Archive

You Asked For It

posted 22nd July 2010    Written by: Katie    CATEGORY: Inspiration, Katie, Season 2

Molly, Nicole, Heather Rae, and I all exchanged interview questions. Here are my answers to the (often difficult!) questions I was asked. Enjoy.

What’s your favorite food memory?

Back before going out to eat was so common place, I remember going to the local pizza shop in my hometown of Bellmawr, New Jersey. Paradise Pizza is a staple of the town, and the food is amazing., My mom, dad, brother and I would head over to the restaurant once or twice a month and indulge in pizza and chicken sandwiches.

What can’t you live without?   What do you wish there was less of in the world?

I’m certain that I wouldn’t be able to live without Music. The magic of hearing an entire song, or even a simple lyric that speaks to you is something that I want to experience over and over again.

On the other hand, if the world had less mice and toothaches, I’d be a very happy camper.

If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

I’d love to have the ability to use teleportation to get from A to B.  I can’t tell you how many times I wished I was across the country with a friend in a time of need, or across the world sight seeing, but didn’t have the time, money, or ability to make the commute.

Plus, I’d totally “accidentally” teleport into Ralph Fiennes, Danny Gokey, AND Trevor St. John’s bedrooms for fun.

If you could live anywhere in the world for six months (money being no object), where would you live and why?

I’d absolutely live in Washington DC or somewhere in Canada. Washington DC, which I’ve been to twice, is just so convenient, clean, and rich in history, that I can’t get enough of it. Plus, metro travel? Win!  As for Canada, I’ve always wanted to go because the pictures are so gorgeous. I’ve never been out of the United States, so another country, albeit America’s Hat, would be really awesome.

What do you consider the most important event in your life so far?

Although it was the most tragic, I think hitting my depression rock bottom has been the most important event in my life. The experience left me completely clueless as to where to go, but with the help of friends, self-help books, the Joy Equation, and my own will and determination, I’ve become a better, more determined person. The rock bottom has also given me the drive to help others in similar situations realize that Poor Mental Health and the Quarter Life Crisis sometimes go hand in hand.

If you had to spend $10,000 in one day, what would you do with it?

Being the undercover tech-geek in hiding that I am, I’d surely buy a new computer, an iPad, and some other funky gadgets. I’d get a room at the ritziest hotel room for a night, just to enjoy some “me” time. I’d go crazy in Ikea, and decorate like mad. I’d pay off some outstanding debt, and then buy a new bed to have a wonderful night’s sleep on. Oh, and I’d take my close friends out to dinner somewhere classy – like McDonalds, Tria Cafe.

Describe your priorities in four words or less.

Prioritize what matters first.

What is the one thing you most want to be known for?

Whenever that fateful day comes that my life ends, I want to be known as someone who made a difference in lives. I want to be thought of as the girl who made people laugh, and helped young adults create life strategies for success. I want to be known as me. (I think that was more than one thing. Oops!)

You’re in a bar for karaoke night, you have to choose three songs to sing, and each one has to be one that you relate to each of the following things: Love, Life, and Friends. Which three songs do you choose and why?

Love:
“This Is It” – Michael Jackson OR “You and Me” – Dave Matthew’s Band
“I never heard a single word about you. Falling in love wasn’t my plan” – MJ
“You and Me together, can do anything. The two of us together, can do anything” – DMB

Life:
“Hold On”- Wilson Phillips
“Don’t you know, things will change, things will go your way, if you hold on for one more day”

Friends:
“That’s What Friends Are For” – Dionne Warwick
“Keep smiling, keep shining, knowing you can always count on me, for sure. That’s what friends are for. In good times, and in bad times, I’ll be on your side forever more. That’s what friends are for”

What’s the weirdest thing that you’ve cried because of? (Maybe a movie, an unexpected song, something someone said that wouldn’t normally inflict emotion).

I’m a big One Life to Live fan. I can’t tell you how many times that show gets me crying. Yes, I know the acting is always overly dramatic, and that the love scenes are overplayed, but I probably cry at least twice a week from a scene on the show.

I’m coming to visit your city for just 2 hours during a layover flight for a business trip. Where would you be certain to take me and why?

