Some days I don't check off a single thing from my "to do list." Some weeks I may accomplish one thing and that could be paying a bill. While other weeks I may decide to completely clean out my closets, sweep out the garage, write two blog entries, make several appointments and plans and workout five days a week. The point is I like my to do list and I like the sticky note reminders in my messy purse telling me what I have to do, what I should do and what I might just want to do. And, besides the dumb to do lists and sticky notes that seem to creep up everywhere, I like when other people remind me of things.
Oh no, I don't like to be told what to do, I just like when things are brought to my attention. It's very nice to have someone catch me when I get all serious and intense and forget to smile or when I unconsciously raise my eyebrows and and open my mouth in disdain, horror or suspicion for a reason that doesn't call for such a big reaction. Maybe these qualities are just part of me and aren't supposed to be changed but regardless I like to learn more about myself. Don't we all lose sight of the kinds of actions and reactions we play out each day. The things we do and say and the way we act are often so routine someone else has got to remind us of the parts of ourselves we don't even see.
Of course, over the years we learn who we are and what we are like as we live, mature and experience new things. During this process, we develop our personalities, our strengths, learn to recognize our weaknesses and perhaps even face our fears. We may not need someone to tell us who we are, but it never hurts to be reminded of what we forget or what we fail to see. I like to be reminded to not worry, to stand up straight, to be confident and decisive. And, I like it when others remind me that I'm nice or loyal or cute! Don't we all need to a little pick me up here and there.
For me I also like to be reminded of how my actions effect others. Because at the end of the day how we act does make a difference to other people. If we take the time to say hello to someone we haven't seen in a while or to offer a helping hand to a friend in need, don't we all like to see a smile on the other person's face or to be embraced with a appreciative hug. Sure, we like to be reminded that our presence, our friendship or our time are meaningful to others.
Everyone sees themselves in a certain light; some think of themselves more highly than others. Some see themselves as something they are not and some of us constantly see different versions of ourselves. I like when people remind me of the stuff I know, the stuff I don't, and I especially like when people remind me of the things I forget!
I remind you to smile, to laugh, to be confident, to learn, to do the things that make you happy and to always remind others of the things they forget (and I don't just mean their car keys)!
Write it on a sticky note, tell me to my face, or show me what you want me to know because I like to be reminded.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Lindsay Likes...Quotes
I like inspiring and uplifting quotes. They appeal to my "deep side" - the reflective, analytical, creative part of me that shows up some days more than others. On many a restless night I've pulled out my personal book of quotes, a collection of some of my favorite words. When my head gets stuck on some senseless tangent or moves in too many directions late at night, I open my book of quotes and a sense of calmness comes over me.
On a few occasions over the years, unbeknownst to people, I've taken their wise memorable words and written them down in my little book. For the first time I'll share them:
A friend once told me, "High hopes can kill morale if not adjusted to fit the reality of now."
"Enjoy learning, but always leave room to play, thus the soul needs that too." ~Mom
Words my grandmother remembered her mother-in-law saying, "Thoughts are things-when you think good things, good things happen." ~Granny Leibs
I used to collect quote books and would enjoy reading people's words. Some I even know by memory:
"Character is doing what is right when no one is around."
"We are what we repeatedly do, excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."
"I'm a slow walker, but I never walk back."
I like words that have depth and meaning and I'm sort of the same way with people. The right words can offer encouragement, a new perspective, a reminder, or even be that voice we don't want to hear. Sometimes someone else's words (even a person we may not know) offer something we cannot find elsewhere. Perhaps a little pick me up sans the caffeine or maybe even a reminder to think about things that matter and not dwell on the things that don't.
I like quotes...maybe because I like words (but that's another topic).
On a few occasions over the years, unbeknownst to people, I've taken their wise memorable words and written them down in my little book. For the first time I'll share them:
A friend once told me, "High hopes can kill morale if not adjusted to fit the reality of now."
"Enjoy learning, but always leave room to play, thus the soul needs that too." ~Mom
Words my grandmother remembered her mother-in-law saying, "Thoughts are things-when you think good things, good things happen." ~Granny Leibs
I used to collect quote books and would enjoy reading people's words. Some I even know by memory:
"Character is doing what is right when no one is around."
