Archive for February, 2013

What the “Turbaned Tornado” Can Teach Us About Time

February 28, 2013 · Filed under In the Interest of Time · Tagged , , , , ,

Rita ProfileI want to be like the “Turbaned Tornado” when I grow up and I think I stand a decent shot. That is, if longevity is on my side. And assuming I never grow old.  In either case, the “Turbaned Tornado” has managed to accomplish both.

When I was younger, like most youths, longevity was not foremost in my mind, outside the fleeting thought of how long I might actually be on this earth, knowing full well that it was highly unlikely that I would be determining that decision. But no worries. With youth on my side, I was invincible. Not an uncommon notion at the time. And still isn’t.

One of the things I’ve been noticing (predominantly on college campuses) is not necessarily a change in the perception of invincibility among our youth, but perhaps a more proactive stance that seems to adhere to the notion that if one plans to live “forever”, then the quality of one’s life is paramount and to a large extent contingent upon how we care for ourselves as well as respond to events that unfold throughout the course of our lives. And given such, isn’t one better off preparing during the early years of life to help ensure a higher quality of life later on and to increase the likelihood of physically and mentally aging as part of a healthy lifestyle?

This is in stark contrast to what one may believe given the undeniable obesity epidemic pervading our country; an epidemic resulting in considerable health conditions and problems that have powerful potential for impacting one’s longevity as well as quality of life, physically and otherwise.

There comes a time when longevity is something that somehow subtly settles in at a seemingly perplexing pace. The longer I live, the more I realize how long I’ve lived. And the more I realize how long I’ve lived, the more I realize how fast the time I have lived has passed. Begrudgingly, I accept that longevity, if destined, is fleeting.

So, who is this “Turbaned Tornado” that I speak of?  Check him out in the video clip below. He’s blazing a trail!

So, What Can We Gain From the “Turbaned Tornado” in Terms of Time?

Consider this:

1.  You’re never too old (or too young) to have goals and dreams, but you must act on them for them to come to fruition. Timing is key.

2.  Nourishing and respecting our bodies in a way that’s conducive to healthy living is essential to strengthen and protect the vessel that sustains us throughout our lives. The sooner, the better.

3.  The longer we live, the more loss we’re inclined to experience.  Developing a means or outlet for coping with loss and emotional duress enhances the healing process and overall well-being.

4.   Physical activity and eating well are proven methods for improving physical and emotional health. So are having goals and dreams throughout our lives.

5. Our overall desire to make our mark in the world as well as create a positive difference in the lives of others makes a difference in our own lives. Giving and doing for others in need is an opportunity to do both.

6. We have the capacity throughout our lives to overcome the obstacles and challenges that life brings.

7.  Happiness is a state of mind.

As I contemplate the next chapter in my life, I will reflect upon the “Turbaned Tornado” and the ways in which his story and approach to life has opened my eyes, my heart, and my mind to the genuine belief that it’s really not over until it’s over. Consequently, my goals just might be a bit grander and my dreams a bit bigger.

If longevity does work out to be on my side and even if it doesn’t, one thing I know for sure is that I am as young as I am ever going to be and I’m far wiser than I’ve ever been. What a phenomenal combination. Full-speed ahead. No time to waste. Look out world, here I come…and I’m just getting started!

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Pink in Winter: The Subtle Sign of the End of an Era

February 22, 2013 · Filed under In the Interest of Time · Tagged , , ,

Henny-Penny, Turkey-Lurkey, and Goosey-Loosey all knew it…or at least, believed it. The sky was falling and the world was ending. Usually less catastrophic than a collapsing sky and world destruction, the end of an era can come complete wRita Profileith an array of responses and emotions including, but not limited to, uncertainty, reflection, despair, anxiety, sadness, and discomfort. By the same token, the beginning of an era can signify relief, hope, anticipation, jubilation, and celebration. Both the beginning and the end of an era can include any of the aforementioned responses. It is a fine line.

