Don’t say you’re sorry, just don’t do it! This is the most simple and elegant concept that my Mom repeated time and time again throughout my childhood. After all, there is no need to apologize if a transgression had not actually occurred. consequently, we were a lot more deliberate about what we said and did. How great would it be if this were the case in today’s culture? “Sorry that I had an affair.” Sorry that I cheated you out of millions.” Sorry that I made that sex tape.” What if these things were just not done? What if we just didn’t do it?

Strengths-- When things come easy or naturally to you there is not always that built in motivation to work harder. However, this is just what positive psychologists and the creators of Gallop’s Strengths Finder had in mind. The test examines your aptitude over 32 predictor types and once you are done, the computer generates your five top strengths. The thought behind your top five strengths is so that you can maximize those predictors and in turn, enhance your overall aptitude. Are you experiencing some cognitive dissidence? If you are, you are not alone. Many individuals who take the test would prefer to receive their bottom five results, with the thought that those are the areas that they should truly be working on, to become a better person. When they receive their top five they tend to dismiss them. “These are things that I am already doing well.” However, that is the entire point. When you would bring home a report card with all A’s and one C, which grade drew the attention from your parents? Well naturally it was that C. In many houses the A’s may not have even been mentioned. Is a C the end of the world? No. Is it still important? Yes. However were the 6 A’s just as important? Again, Yes. The same holds true for Strengths. Say that you are a really positive person, should you say, “the heck with that, I want to be analytical.” Not necessarily. You could instead use your positive attitude to influence your desire to become more analytical. You see, use what you are already good at to be better across the board!

If at first you don’t succeed, try try again. Words to live by whether it be for an exorcise regiment, a project that you are trying to get off of the ground or, for a reluctant blog writer. I’m back again in hopes that this blog can become a part of my regular routine. Why do I care about keeping a blog? Shouldn’t someone like me have better ways to spend my time? The answers to these questions go hand and hand. I love to write. I love to explore ideas. Finally, if we are being completely honest, I’m a bit narcissistic. As are many writers and especially blog writers. Sure, I care about others. I love people, whether they be my best friends or, fascinating strangers but, I also love my self. I do not love myself in a completely arrogant way, that I think that I am always right. nor do I think that I am the greatest person on the planet. I am referring to a healthy level of self-respect and outward confidence. A love that means that I am both comfortable as the center of attention, as well as being equally comfortable fading into the background. My narcissism allows me to invite myself into a meeting that is by invitation only. To launch a new initiative without reservation and to make calculated risks to align my life on a certain path. This is the kind of narcissism that I endorse in my friends, my former students, and the awesome little nieces and nephews in my life.

Begin Again

Once again, I shirked my blog writing responsibilities.  This is why throughout my life I have never been able to keep a journal.  For those of you who dabble in human behavior or the artistic science of psychology and know me, you will know that this is because I am an external processer.  In fact, I sometimes do not know the  full extent of my thoughts until I am telling another person.  This of course means that I am chatty.  Not exactly in an Andie McPhee (Get that Dawson’s Creek fans) way of being chatty, but I definitely am a person who enjoys the good conversation. 

So, now I have broken one of the cardinal laws of blog writing, I’ve made this post way to Vanessa centric.  Let’s take it back a bit.  This blog suffers from a lack of identity.  It is not about cooking or fassion.  It is not about travel or athletic training.  It just exists as a mish-mash of thoughts, with a strong beginning, that of guide dog training.  Going back to me for a second, it is a metaphor.  The blog  is struggling to find a voice, as I am trying to figure out where I am going with my life.  I do not mean this in a self-help kind of way, it is just that right now, I am looking for what I want to do next.  I enjoy my job but, is it forever?  I like to write but, am not a writer.  Should I be looking to buy a house?  What do I care about?  These are my current questions. 

As the blog suggests, I am one of those positive people.  My glass is half full, my glasses are rose colored, and I believe in everything working out for the best!  A friend of mine who also appreciates alliteration actually came up with the name for the blog and I loved it from the start.  For anyone who reads this, thanks for sticking with it as I come up with a new perpetually positive path. 

Romance & the Movie Phone

Ladies, do you want to make your guy squirm?  Next Date Night, try suggesting renting a rom com.  Here are a few that should provide you both with a laugh,. 

1.        Fever Pitch (The American One):  Baseball, Falun, a good plot, what more could you ask for?

2.       Hitch:  It is both a romantic comedy and a buddy movie.  Nice!

3.       Forget Paris:  A little basketball, a little buddy bonding, and a sweet and funny story underneath.

4.       Oceans 11:  It is actually a romantic movie hidden  deftly within a cast of bad ass guys, who are pretty by the way. 

