Asian Talent Online Blog

Ever have one of those clocks that didn’t have a snooze button? It would go off, you’d slam it against the wall and then have to explain how your clock “malfunctioned”. (Expressed with finger quotes as you explained to co-workers of course). How did our parents ever survive without the “big bump on the top of the clock”? I mean, they walked miles in the hail and snow, they only got paid $27 a week…but not having a snooze button? Torture at its cruelest!

.

Mondays are the days when we love our snooze button the most. Except for those that have to work Saturdays. Or those who have the night shift on the weekend. Ok, so maybe Mondays aren’t so bad when you put it that way.

.

Kids look at Mondays so differently than adults do. My daughter rubbed her eyes as day broke today, sat up in bed and said, “Mommy, I love Mondays.” She then proceeded to tell me how she was going to wear her “Monday panties”. (You know, the ones kids have with the days of the week on them. Who thought of this insane gimmick? Whenever it’s a certain day of the week, it never fails that the day you’re looking for is in the dirty clothes!) Maybe I’d like Mondays better if I had a pair of Monday panties… Of course my daughter then began to cry because she couldn’t find her “Monday panties”. Maybe this is why people grow up not liking Mondays. The “Monday panties” could never be found. It’s always the Mother’s fault. Darn! Society IS right!

.

I think if adults could look at Mondays differently, things would be different. Of course if corporations would grant the “come into work at 11:00am” on Mondays, there might be less grumbling from the masses. Seriously…Why do Fridays get all the fun? After all, it’s always “Casual Friday”… Fred, in accounting, gets to Hang 10 in his red and yellow (aka…ugly) Hawaiian shirt while reimbursing Tisha in her 80’s spandex. Hopefully all takes place out of the fax room. Ever notice how “Casual Friday” is begging for a visit from Stacy London and Clinton Kelly? Just sayin…

.

So, snooze hitters of the world…unite! For today you have the freedom to pound and slam as you never have before. Whether you’re a conservative Republican on the heels of McCain, or a “change seeker” (not pennies mind you) holding a free bumper sticker and screaming “Obama” at the top of your lungs, you have the choice. You, with that stuff that Mama called “sleep” in your eyes. You, with drool on your pillow and a left over migraine from red hot buffalo wings at the church get-to-gether. YOU have the choice! Rejoice!

.

*MEDICAL ADVISEMENT - After rejoicing and hitting the “modern marvel” sixteen million times, find those dirty “Monday Panties”, get dressed and hurry your coffee-stained trousers to the office before you are LATE!!!!

 

.

(Welcome to another Monday.)

.

———–
The author of this blog does not take responsibility for writing and posting past the time that everyone is actually completed with the work day. Apparently her snooze button (and “Monday Panties”) were no where to be found.

Posted by Lanie - Girl With A Pen under Motivated Mondays | No Comments »

Why doesn’t the week start on a Tuesday? Why don’t we get paid on Mondays? After all, the Bangles were convinced that Mondays weren’t as fun as Sunday…and that was over 10 years ago, when religion meant a solemn face and a hymn from a dilapidated hymn book. So, what is it about rainy days and Mondays that always gets everyone down? (Nope…don’t get it about rainy days either.)

.

Maybe Mondays are despised so much because most people go back to work. But really, if you’re not looking forward to returning to work, doesn’t it just mean it might be time to check the classifieds? Need a new boss? Need a challenge or two? It’s not the day of the week. It’s life in general. Moms walking their children to school at the crack of dawn aren’t holding a cup of Starbucks because they don’t like Mondays…are they? I mean, I always figured they just wanted to liven up so they could be the early bird at the clearance sales. Oh wait…Mondays usually aren’t known for their red and white signs. Score 1 for Friday. I’m beginning to see your point.

.