The end of an era signifies relatively considerable change; events or milestones that mark the cessation of a period of time in which what was – up until that point in time – is no longer, and will never be again. Not as it was originally. The end of an era predicates change of such significance that it requires and recognizes a distinct marker in time. It’s that marker in time that is often utilized as a means of reflecting upon various life experiences and cementing our associations with them as having occurred either before or after the specific event that ended (or started) the era.  It is, by all means, a defining moment.

0220130705Breaking News…

“We interrupt your regularly read blog to bring you this important message:

“Pink is the Hot New Cool Color for the Cold of Winter!”

Say what?!? Since when has pink been the go-to color for winter? What’s happened to or is happening to our traditional darker winter-weather hues? After all, that’s the way it’s always been, at least as long as I can remember (from a mid-Atlantic East Coast perspective). And it’s not just pink that’s hot this winter. The colors are brilliant!  Bright, eye-popping reds, oranges, greens, purples and yellows all being donned in a way and at a time I have never seen before (though I’m no fashionista). What season is this? We’ve stepped outside the box. We’re moving forward. A change has come.   ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

This, my friends, is the end of an era!

That is, unless of course, you consider it a “trend of an era” which would be a new, relatively short-lived, passing fancy. But I believe this is the end of an era and let me tell you why.

Traditionally, darker colors are known to attract or absorb heat so it stands to reason that for those of us who experience cold winter months should dress accordingly to maximize warmth and comfort. Even the act of layering our clothes for added warmth would be enhanced if each of the layers is of a darker hue. Makes sense thus far. So how on earth does pink enter the picture?

The Practicality of Pink

My guess is that it’s not the color pink per se, but rather, the effect or impact of the color pink on mood – yours and mine. And let’s face it, when it comes to winter, I, like many of you, am not in the mood. Colors have been proven to stimulate feelings and affect mood.Baby Bro Crying

Positively Pink

Instructors at the Bloomsburg University Graphic Design Center say that color has profound effects on the mental and physical well-being of humans. Pink is a soothing, calming and cheerful color that helps to reduce stress and anxiety. It is relaxing, warm and can increase joy as it conjures up images of happiness. Pink also encourages friendliness while discouraging aggression and ill-will.

Below are some of the ways that color, and specifically pink, has packed a punch, both consciously and subconsciously.

Feeling “In the Pink”          

  • The phrase, “in the pink” is associated with having good health.
  • Bright pinks, like the color red, stimulate energy and can increase blood pressure, respiration, heartbeat, and pulse rate. They also encourage action and confidence.
  • Pastries taste better when they come out of pink boxes or served on pink plates (it only works with sweets). Pink makes us crave sugar.
  • The pink ribbon is a worldwide symbol of awareness and hope in the fight against breast cancer

Pink From a Gender Perspective    Male Yes

  • Pink is associated with love and kindness and is often referred to as the “color of love”.  Pink is also strongly associated with femininity
  • More men than ever are purchasing pink as additions to their wardrobes and wearing it comfortably and confidently (and looking good in the process!)
  • Some studies of the color pink suggest that male weightlifters seem to lose strength in pink rooms, while women weightlifters tend to become stronger around the color.

Pink Around The Planet

  • The Japanese associate the color pink with masculinity. The annual spring blooming of the pink-blossomed cherry trees (the Sakura) is said to represent the young Japanese warriors who fell in battle in the prime of life (the Samurai).
  • The Chinese had not recognized the color pink until they had contact with Western culture. The Chinese translation for pink is “foreign color.”

Pink at Work

  • Pink slip: notice that employment is ending
  • Pink collar: refers to a particular class of jobs once only filled by women

Prison Pink

  • Pink has been used in prison holding cells to effectively reduce erratic behavior

Pink Pride      

  • A pink triangle is often used to represent gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. The origin of the pink triangle goes back to when Nazis labeled their prisoners in concentration camps. Men who had been jailed because of supposed homosexuality had to wear the pink triangle on their clothing. The pink triangle is now a symbol and sign of pride.