"We are what we repeatedly do, excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."
"I'm a slow walker, but I never walk back."
I like words that have depth and meaning and I'm sort of the same way with people. The right words can offer encouragement, a new perspective, a reminder, or even be that voice we don't want to hear. Sometimes someone else's words (even a person we may not know) offer something we cannot find elsewhere. Perhaps a little pick me up sans the caffeine or maybe even a reminder to think about things that matter and not dwell on the things that don't.
I like quotes...maybe because I like words (but that's another topic).
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Lindsay Likes...To Dress Up
Lately I've been bumming around a little more than usual. Barely combing my hair, wearing minimal to no makeup and dressing in workout attire (well some days I wear the oh so trendy lululemon-you could call those days workout professional). There's something to be said for comfortable casual clothes especially when it's about 110 degrees everyday. It's nice to just throw something on and be done. And let's face it, these days people go to parties dressed in what my Grandmother wouldn't even wear to the grocery store. BUT (you knew there was a but coming), when the occasion or activity calls for it or even if I'm just in the mood, I'm all for dressing up.
Maybe you'll disagree, but when you put on nice clothes you look like someone a little more special. I also find that people will take you a bit more seriously when you dress more upscale. You may even be able to smile, click your heels together and get something out of someone that you could never so easily gain in your workout clothes. I find this to be especially true for men in suites. However, a suite on a dud of a guy with no personality and G-d forbid no good looks either--well the dressing up thing just might not help him (but I digress). The point is I like dressing up not just because it helps to charm people but also because it just really makes me happy.
How many times has my sister looked at my outfit on just some run of the mill day and said to me, "Are you going to a party?" Believe me this almost never happens anymore. Apparently I'm the kind of person that would wear high heels to the grocery store just because. I mean my Great Aunt Norma at age 93 still wears them all over, (grocery store included) so why not! In reality, I don't usually dress up for no reason, but I like to find reasons to wear the clothes from the "fun and cute" section of the closet even if I'm not going to a party.
I remember some of the pretty dresses I've worn over the years. My earliest memory of dressing up was when I was five and I was in a fashion show with my Mom. I wore an adorable dress that my Great Grandmother had made for my Mom years before. Now fast forward many years later to my Senior Prom. Some girls would probably want to vomit if they had to wear their Prom dress again, but for me I would welcome the occasion (bearing in mind it just may not fit anymore). In my opinion the dress I wore was beautiful, classic, sophisticated and glamorous. Wearing the dress, I felt distinguished and giddy, and yes I had an above average looking date (Richard you better read this). Hmmm, I just may have to pull that gown out of the closet and play "dress up" the next time I'm in OKC. Oh yes, in the Bendorf house you keep these memorable classic garments!
Besides the happiness and fun they bring, and the charm they help to convey, dressy clothes make everyone look better. Most of the time, when we wear our nicer attire, we take a little more pride in combing our hair for example, or us women spend a few more minutes with the mascara wand and eyeliner. We want our faces and our hair to match our clothes. We want to be a complete package. It does help to be tan, have killer toned arms and legs and a firm butt, however perfection isn't what's important. I'm happy to know that if I try I can clean up nicely. We all can.
Although what's on the outside isn't the end all be all, and whether we wear casual clothes, old workout gear or the most beautiful fancy ball gown, we are still the same person. If you're naturally charming then you're a charmer. If you're classy in the way you live then you're classy. I'm sure you know this but our clothes don't define us, but dressing up just might make us a little more fun, a little happier, and a bit more confident. Dressing up isn't for everyone and that's OK. But, I'll tell you a little secret...
Me, I like to dress up.
Maybe you'll disagree, but when you put on nice clothes you look like someone a little more special. I also find that people will take you a bit more seriously when you dress more upscale. You may even be able to smile, click your heels together and get something out of someone that you could never so easily gain in your workout clothes. I find this to be especially true for men in suites. However, a suite on a dud of a guy with no personality and G-d forbid no good looks either--well the dressing up thing just might not help him (but I digress). The point is I like dressing up not just because it helps to charm people but also because it just really makes me happy.