I think that Mondays are synonymous with dread because everyone complains how they are tired and didn’t get much sleep over the weekend. But couple that with recaps of weekend rendezvous and vacation getaways, and Mondays are a great day for you to boast about your co-worker’s financial shortcomings. Note how great of a domino effect this can be too. How “Neil” at the front desk feels…I’m not so sure. But it’s Monday. Buy him lunch to brighten his day. See, Mondays aren’t so bad. For Neil now anyways. Unless his lactose intolerance kicked in after he ate your grilled cheese and broccoli cheddar soup from the deli on 5th. Neil’s not happy…and well…the whole office smells like Apple Mountain Lysol.

.

Did you get your thumb tacked by the stapler? Were you blinded by the copier machine when you didn’t put the lid down…or worse…you shook the toner cartridge and it exploded? Did you get sprayed by the automatic toilet as it flushed as you sat in despair, holding your head in hand…reaching out in sympathy only to realize there was no square to spare for the derriere? Blame it on the “M word”. It’s accepted at studios, home offices and corporate headquarters worldwide.

.

Ok, so now you’ve heard the ad.

Is there truth behind this one?

Posted by Lanie - Girl With A Pen under Motivated Mondays | No Comments »

No. I didn’t fall off the face of the earth. I might have tripped walking up the front steps this morning but I’m still here; slightly injured with my pen intact. Again, I am sorry for the “out of ink” sign that invisibly swung on “Motivated Mondays” during our move…

.

I am, indeed, living out of U-haul boxes whilst our family searches for a home in this lovely town in the burbs. We’re shacked up in a four bedroom temporary apartment and every night at 12:30am, “Lil Wayne” (and his bass) pounds common sense into me (as I ask myself, “Why am I living on campus in my 3o’s?”) I close my eyes to be transported to Shrek’s Kingdom, “Far far away” in hopes my head doesn’t explode. I know, I have the patience of 2-year-old pressed up against the ice cream case in August.

.

Let’s just say there is nothing like feeling like the old fogey next to the “party room”. I repeatedly chant, “It’s all an adventure…It’s all an adventure…” but I’m pretty sure that’s to ensure I don’t become an alcoholic. Of course, if at any time I decide to stop talking to myself, I’m sure I can easily be accommodated with a plastic cup or a smudged shot glass cleaned with a t-shirt. *jingling quarters in pocket* (The quarters from the laundry jar.) And although clean underwear is not, all the joy of campus living is complimentary, and we are quite thankful for that.

.

In the past month I’ve had to trust that there is a reason that I’m where I’m at. In this town of approximately 30,500 strangers, I’ve sifted through several dozens of homes and have already made some great new friends. I’m thrilled with my new life, but I am unsure if I should be hoarding the newspapers, clipping coupons for the local craft store, in case time runs out and I am left designing a home around a Maytag box. What’s that Mom used to whisper? Something about patience being a virtue? Perhaps this Monday I’m not feeling so virtuous…

.

Today’s “Motivated Monday” questions is:

PATIENCE?
A VIRTUE? OR A LOAD OF MASHED POTATOES?

Posted by Lanie - Girl With A Pen under Motivated Mondays | No Comments »

 

The early bird catches the worm. Of course maybe the worms that sleep in are just smarter. Half empty, or just waiting for a packet of Kool Aid and some ice? If you’re not interested in peeping through the slats of your stark white verticals, perhaps the alarm clock blaring something hip will do the trick. Of course, if you’re like me maybe you’ve contemplated staying under your satin stripes in fear the only “hip” thing you’ll ever know, will be broken in your sprint towards the shower, after you slam the snooze button for the 4th time.

.

The other day I saw something that made me furious. I don’t usually get upset, maybe a bit neurotic at times, but my blood rarely boils. While getting into my car, in a school parking lot, I saw a man loading his daughter into an infant car seat. Problem? The child was in Pre-School and was towering over the top of the seat by about a foot. I was enraged that a parent would put their child in harm’s way like that.

.

Today I saw the same man doing the same thing…in the same parking lot, but today I noticed that the Father wore worn shoes and a worn belt. He looked as if he was coming from, or going to, work; or maybe he just dressed in his “Sunday Best” to pick his daughter up from school so he could keep up with the Jones’ at the “better school in town.”

.