Intoxicating Pink

  • Sport’s teams sometimes use pink to paint the locker room used by opposing teams due to its tranquilizing effect.
  • A pink elephant: term to describe hallucinations during intoxication

So as pink makes its way into our regular winter wardrobes with all of its wonderful personal and psychosocial implications, remember that not long ago, wearing white after Labor Day was taboo and considered to be a MAJOR fashion faux pas (winter-white excluded).  That was the end of an era despite the fact that some find it challenging to let go of what has always been.

Take a moment to ponder the personal milestones and markers in your life as you reflect upon the eras that have come and gone or perhaps not yet begun. In the process of doing so, enjoy the journey as your mind drifts back to days gone by, joyful and challenging. Enjoy the memories that are made and the milestones that are met. Consciously appreciate your present moment fully recognizing that what is will not always be and how fine the line is between the end of an era and the birth of a new one.

And remember, if you’ve got the winter blues, break out the pink and feel what happens…not only for you, but for those you come in contact with as well.

Let me know what you think…that would tickle me pink!   Pink Heart                                                                                 

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What’s Hugs Got To Do… Got To Do With It? Channeling My Inner Tina Turner and the Power of Hugs

February 14, 2013 · Filed under Heart to Heart · Tagged , , , ,

The Power of Hugs:

I recently had an experience that culminated in a hug that was 15 years in the making. Although the experience was the catalyst for the hug, it was the hug that was the experience that got me thinking. My inquisitive nature naturally kicked in. What transpires in the time span that a hug takes place? Think about it. There’s nothing like a really good, genuinely felt, well-timed hug. Hugs are ofRita Profilefered as well as received for a whole host of reasons spanning the spectrum from Deliriously Happy Hugs (aka Hysterical Hugs) to Heartache and Heartbreaking Hugs. Turns out that hugs are more complex than meets the eye, but not the touch.

The effort to bring the healing power of hugs to the human population began in 1986, with creation of National Hug Day (since evolved into World Hug Day). January 21st was the identified date because it is mid-way between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, a time thought to be when people are at an emotional low. Ok, sounds reasonable.

But the creation of National Hug Day was as a result of the perception that Americans were embarrassed expressing emotions in public. The hope was that designating a national hug day would help alleviate that. Shocking!

Embarrassed, inhibited, Americans? Never!

Research Says:

Well, evidently it’s true…relatively speaking. The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School found that French couples spend 3 times as much time touching when compared to Americans. In fact, it appears that a number of countries have citizens who are much more inclined and comfortable with embracing one another than we are. Apparently we have personal-space issues, but fortunately that does not mean that we are not receptive to increasing our hug-ability. But what do we stand to gain by becoming more tactile with our fellow Americans and embracing the hug as well as the huggable?

From a purely scientific perspective, research shows that 20 seconds of hugging among couples increases the body’s “feel good” chemical level, oxytocin. Love oxytocin! Not surprisingly, huggers who were in a loving relationship had the highest increase in oxytocin levels. And according to the American Psychosomatic Society, a brief hug coupled with 10 minutes of hand holding with a romantic partner greatly diminishes the harmful effects of stress. Ok, you’ve got my attention.

Research also shows that human contact is essential for healthy psychological, social, and physical development as well as promoting happiness and feelings of well-being. In addition, hugs can help build a good immune system and decrease the risk of heart disease.

The way I see it, most hugs physically and emotionally take place heart-to-heart.   Perhaps by design or perhaps by the sheer practicality of facilitating the ease of engaging in a hug. If I had to wager, I’d bet on the former as opposed to the latter. Hugs have much to do with the heart.

Mom and Dad Back In the Day… A Forever Love

Hugs can be intimate and sometimes best suited for a private setting or, depending upon the culture and/or individual comfort level, they can be completely socially acceptable public displays of affect. I say affect as opposed to affection because it’s really the affect part or the subjective emotional component of hugging that I’m referring to in contrast to affection per se. Nonverbal communication represents two-thirds of all communication and hugs speak volumes when words are insufficient. So with that being said, let’s get to the heart of the hug.

If Hugs are a Form of Nonverbal Communication What is it They’re Saying?

