Don't let a good idea die of loneliness

A friend of mine said this... and it has stuck with me. It was one of those lines that could apply to anything. I love little mottos like that. I have a bunch of them, some rather cliche (like "that which does not kill you, only makes you stronger") and some original (like "high maintenance to be low maintenance").

Sometimes life feels like a series of cliches; and I suppose that's why something becomes cliche. I wonder at what point a "line" becomes a "cliche." There are some that feel relatively new, such as "How's that working for you?" (as a 'smart' reply to someone's not-so-smart behavior). I know I used this one way before Dr. Phil had his own show. But did it take a Dr. Phil to elevate this simple line? No offence to Phil, but I hope not.

It may explain my love for movies with lot's of one-liners that you can re-purpose. Saying it not only demonstrates your social IQ (or inner nerdiness), but can reinforce your connection with someone who also feels the line. And let's face it, a lot of our favorite movies and simply highly quotable. And if that's the measure of a movie, then the Godfather wins. Period.

So here are some personal cliches I say (or think) all the time... maybe they'll catch on... or maybe it will just be a "Michelle-ism":

"I'm high maintenance to be low maintenance" -- my response for anything I do for me (like a manicure, lash extensions, pilates...) to justify this will somehow save me time and energy down the road. 

"Life comes at you at an angle" -- my response for being prepared and needing to toss all that preparation to the wayside because what you got is not what you planned for... 

"Get a ladder and get over yourself" -- I often have to think this in lieu of saying it outloud.

 But there is the issues of lines and cliches that annoy the bejesus out of me:

"It is what it is" -- This just doesn't add any value to what's being discussed. It doesn't move it forward and it's about as obvious a statement as it gets. It's a bit of a conversation killer too. Good job.

"God only gives us as much as we can handle" -- In fairness I say this myself, but it never makes you (or anyone) feel better in that moment. It's not comforting and can feel like a cop-out in the whole empathy thing. And, when I'm 'handling' something I may not like Got a whole lot in that minute, so let's not bring him (or her) into the conversation.

 So my question to anyone actually reading this (or at least to the end of this post), do you have a line you "invented", love or hate? By all means, share.

Michelle
Dark Horse Original

Less Talk, More Action

Let's be honest. It's a lot more fun to dream and plan and talk about it. And "it" can be anything really - decorating, business strategy, a conversation you need to have... 

Right now I have a lot of thoughts and talks about my favorite holiday - Halloween. I want my office, department, home, car... Everywhere I go... To be in full Spook-Tackukar mode and wear a costume everyday. And I want it to all look a-may-zing. In my mind, Martha Stewart is in "it's a good thing" swing and my original pins on Pinterest are trending. Then there is reality. The doing, the time it takes and the "not quite the picture I envisioned" real-reality. 

So I'm going to plan a little less (a big deal for me to be sure) and do more. Is like to think it's some inverted-yet-elevated "work smarter not harder" mantra. But it's likely another page of "managed expectations." We'll see...

In the meantime I did abstain from buying my first round of decor at Safeway after work. But I suspect a change in my home's decor is in the air... After all my toddler's and my costumes were delivered this afternoon. 

I'm the boss of me, when my buzzy brain doesn't get in the way!

Michelle

Dark Horse

Can we talk?

Can we talk? 

I miss Joan. She said we were afraid to say... and think. She was the epitome of work ethic and was awesomely (is that a word?) competitive. She was a great humanitarian and mother to many. She paved the way for many more. In her spirit, I will be brave to type... and (as I do like to say, "get a ladder and get over myself"). Joan took her work serious and worked at it. She never stopped evolving or working. Love it. Love her. There aren't enough words...

Why am I starting with a note to Joan? I think she was a Dark Horse. I think she was often underestimated, which was a mistake. It made her work harder and be a better fighter and ultimately a winner. You never knew what she was say or do next, but it would be fabulous. 

High Maintenance to be Low Maintenance

I have a philosophy I've been fleshing out and working on for a few years and it seems to stick to me and for me - High Maintenance to be Low Maintenance. Invest in yourself now to make life better later. Don't get me wrong; make your life good now. Find a way to do it so you're always evolving and improving in a genuine and authentic way. 

I started this with the most vain thing ever - regular salon appointments. Seriously. I get my nails done every other week (once you go shellac you never go back). And I get my lash extensions done every other week. So now you know were to find me every Thursday. Plus I get my girly girl time in. (I work in a male environment and live with my husband and son so I love my girl time.) "Me time" sounds cliche, but that doesn't make it a bad thing. 

So now my nails look good all the time and my lashes look great all the time - even the day after I gave birth... when I get out of the pool or shower... when I first wake up. It makes a HUGE difference for me. Otherwise I look like a polar bear, and not in a cute way. And I don't have to pull a Bridesmaids move and sneak to put mascara on so I look good. 

Be a Dark Horse

Be a Dark Horse. I've always seen myself this way and it's part of what me me strong. I think there are a lot of people like this. You don't always see us; but don't underestimate us. Be strong. Proud. True. Genuine and authentic. 

Michelle