Save the Whales

So, I was cleaning out my work bag, and came across a wrapper that I had saved from a recent airplane trip to Minnesota. I know, it's slightly weird. Who saves wrappers? However, this was so funny I had to save it to show my friends.

I flew on Air Tran, and the flight attendant handed me a bag of what I thought was pretzels. As I took the package, I noticed this slogan printed on the outside of the package that said, "Save the Whales!"

I immediately thought: How do the "Save the Whale" people manage to get their message on everything? Even my pretzel bag.

My first thought was a flashback to childhood when I asked my parents why we didn't recycle. I remember them looking at me with very strange expressions, and asking me where I got this idea about recycling. I then launched into a mini speech about saving the planet, etc. Unfortunately, I was the "greenest" kid in my family, and my speech never really had the desired affect.

But...back to the whales.

Apparently..I had missed the small print.

The package read.

"Save the Whales.."

"...Or save them for later. Either way...we hope you enjoy them."

Turns out, what I thought was pretzels, was actually a small bag of goldfish crackers! Too funny! I laughed out loud! (Do you get the pun?)

So, now I'm trying to book all my flights on Air Tran to see what other trendy marketing things they have. Plus, they have better deals from Chicago to Minneapolis than Northwest Airlines, and their planes are actually EARLY. It's just a win-win-win!

I think they are trying to position themselves to be the next Southwest Airlines. In any event, it's working on me.

Still laughing out loud...

M

p.s. My friends never really thought they were that funny. My parents recycle now.

Under the Tuscan Sun

I had an email conversation with a friend today. In her email to me she worried about turning 35, not ever getting married, etc. Pretty much common worries amongst the singles crowd.

So, that got me to thinking about a movie I saw again recently...Under the Tuscan Sun. I love that movie because to me it's about moving beyond your fears and doing something you've always dreamed of doing, and in the process learning more about yourself.

I've always wanted to move to Spain, and find myself thinking about it more and more. I want to learn Spanish, and am basically too lazy to learn it here in the United States. I feel like I need to be totally submersed in the culture, where I have no choice. At the same time, I think I'm probably romantizing the whole idea. Can I really move there for 6 months, learn some Spanish, and enjoy myself? I'd love to have an "Under the Tuscan Sun" experience. You know...Move there, find a quaint little place to live in, learn the language, make some great friends, and then of course, meet the love of my life. All of this while I'm spending my days soaking in the culture and shopping for flowers at the local market. :)

I know. I know. Life rarely turns out like the movies. But what is realistic? Lord willing, I am going to do this someday, but what is realistic to expect? Any ideas?

M

Indiana

I hate to be negative...but I drove thru Indiana today, and find it to be a wasteland. Why isn't there anything to look at? I drove for 3 hours and everything looked the same. I saw a TV program on the population explosion and overcrowding, and am now convinced that if Chicago gets too crowded, we can all just move to Indiana.

I'm still searching for an identity for this blog, and haven't stumbled upon anything yet, so for now it's just my random thoughts. About Indiana.

M

Friends

I have such an appreciation for my friends today. Maybe more than other days.

Tonight I'm the Emcee for a fundraising dinner, and am pretty excited about it as it should be a great evening!

However, what has really made my day is knowing a friend is going with me. Without me knowing, he signed up to attend, has all ready printed off the map so we won't get lost, and is sitting at my table so I won't have to be "without a date" for the evening.

How blessed am I?

M

Thoughts of Thursday and Keifer

So, it's my favorite day of the week! I love Thursday because it's all about the anticipation of Friday.

And I'm finding out that once you get on the tech highway...buckle up! A friend just came and told me all about the wonders of a DVR. Apparently, you can record movies off of cable unto a hard-drive and then watch them when you have time, etc. Similar to TIVO, I guess. In any event, I've heard all about these modern marvels, but have not had time to really check any of them out.

I started watching Season 1 of 24 a while back, and became instantly addicted. However, I'm WAY behind, having missed Seasons 2, 3, 4 and the current season. So, I was asking how I could possibly catch up on all of those past episodes when my friend launched into the whole explanation of a DVR and what it does. According to him..."It's changed my life."

I only have one hangup with all of this. Is it wrong to even think about using this much time to watch past episodes of 24? Knowing we only are alloted so much time on this earth, should I really be spending it watching Keifer? What do you think? I know what my mom would say all ready.

I'm still pondering all of this, but as for the blogging...I love it!

M

It's a First...

This is my first blog, and I have to say I'm very excited! Before I go on and on, I'm going to see if this actually works..being technically challenged and all.

(10 mintues later)

YEAH! I figured it out, and it works. Fabulous! Watch out...I may shock you all and figure out how to actually run my VCR clock.

So, I'm sure you're wondering why I decided to do this anyway. Well, two things. I was reading Cameron Conant's blog...He's an author and media friend. Anyway, the more I read, the more I loved the idea. This seems like a great way to get your thoughts out, but more importantly a great way to connect with your friends.

But my true inspiration came from a quote that my boss gave me today by Leith Anderson.

"The way we conceive the future sculpts the present, gives contour and tone to nearly every action and thought through the day. If your sense of future is weak, we live listlessly. The practical effect of this belief is to charge each moment of the present with HOPE."

I've been feeling and living "listlessly" lately, and blogging gives me hope!

Happy Wednesday!

M