Like me, I know you too have wondered, what gives with the hug? So in my desire to provide us with one less thing to think about as we go about our daily lives and in light of Valentine’s Day, below is information that may prove useful as we engage in the act of hugging- either as the hug initiator (hugger) or the hug recipient (huggie). So, let’s start at the beginning…

                                                                                                                                                                               

Webster’s Hug Facts:

  • Origin: Perhaps Scandinavian; akin to Old Norse hugga, to soothe
  • First known use of hug was in 1567
  • 19 words rhyme with hug (4 of which I’ve never heard of)

If you care to take a moment to ponder the 19 rhymes, feel free to do so now. I know I did!

Hugs In the News: Getting Hip with the Hug                       

The New York Times reported that in the United States, “the hug has become the favorite social greeting when teenagers meet or part these days (perhaps our youth are on to something?) However, a number of schools in the United States have issued bans on hugs, which in some cases have resulted in student-led protests against these bans (perhaps the schools are on to something? – just keep it friendly…the hugs and the protest). 

Hug-Ability:

Hugs generally indicate that people are familiar with each other and there are a variety of hugs that are either given and/or received. Below are a few examples of hugs you may be familiar with. Note that this list is by no means all inclusive. Let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear what you’re thinking!

Formality Hug: A form of greeting; type of customary hug. Typically brief, limited physical contact.

Reciprocal Hug: aka “Welcomed” hug. Individual is comfortable and receptive to the hug and in turn, reciprocates

Forever Friends in a Reciprocal,  Side-to-Side Hug

Side-to-Side Hug: a generally light-hearted position hug. Conveys closeness, warmth, support and love.                     .

Back-to-Front Hug: Type of position hug. “I got your back” or “you got my back”. Similar to a Bear Hug.

Healing Hug: “It’s going to be ok”

All Encompassing Hug: “Everything’s going to be ok”

Empathy Hug: “I feel you“. Sympathy Hug: “ I feel for you”

Me and My Girl in a Bear Hug Back in the Day

Goodbye/Good Buy Hug:   Type of homophone hug generally given when a) parting ways or b) upon    purchase  of a really good        deal.  Caution: can cause eyes to well up with tears.

Bear/Bare Hug:   Type of homophone hug. Sometimes performed simultaneously.Bear hug usually denotes embracing from behind; sometimes used to subdue and calm. The Bare Hug is self-explanatory. And the combo Bear/Bare Hug is …well, you know.

Hysterical Hug:   Somewhat self-centered in nature. Example: “I just won the lottery!” OR “You just won the lottery…and you know me, and you like me… A Lot! “      

Ever-Lasting Hug: “If this were eternity, I’d stay here forever!”

Congratulatory Hug- “I’m so happy for you!”

Guinness Award Winning Hugs:

Most Hugs in a 24 hour period- 8,709 in Manchester, TN. June 11, 2010

Longest Marathon Hug-  Four couples in London spent more than 24 hours hugging it out, effectively  and lovingly. January 23, 2012.

Group Hug: Hug involving 3 or more recipients/participants

The largest group hug consisted of 10,554 people in an event in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on May 7, 2010.

Hugs are powerful. They say so much with so little. Familiarity, love, friendship, support, affection, comfort, sympathy, consolation, empathy, joy and happiness and so much more can be conveyed all with a simple hug.

So what are you waiting for?!? Come on…Bring It In!      OXOXOXOX       

Also, FYI… 🙂

19 Words that Rhyme with Hug

BUG, CHUG, DRUG, DUG, FUG, JUG, LUG, MUG, PLUG, PUG, RUG, SHRUG, SLUG, SMUG, SNUG, THUG, TRUG, TUG, VUG

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Where is the Silver Lining When You Feel Let Down? My Night at the Official Presidential Inaugural Ball

February 7, 2013 · Filed under Perceptions and Perspective · Tagged , , , , ,

The Inevitable Invitation Rita Profile
Finally, my invitation to attend a Ball! How many dresses have I previously purchased…probably on sale or even better, clearance (girl can’t resist a good sale…but that’s another issue) with the dream of attending a Ball that year (girl’s got to dream too, hence the purchase of five dresses and no place to go). Maybe a New Year’s Eve Gala Event or some sort of sexy, mysterious Masquerade. I was born to go to a Ball! Five dresses later and far too much money collectively spent for continued clearance-category bragging rights, the time had finally come. My invitation to a Ball!! And this wasn’t just ANY Ball. This, my friends, was the OFFICIAL PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL BALL (is all caps still an indication of yelling?) I mean, I wasn’t mad or anything. I just had expectations. My time had finally come. The Universe was providing my dream and in a Ginormous way! So perhaps you’ll understand why I had to understand where I went wrong.

