Cherish the day...

As I sit in the library listening to Atomic by Blondie I'm finally inspired to write about that thing called life (how random).  I've been so distant from the world and here is my shabby attempt to reconnect.

I feel amazing!  Although it is senior year and there is much anxiety about the next step and all that jazz, I simply feel amazing!  There are too many things in my life right now that are really wonderful and very few that I'm working very diligently to improve.  I am savoring every awesome moment and can truly say I am happy.    

I'm a Bootcamper.  Yep, I wake up at the butt crack of dawn (5:15AM) and work out with a group of amazing individuals.  Check out our website www.btbfitness.com .  I have never been as passionate about my health, body, and overall being as now.  I've become stronger, healthier and swear my pants are no longer fitting snuggly.  *hehe* I love the feeling of having done something good for me and just me every day.  It's my time damnit….so rarely do I have "Janixia time".  The program ends October 31st…I'm excited to see what all I will be able to do by the end.  Chuck Norris will be proud.  Our bodies are truly wonderful machines!

Classes are rockin'!  I love all of them and am once again am excited to do homework…crazy, I know!  Work is also going well….France 2008 here I come!

I am loved and told so nearly everyday, I feel completely comfortable in my own skin, I've got an amazing group of supportive friends and family, I've got swivels that kill, I've never had so many role models at one time, and I must got to lunch now.  Thank you world! 

Peace.

Current Music: Bag Lady - Erykah Badu

Last night I finally had my African dance performance.  As I sit in my room right this very moment I think back at the time when I decided to journey through this challenge at the beginning of the semester.  It was a scary decision, one that I was excited about but also very uncertain about experiencing.  There were countless times I said "my body does not move that way," "I can't do this," "why did I sign up for this?"  It was hard to feel comfortable and too often I was frustrated with the lack of connection between my mind and body throughout the semester.   

However, last night was perfect.  My body is space was perfect.  This does not mean that I executed every choreographed moved but that I felt, perfect.  The atmosphere was comfortable, the music was moving, my friends were smiling and I was beautiful.  Dance has become my rock.  It is while dancing that I feel my best.  Dance (or should I say movement), I believe bring us to full awareness of our bodies and their interactions within the world.  I was certainly interacting with the world last night.  I am so glad to have taken this opportunity and in the end acknowledging that I can do more than I give myself credit.   

It was last night that I also realized my friends' and family's commitment and support for what I do.  It was so nice to have all those that mean a great deal to me there enjoying themselves because of something I helped create.  It was also special to receive a heartfelt apology from a friend for not being able to make it.  Although I really wanted him there as well, his willingness to remember and try to come was enough, I think I might be going to the zoo soon *smiles*. 

Thank you to all those that came to the performance!  Annie, thank you for the flowers, everyone needs flowers sometimes.  Robert thank you for dinner.  Quinn thank you for the cherry beer *wink*

This performance comes right after ATLX, another awesome time in my life.  There aren't words for the feelings one experiences during this amazing weekend.  The dances with strangers, friends, "the really good dancers," and inanimate objects are all worth sleep deprivation.  Countless times throughout the weekend I realized how much I've grown since my first year not only as a dancer but as an individual.  Thank you Shoe, Catherine, and Quinn for throwing me onto the hardwood and encouraging physical expression of deepest emotion.  I will always "ding" for you! 

And now to leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

"To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking." ~Agnes De Mille

with a 1 year old...I acutally don't do so bad with kids once you through me in and lock the door so I can't escape. 

Yep, the insight I'm gaining at my practicum is insightful.  *lol*   

How is Janixia? I was recently asked this question and it sparked enough inspiration to write. Overall life is good. I'm happy to be alive and experience all the opportunities dealt to me this semester. I'm tired. I think people are noticing it as it's easily coming through. No longer can I hide that I can't handle everything by myself. The more I grow the more I realize the importance of help, a very beautiful thing. I'm definitely getting better at delegation of responsibilities and of letting people know what I want/feel/think. I'm more easily saying no and not involving myself in everything. The tired will disappear with time…must be patient.

