Things I Learned Playing Candy Crush

I'm often surprised at the ways I learn life lessons.  But maybe as I get older, I'm paying attention in a different way.  So here goes; see if you agree.

It’s Easy to Lose Focus
Game: Trying so hard to find matching candies sometimes causes me to lose focus of the big
picture – the goal of that level.
Life: We rush from paycheck to paycheck trying to keep up with bills, activity to activity with our children, or project to project with our jobs and miss out on the big picture. What are my dreams and goals? Am I working to survive? Are the kids happy or simply satiated – am I allowing them to grow or overcompensating? Am I on the path to professional success or just keeping the C-Suite happy?

Seeing the Goal Makes Focus Easy
Game: I forgot the overall point, but seeing the goal posted reminds me of what's important.
Life: This is the reason for focus boards, support groups and mentoring sessions. Getting back on track is
easy to do with a small visual reminder.

One Wrong Move Can Result in Catastrophe
Game: Yeah sometimes. I'll make a match that throws the entire board off. Aaargh!!!
Life: I chose to buy a new car, not knowing I’d get a pink slip in 3 months. We decided to not take a vacation but have ended up more stressed out. You chose to send your child to private school and have to work so much to pay tuition that you can’t attend any events. You posted that picture and … well,
we will leave that one alone.

Strategic Moves Allow Recovery
Game: With a keen eye on the candies on the board and focus on the goal, a crush can still be achieved if you don't run out of moves first.
Life: Keep plugging away and focusing on that goal and things will turn around in time.

Support
Game: There are little secret weapons stacked up on the side (i.e rainbow candies or doughnuts) or extra moves sent by other players to help in a pinch.  This is an awesome addition if used wisely. Which piece to use and when?
Life:  My friends, network or whatever new word is trending this week for those I can depend on.  This essentially means I should know what each person can contribute to my life/situation. Who do I call for a quick pick me up or to just vent? Who will help me hide the body and take the info about it into the afterlife? Which friend do I call and when?

Keep Moving
Game: No matter how bad my board looks, I can’t just reset. If I have 15 moves left, I have to
use them before I can begin that level again.  Also, as previously stated, things can change within those 15 moves if I remain focused on the goal and apply the proper strategy.
Life: No matter how bad it looks, I can't have a do-over.  At least not from the very beginning.  I have to just keep moving.  Sure, I've lost my job and want to give in and give up but each morning I wake breathing with sunlight in my eyes. Someone/something is depending on you too.   Even though your loved one passed and you are grieving...your car won’t start – again...your bank account is overdrawn...your wife left you and left the kids. But you've got goals to focus on.

Patience
Game: Sometimes when I've exhausted all of my moves and haven't achieved the goal, I must
wait for a recharge so that I can play again.
Life: Keep exhausting moves until there are no more recharges.

All this, in one fun and quite addictive game.  Thanks Candy Crush!

Childhood Memories

I'm constantly complimented on my handwriting.  Usually, I transfer it to my mother.  Not out of humility or some undying need for respect but out of sheer honesty.  It's really her fault that I write so neatly and legibly too.

Years and years ago, I brought home a report card that was littered with As and Bs and a lone C -- in Handwriting.  I was somewhat bothered by the folks who thought it necessary to grade a child on penmanship for a number of years -- that is, until I entered the work force, taught school and was otherwise introduced to the handwriting of others.  Suffice it to say, now I understand.

Until my mother pointed out how that C looked among my other grades, I hadn't thought it to be a problem. She explained how it would reduce my grade point average down and negatively affect my Permanent Record.  We are all aware of the importance of the Permanent Record to a child; so, I was eager to make any and all suggested improvements.  She strongly recommended, in a very Black parent manner if you know what I mean, that I write my name - all 22 letters - on a sheet of paper.  After filling up both sides of that paper, she pointed out the problems in the letters and the formations and I repeated that exercise countless times until it improved to the point where that grade was better by the next reporting period.

This handwriting exercise taught me to focus, take my time and take pride in my work - habits that are still a very vital part of my everyday life.  So, thanks Mom for making me take my time and properly form my letters.  This is one of many great memories from childhood that still pays off.

Alabama or Auburn (part 2)

The saga continues...