How many times has my sister looked at my outfit on just some run of the mill day and said to me, "Are you going to a party?" Believe me this almost never happens anymore. Apparently I'm the kind of person that would wear high heels to the grocery store just because. I mean my Great Aunt Norma at age 93 still wears them all over, (grocery store included) so why not! In reality, I don't usually dress up for no reason, but I like to find reasons to wear the clothes from the "fun and cute" section of the closet even if I'm not going to a party.
I remember some of the pretty dresses I've worn over the years. My earliest memory of dressing up was when I was five and I was in a fashion show with my Mom. I wore an adorable dress that my Great Grandmother had made for my Mom years before. Now fast forward many years later to my Senior Prom. Some girls would probably want to vomit if they had to wear their Prom dress again, but for me I would welcome the occasion (bearing in mind it just may not fit anymore). In my opinion the dress I wore was beautiful, classic, sophisticated and glamorous. Wearing the dress, I felt distinguished and giddy, and yes I had an above average looking date (Richard you better read this). Hmmm, I just may have to pull that gown out of the closet and play "dress up" the next time I'm in OKC. Oh yes, in the Bendorf house you keep these memorable classic garments!
Besides the happiness and fun they bring, and the charm they help to convey, dressy clothes make everyone look better. Most of the time, when we wear our nicer attire, we take a little more pride in combing our hair for example, or us women spend a few more minutes with the mascara wand and eyeliner. We want our faces and our hair to match our clothes. We want to be a complete package. It does help to be tan, have killer toned arms and legs and a firm butt, however perfection isn't what's important. I'm happy to know that if I try I can clean up nicely. We all can.
Although what's on the outside isn't the end all be all, and whether we wear casual clothes, old workout gear or the most beautiful fancy ball gown, we are still the same person. If you're naturally charming then you're a charmer. If you're classy in the way you live then you're classy. I'm sure you know this but our clothes don't define us, but dressing up just might make us a little more fun, a little happier, and a bit more confident. Dressing up isn't for everyone and that's OK. But, I'll tell you a little secret...
Me, I like to dress up.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Lindsay Likes...Surprises (Good Ones)
Surprise I'm writing...I won't even try to explain my absence. I'm out of practice for sure. The first draft of this post got deleted too. UGH. But, here goes.
There's something to be said for a little unpredictability. A step away from the day to day monotony we all know so well. A random activity added to the mix; a slice of grasshopper pie in winter; an unforcasted snow storm. One of my most favorite forms of unpredictability is a good old fashioned surprise. Like when Dad came home from work with a wax paper bag filled with a fresh flaky delicious cinnamon roll just because. Or, when a friend treated me to a manicure and pedicure for no special occasion at all.
My most memorable birthday party was a surprise. One of the best dates I've been on was a surprise to a concert. Getting into SMU for law school, well that's still a shocking surprise. Often the result of another person's thoughtfulness, a good surprise gives me the kind of feeling you get when you laugh so hard that you cry. I feel bouncy, cheery and smiley. Yeah, a good surprise gives me a kick, sort of like a kid in a candy store.
Truly, there's something to be said for going off your normal course. Believe me I like some order to things, but sometimes I enjoy not knowing what's next or what's coming my way. A surprise bouquet of sunflowers, an unknown dinner menu (so long as it's not too crazy), a few cookies or even a phone call from an old friend...these are just some of the surprises I remember.
I like surprises (good ones). For example, I didn't so much care for the nasty roach that surprised me in my bed once. You get my point. There's good surprises and the not so positive ones. Call me spoiled, but I prefer the good ones.
There's something to be said for a little unpredictability. A step away from the day to day monotony we all know so well. A random activity added to the mix; a slice of grasshopper pie in winter; an unforcasted snow storm. One of my most favorite forms of unpredictability is a good old fashioned surprise. Like when Dad came home from work with a wax paper bag filled with a fresh flaky delicious cinnamon roll just because. Or, when a friend treated me to a manicure and pedicure for no special occasion at all.
My most memorable birthday party was a surprise. One of the best dates I've been on was a surprise to a concert. Getting into SMU for law school, well that's still a shocking surprise. Often the result of another person's thoughtfulness, a good surprise gives me the kind of feeling you get when you laugh so hard that you cry. I feel bouncy, cheery and smiley. Yeah, a good surprise gives me a kick, sort of like a kid in a candy store.