I've been thinking a lot about gender, especially in the workplace. Currently, I'm reading a book entitled "Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman" (which actually means win like a man). The book is an easy read, very much self-helpy. The author brings forth very interesting dynamics of the business world and where women fit in all of it. However, she fails to encourage that this "man's game" become more a "human game" where both genders' unique qualities can be valued. I refuse to think that I need only to "play like a man" in order to succeed in business.

February is around the corner and those who know me know that it's not my favorite month of the year. Maybe it's the nauseating overload of red or those candy heart things that remind me of Tums. Or maybe, it's the fact that at a women's college when one does not have a significant other one truly realizes how single one is (hence my favorite acronym S.A.D, singles awareness day). Or maybe….it's my annoyance that we constrict ourselves to only one day to show our love for another. I say flowers, candy, and kind word daily. Beat that Hallmark!

Dance. If Joe taught me anything my sophomore year it was truly that movement is the celebration of life. And I am most definitely acting upon this idea daily. African dance is an amazing challenge for my body and I can't wait to have its movements come naturally as the semester progresses. My lindy is becoming more relaxed with time….less thinking more feeling. I've been blessed with a recent swarm of a few good leads who actually allow their follow to feel completely comfortable. Reassuring words constantly slip through their smiles and new combinations are always explored.

So, the answer to the initial question is that all is well. Life is good. I am blessed.

Current Mood: content

And finally, it was my actual birthday! My day began with my mom calling at 7AM (Anna and I usually wake up at 8 if we don't go to the gym) to wish me a happy bday. It was very nice of her :)

Unfortunately, classes were not canceled as I had requested. *lol* It was very much a normal, busy and academic day.
Anna and I had planned our pub trip for the longest time and the day had come. We decided on Brickstore because, well, it's really close and we love the atmosphere. Quinn, Zulema, and Dorothea joined us for my very first drink ever! On our way over to the pub (we drove because it was rainy) Dorothea briefed me on my options and followed by recommending so many things I could not keep them all straight.

It was great to not have to wait to be seated as Brickstore is ALWAYS busy. We all chose to get something a bit different from the other so that we could taste everyone's drink (not the smartest idea but hey it was a great way to quickly see what we all liked). I decided on the Ciao Bella pinot grigio...a very nice choice indeed. The only thing that sucked was that it did not complement the cheese we ordered so it had a not so yummy after taste.

We followed by taking silly pictures and being very amused by the hook things underneath our table (the waitress pointed this out to us in order to get all our purses out of the way).

The evening was the perfect conclusion to an amazing birthday weekend. I was able to share wonderful moments with great friends and just overall cool people. There is nothing better than good company (and cheese). I can never express how wonderful I felt being surrounded by genuine friends willing to take time out of their day to make my day extremely special.
Merci mille fois!

Current Location: Ma Chambre
Current Mood: happy
Current Music: Mme. Fitzgerald

So, Sunday came around and Anna's and my vision was to have tea that evening. We spent the day trying to work on "homework," noting how must of our weekend would be taken up with fun and debauchery.

Andrea, our Austrian TA and Brit, our non-Mexican Mexican expert extraordinaire joined Anna and me on a short drive over to 11:11. To our sadness the teahouse was closed! CLOSED! But we were not going to let our evening lack tea or other warm yummy beverages so we decided to try the Flying Biscuit. After all, it's known to be a stable in Atlanta.

There, once again, James joined us...James rocks mi calcetines! At the Flying Biscuit, everyone enjoyed a warm beverage along with an amazing puff pastry with none else than PEACHES and BRIE! Soooo good and definitely recommended by Janixia "food critic to the college student."

And that concluded our Sunday evening. By the way, sugar cubes are definitely good eats.

(continued)

Current Location: Ma Chambre
Current Mood: happy
Current Music: Mme. Fitzgerald

After a very yummy meal at the Vortex some of our party decided to head back to campus while the rest of us explored Junkman's Daughter. One is never bored at Junkman's...ever. We spent some time looking through Halloween costumes. Unfortunately for Stephanie they didn't have slutty ghost costumes....we'll just have to make those ourselves.

