Peacock: A Symbol of Immortality and Renewal

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I took this photo the day before my friend passed away. Little did I know that this photo would be just more than a picture. I never thought I believed in signs, but now I truly believe that the universe sends you them when you least expect it. This was the only photo I took in the zoo that day. If you read the information on this link, you will understand what I am talking about.

This week I have been going through many pictures and remembering the times where I was happy. I have reflected on all of my friendships. Those that were made when I was a small child, those that were made in college, and those that have been made in my adult life. Some pictures are difficult to look at now that my friend has passed away, because they remind me of a time when we were all happy. I’m not sure that anything will be the same. Yesterday, when I looked at the pictures on my phone, I saw this peacock. I remembered from high school English lit that the peacock always held a special symbolic meaning. I decided to look it up and I read that the peacock is symbolic for immortality. I know that my friend has left this earth, but his spirit has not died. He is still in all of our hearts and he will be remembered forever.

As for renewal, I think it gives us all a chance to take a look at our own lives. I did not only lose one good friend, but instead I think I may have lost two. I cannot change the mistake that I made. I can apologize over and over again, but I cannot change the past. I realize now that I hurt my friend unintentionally. On the night that my friend died, it was difficult to hear my friend say that she didn’t want to live without her best friend. I saw my own life flashing before my eyes. I got scared and took the easy way out. I avoided the situation instead of facing it straight on. I came back to reality to face my fears and wanted to help my friend, but at that point, I realize it was too late. The damage was already done. I don’t know how to fix this, but I pray everyday for God to give me guidance.

Workout Songs: Part 1

My most essential piece of workout gear is my shuffle ipod, because I need good music to stay motivated.  If I get to the gym and I forgot my shuffle or my headphones, forget about it, I’m going home to get them.  I listen to a wide range of music while I’m working out, and I’m always looking for new stuff to keep my mix fresh.  In my mind there are a few different categories of workout music:

  • Old School fun songs
  • Top 40 upbeat/catchy tunes
  • Girl Power
  • Hardcore/Motivation songs
  • Cool Down/ relaxing music

I need different genres for different parts of my workout.  Fun, upbeat songs to get me moving at the beginning, girl power stuff to keep my confidence up, motivational songs to get me through the tough parts, and slower songs to help me focus on my breathing or take me through cool down.

Over the next couple months I’ll go through each of the genres above and give some of my favorites.  Let’s start at the top with old school fun songs!

Old School Fun Songs

  1. Hey Mickey by Toni Basil
  2. Jellyhead by Crush
  3. King of Wishful Thinking by Go West
  4. Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield
  5. Wanna Be Startin’ Something by Michael Jackson (the link is the Glee performance but MJ’s is obviously better)
  6. It’s Gonna Be Me by ‘NSYNC
  7. Bust a Move (Glee version) by Glee Cast
  8. It Takes Two by Rob Base
  9. Faded by SoulDecision
  10. ABC by The Jackson 5
  11. Gloria by Laura Branigan
  12. Mo Money Mo Problems by Biggie Smalls
  13. I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston
  14. Big Shot by Billy Joel
  15. Photograph by Def Leopard
  16. You’re the One that I Want from Grease
  17. Heartbreaker by Mariah and Jay Z
  18. Anyway You Want It/Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’ by Glee Cast
  19. Boom Boom Boom Boom by the Venga Boys
  20. PYT by Michael Jackson

What did I miss?

PS- My friend at work is expecting a visit from the stork, so guess what I’m making…

The Perfect Beach Day

If you are ever in Stone Harbor, New Jersey on a Tuesday, here is my plan for the perfect day.  This just happens to be a recap of my day off on Tuesday.  Of course, you need to start your day at the Bread and Cheese Cupboard.  I happened to start my day with a blueberry scone and a cup of coffee.  Then I walked around town to do a little morning window shopping.  I went to the beach around noon to sit and relax.  I met a few friends so I could catch up on all the latest gossip.  Around 2:30, we decided to go for a long beach walk.  With my feet splashing through the shallow water, I was at peace with the world.  After we returned from our walk, it was time to leave the beach.  I went back home to grab a refreshment and sit by the pool and unwind.  I took a quick dip and then read my book for a little while.  Around 7:45, I met up with my friend Tara for dinner at Marabella’s Family Restaurant.  They are celebrating their 40th season this year and make old world Italian dishes to satisfy the tastebuds.  In fact, Dr. Oz happens to think so as well since he ate there this past Memorial Day Weekend.  After dinner, we headed over to the Windrift for Wing Night.  I checked out the newly renovated space and I was amazed.  The Windrift has transitioned itself from a beach bar into an upscale beach lounge.  It was the perfect end to a wonderful day.  There is nothing better than sipping a beer with the ocean breeze surrounding you.Image