I’d definitely take you to Rittenhouse Square in Center City, Philadelphia. It’s a beautiful area full of rich and snotty people, but the landscape and buildings make up for the prissy attitudes. Rittenhouse Park is lovely any time of the year, and one of my current roommates works at a coffee shop there, so I’m sure he could make us some amazing Apple Cinnamon Chai!

And finally, my inspiration list:

People:
My grandmother – we have one of the most dysFUNctional families ever, but she somehow finds it in her heart to love each and every one of our huge family no matter what we’ve done in the past. Her ability to endure physical and emotional pain and still smile, laugh, and talk about Soap Operas with me is inspiring.

Steve Ballmer - Hire me. Hire me. Hire me. Any man that can put on a show like this and get paid tons of money for it needs to be my boss.

Songs:
“Independently Happy” – Blue October
“Man in the Mirror” – Michael Jackson
“Whatever Happens” – Michael Jackson (I know…. I’m a huge fan…)

Books:
“Living Alone and Loving It” – Barbara Feldon (not just for people who live alone!) (Get it here!)
“The Catcher in the Rye” – JD Salinger

Places:
Anywhere where I can see the city skyline at night
the Ocean
Airports (having a destination and the preparation for flight both give me a high.)

Websites:
Operation Beautiful
To Write Love on Her Arms
Post Secret
Stratejoy (of course!)
the Daily Motivator

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Everything About Me You Never Thought to Ask

posted 21st July 2010    Written by: Heather Rae    CATEGORY: Heather Rae, Season 2

Molly, Nicole, Katie and I decided to mix things up this week and interview each other.  We each threw in a few questions and then tackled them on our own.  It’s amazing what you can learn about people this way.  So here’s my take on what they wanted to know.  Enjoy.

What can’t you live without?   What do you wish there was less of in the world?

Well, there’s the obvious, like love and friendship.  I certainly can’t live without those things.  But if we’re talking about life’s indulgences, I definitely can’t live without internet access.  I’ve been without for the past week, and I’ve got to say, it’s killing me.  How did we ever live without the internet?

As for what I wish there were less of in the world?  I wish there were less violence, less hate and less judgment.  I wish everyone had the opportunity to live their own life, as they saw fit, without the rest of us judging their actions.  So long as no one’s hurting anyone else, that’s what matters.  Less judgment, more love.

Inspiration List.   Person?  Song?  Book?  Website?  Place?

Person:  Although there are many more, here are two that you’ll recognize.  Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright top my list at the moment.  I’ve read their books, followed their careers and been inspired by each of them at one time or another.  Their endeavors help me to remember that anything is possible – I just have to put myself out there and try.

Song:  I love music.  It has this way of getting into my soul and moving me, right down to my core.  Currently, Bon Jovi’s Love’s the Only Rule is seriously inspiring.

Book:  I read about a book a week, so this one is really hard to narrow down.  I’m huge into women’s issues, so I would definitely say Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide.  You can’t read it without being touched.  Seriously, you’ll want to get out there and make a difference as soon as you finish it.  Also, The China Study by T. Colin Campbell greatly influenced my eating habits.

Website:  There’s a website on writing that I love.  It has so many practical tips and writing exercises and always gets me in the mood to put pen to paper.  It’s called How to Plan, Write, and Develop a Book and is written by Mary Carroll Moore.  If you’re at all interested in writing a book of your own, I highly recommend her site.

Place:  The cliffs overlooking the ocean in Palos Verdes, CA.  I would drive down there on occasion and just watch the waves.  It’s peaceful and beautiful and awe inspiring.

What’s your favorite food memory?

On my first trip to Maui, I went with one of my very best friends.  Our first day, we ate at a restaurant called the Hula Grill.  Sitting in the sand, we listened to a guy sing and play guitar while splitting a specialty pizza and a French dip.  It was divine.  We went back a few times before we left.  Now, every time we return, the Hula Grill is our very first stop.

If you had to spend $10,000 in one day, what would you do with it?

I would definitely book a trip.  I’d spend a week in Peru trekking to Machu Picchu and then head over to Ecuador for a cruise to the Galapagos Islands before spending a week camping and kayaking with a guide in the Amazon Rainforest.  Heaven.