Oh, there were HATS! I love hats and there was a whole section to play with. And then there were SHOES! Once again, a whole section to play with. *hehe*

After Junkman's we headed back to campus, this time more comfortably in Eric's carro. It's always fun to show people our "dorms like palaces" (gotta love the Princeton Review) so that's exactly what Anna sans H and I did. Eric, hope you liked the room :)

Following the room tour a campus tour was in order. So, Eric got the speed tour. It was fun to show you the observatory as you are a very curious creature and like to open doors that lead to very expensive (yet too cool to pass up) equipment. *smile*

So, that was Saturday. A very super cool Saturday indeed.

(continued)

Current Location: Ma Chambre
Current Mood: happy
Current Music: Mme. Fitzgerald

Thank you to all those that have truly made my 21st bday very special. I know these posts are late but life has caught up with me and little time has been had to just sit, think, and write. So, be prepared for riveting tales of my 21st bday adventures starting with Saturday!

Because I have a secret love for mimes, I convinced some super cool people to hang out with me at the High for opening day of the Louvre exhibition. It was a hoot, let me tell ya. The chilly day began nicely with an early Marta trip to the museum. Upon arrival the mood was very Parisian...the only thing they were lacking was some cheese....I love cheese!

As the ladies and I sat in the piazza trying to keep warm I spotted Phil! I see Phil everywhere and that's not a bad thing at all....I love seeing my dancer friends out and about in Atlanta. After talking for a bit with dear Phil I received a call from the occasionally clever letting me know he arrived and was a bit lost...little did he know I'm really bad at directions...I promise to work on the clockwise/counterclockwise thing.

The exhibit was pretty amazing! However, as much as I loved it, I would have liked to have seen more of the contemp pieces in the other wing. Must go back! It was after discovering the contemp wing of the museum that we realized the time and how we were going to miss the MIME!!! We wandered asking every other volunteer for directions to the infamous Hill auditorium to catch these oh so very talented artists. The mime show was so amusing and we even got a mini miming lesson. *smile*

It was after the museum that Eric graciously offers to drive a group of five awesome ladies over to the Vortex (don't ask how we all fit, that's a story in itself).

Like usual, the Vortex was packed but waiting was not a problem on this very special day. As we waited my panda loving friend and his fiancé showed up. James followed by presenting me with a lovely arrangement of flowered chives, rosemary, and an interesting fruit thing with spiky things. I heart my friends. We were then seated and had a wonderful meal. Apparently, I'm obviously a patty melt.

(continued)

Current Location: Ma Chambre
Current Mood: happy
Current Music: Mme. Fitzgerald

Dreams are something else, let me tell ya. Both Anna and I had amazing dreams relating to so much in our lives at the moment...they were nice. I heart my brain! I'm shocked everyday with its awesomeness!
I like Anna's interpretation of my dream a lot. It's funny how various aspects of my life were intertwined and made no sense whatsoever. And the nonsense is probably what made it the most interesting. *smile*

Junior Production was last night. It was very well put together and extremely funny. The basis of the production was about a tech guy named Chad who was murdered by a heal beating and multiple back hands (the ASC ring was the weapon of choice). It was amusing to see some of the scattered males around the room, I'm sure they felt slightly uncomfortable. But in all seriousness, we love our Tech men, ya'll don't know how much. You're very much appreciated for you company and intelligence. We just like to poke fun sometimes that's all *wink*

Black Cat formal is tonight. I'm excited due to the fact that I found an outfit (very unconventional) that I feel completely comfortable in. Pictures will be available later, and yes for those who know me I promise to be in some of them (I often get away with being the "photographer")

I have a "date,” well more what I like to call a cool dance partner. Matt is such a sport! I can't wait to see him again and see how life is on his end. The night is bound to be lots of fun.

So this is the update for the moment. Make sure to check out our YouTube video on my Myspace profile…it demonstrates what happens when Scotties do NOT think deeply.

