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.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
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!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Lindsay Likes...Kindness
The other day I found myself shopping for gifts. In the midst of my shopping for others, I came upon a skirt and a dress on the sale rack that I decided to try on for myself. After having shopped around in the store for about ten minutes, I went to the back of the store to find a dressing room. At this point not one of the three sales people in the boutique had offered to help me. They found themselves too busy and engrossed in their other customers to even so much as look at me. Finally a salesperson emerged from the back of the store and offered me a dressing room. But after checking with the other sales associates, I was told all the dressing rooms had clothing in them and were in use (not a soul was in one of them-they were all still shopping). I was kindly offered the bathroom to try on my clothes. Oh this got my blood boiling and I quickly tried on the clothes and determined they looked like crap. I gathered the two items and headed out of the bathroom enraged and annoyed. Still not one salesperson even looked at me. I threw the items down on a table and marched out of the store (walking right past two sales associates who still refused to acknowledge me).
I know you could probably care less about my mistreatment at some stupid store. It's ridiculous to even mention. But, the incident illustrates not only how very much I dislike rudeness in others, but also how a little kindness could have gone a long way. A little kindness like a smile, like saying, "hello," like giving up an empty dressing room for me to quickly try on the clothes-these kindnesses could have changed my entire experience. Trust me such small offers of kindness couldn't have taken more than a second to convey. And, in return I likely would have purchased stuff and left the store satisfied and happy as opposed to red- faced and perturbed.
OK, enough of this woe is me tale. My point is, I like kindness. In particular, I like kindess because it comes in many forms. Truthfulness can be a kindness; so can encouragement, listening, support, showing interest in others, offering protection, teaching and giving something while expecting nothing in return. There are endless types of kindnesses. Some forms come without much effort, while other forms require such sacrifices as time, money and patience. But, no matter the size or the type of kindness given, we benefit both when we give kindness and when we receive it.
As a receiver of kindness, I'm a big fan of compliments. I love them. They instantly make me smile and boost my mood. Yesterday, as I was checking in at the gym, Caleb at the front desk told me he liked my nail polish. Even this silly compliment (yes, he is gay) made me happy. Afterall, who wants to have ugly nails. You laugh now, but all afternoon I felt an extra little spark. I'm telling you being kind doesn't take much, but it does a lot of good. If you think something nice about someone just say it. Sometimes we forget how important a little flattery and reassurance can be. So compliment away, but remember a compliment is only meaningful when it's sincere.
The power of kindness cannot be overestimated. I realize being kind is not always so easy. We at times become self-centered, lazy, tired, pre-occupied, bad-mooded and even robotic in our daily lives. We simply forget to use our manners or become frustrated, dejected, or solemn. When things go wrong in our own lives we can lose our ability to care. But, we've all got to try harder and to remember that doing a kind act or saying a kind word may not only get us out of a moody funk, it may also positively change someone else's mood too. Saying "thank you," opening a door for someone, or even complimenting someone's nail polish can go a long way. Kindness breeds happiness, likeness, confidence, producitivity and all things we need to thrive. What's there not to like?
In case you didn't get the message...I like kindness.
I know you could probably care less about my mistreatment at some stupid store. It's ridiculous to even mention. But, the incident illustrates not only how very much I dislike rudeness in others, but also how a little kindness could have gone a long way. A little kindness like a smile, like saying, "hello," like giving up an empty dressing room for me to quickly try on the clothes-these kindnesses could have changed my entire experience. Trust me such small offers of kindness couldn't have taken more than a second to convey. And, in return I likely would have purchased stuff and left the store satisfied and happy as opposed to red- faced and perturbed.
OK, enough of this woe is me tale. My point is, I like kindness. In particular, I like kindess because it comes in many forms. Truthfulness can be a kindness; so can encouragement, listening, support, showing interest in others, offering protection, teaching and giving something while expecting nothing in return. There are endless types of kindnesses. Some forms come without much effort, while other forms require such sacrifices as time, money and patience. But, no matter the size or the type of kindness given, we benefit both when we give kindness and when we receive it.
As a receiver of kindness, I'm a big fan of compliments. I love them. They instantly make me smile and boost my mood. Yesterday, as I was checking in at the gym, Caleb at the front desk told me he liked my nail polish. Even this silly compliment (yes, he is gay) made me happy. Afterall, who wants to have ugly nails. You laugh now, but all afternoon I felt an extra little spark. I'm telling you being kind doesn't take much, but it does a lot of good. If you think something nice about someone just say it. Sometimes we forget how important a little flattery and reassurance can be. So compliment away, but remember a compliment is only meaningful when it's sincere.