5.       Mr. and Mrs. Smith:  Action, Romance, and funny to boot.

6.       Failure to Launch:  A little slap stick, mixed with a strong cast and some funny lines.

7.       Something’s got to Give:  I’m serious.  It is a great plot and uses some manly men.  

Flying The Friendly Terminals

I’m a country kid, living in the city and I like to go new places and experience new things.  I’ve been to 5 countries outside of the US and would love for this list to grow.  Today’s list will focus on my top 7 favorite US airports.  When compiling this list I took into account  the 16 American Airports that I’ve flown in and out of.  And the list primarily centers around how helpful and or personable the staff of each airport was when I flew through each location.  Another thing is that I flew through most of these airports accompanied by my guide dogs and it is important to menchin that people have been great with each of them.

1.        Charlotte:  I only flew through once but, it was a red eye from California and as I walked through the concourse with a US Air staff member, I guess that I looked tired.  He asked me if I’d like to stop at Star Bucks for a cup of coffee.  This was such a nice gesture that I still tell this story five years later.

2.       Detroit:  I have flown through this airport on a number of occasions and each time the staff of both the airport and North West Airlines have been amazing.  One flight attendant actually went off to grab me dinner before ending her day.  I always meant to write North West about how great she was on that flight from Dayton to Detroit.

3.       Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky:  I also flew through this airport a number of times and each time it was even a pleasure to go through security.  The staff was always courteous and helpful. 

4.       San Diego:  This airport was also friendly personable and for some reason, my lab, Randall was always treated like a celebrity by the staff of US Air.  At one time a flight attendant told me that she was sad that we would not be on her flight to Houston.

5.       LaGuardia:  New Yorkers get a bad rap.  This is one of the most fantastic airport’s in the country.  The staff is always busy however they are always willing to go that extra step.  I’ve never had a bad thing to say about them. 

6.       Boston:  I had the best security experience of my flying life at this airport, although I was patted down and my dog was searched, the staff was very well trained, friendly, and thoughtful.  They proved the sentiment that it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.

7.       Pittsburgh:  I had one bad time with security and am always “randomly” selected to be searched, but apart from this, this is the airport that I’ve used the most and if you fly enough it is inevitable that you will experience some hassle.  Most of the people are great and it is one of the two airports where one of the staff members have hugged me.  I do not know what it is that makes me huggable but, there you go…

The other airports that I have experience with from best to worst are: Erie, Los Vegas, La, Atlanta, Baltimore, O’Hare, JFK, Cleveland, and Dayton.

This is My Confession...

This blog is often my confessional.  Forgive me father, for I have sinned, oh and I’m addicted to teen dramas.  This addiction began when I was a teen and now that I am 30, it continues. 

1.        Gossip Girl:  This look into Upper East side life is a perfect way to spend a Monday evening.  My love for the show only began this winter but now I am hooked and while Serena was my favorite since she was “spotted” in Grand Central, Seasons four and five have been all about Chuck Bass for me, a new love that began when Lilly became his full-fledged adopted mother and Chuck apologized to Jenny at the end of season 2.  This being said, I still have faith in Serena and know that if she can just revitalize her connection with Blair and turn her path away from trying to win the love of guest characters, the balance of the Upper East side will be restored, in all of its wicked and delectable glory. 

2.       Gilmore Girls:  This amazing, fast paced, caffeine laced, celebration of small town living, mixed with glimpses into a world of privilege and extravagance is one of the best hours that you could spend in a week, or even in a day.  It is funny, fun, smart, witty, honest, heart-warming, and simply one of those shows that can both, make you laugh and make you cry.

3.       Dawson’s Creek:  This portrait of the lives of a handful of small town dreamers keeps you coming back for more.  Will Joey win the heart of Dawson, Will Dawson win the heart of Jen?  What about Pacey?  Who will Jack end up with? The speculation is almost too much, almost… 

4.       Greek:  Casey and Kappie… Will they get together? Will they stay together?  This show is funny and dramatic, cute, and clever.  It showcases some great brotherhood and sisterhood but, also plays up lots of stereotypes.  As a Greek, I like the show, on the whole. 

5.       Veronica Mars:  Like others, I would have probably watched this show, had I known of it.  As one of the throngs to find it after it was off the air, I will settle for loving the DVD’s.  Veronica helps her father in his new career as a P.I.  In the mean time she also helps to solve the mystery of the murder of her best friend and in the mean time she clears her father’s name and helps him to win back respect.

6.       Hart of Dixie:  One of my newest interests, this show takes on the telling of some love stories and love triangles in the small town present day south. 

7.       Glee:  This show is perfection in an hour.  You have a villain, a rag tag troop of dreamers, a coach that pushes them to grow, and the best pop music from big band to today!