Current Location: ma chambre
Current Mood: bouncy

Beethoven's Symphony No. 9


There is nothing better than a night at the ASO, especially opening night of the season! Thanks to Matt's awesome dad the roomie and I got to experience the HOTTness that is No. 9! Good times all around. Also, I've decided that the opening piece tonight (Serenade to Music) will most definitely be played at my wedding (not that I'm getting married anytime soon *lol*)

Friday night at the Tech dance was also super chouette! I had many a dance with a few of my new fav dancers in ATL. There is nothing better than a lead that lets you play, have fun, and makes you feel beautiful! "To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful." Agnes de Mille has the right idea ;)

College life is going well overall. Besides all the work that my research with Jenny entails, I'm diggin' school. *smile*

I've recently been planning for my birthmonth...yep not birthday...I deserve the whole month of October *wink* So far I have the Louvre at the High in the works and donating blood with my girlfriends. Now I only need to plan the pub outing and a trip to the tea house with good company. I also have to invite people (silly me, what's a get together without other people?). Hopefully the people I want to share my special month with will be able to join me in celebration.

Lara it was great to see you the other day!!! Can't wait to see Navi! Oh, and thanks for the encouragement about you know what ;)

Current Location: inman
Current Mood: thankful

The new school year is in full swing and it's here with a bang! I've managed to not go insane from all the work I've had to do with Orientation, SSDA, Habitat, etc. Though busy, I love it! These are not only organizations I believe in but also organizations where I have most fun.

Congratulations to Lara! You're going to be an awesome mommy and I can't wait to meet baby Navi. From what Drew wrote, the experience was like nothing I could ever imagine. Anna and I read the story together and kept "awing" through the whole thing. The way he describes the moment is truly magical. I can't wait to see you mama and give you a kiss and a big warm hug. You are such an inspiration to all you encounter.

I've come to terms with my desire for a partner in life. Quinn is so good at adding perspective to things. After telling myself for years that I can be single for the rest of my life and be perfectly ok, I've come to terms with the fact that I've been lying to myself. And even though I'm bummed sometimes that that "partner" isn't in the picture at the moment, I am patient and all is well.

I want to meet him again...and I don't know why exactly because I know nothing about him. It amuses me how our minds can construct our perfect fairy tale. Imagination is a beautiful thing.

Ooo, last night I went to see Idlewild with Quinn and Holly. It was amazing! The music was perfect. The cinematography was perfect. The actors were perfect. The love story was perfect (yet sad). And the companionship was perfect. I love good times with good people. I most definitely recommend the movie, everyone should go see it ;)

My birthday is about a month away and I'm already making plans. October is such a wonderful month (no, I'm not being bias). There are so many things in Atlanta that I want to be a part of during October and so many people with which I want to spend my time. I'll be 21 and that creeps me out just a wee bit.

Although, this is a very fragmented post it is how I feel my life is at this very moment. And this, by no means a bad thing. There are ideas floating in my head constantly, feelings in my soul that are unexplainable and movement in my spirit that I would not change for the world. My life will align once again at some point, it always does. I love times of inspiration and enlightenment.

I know I haven't updated in ages but hopefully this gives you an idea of my current state of being. All is well my friends and life is truly beautiful.

Current Location: Library
Current Mood: thankful
Current Music: clickty click tapaty tap

Neruda has been my companion for the past couple of hours as I sit in my echoing room while listening to smooth jazz. I MUST get this man's complete works. I've found myself loving almost every piece of his art. I've recently discovered one of the most beautiful poems in the world...well among the others on the list.

Below is said poem, not translated into English because it deserves to remain as it was. However, I can not refuse that even in English it remains just as beautiful. It would be just as beautiful in any language really because it's not the language it's written in but the understood message. I encourage you to find the translation and explore for yourself what is Pablo Neruda.

And even as I sit hear sans someone, he has not disappointed in keeping me company on a Friday night.

Take a guess at what my favorite line is....the winner gets a warm hug and a bright smile.

***********************************************
Sonnet 89

Cuando yo muera quiero tus manos en mis ojos:
quiero la luz y el trigo de tus manos amadas
pasar una vez más sobre mí su frescura:
sentir la suavidad que cambió mi destino.

Quiero que vivas mientras yo, dormido, te espero,
quiero que tus oídos sigan oyendo el viento,
que huelas el aroma del mar que amamos juntos
y que sigas pisando la arena que pisamos.