Truly, there's something to be said for going off your normal course. Believe me I like some order to things, but sometimes I enjoy not knowing what's next or what's coming my way. A surprise bouquet of sunflowers, an unknown dinner menu (so long as it's not too crazy), a few cookies or even a phone call from an old friend...these are just some of the surprises I remember.
I like surprises (good ones). For example, I didn't so much care for the nasty roach that surprised me in my bed once. You get my point. There's good surprises and the not so positive ones. Call me spoiled, but I prefer the good ones.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Lindsay Likes...Walking in My Neighborhood
Yeah, I know I sound like a little old lady who enjoys strolling the neighborhood sidewalks in her Easy Spirit tennis shoes. But, try to remove that image from your mind. No, I don't have a dog to walk (at least not yet...one day) nor do I consider taking a walk through the neighborhood to be a source of vigorous exercise. Simply put, I just like to walk. Always have. I like to be outdoors and to look at the houses that line the streets. I like to listen to music and to think about random things that pop into my head.
I'm sure one of the reasons I enjoy a nice neighborhood stroll stems from my childhood. In the spring and summertime as a family we would often make an activity out of an evening walk around the nearby golf course or walking up and down the surrounding streets. Sounds sort of cheesy, but it was always fun. Sometimes funny stories about our neighbors would come up. Other times there would be a house under construction that we would become fascinated watching being built. My Dad would insist we walk through (only if there was no locked door of course!) and survey the architecture and layout. From time to time we would go back and check the progress and throw in our opinions about how things were looking. As if anyone asked for our two cents about the location of the kitchen or the size of the windows.
These days, I usually take these neighborhood walks alone (although I'm happy to have friends or family join me whenever). Yes, Mom, I always take my phone and I never walk when it's dark out. There are different things that I enjoy about walking. I like the quiet when things are calm and I also like the noise of people busily living their lives that you sometimes hear. Kids playing, games happening at the nearby park, people barbecuing and mowing their grass. It helps that I love my neighborhood and the feeling of homeyness that comes from walking around. When the occasion calls for it, I also like to think through things weighing on my mind while walking. Sometimes I get a little more clarity while strolling the streets than I do at other times during the day.
Maybe, though what I like most about taking walks is the actual walking part. I love to move my legs. I usually walk with some sense of urgency whether there be a need for such speed or not. I'm almost incapable of walking slowly. I can't help myself. Once I start, I just go. This I most definitely learned from my Dad who is always at least ten steps ahead of anyone else walking with him (well except for me). There's truly something to say about just moving about. Not on a treadmill or at the mall, but on the hard pavement of the sidewalk or road. Walking outside with the birds, the wind, the bugs and the sun gives me a good feeling and a little extra bounce in my step.
I like walking in my neighborhood.
I'm sure one of the reasons I enjoy a nice neighborhood stroll stems from my childhood. In the spring and summertime as a family we would often make an activity out of an evening walk around the nearby golf course or walking up and down the surrounding streets. Sounds sort of cheesy, but it was always fun. Sometimes funny stories about our neighbors would come up. Other times there would be a house under construction that we would become fascinated watching being built. My Dad would insist we walk through (only if there was no locked door of course!) and survey the architecture and layout. From time to time we would go back and check the progress and throw in our opinions about how things were looking. As if anyone asked for our two cents about the location of the kitchen or the size of the windows.
These days, I usually take these neighborhood walks alone (although I'm happy to have friends or family join me whenever). Yes, Mom, I always take my phone and I never walk when it's dark out. There are different things that I enjoy about walking. I like the quiet when things are calm and I also like the noise of people busily living their lives that you sometimes hear. Kids playing, games happening at the nearby park, people barbecuing and mowing their grass. It helps that I love my neighborhood and the feeling of homeyness that comes from walking around. When the occasion calls for it, I also like to think through things weighing on my mind while walking. Sometimes I get a little more clarity while strolling the streets than I do at other times during the day.