The power of kindness cannot be overestimated. I realize being kind is not always so easy. We at times become self-centered, lazy, tired, pre-occupied, bad-mooded and even robotic in our daily lives. We simply forget to use our manners or become frustrated, dejected, or solemn. When things go wrong in our own lives we can lose our ability to care. But, we've all got to try harder and to remember that doing a kind act or saying a kind word may not only get us out of a moody funk, it may also positively change someone else's mood too. Saying "thank you," opening a door for someone, or even complimenting someone's nail polish can go a long way. Kindness breeds happiness, likeness, confidence, producitivity and all things we need to thrive. What's there not to like?
In case you didn't get the message...I like kindness.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Lindsay Likes...To Say I'm Sorry!
Before I write anything else, I want to apologize for failing to entertain my vast audience over these last two months! I've been shorter on time, beaten down from working and just plain old tired. But, I will attempt to get back into this hobby of mine. I'm sorry for disappointing my followers and friends. Lately, people have been asking me what happened to this blog of mine. Well, it's not going away and I hope you will forgive me for leaving you hanging. Please check back soon for my latest Lindsay Likes entry!
Lindsay Likes to say I'm sorry.
Lindsay Likes to say I'm sorry.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Lindsay Likes...The Color of My Bedroom
I'm a fast walker. I usually eat breakfast in the car. I'm often thinking about multiple things at one time. Almost everyday I have some sort of a "to do" list. I sometimes have trouble falling asleep. I tend to be on the move. You'll rarely find me at home on the couch. Even when it seems there is little going on I end up busy doing something. Bottom line- the things I do, I like to do well, and I like to do a lot of different things. But here and there I really love to slow down. However, sometimes I have to be reminded to bring it down a notch, to calm down, to relax, to breathe, to let things go until tomorrow and to just be.
I know you're wondering what I'm talking about. How does any of this relate to my liking the color of my bedroom? Let me try to explain. Some years ago while celebrating my birthday in Austin I had the extreme privilege of getting a massage at the incredibly fabulous Lake Austin Spa. That place is heaven, but that's another story. Anyway, while waiting for my massage I sat in this perfectly serene room filled with comfy chairs, chilled water with lemon, beautiful books and a portrait worthy glow of light reflecting off the lake and the trees. But the one detail of this great relaxing room that I was quickly drawn to was its color. Both gentle and exquisite and soft and refreshing, the blue shade drew me in and captivated me. I instantly felt at ease. I wanted to create that same peaceful feeling at home. After a few phone calls I found the key to serenity-Benjamin Moore Summer Blue.
The other details of how my bedroom changed overnight from tan to summer blue I'll leave out, but let's just say I now have my own private quiet retreat. I like the color of my bedroom because it invites me into a place I so often need to find. A place where I can let all of the little things go and I can unwind. You see, I'm not one to live passively. Even when it appears that I'm just sitting somewhere, I'm usually either intently listening or silently thinking. Certainly I'm no genius, but my mind is the kind that doesn't like to rest. Couple this wandering mind with the fact that I like to be on the move, and you start to see why I need some relaxation in my life.
I like the summer blue color of my bedroom when it calls out to me, "Settle down!" I like the way the walls look when I turn on only the lamp in my bedroom. There's this indescribable energy and if I sit quietly I can hear the rippling waves of the ocean or even see the sky with its thick puffy clouds happily moving about. The images, all shadows of blue, call out to me, "Stop thinking so much. Stop doing so much." Just be. Believe me I can be happy this way. I don't need to be always on the move, I just simply forget to slow down.
When we think too much and do too much we start to forget the basics. We make plans for things that are supposed to happen that never do. We overlook things that are right in front of us. We plan instead of react. Sometimes each of us needs a little reminder to change our thoughts, to put insignificant things aside, to take a minute, an hour or a day and to live a bit slower. For me, I need to remember to stop and to look at the serene walls in my bedroom. Calm down. Slow down. Look around and see what's there.
I like the color of my bedroom.
I know you're wondering what I'm talking about. How does any of this relate to my liking the color of my bedroom? Let me try to explain. Some years ago while celebrating my birthday in Austin I had the extreme privilege of getting a massage at the incredibly fabulous Lake Austin Spa. That place is heaven, but that's another story. Anyway, while waiting for my massage I sat in this perfectly serene room filled with comfy chairs, chilled water with lemon, beautiful books and a portrait worthy glow of light reflecting off the lake and the trees. But the one detail of this great relaxing room that I was quickly drawn to was its color. Both gentle and exquisite and soft and refreshing, the blue shade drew me in and captivated me. I instantly felt at ease. I wanted to create that same peaceful feeling at home. After a few phone calls I found the key to serenity-Benjamin Moore Summer Blue.