Describe your priorities in four words or less.

Love.  Travel.  Friendship.  Joy.

What is the one thing you most want to be known for?

I want to be known for having tried.  I may not be a runaway hit in everything I do, but I want people to know that I tried everything that inspired me, everything I was interested in, everything I thought might make a difference in someone’s life.  I want a person to see my efforts and say, “Hey, if she can try doing what she loves, maybe I can, too.”

You’re in a bar for karaoke night, you have three songs to sing – and each has to be one that you relate to on each of these things: Love – Life – Friends. Which three songs do you choose, and why?

Love:  You and I, sung by Michael Buble.  It gives me goose bumps every time I hear it.  It’s one of those songs that capture the essence of love so wholly, so completely.  It takes your breath away.

Life:  You’ll have Time, sung by William Shatner.  I heard this song while sitting on the train on my way home from work several years ago.  It’s kind of funny and a little morbid, and when I heard it, something clicked.  I soon left my job and set out to discover what I was really passionate about in life.

Friends:  Lean on Me, sung by Bill Withers.  I think we can all relate to the lyrics in this song, and every time I hear it, it puts a smile on my face.  It’s always good to know you have someone to lean on.

What’s the weirdest thing that you’ve cried because of? (Maybe a movie, an unexpected song, something someone said that wouldn’t normally inflict emotion)

Everything makes me cry.  I once cried because of a Wal-Mart commercial.  I’m pretty sentimental in that way.  (And I swear, that commercial was really touching.)  But here’s one that may not sound surprising to you, though it certainly was to me: I cried when I left my apartment in Pasadena for the last time.  I spent the last six years talking about how much I wanted to move out of that apartment.  When it came time to leave, though, it was hard.  I’d created a life there, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to let it go.

I’m coming to visit your city for just 2 hours during a layover flight for a business trip. Where would you be certain to take me and why?

I only got to Seattle (well, technically, Kirkland) a week ago.  I don’t really know anything yet.  So I’d probably take you to the downtown area by the water.  It’s cute and seems to have good restaurants.  Now, if I were taking you somewhere in Pasadena, I’d take you on a hike to the Eaton Canyon waterfall.  It’s awesome.  And I love finding hidden natural treasures in the midst of a city.

If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

I’d have the power to turn into a fly.  That way, I could literally be a fly on the wall.  People’s lives fascinate me, and it would be amazing to see how they really live, what they do, what they say.  Imagine all the stories I could come up with for my books?  Let’s just hope no one would swat me!

If you could live anywhere in the world for six months (money being no object), where would you live and why?

This is actually on my life list, to live in another country for at least six months.  Honestly, I’d go just about anywhere.  I love learning about cultures different from my own.  I’ve been dying to learn French, so I’d probably choose a French speaking country.  Maybe somewhere in Africa?  Or even France itself?  I might even choose Tahiti and spend my days hiking and exploring little known beaches and my nights sleeping in an over water bungalow or camping under the stars.

What do you consider the most important event in your life so far?

Certainly, meeting Steven immensely changed the direction of my life.  Completing college was a huge milestone that shaped the way I look at the world.  Quitting my job to focus on writing a book; taking a chance, being brave and following my passions instead of a paycheck.

In the end, I hope when I look back there isn’t one event that stands out above the rest.  I hope there are a thousand events, all different and remarkable to me, that touch my heart and shape my world in their own unique way.

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Four Ladies, Twelve Questions

posted 20th July 2010    Written by: Nicole Antoinette    CATEGORY: All Posts, Nicole Antoinette, Season 2

It has been a lovely pleasure sharing the Stratejoy stage with such fun ladies these past few months. And now, for our second to last week as Season 2 bloggers, we’re doing a little interview. We each picked three questions, and all four of us are answering the same twelve questions. Ready? Cool.

What can’t you live without? What do you wish there was less of in the world?

There aren’t many things I couldn’t live without, but there are definitely some that I wouldn’t want to live without. Like cheese. And eyeliner. And hugs. And hot tubs. And The West Wing. And Jamie. (Okay fine, that last one is more of a need than a want.)

There are a lot of things I could always use more of – More is Better, right? Well, except when it’s not. The world could definitely use a little less of some things. Like plagiarism. And selfishness. And people who can’t admit they’re wrong when they’re wrong.