Maybe, though what I like most about taking walks is the actual walking part. I love to move my legs. I usually walk with some sense of urgency whether there be a need for such speed or not. I'm almost incapable of walking slowly. I can't help myself. Once I start, I just go. This I most definitely learned from my Dad who is always at least ten steps ahead of anyone else walking with him (well except for me). There's truly something to say about just moving about. Not on a treadmill or at the mall, but on the hard pavement of the sidewalk or road. Walking outside with the birds, the wind, the bugs and the sun gives me a good feeling and a little extra bounce in my step.
I like walking in my neighborhood.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Lindsay Likes...Sleeping In
For those dumbfounded by my lack of writing: I know I've been neglecting my blog yet again. One of these days I'll get it together, but until then I hope you won't give up on me!
Yes, it's true..such a big secret. I like to sleep-in on the weekends. No alarms, snooze buttons, or getting up with the sun. I prefer the crinkle of my cozy comforter, the nice breeze from the fan, and my oh so perfect pillow. Call me lazy, but to me the quiet serenity of sleep is always just what I need. Now don't be fooled, if the occasion calls for it I can get myself out of bed, dressed and ready to go in the wee hours. Once I'm out of bed, I can usually even function like a semi-normal human being.
However, from an early age I've craved weekend sleep-ins! In high school my Mom would come knocking on my bedroom door at 12:00pm with her usual announcement, "It's Noon!" At that moment, I would jump out of bed feeling a bit guilty for my over-indulgence of sleep. These days I don't quite make it to 12:00; in fact I often wake up several times but it's rarely a problem for me to go right back to sleep. I'll glance at the clock and quickly shut my eyes and smile. Yep, this is my time where I can honestly say I'm all calm and relaxed!
I'm not the only one in my family who loves these sleep-ins! My grandmother has always been a late riser. She is still shocked that people get up at 5AM and actually enjoy it! When I tell her that I sometimes get to work at 7AM she looks at me in horror! When I was younger, Grandy and I would have contests to see which one of us could sleep the latest. I think she usually won.
Now that I'm pretty grown up (it's all a matter of perspective), maybe it's not as socially acceptable to stay in bed and waste the day. After all, there are things to do like chores, errands, exercise, lunch dates, brunches, and baby showers. But, whenever possible I try to put my sleep first. I know it sounds selfish but trust me I'm a better person when I get those few extra hours here and there. Usually, I manage to get places and take care of the stuff that needs to be done anyway. Whatever, sometimes we just need to do things for ourselves. Oh how I love to treat myself to a weekend sleep-in! Goodnight.
I like to sleep-in!
Yes, it's true..such a big secret. I like to sleep-in on the weekends. No alarms, snooze buttons, or getting up with the sun. I prefer the crinkle of my cozy comforter, the nice breeze from the fan, and my oh so perfect pillow. Call me lazy, but to me the quiet serenity of sleep is always just what I need. Now don't be fooled, if the occasion calls for it I can get myself out of bed, dressed and ready to go in the wee hours. Once I'm out of bed, I can usually even function like a semi-normal human being.
However, from an early age I've craved weekend sleep-ins! In high school my Mom would come knocking on my bedroom door at 12:00pm with her usual announcement, "It's Noon!" At that moment, I would jump out of bed feeling a bit guilty for my over-indulgence of sleep. These days I don't quite make it to 12:00; in fact I often wake up several times but it's rarely a problem for me to go right back to sleep. I'll glance at the clock and quickly shut my eyes and smile. Yep, this is my time where I can honestly say I'm all calm and relaxed!
I'm not the only one in my family who loves these sleep-ins! My grandmother has always been a late riser. She is still shocked that people get up at 5AM and actually enjoy it! When I tell her that I sometimes get to work at 7AM she looks at me in horror! When I was younger, Grandy and I would have contests to see which one of us could sleep the latest. I think she usually won.
Now that I'm pretty grown up (it's all a matter of perspective), maybe it's not as socially acceptable to stay in bed and waste the day. After all, there are things to do like chores, errands, exercise, lunch dates, brunches, and baby showers. But, whenever possible I try to put my sleep first. I know it sounds selfish but trust me I'm a better person when I get those few extra hours here and there. Usually, I manage to get places and take care of the stuff that needs to be done anyway. Whatever, sometimes we just need to do things for ourselves. Oh how I love to treat myself to a weekend sleep-in! Goodnight.
I like to sleep-in!
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