Like a complex Rorschach isn’t it amazing how we see things differently depending on our mood…or the day? Mondays. Ugh. Yes, Monday might feel like sardines and Friday like caviar, but if you’re name is Seymour (and you’re a seal), you’re flapping those flippers and bouncing a beach ball today. Point made?

.

It doesn’t matter to me how people see things, but theoretically I’m a sucker for positive people who see the world with rose colored glasses. I say theoretically because there’s a saying that goes, “An encouraging word never hurts,” but eventually you’ll run into an ex that encourages you to move on. Hey, some people have their limits on how much positive sunshine they can take. Just sayin’.

.

This week’s question?

 

DO YOU HAVE A STORY
WHERE YOU PRE-JUDGED
THE CIRCUMSTANCE?

.

 

WHAT MADE YOU
DO A 360?

 .

 

SPOTLIGHT

Lela Lee

 

A hilarious comic strip written by a woman with spunk, charisma and all that other good stuff. I first found her last year here, and have been reading her for gaffaws and rug-rolling ever since. (You’ve GOT to see the website flash! It’s hilarious!)

.

Thanks for reclaiming your Mondays!

(Starting today with ATO & Girl With A Pen.)

Posted by Lanie - Girl With A Pen under Motivated Mondays | 1 Comment »

 

There are few things in life that make people happy than making other people happy. Let me rephrase that. If you want to be happy, find out what makes someone else smile, and do it. Now, you’re probably rolling your eyes at me, perhaps even raising a finger to remind me of your un-favorite (it’s a word, go with it) first day of the week…and that’s ok. I’ll smile. After all, you made me happy just by reading this. Just sayin’.

.

An example would have been today. There was an African-American woman in a nurses uniform stranded on the side of the road this morning. She looked like she was trying to dial a number and was getting frustrated. I was alone in the car and thought about stopping, but I didn’t. I should have. I wasn’t rushing to wait in a crowded doctor’s office or stand in line at the grocery store…it would have made her day. I’m still kicking myself over the decision, because that was a chain reaction just waiting for ignition.

 

.

There’s a lot of people out there playing the “me” game; including me at times. It’s similar to the Milton Bradley’s game of “Life”…just more cut-throat and less entertaining; and that’s ok. After all, if we talk about survival of the fittest, someone’s got to slaughter the lambs and sit up high on the mountain with their entourage. But what if you’re a herbivore? Do you whisper the same sentiments, “It’s not who you eat, it’s how?”

.

Of course, those that know me know my only entourage consists of 4 year olds that clap their hands when I griddle cheese on a buttered slice of whole wheat wonder. How I long for a real entourage. Perhaps that’s why I’m bitter about those of you who have their own rock. My “rock” can only be sat upon after 9:00pm…if I’m lucky. Perhaps I’m simply green with envy. No! I stand firm in the principles of “Pay it Forward.”

.

Ever heard of 6 degrees of separation? A theory that states that each person can be linked by a series of 6 individuals. Perhaps that’s how Karma continues it’s never-ending circle.

 

.

Now before you think I’m just sprinkling sunshine to score myself a tan, remember it’s Monday. Plus I live in Florida. I’ve got all the bronzer I need. Seriously though, my mind is mush and I can’t even plan that far ahead. I’m just saying that networking comes in many forms. Who’s day have you made today? Start with your own!

 

This week’s question?

Are you a lamb or a lion?

 

Challenge.

One person. One smile.

A million opportunities.

Go.

 

 

SPOTLIGHT

 

 

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO SPOTLIGHT!!!

Have a favorite singer, photographer, author…artist? No matter what ethnicity…spill the beans! We’d love to hear about YOU and the creative arts you support.

Each Monday, Motivated Mondays will spotlight one talented writer, singer, artist…creative talent that participates and supports the blog series. Comment or participate and your chances of being spotlighted double! Add the Motivated Mondays banner below with a link to this blog series (and post the url to your site in your comments) and we’ll extend our thanks in a very special way.

.

Thanks for reclaiming your Mondays!

(Starting today with ATO & Girl With A Pen.)

Posted by Lanie - Girl With A Pen under Motivated Mondays | 4 Comments »