In public

When I hear the word "public" my mind automatically thinks of comedian Ron White and the way he used to talk about being "drunk in public". He didn't say the word public in any normal way...in fact I found the way he said it to be quite obnoxious. I remember seeing him on TV several times and every time he said the word public I cringed. I believe that stuck in my mind because now whenever anyone says the word "public" I am reminded of the obnoxious way of saying it.

Lately, I've heard a lot of talk about public. We talk at work about going public with decisions that have been made. In class we often talk about how we are to act in the outside world (or the public). At church, I heard about inviting the greater public to a Christmas service that would be taking place in December. As you can see, I've been hearing the word a lot.

Not only have I heard it in these places, I have heard the word from my boyfriend. For a while now he has made a joke that I don't like to be seen with him in public. Well of course I interject my feelings and exclaim that that is not the case. He gets this smile on his face and says something like.. I know the truth, you don't like to be seen with me in public. Well today, as we were walking into a restaurant to have lunch with some friends, he made the comment that I don't like to be seen with him in public. Of course, I responded but this time he got a smile on his face. He said of course he knew it wasn't true, he just liked to see how I react to such things.

Well, I decided...I want the world to know I really do like to be in public with my boyfriend. If you didn't know that already...now you do. I love to be in public with him and in fact, I am a better person for being around him and with him. So the reality is quite the opposite...being in public with him means that I can show off the person that makes me a better person and that makes me "one happy woman." :-)

These are a few of my favorite things...

As I lay here tonight watching the 40th Anniversary edition of The Sound of Music I am reminded of the later years of my childhood when I first saw this movie. I don't remember where I was or who I was with, but I remember falling in love with this movie. I remember wanting to go to Salzburg (which is still a dream) and I remember learning the words to all of the songs in the movie.

When I was in the 5th grade, my mother purchased the piano music for me so that I could learn to play the songs. I started with the famous tune "These are a few of my favorite things..." I practiced that song everyday for weeks so that I could get it perfect. I wanted to be able to play it at my recital. I finally go it and my piano teacher was so proud of me.

Several years ago the 40th edition of the movie came out on a 2 DVD special edition. I asked for it for my birthday and my aunt got it for me. I was so excited that I watched it that night. Since then, I haven't watched it much, but lately that tune of favorite things has been on my mind.

Tonight after finishing one of my take home exams for school I decided to put the DVD in. As I laid here watching the movie, I was reminded of some of my childhood thoughts. I remember writing down some of my favorite things. At the time they included my dog, my mom, pizza, church, and Mexican food. As I lay here watching the Sound of Music, I have a smile on my face. There is just something about Maria becoming the governess of the VonTrapp household and making them clothes and teaching them to sing. The songs put a smile on my heart.

My list of favorite things has changed a bit since the fifth grade. Actually, it has changed quite a bit. If you'd like to know... my favorite things include my boyfriend. He puts a smile on my face and makes me laugh even when I am in a weird or bad mood. He makes me feel comfortable and I know I can be myself around him. He makes me happy when I am sad. I love spending my time with him no matter if it is at the dinner table or sitting in my room. He is one of my favorite things. My list also includes my friends. My friends mean the world to me. I have a group of close friends that I really feel "get" me. I don't have to act around them and I can just tell it like it is. My parent's are on my list. My sister is there as well. The list also includes traveling to places like Vienna, Austria, Prague, Czech Republic, Seville, Spain, and Cairo, Egypt. I haven't made it to Salzburg... but I am trying to get there this coming summer. The list has food on it as well...from Mexican food to pizza to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.


These are just a few of my favorite things. As I sit here and sing along (but not too loud) I am reminded that I have a lot to be thankful for and I wanted to share a few of my favorite things.

(Image from www.walmart.com)