The other details of how my bedroom changed overnight from tan to summer blue I'll leave out, but let's just say I now have my own private quiet retreat. I like the color of my bedroom because it invites me into a place I so often need to find. A place where I can let all of the little things go and I can unwind. You see, I'm not one to live passively. Even when it appears that I'm just sitting somewhere, I'm usually either intently listening or silently thinking. Certainly I'm no genius, but my mind is the kind that doesn't like to rest. Couple this wandering mind with the fact that I like to be on the move, and you start to see why I need some relaxation in my life.
I like the summer blue color of my bedroom when it calls out to me, "Settle down!" I like the way the walls look when I turn on only the lamp in my bedroom. There's this indescribable energy and if I sit quietly I can hear the rippling waves of the ocean or even see the sky with its thick puffy clouds happily moving about. The images, all shadows of blue, call out to me, "Stop thinking so much. Stop doing so much." Just be. Believe me I can be happy this way. I don't need to be always on the move, I just simply forget to slow down.
When we think too much and do too much we start to forget the basics. We make plans for things that are supposed to happen that never do. We overlook things that are right in front of us. We plan instead of react. Sometimes each of us needs a little reminder to change our thoughts, to put insignificant things aside, to take a minute, an hour or a day and to live a bit slower. For me, I need to remember to stop and to look at the serene walls in my bedroom. Calm down. Slow down. Look around and see what's there.
I like the color of my bedroom.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Lindsay Likes...Having More Than One Side
I still hear the words and want to laugh. "I always liked to vacuum in the nude." Imagine my surprise when the nearly ninety year old woman sitting next to me at a dinner party decided to share this intimate detail with me about her life. Such images came to my mind and still do when I recall this. Although I didn't know every detail of my table companion's life; I certainly hadn't pegged her as the free-spirit nudist type. People really can surprise you!
I know as people get to know me they are sometimes surprised. I've been called "conservative," "a sweet nice girl" and even "a goody-two shoes." Some would probably describe me as serious or shy while others may say...well I won't speculate. The truth is I may be all of these things at times but I'm so many other things as well (except I've never claimed the goody-two shoes label-I think the person that told me that was actually saying it in a mean way). Sometimes it's interesting to hear what others portray me as because I often feel like I'm always evolving and always trying to figure myself out.
Without giving my inner-most personality traits away-if you're so curious get to know me better, I'll let you in on a few little glimpses of me. Although I would describe myself as an independent person, when I'm around my family I tend to quickly become "the baby" again. While one day I may be driving a rental car in Malibu or exploring the neighborhoods of New York City alone, the next day I may be tagging along with my Mom at the grocery store while she asks me what she can make me for dinner. I can be such a grown-up yet even a minute later become this silly childish girl. I promise I've been to Law School and learned to handle myself in the professional world, but I can still talk like a baby on command. I can put on my serious work face but I can also laugh for endless amounts of time over unexpected funny noises or stupid stories from years ago (like the time some of my high school friends left a shot-out old wheelchair on my front porch that they had found on the side of the road).
And yes I may be sweet and nice, but I can also be tough. I prefer to be friendly and easy-going which I usually am, but when the occasion calls for some toughness I'm not afraid to speak my mind. I'm normally even-tempered but when something gets me going, I have trouble letting it go and will breathe fire until I get it out of my system. I'm no pushover. I've got a voice deep within me and I have some hidden muscles so BEWARE!
Also, let me be clear. I like school, I like to read, I like jeopardy, I like to learn-but I love to have fun. I like beer, wine, vodka, champagne and those delectable minty mojitos! I like as you've heard to host parties and to entertain. I enjoy traveling, decorating my house and playing with furniture and accessories and I love fashion and art. I'm up for the occasional day at the pool with SPF 80+, I like a random bowling night here and there or mini-golf. Concerts are great, plays, museums, hanging out on my patio with friends and even taking a hike. I could go on and on but I'm giving away too many future Lindsay Likes topics. My point is that I have more than one side.
Just when you think you know someone you learn something new about them. Although sometimes our first impressions are correct so often people are not what they seem. We all stereotype even without realizing it. Sometimes in a big crowd this is the easiest way for us to find someone to befriend or to seek out for a certain purpose. But once you start asking questions or spending time with a person in different settings you see stuff and you learn stuff about them you never knew. I really like getting to know people and seeing what they are all about. I not only like that I have more than one side but I like when others do too. It makes things interesting. Some depth in people is a good thing. You hang out with them for a while and you learn things, sometimes even things about yourself.
I like having more than one side.
I know as people get to know me they are sometimes surprised. I've been called "conservative," "a sweet nice girl" and even "a goody-two shoes." Some would probably describe me as serious or shy while others may say...well I won't speculate. The truth is I may be all of these things at times but I'm so many other things as well (except I've never claimed the goody-two shoes label-I think the person that told me that was actually saying it in a mean way). Sometimes it's interesting to hear what others portray me as because I often feel like I'm always evolving and always trying to figure myself out.
