me?