0206130920

The truth is, I had GREAT EXPECTATIONS. The problem with Great Expectations or perhaps expectations in general is that the door of potential disappointment is open wider than normal. Admittedly, this is not the first time that I not only stepped, but skipped through that doorway. So here’s my story, my silver lining, and how I found my way to being genuinely grateful for my experience amidst admitted sneaky suspicion that Murphy’s Law (something that I am intimately familiar with) was my relentless companion. Care to hear it… here we go!

Ready, Set, Go!
I was invited to the Ball by a friend who had, long story short, done some volunteer campaign work for our President. Having given the what-did-you-expect knee jerk response of “Well, duh” when asked if I would like to go, coupled with the reinforcing facial extortions affirming that his question was essentially rhetorical (at least in my mind) and knew for sure that this was really going to happen, the race was on. What does a girl wear to THE OFFICIAL PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL BALL with only 3 days to get it together? Certainly not one of the previously acquired dresses in the I-can’t-get-rid-of-anything wardrobe. No this dress would warrant a bit more expenditure in order to be appropriate for the magnificence that I was about to experience. This dress would warrant a substantial Google search to even answer what does one wear to such an event? I mean, this is, after all, the POTUS, the greatest country on earth! And the fact that I twice sprinted to the polls to cast my vote for My Man… I mean, OUR Man (regardless of the fact that the local polling place was at the end of my block), I would have driven cross-country if need be. Given sufficient notice, I would have walked cross-country if warranted. But I digress…somewhat. Back to the Ball.

Expect the Unexpected
Surprisingly, it wasn’t as difficult as I imagined finding the ultimate dress that I simply had to have. Once I saw it, there was no need to look any longer. Then I saw it on me and my imagination took off. Yes, I loved this dress, this gown, this classy, elegant, celebrate-the-President-that-I-love gown. Naturally born 0206130919bargain shopper had already scanned the price, said “Wow, but it’s an amazing gown!” and promptly inquired about opening a credit card account purely for the purpose of obtaining my treasure at a discount! I envisioned being at the ball looking exquisite awaiting arrival of the President and First Lady. Go ahead, ask me who I’m wearing, I imagined. And yes, I would proudly exclaim it was off the rack perhaps mortifying some of the other attendees at this most gala event. I think by then, the whole Great Expectations thing had taken over. Shortly thereafter, the aforementioned Murphy reared its ugly head and accompanied me from the purchase of perfect accessories (again at the aforementioned discount) to the chair at my hairdresser (you knew I had to get my hair done to go with that amazing gown, the perfect accessories, oh and I forgot to mention the nicely sale-priced pair of 4 and 1/2 inch heeled sandals).

The Low Down on the Up Do
“Perfect!” I said to my beloved hairdresser when we both agreed that an up do would be most appropriate for the Ball. Now, you have to understand, that I am not a person who spends time on or knows a lot about my hair, different styles and all that but I can appreciate some of the glamour and celebrity magazines with women wearing fancy and somewhat unique styles. But really? My hairdresser is truly fabulous but when I saw my up do I really wanted an up don’t. Something had changed and I think it was the shape of my head. But I went forward figuring maybe I could play with it a little bit and get it to work for me without completely ruining it (my hair that is not my head).DSCN0034The Road Trip was Getting There
The Ball was 2 days away and tickets had to be picked up in D.C. by 7 pm the next day or else. So not living too too far from D.C., you know a road trip was in order, right? Me, my friend who invited me, and what’s a really good road trip without my loyal companion, Murphy, jumped in the car eager to secure our tickets as the experience of a lifetime was becoming closer to reality with each passing mile. With perceived magic at work, last-minute hotel reservations were confirmed (not surprisingly no discount price there), plenty of time to arrive in time and ain’t we got fun!