Quiero que lo que amo siga vivo
y a ti te amé y canté sobre todas las cosas,
por eso sigue tú floreciendo, florida,

para que alcances todo lo que mi amor te ordena,
para que se pasee mi sombra por tu pelo,
para que así conozcan la razón de mi canto.

Current Location: mi chambre
Current Mood: pleased

Dating I would say brings out the crazy that resides within. I say the woman that called 911 to have the "cute" officer return to her home really did have a "dating emergency." I hope her fine becomes the red flag she needs in order to realize getting out and playing the field would be a good idea.

Once again, humans are silly creatures.

Happy vendredi toute le monde!

I'ma learn how to hoop this Saturday!!!!

Current Location: la oficina
Current Mood: awake
Current Music: le radio

Nothing better than watching grown men crying in defeat or in glory, running around with no pants, and frolicking around like 3 year olds.

Yesterday's game was as I predicted with a wonderful victory by mia Italian team! (alex correct my poor italiano if needed) Although, it was a little scary that Francia scored that soon in the game I was not worried, our Buffon dorato was not going to let anything by him.

The game ended with clean, crisp, and beautiful penalty shots by Italia and all was gooooood.

My brother laughed at my "to marry" list and has asked that I actually aspired to "players that can play." What does he know anyway *lol* He's such a little brother sometimes!

So, the uomo di my partita (alex, is it "partito") è:

Current Location: the office
Current Mood: giddy

-I'm going to the movies tonight with a girlfriend to watch our husband do his thang (Johnny Depp here we come!)

-I saw him today.....still beautiful

-It's summer Fridays so I leave at 3 versus 5:30

-World Cup final this weekend

-Chinese for lunch

-Wearing jeans and comfy shoes

-My panda lovin' friend being in what seems to be a beautiful relationship...brightens my day

-Steve asking for my feedback and officially making me part of the team

-Waving at a stranger eating pizza in his office

***just a few of the things that I'm excited about and have put a smile on my face today***

Current Location: the office
Current Mood: excited
Current Music: the radio

Long live Italia and its awesomeness!!! Sunday's game was one of a kind. Though I have to admit there were moments I worried about the outcome we pulled through in the last two minutes of extra time. It was a little hard keeping my brother's vow of silence throughout the game but I'm proud of myself, it took much discipline. (my brother's ritual for Italy to win is to not say a word throughout the whole game and to kiss his Italian jersey if the silence is broken....weird...but I guess it worked)

Del Piero and Grosso are now on my heroes list and Toni and Perrotta are now on the "have to marry list"

I heart soccer! ::deep breath::

Current Mood: giggly

It's usually Bagel Fridays but because most people will be out this Friday due to holidays and such the day was switched.

I had completely forgotten about it and unfortunately was late to work *boo* so I thought I missed out. However, I didn't, because there was tons left in the break room....thus, I'm now enjoying a yummy chocolate chip bagel with raspberry cream cheese............sooooooooooooooo goooood!

It's the little things in life that brighten my day, I love the little things.

Happy Thursday!

PS. It's my commercial! I like my commercial! ;)

Current Location: my side of the office
Current Mood: content
Current Music: smooth jazz

Oh, and another cool part about today is that I was able to take a workout salsa class at the Turner Athletic Club! How cool!

Yep, I worked the corner while holding a shiny sign. Our awesome CEO (Mr. Phil Kent) held his yearly Road Show this morning at the Oceans Ballroom at the Aquarium. Atlanta was his last stop after having visited Hong Kong, London, and a couple other bureaus. The Road Show serves as a company-wide meeting (we had about 800 employees from Atlanta). This is where Phil tells us about our accomplishments of the year and our vision for the future. He has a wonderful sense of humor and is a great motivator. Ask me about the Adult Swim video he showed us next time you see me and I'll share with you perhaps the funniest way to make fun of your boss. After having heard his speech I left really believing I'm an integral part of this company. I already felt that before this meeting but I left really really believing it. I heart the Turner vision, it aligns so well with my values and ideas about a successful organization!

Oh, yeah, about working the corner...I was directing the employees to the Aquarium and holding a TURNER sign...LOL

Happy Friday tout le monde!

Current Location: My side of the office
Current Mood: energetic