Without giving my inner-most personality traits away-if you're so curious get to know me better, I'll let you in on a few little glimpses of me. Although I would describe myself as an independent person, when I'm around my family I tend to quickly become "the baby" again. While one day I may be driving a rental car in Malibu or exploring the neighborhoods of New York City alone, the next day I may be tagging along with my Mom at the grocery store while she asks me what she can make me for dinner. I can be such a grown-up yet even a minute later become this silly childish girl. I promise I've been to Law School and learned to handle myself in the professional world, but I can still talk like a baby on command. I can put on my serious work face but I can also laugh for endless amounts of time over unexpected funny noises or stupid stories from years ago (like the time some of my high school friends left a shot-out old wheelchair on my front porch that they had found on the side of the road).
And yes I may be sweet and nice, but I can also be tough. I prefer to be friendly and easy-going which I usually am, but when the occasion calls for some toughness I'm not afraid to speak my mind. I'm normally even-tempered but when something gets me going, I have trouble letting it go and will breathe fire until I get it out of my system. I'm no pushover. I've got a voice deep within me and I have some hidden muscles so BEWARE!
Also, let me be clear. I like school, I like to read, I like jeopardy, I like to learn-but I love to have fun. I like beer, wine, vodka, champagne and those delectable minty mojitos! I like as you've heard to host parties and to entertain. I enjoy traveling, decorating my house and playing with furniture and accessories and I love fashion and art. I'm up for the occasional day at the pool with SPF 80+, I like a random bowling night here and there or mini-golf. Concerts are great, plays, museums, hanging out on my patio with friends and even taking a hike. I could go on and on but I'm giving away too many future Lindsay Likes topics. My point is that I have more than one side.
Just when you think you know someone you learn something new about them. Although sometimes our first impressions are correct so often people are not what they seem. We all stereotype even without realizing it. Sometimes in a big crowd this is the easiest way for us to find someone to befriend or to seek out for a certain purpose. But once you start asking questions or spending time with a person in different settings you see stuff and you learn stuff about them you never knew. I really like getting to know people and seeing what they are all about. I not only like that I have more than one side but I like when others do too. It makes things interesting. Some depth in people is a good thing. You hang out with them for a while and you learn things, sometimes even things about yourself.
I like having more than one side.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Lindsay Likes...Celebrating Birthdays!
The cake or cupcakes sit in front of me. Candles twinkle vibrantly casting a perfect happy glow. There's noise all around and people's faces too. Usually a camera flashing from some unbecoming angle. And before I know it, the moment comes and goes. I inhale and exhale and attempt to extinguish the candles all while making a wish for the year ahead. Despite the noise, the song, the smiles and the camera flashes all around me, in my tiny space it's quiet for a split second as I ceremoniously become a year older.
I adore birthdays. I really love them. Yes, I know each birthday brings with it advancing age. And, I see too how quickly the years can pass by. Seriously, wasn't it just yesterday that I turned 16. It seems like only a moment ago I walked into the large room full of family and friends to yells of "Surprise, Happy Birthday!" I can hear the mariachi singer with his incessant chorus, "Lindsay, Lindsay, Lindsay, Lindsay...." (If you were there I bet you still remember too!) If I concentrate for a minute, I can also conjure up memories of my 6th birthday sipping lemonade while dressed in my Mom's clothes. That was the year of the tea party/dress like Mommy theme (Mom is always pretty creative.)! But, with each birthday comes a celebration-a happy feeling of joy and of excitement for you never know what the next year may bring.
Birthday dinners, birthday parties, birthday surprises--I look forward to them months in advance. You see I like to celebrate birthdays not just observe them. I often start discussing what flavor of cake I want in January (when my birthday isn't until April). I'm 28 years old and I still like decorations on my cake, birthday napkins and balloons. Of course I love a good party too. As a child I was a big fan of swimming parties and thought the bingo/cookie decorating party was pretty exciting too! These days, I like to get friends and family together to celebrate with a few drinks. However, I refuse to allow my Dad to ever purchase even one tequila shot again! There's a picture I could insert here from my 24th birthday but I have a reputation to uphold and I doubt you want to see me with a green looking face! But, the point is to me, a birthday is something to celebrate and I like to do it right.
Maybe I'm a bit spoiled, even a little immature, but birthdays should be celebrated with some sort of fan-fare. This doesn't mean I demand a surprise trip to Las Vegas (although that sounds great) or two dozen specially picked roses (I'd be happy with one), but I do insist on making my birthday unique from all the other days of the year. For me it's important to set the day apart and to celebrate. With the celebration comes so many happy things-laughter, family, friends, cake, cards with nice messages, and if I'm lucky a sip or two of cold bubbly champagne.
I like celebrating birthdays!
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