Now, I have GPS but I only use it in the way I know how, fully realizing that I am not even beginning to scratch the surface of its capabilities. Who has the time for reading tutorials & updates? Just get it to work and roll with it. I’m not sure it would have made any difference. While the trip to D.C. was relatively uneventful and fueled excitement and anticipation, once we got to D.C. all hell broke loose (that of course contingent upon how you choose to view it). So, as I was saying, all hell broke loose. We got the tickets. Yay! And as I pulled away from my illegally-curb parked-just waiting for my friend to secure tickets to the Ball of the year-parking space, I hit the curb as I pulled round and my car kindly informed me that perhaps we had a tire pressure problem. So, of course I’m going to pay attention to what my car is saying and lo and behold not only did I manage to get a flat tire, but the tire that hit the curb was irreparably damaged and had completely deflated immediately upon impact. No bang, no pow, no hissing sound of air escaping.

When You Arrive, Know Where You Are
Ok. No worries. Call AAA. Good luck explaining you’re location. Ah, the call that they have arrived. But I don’t see them. Then the returned call to again clarify where we were. Oh, we’re in the South East and you went to the North East… so how long does it take to get here from there I naturally inquired (fully expecting that a number of streets in D.C. were blocked off). “Ten minutes”, he retorted. TAKE THAT MR. MURPHY! And given that it was mid-January, I even got permission to sit in the heated car while the tire was conveniently changed. Thank you AAA! Perhaps I had managed to shake off Murphy after all. HA!

0206130941Suite Surrender      
OK, tire changed, GPS programmed for hotel (nicely located close to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.) we were off for some well needed rest before the big day and even bigger night that awaited us the next day. It wasn’t long after we began riding that my friend and I grew concerned that we just may be going in circles. You know the dreaded GPS word, “recalculating”. GPS couldn’t predict all the street closings that had been put in place in order to provide the necessary security for this most momentous historical event. And evidently neither could anyone in D.C. But it wasn’t until I convinced my friend (the one who invited me, not Murphy-although it might as well have been) to call the hotel and see if they could direct us, that my bright-eyed optimism began to dissolve. “What do you mean you gave our suite away?” the three of us yelled simultaneously into the phone (yes, I do believe I heard Murphy screaming as well). The eve of the President’s Inauguration and you gave our room away and of course are now completely booked? Oh, hell no! Our 2.5 hour drive had taken 8 hours and counting. No, we can’t talk on the phone (we could barely talk at all). We have to meet in person because only seeing us will help you understand that not only are we exhausted but we’re on the edge. Driving in circles for 6 hours will do that to you. I expected inconvenience but not quite at this level. Where does one find a hotel room in or around D.C. the night before the President’s Inauguration without being willing to forfeit an absurd amount of money in exchange for a place to lay your head? So we laid our heads down for an absurd amount of money in a hotel tucked behind a hospital emergency room just past the cancer center. Can you feel my pain? But alas, tomorrow is a new day (in more ways than one) and damn it Annie, the sun will come out tomorrow!

When the Sun Comes Out
Much to my dismay, but fortunately, my friend opted NOT to reserve the 2nd night in our I-don’t-get-what they-were-thinking hotel. I thought for sure our upcoming night of celebrating would be hampered by the need to drive as far away from D.C. for a room that I might as well make reservations at my own abode. Who would have thunk that the hotels were only booked up for the night BEFORE the big day but not the night OF the big day?! So back we went to our original hotel with the suite that was now available. By that time, my friend, who I was just really getting to know well, called me cranky. I hate labels. I would have called it something else but ok, call me cranky. We made the trek back to the hotel that morning and when we arrived we were directed to go to the nearest public parking garage in order to await the 3pm check-in. I’m not sure how this unfolded but I’m guessing it was either the expression on my friend’s and my face or maybe our reputation from the night before preceded us, but somehow the hotel was magically persuaded that perhaps they had a suite ready right now, allowing us to leave our car with the valet and make our way to our room, which is exactly what we did.