Inspiration List (Person? Song? Book? Website? Place?)

Yes, I’m totally cheating and linking to my inspiration list.

What’s your favorite food memory?

I saved this question for last and then came back to it because it makes my brain hurt. Favorite food memory? FAVORITE FOOD MEMORY? I was a Food Studies major at NYU, how in the hell am I supposed to answer this question? Okay, deep breath. Eating handmade pasta in Florence. No, wait, baking this cake. No, wait the cheese plate at Otto in New York City. No wait! Ah!

::head explodes::

If you had to spend $10,000 in one day, what would you do with it?

I’d split it in half. Half for a round-the-world plane ticket and half to pre-pay as much of my parents’ rent as possible.

Describe your priorities in four words or less.

Laughter, words, food, and sex.

What is the one thing you most want to be known for?

Encouraging people to speak up about who they really are, how they really feel, and what they really want, no matter what.

You’re in a bar for karaoke night, you have three songs to sing – and each has to be one that you relate to on each of these things: Love – Life – Friends. Which three songs do you choose, and why?

Love | Edge of Desire | John Mayer | His voice alone is everything I love about love.

Life | Dog Days Are Over | Florence + The Machine | This song just makes me think, “The best is out there. Go get it already.”

Friends | Here’s The Thing | Girl Talk | My ultimate “underwear dance party with your girlfriends” song.

What’s the weirdest thing that you’ve cried because of? (Maybe a movie, an unexpected song, something someone said that wouldn’t normally inflict emotion.)

I cry hysterically when I see young children performing (singing, dancing, anything). Like, absolutely unstoppable tears. You can imagine how it went at the end-of-summer talent show when I was Director of a children’s summer day camp…

I’m coming to visit your city for just 2 hours during a layover flight for a business trip. Where would you be certain to take me and why?

Well, do you like cocktails? I doubt you’d be coming to visit me if you didn’t like cocktails, so let’s assume that’s a “yes.” I’d take you for a drink at Top of the Mark, because the panoramic views of the city are perfect.

If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

Is having unlimited money a super power? That would totally be my super power.

If you could live anywhere in the world for six months (money being no object), where would you live and why?

Santorini, definitely. I loved Greece when I was younger but never made it to Santorini. And the pictures of it? The white and the blue and the water and the overwhelming gorgeous of it all? Yeah, I could handle an all-expense-paid six months of that.

What do you consider the most important event in your life so far?

Moving to San Francisco – nothing has been the same since. I feel like my life has two parts, the part before San Francisco and the part now. It’s unquestionably the most defining thing in my life, the thing I can point to and say, “This, this right here is why I am who I am.”

photo credit: Stefan Baudy

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Friends in Black and White and Pretty Shades of Blue

posted 15th July 2010    Written by: Katie    CATEGORY: Katie, Quarterlife Crisis, Season 2

I just spent an hour and a half listing all of the people that I know into the following three categories:

The Top Notch: “You Want It, They Got It” (The Close Friends)
Mediocre: “Occasional Check In” (The Busy Ones)
Another Brick In The Wall: “Yeah, I know him/her”. (…I think  can still spell their last name.)

I made a list of 10 qualities that I look for in friends; 5 emotional requirements and 5 character traits. I did a strictly timed 2 minute brainstorm of the people in my life and wrote them all down. Then, I went through each person, and gave them one point for each quality that they posses that I seek.

It was one of the most enlightening, disappointing, and baffling things that I’ve done all week. I was amazed at where people fell when I took a look at solid facts rather than emotional connections. One of my favorite people and dare I say “best friend” of several years almost didn’t rank.

It sounds kind of depressing and sad, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed a few salty ones over it. It has affected me much as a breakup with a significant other would. Hell, I’m pretty sure she was my significant other for nearly 3 years. Just, you know, without the sex. I went through the denial phase, the angry phase, the “I’ll just get someone to replace you” phase, and now I’m well into the acceptance stage.