Round 6 - Technology
I went on the Alabama website to check out the football schedule and offered the ability to download it...directly into my Google calendar!  Gotta admit, this was an awesome touch.  Auburn has it too so I guess this one is a draw.

Alabama 1  Auburn 1

Round 7 - Slogans
Ok, so yeah I think Roll Tide is kinda weird.  Fans originally used this phrase because the team's succcess was so frequent.  It may be time to turn that tide huh?  On the flip side, War Eagle is just as crazy, since the mascot is a Tiger and the story behind the slogan is well...urban legend to say the least.  I still prefer an animal over...well, I always swim upstream against the tide.

Alabama 0  Auburn 1

Conclusion
I think it's pretty obvious. Now, where to find a Tshirt, hat, keychain, glasses, finger and more information about football itself?  Tipoff is coming soon!!!  Ah well, you know what I meant.

Alabama or Auburn (part 1)

I know you're wondering why I'm writing about football but bear with me.  Upon moving to this great state, I was asked, Alabama or Auburn.  Of course I responded with the blank stare.  Once I was told that they were referring to football, I responded with "oh I don't DO football" and was met with the blank stare.  You would think this is the Pepsi vs. Coke challenge the way people continuously ask this question.  I mean is it that serious? Like it's FB or G+ or Android vs. iPhone. C'mon people! This isn't the NFL or anything. I mean, I'm a diehard REDSKINS - or whatever they decide to change their name to - fan for LIFE no matter where I ever move to even though I rarely watch the games.  But we're talking college football here...I thought that only mattered to ... um... college kids and NFL scouts.  But not in BAMA.  Football REALLY matters here.  I'm already outcast enough because I don't have an accent, I'm not married and I don't have children.  Southerners aren't sure I'm a real person.  All of this aside, I've got to choose Alabama or Auburn. So here goes.

Round 1 - Names
I like Auburn because it's not already a state, a factor that I feel works against Alabama.  Coming from the Nation's Capital, I feel I can be biased in this way. Also, Auburn is close to Aubrey and Autumn and Audrey -- names I've always admired.

Alabama 0  Auburn 1

Round 2 - Colors
I HATE red.  Yep. Always have.  It reminds me of blood--hate that too.  You know I'm squeamish.  But OMG! I totally adore some houndstooth.  Would put it on my car if that weren't so...bama.  I love orange - it's my second favorite color.  It's sunny and bright and makes me smile.  And pair it with blue and it's great all around.  But even together they don't beat houndstooth.  This is going to be hard so no one wins here.

Alabama 0  Auburn 0

Round 3 - Mascots
Elephants are...well, they're elephants.  Large and rough and well, it doesn't put me in a playful, joyful mood even with the images of Dumbo and Horton.  Tigers, on the other hand, are my favorite animals.  I always loved Tony the Tiger and I was a Tiger when I rocked the Black and Gold (Towson University), so I can still be a Tiger -- with different colored stripes.

Alabama 0  Auburn 1

Round 4 - Family Ties
*heavy sigh* My sister is an Alabama fan.  No clue why and I'm not asking.  The real question is do I side with her to keep the peace?  For one, that's not really my style.  Not to mention, just the fact that I have to be "into" football is reason enough to cheer for the opponents.  Also, choosing Auburn would remind me of growing up with the Redskins/Cowboys rivalry in our home.  Ahhhh, those were the days. Besides, even the Civil War divided families right?

Alabama 0  Auburn 1

Round 5 - Cougar Options
These are college kids?  Legal, adult-aged, college males?  Hmmm...which team has more cuties?  I'm not a fan of the "football" body type.  You know what I mean ladies -- the sloping forehead, thick neck, broad chest, big middle, can't put his arms down, crack showing on the field, waddle walking dudes that grunt instead of talk.  You know, the Refrigerator man lookalikes.  I prefer the little ones - running backs and wide receivers (recent research has helped with the jargon).  So, I have to check out which team has more drool-ability. In the meantime, I will call this one a draw.

Alabama 1  Auburn 1

I got a feeling this can go on and on: How many quarters in a football game?  Obvioulsy, I have some researching to do.  I mean, I guess I should include some more serious factors like player stats and coach information.  But that would make me boring.  I like my way better.  Stay tuned - from what I hear, football season is coming.