I was surprised at the difficulty I had trying to get a sense of what to expect at the Inaugural Ball. Inquiry minds wanted to know. One website touted dinner, drinks, and dancing the night away. So, I held off on eating until dinner. I couldn’t decipher whether the drinks were included or if it was cash bar but as far as celebrity performances, we got what I recall being publicized.

I prepared for the Ball, donning the gown that I loved, the up do still done up and the 4 and ½ inch heels that I prayed would not be killing my feet before the night was over. Enjoyed a couple of amazing home-made Margaritas if I do say so myself and we were off to the Ball feeling fabulous.1208122330

We hailed a taxi and quietly sat as the meter continued to tick higher and higher and the traffic continued to move slower and slower. Finally, we ditched the cab after being encouraged to walk as a means of getting to our destination sooner. As we neared the Convention Center where the Ball was held, anticipation filled the air.

An-ti-ci-pation…It’s Making Me Wait!
The thing about anticipation is the uncertainty. You have a vision of what you think you might experience and that vision evolves from information and imagination. I’ve admitted that my information was limited… unlike my imagination. Call me Cinderella, but I really began to believe in fairytales. Then call me Sleeping Beauty and tell me to wake the hell up!

Fashionably Late To the Ball?
We arrived a bit late for the Ball in order to avoid the cold and the crowd waiting to enter the building. From there it was a whirlwind. As we entered the Convention Center, the stage was set. Billowing sheers and curtains adorned the stage along with the POTUS symbol. Truly a lovely backdrop. Now, for the table seating and dinner/hors d’ouevres. Wrong! No table seating. No dinner. If a meal or hors d’oeuvres were served that we somehow missed, there was no evidence of it. But yes, thankfully, there were plenty of bars set up throughout the cement-floored Hall. No crystal or glass, but half-sized plastic cups. And no discount prices. Oh, this was not at all what I was expecting.

Non-Resistance Goes with the Flow
Our fashionably late arrival resulted in missing Alicia Keys perform but shortly after arrival the Presidential theme music began to play, the crowd rushed the stage, and the couple whom I am so proud to call our President and First Lady entered the room and danced for us to “Let’s Stay Together” with Jennifer Hudson singing in the background. Magnificent! DSCN0039

Stevie jammed for a good while including performing our President’s signature campaign song, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”. Love that! But the ultimate with Stevie for me was when he sang his Happy Birthday rendition in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King on Martin Luther King Day! Always wanted to hear that live! John Legend was also in the house and put it down. Fine specimen of a gentleman…complete with a great voice too!

Stevie                   DSCN0065

By evening’s end, I was feeling pretty good but not what I had imagined feeling. Honestly, somewhat disappointed. Three days of running around to prepare and I had somehow missed the mark on what to expect. When expectations go unmet, you can’t help but feel disappointed…or can you?

Where is the silver lining when you feel let down?

Perspective Shines in Stillness
It wasn’t until the morning after returning home that I began to realize what an awesome experience I had just been blessed with. Sometimes a moment of solitude and reflection puts things in perspective. No, it wasn’t the fairytale Ball that my imagination ran wild with albeit somewhat scaled back in light of economic times. No, it wasn’t a story where everything went smoothly. It was, however, a truly memorable lifetime experience that I should have had on my bucket list but now I don’t have to. It is a story that included a fairytale dance at the Ball complete with a happy ending. It is a story of the importance of perspective and the ability to find the silver lining. It is a story that I have shared with my daughter who can someday share it with her children, and they, their children. The story of when I attended the Official Inaugural Ball for the President of the United States. The story of the Inauguration and celebration of our first African-American President on the same day that we, as a nation, honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday and Legacy. Could it have been any more symbolic or meaningful? I think not. And honestly, I couldn’t be more grateful not only for the opportunity to have had the amazing experience that I had, but for the friend who chose to ask me to the Ball I had waited for all of my life. And what a Ball it was!

Gerald and Me

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