If I didn’t make a set of rules for each category and keep an actual score then I would have put her in the “Top Notch” category right away. This is just solid proof of how emotions can blind you of the solid facts and value that someone has in your life. I see it all of the time in romantic relationships, especially those that are toxic, but people stay in them anyway because there are so many emotions involved. Sometimes, you need to separate yourself from the emotions, and focus on the black and white.

I’m not planning on living life in Black and White all of the time. Things happen, people go through things, and friends earn free-passes to be assholes sometimes. If I were to take stock of my friends everyday, it’d be like the stock market. I wouldn’t be able to follow the ups and downs, crashes and recoveries. As long as my current circle of friends remain in the black*, then we’re all good.

The Quarterlife Crisis has been a real bitch. Even bitches have their purpose though. In some ways, the QLC has been really convenient for me. I had friends going into it, I met friends during it, and the ones that remain now are surely keepers. They’ve dealt with me at my worst, and now they get to experience my best.  Lucky them. Moreso, lucky me.

*Sidenote: “In the Black” sounds depressing, contrary to it’s actual meaning of being “profitable”. Maybe we should file a motion to change that saying to something more cheerful. Like “In the Pink”.

Update: Just Googled “in the pink” to see if it was taken as an analogy. Whoops. Mistake.

Let’s go with “In the pretty shade of blue”.


*Photo (via).


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On Road Trips and Friendships and Taking Chances

posted 14th July 2010    Written by: Heather Rae    CATEGORY: Heather Rae, Season 2

It’s 4:30 A.M.  I arrived in Seattle yesterday afternoon, and I can’t sleep.  Perhaps this is because I’m sleeping on the floor of our new apartment.  And let’s be honest, the floor’s pretty hard.  Or maybe it’s because I’m in a new city, I’ve got a million things on my mind and a million things to do, and aside from getting over the initial exhaustion, it’s hard to sleep with all that running through my head.  Either way, I’ll be happy when the moving truck arrives, and I get my bed back.

Getting here, I took quite the road trip.  I spent a little over a week in Las Vegas visiting friends and family.  Then I was off.

I drove alone to Seattle.  Now that was one experience I’ll never forget. At first, I was a bit scared heading here by myself.  No.  Let me rephrase.  I wasn’t scared at first.  I didn’t get scared until I started telling people that I was driving up on my own.  That’s when everyone started looking at me with wide eyes, asking if I would be okay, telling me how scared they would be if they had to make the trip alone, making me promise I would call when I arrived to assure them I didn’t encounter any accidents or ax murderers on the way.

This brings up an interesting point.  My friends are most often my biggest cheerleaders, always on my side, rooting me on when things get hard or I need a nudge in the right direction. But there are also occasions when they can be the source of my anxiety.  Like when I plan to take a 1,200 mile road trip alone.

Suddenly, I found myself wondering what would happen if I got a flat tire, afraid I wouldn’t find an adequate place to stay along the way, scared of running out of gas, anxious that I’d get in a wreck with a semi truck, hoping I wouldn’t hit a deer and worried I didn’t choose the best route.

Yeah, a lot of bad things can happen.  For the record, none of them did.  The trip went off without a hitch.  And I even kind of enjoyed it.

So why is it those same people we love most are often the ones that make us think twice before making a big change, doing something out of the ordinary or taking a chance? Probably because we care about what they think.  After all, no one wants to be a disappointment.  And taking chances and making change?  Well, those things leave us open for the possibility.  We might do something wrong or something simply might not work out as we hoped.

And then we’d have to face our loved ones and admit things didn’t go well.  We might even feel like we failed.

Of course, the fact that our friends care enough to warn us of potential dangers is also what’s amazing about them.  It’s part of what lets us know they care.  And true friends, the ones that love you no matter what?  Well, they do just that.  They love you no matter what.  Yes, they might remind you of the challenges ahead, they might worry about you, they might even question your sanity.  But in the end, they’re by your side.

The fact that I had a gazillion phone calls to make when I arrived, calls to assure my loved ones I’d made it safe and sound, tells me that I’m cared about, that I’m loved.  And as long as I’m strong enough to listen to the advice of others but continue making decisions based on what I want, well, that’s what matters. I’m happy to have a strong support system.  I’m happy that I’m pretty damn independent and am content to make the choices that are right for me.

And I’m happy to have so much love in my life.

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