When I was in NY last month I was super impressed with the sonotube garden (aka Public Farm One)at PS1. Since my return to Los Angeles, some part of my brain has been designing a single tube hanging garden for my apartment window. Plans aren't finished, but I'll show and tell when they are.
The reasons are more than one, but I wish I was in New York (LIC) tomorrow [8 8 8], so I could attend this lecture.
Upon gentle pressure from good friends, I made the switch. Since I rarely log on to 'myspace' it wasn't quite a switch as much as opening an account at facebook and taking it from there. Perhaps it's the allure of the 'new' but I find that facebook suits me better. It has proven an excellent way to keep up with a wide range of friends in one extended login. With the kibosh on the scrabulous (so sad), I'm sadly left now only to endlessly update my status, write short sentences on friends 'walls', click aimlessly through friends photo albums, read my daily tarot card or try a new application that tests my personality.
However, this personality quiz is not from facebook and referencing my extensive experience, I can honestly say it my favourite thus far. It was quick and easy to get through. My results follow.
My personality type:
Enthusiastic, idealistic and creative. Able to do almost anything that interests them. Great people skills. Need to live life in accordance with their inner values. Excited by new ideas, but bored with details. Open-minded and flexible, with a broad range of interests and abilities.
Careers that could fit me includes:
Actors, journalists, writers, musicians, painters, consultants, psychologists, psychiatrists, entrepreneurs, teachers, counselors, politicans, diplomats, television reporters, marketers, scientists, sales representatives, artists, clergy, public relations, social scientists, social workers.
Now, the big question...will you be my friend?
In 2006, my good friend Jessie took me to Africa with him, where we spent September in Kenya and Uganda. Today I went to an engagement party for Jessie and his lovely fiancée Lisa Marie. At the party this afternoon I was able to catch up with many of the people I traveled with just two summers ago. That trip was intensely beautiful and life changing. I returned with a deep love for the planet and it's people a strong belief in the ability for one person to make positive change in the world. Seeing familiar faces today was a welcome reminder of that elemental idealism.
So it seemed poetic to come across a link to this video, which acts a trailer for a documentary called, 'Diamonds in the Rough' is inspiring. Hip Hop at it's own basic best. Another example why Michael Franti (narrator in the film) is one of my COME UNITY heroes.
link thanks to Boing Boing
As of this month, I will have been employed at my current job for ten years. Nine of the them in a full time position, and the first as an 'independent contractor'. I truly like my colleagues and clients, I am paid well, I have benefits and a 401K that grows as much as I am willing to do without each paycheck. I get regular travel bonuses, three weeks paid vacation, floating holidays, and a handful of personal/sick days to tide me over.
I'm 33.5 years old and this fall I will take the U.S. Customs Broker License Exam to see if I can get a certification. My preparation classes begin at the end of August and I find that I am excited to go back to school. This is good for my job but also solely for me. Once received, a U.S. Customs License is good for as long as you pay your renewal fees.
Following a recent trip to Japan where the streets were lined with older and lesser known models, I want to import old Honda bikes to the US. I want to knowingly bring tasty treats back from my travels. I want to travel and import unique goods from our brother and sister counties around the world. Much like the fabulous KIOSK in NY.
On good advise from friends, I'm going to need to hit the books hard and I looking forward to it. The idea of going back to school has been a secondary dream for a number of years and I am taking this as a 'pre-school' experiment. I just can't seem to nail down my hearts desire enough to devote myself full stop.
Just today I proclaimed, "I'm an epicurean!" as I discussed my daily routine. You see, I can fast and eliminate for a designated period. I can push through a steep trail hike, a long days physical work and the lift of objects heavier than you think I can. What I can't seem to do is the strict daily restricted requirements that would take my curvy frame to the toned sleek body that I seem to imagine I already have. I can acknowledge a non-functioning thyroid but the truth is, I'm a pleasure seeker. I'm a regular yogi, new to pilates + regular walker. I gladly eat mountains of fresh fruits and veggies; but in addition to their fresh best, I also love them prepared with love and righteous amounts of butter, meets, fish, herbs, spices and cheese. Cooking has always been a love, since I first learned to use a knife and prepare a meal du jour from whatever was to be found in our family fridge. Now, with ever more amazing cook books and a few more dollars in my pocketbook to try new restaurants, I have only fostered a greater love. While I practice regularly--a chef I am not. I did voraciously read 'My Life in France' by Julia Childs and felt inspired by her later-in-life (age 37) realization of her 'life mission'.
In real time, I have been inspired by many people in my life those shifts and moves to make their world their own and look forward to that great 'Aha!' moment. Until then, I'll continue with the small goals, singular collaborations, irreplaceable daily experience and heartfelt trust that the universe knows what's best.