An Epiphany

Nothing quite shakes me up like death.  I mean, I understand it's a part of life and it's necessary, but as I get older I reflect more each time someone near me suffers the loss of a family member.  I begin to think of my own family, the ups and downs, the wisecracks and evil eyes, the whispers and yells, the phone calls and Facebook posts, the pictures -- oh so many pictures -- the births and the illnesses, but most of all that we're still together on this side of heaven.  It's a beautiful thing and something I'm sure others wish for from time to time.  So I hope that for all of us, and all of you reading this, you cherish the family that you have left.  No reason to hang heavy heads at funerals or to sob late into the night for words that were unspoken or for those you wish you could take back.  No one will be left without a hug or I love you or an "if only..."
What if you weren't the one crying on the front row, but the one in the casket itself?

Growing Pains

Physical growth is inevitable. We can't control it or decide when it will happen.  We simply must endure it.  Emotional growth is a bit different.  It is spurred on by pain, anger, and hurt.  It forces us to reflect and reconsider, then make changes.  When we make those changes is our decision, based on our timing and made when we really are tired of getting the same results.
I'm growing up and it's painful.

New Year's Eve

The day before my birthday is consider New Year's Eve for, well at least to me, obvious reasons -- it's the day before I turn a year older.  Of course, I'm 40 and holding but I celebrate my birthday nonetheless.  That said, I'm pensive as usual as I reflect on the past 364 days and set my aspirations for what's to come.  This is the time when I formulate my resolutions and attempt to commit.  This is the time when I re-evaluate those in my closest circle and thank them.  This is when I decide who I am.

Reflection

The past year hasn't been the greatest.  I've had more downs than ups, but I'm still here for a reason.  I've learned to be a better steward over my finances, with several mishaps along the way.  I've learned that not vacationing is not so bad.  I've learned that paying my dues makes me appreciative.  I've learned that good friends are few, but they keep you uplifted and giggling during the hard times and focused on the good times ahead.  I've learned that family is always there and isn't always blood.  I've learned that being honest has a higher price than I've ever imagined, but it's still worthwhile.  I've learned that life is too short to put things and/or people off.  I've learned that the past is filled with lessons once you open your mind.  I've learned that no matter how badly you want it, it won't happen until it's time.  I've learned that I'm an awesome writer who puts off doing what she does best.  I've learned to find the good nugget inside of everything, even myself.  And I've learned to keep finding new cheese (if you don't know what that means, read the book).

Resolutions

1. Lose 5 lbs.
   Yeah, I could stand to lose more but why set myself up for failure.  Losing 5 means I've implemented the proper eating and exercise habits and that should carry be towards my weight goal.  And oh yeah, spare me the "healthy" speech. I'm 40 and I'm fatter than I wanna be, so sheer vanity is my motivation.)
2. Write daily.
   I have the tools, now I need to do it.  So, I'll be using my trusty writing guide with 600+ things to write about. Maybe I should do two a day - morning and evening.  Ok, that might be pushing it.
3. Finish writing.
   I've started plenty of things that need to be wrapped up. Expect something in print.
4. Read 50 books.
   I'm sure your eyes are bulging but seriously that's about a book a week since there are 52 weeks in a year.  That doesn't account for those books that are finished in 3 days instead of 7 and those that take 2 weeks because of life or size or the fact that I have to take notes and write a review.
5. Network.
   I love meeting new people and finding out new things.  Contrary to many studies that show that people become more depressed when those around them are prospering, I actually thrive with that kind of energy in my space.  I crave it, I seek it.  Beware.
6. Be grateful.
   I want to share, more often, my feelings of graciousness with those around me who've poured into me in any way.  It will take time and I will get to you, so please be patient.

Re-evaluation

I have a great family and great friends.  Before you get all mushy, don't take that to mean we don't disagree, argue, stop speaking, run away, hang up, delete messages, don't invite, ignore, or just downright get angry.  We just always find a way to be there for one another through any and everything and smile and laugh on the other side.  That's what matters.  I wouldn't trade a one...well actually, maybe one or two.  Nah on second thought, I'd rather not.  I love my circle.

Expect to see more on this blog in the coming year.  I've got plenty to say about plenty of topics. So, say it with me...