The magic button — Make Everything OK

It's just like dependent origination! sort of.

The magic button — Make Everything OK

"The Happy List"

A dear friend is helping me realize that I (apparently) require some kind of disciplined system to help myself do things that make me feel good. I've been spending too much time helping other, which is good. Except, to the extreme -- i'm depleted. i need some "Charla Happy Time". Thus, the "Happy List". So here it is.

Things on Weekdays:

-Wake up 10 minutes early to make time to play with kitty.

-Listen to uplifting podcasts during commute or reading

-Take 2 walks outside (rain or shine) 15 min before lunch & 15 min after lunch

-Leave work at 5:00pm EVERY NIGHT. unless i have a meeting. Getting home at a reasonable hour makes me happier.

-20 minutes of stretchin, meditation or self reiki THE MINUTE I WALK IN THE DOOR at home.

-No Facebook on Weeknights after 5:00pm.

-Meditation group every Tuesday night.

-Hang out with friends on Friday nights (at least 2 times a month.)

Things to honor self on the Weekends:

-Meditation time

-One day with no agenda (no helping anyone, including myself, no chores, no computer time!)

-At least one long walk or bike ride for at least one hour.

-More kitty play time

-Call friends who live other places (Julie, Vivian, Laura, Beth, Cree, Kathy/Allen/Kennedy/Henry)

Things to do Monthly:

-Either: massage or acupuncture monthly

-At least one sporting event (Mariners or Timbers)

-At least one night out at a concert/music (in addition to 2 nights out with friends.)

-Plan a meal using new recipes for a gruop of friends at least once a month.

-Spend the night with Joe & Colleen once a month (Sal & Frida time).

This feels a little daunting, but not insurmountable. My life and friendships depend on me. Me taking care of me and my life.

Next up is that 2 year old weird pile in my room.

Mix it! mixed tape

I've become addicted to the mix it! mix tape creation phenomena! it's soooo much fun! log on and send out mix tapes to all your friends without breaking copyright laws! i love it.
Please send me one when you make one!

2008 Portland Neander Games!

Today I found myself at the Portland "Neander Games" 2008 up on Rocky Butte, with an amazing view of Mt. Hood and St. Helens. Basically a Stone Workers company picnic. Instead of potato sack races, watch men (and some women) move, throw, and smash local basalt with sledgehammers, lift with their bare hands. What a beautiful day to watch the most 'manly' of events. yikes! those fellas are gorgeous! It definitely makes a girl weak in the knees. Here is a link to a you-tube video from last year's STONE SMASH. Contestants from local stone mason companies compete in 6 activities. good stuff!

Portland Favorites

Ok as my first official Blogger post, i should do something totally unoriginal, just to get it out of the way. Hopefully my later posts will be much better.

coffee place: Ugly Mug. it's in sellwood. they serve stumptown. they don't offer soy or whole milk on the condiment table. they sometimes are out of 1/2 & 1/2, but will always happily fill up or give a fresh one. The have the best quiche for breakfast. they came in after the starbucks and kick their ass each morning. Jen rocks. she always is on the verge of some fantastic joke or way of viewing the world today, and her brashness can never be confused with synicism. just lack of coffee. or only 4 cups. uglymugpdx.com

thai food: One Thai. up on Alberta. Not only is a purrfect spot for people watching Last Thursday, My food rivaled the infamous "Ring of Fire" in Eugene. unbelievable. unheard of. unspeakably yummy.
onethai.com

burger and a beer: So far it is at the Oaks Bottom Public House. in Westmoreland, next to the tullys coffee. One of the New Old Lompoc's. Not only do they offer Strawberry mountain beef (rbgh free!), but they will cook it rare for you. Additionally, they have tater tots & fries. and they have my most favorite Pork loin sandwich, which may not technically be a burger, but is amazing. Also they have lots of beer on tap, especially ones you can't find anywhere else, and ones that might be specially made for them. they rock!
oaksbottompublichouse.com

That's it for now. as always, a work in progress!