It's In The Bag

Literally.

These young guys started mixing up granola in their tiny NYC apartment kitchen and have created quite the company. FEED Granola is filling belly's with healthy yummy food, giving back to the community and a great example that working hard and consistently at something you really believe in- pays off. 

Their story is great. Makes me want to start slicing and dicing and see what I can come up with.

Take A Hike Debbie Downer

I am reporting today to tell Debbie Downer and Negative Nancy and whomever else that's trying to infect the world with negative crap to take a flying leap. 

Seriously. 

Please go back to your planet depression and leave ours alone. 

This is actually a positive message. It comes from a lot of places, but particularly a conversation with a stranger this morning. We were rolling- laughing talking about our collective debt, break-ups, heartaches, family drama and all other life issues that each and every single one of us has. Not to take these things lightly. Awful things happen to good people. Life hangs you out to dry sometimes and it is NOT fun. It's the actions you take when you're hanging out to dry that make all the difference.

We all make choices. With the exception of those few who have a legitimate medical condition, the rest of us have the power to pass on our misery or shut it up and smile.

My sister just told me a kid she went to high school with died of Melanoma last week. She's 23. My friend's Dad is going in the hospital tomorrow for colon cancer surgery. They just found out. Shes getting married in 6 weeks.

Yeah. Cry me a river Debbie and Nancy. I bet your life really sucks.

I have been guilty of it too, but come on people who have nothing to feel sorry for yourselves about. Stop feeling sorry for yourself! If you really think your life sucks that bad, DO something to change it.

The boo-hoo boat can leave without me as far as I am concerned. I will happily drive off barefoot into the sunset with my 9 year old car that has 200,000 miles on it, a file folder full of debt, to my job that I pretty much hate. I'll be smiling, and jamming out to the tape player (yeah, you read that correctly.) on the way. Once I get there, I will be nice to my customers.

Why? Because I am so much luckier than that guy who's dying from something awful, or that lady down the street that has real problems. 

Empanada Heaven

Here are some photos of a tiny little empanada joint we feasted at in Cafayate Argentina. The sweet old ladies were hand rolling every delicious bit to order in a tiny room in the back. Fun to watch and oh so tasty. 

What a find. Full belly for two for under ten bucks, customer graffiti all over the walls and a lively atmosphere. Ahh...

I love you Argentina!

"I Own A Pickle Emporium"

Wouldn't it be great to say that when someone asked you what you did for work?

Check out Guss' Pickles on the Lower East Side. Sweet, sour, spicy- oh the choices in the giant barrels. Too bad I don't live in NY. I'd be a regular. Especially if I could get some deep fried. Oh yeah.

So I have recently found a peanut butter restaurant and a pickle emporium. Can't wait to see what I find next. Maybe a ketchup cafe' or cole slaw joint. 

Clearly there is room for business in just about anything that you think is tasty. 

Thaumaturgy

Noun.

The performance of miracles or magic.

Maybe Emeril Can Help Me With This One

When I find something that is ridiculously DE-LISH, I often say that it is "Smack yo mamma good."

I realize that I might start sounding like a broken record soon. I have been using that line for quite a while now. I'm thinking it might be offensive to some too, because really no one should be smacking their Mamma.

So it's time for new material.

I had the most (enter new BAM! line here) mocha shake yesterday at Port City Java I almost couldn't contain myself. Real ice cream, fresh pulled espresso shots all mixed up into a perfect cup of insane deliciousness. I have never had a shake that good in my life. (Yes, I was surprised too because I am no stranger to milkshakes and certainly don't take "the best ever" lightly when it comes to treats.) I had to immediately rush back up to the counter to thank the friendly cute young gals who made it. They have some serious talent.

All opinions for the next saying I will likely overuse within 2 months are welcome.

Boy do I love that something like a milkshake can make me that happy.

Unity

An overseas trip was Matthew and Jessica Flannery's inspiration to create Kiva, an organization that pairs people like you and me (who don't have bazillions of dollars to lend) in addition to big companies and philanthropists with entrepreneurs in the developing world. These entrepreneurs sometimes need as little as $100 to jump start their businesses which in turn improve the lives of their families and communities. As a lender you can actually choose who you lend to and follow their progress. How awesome is that? 

These guys started this all by asking their family and friends to lend a few bucks. Look what they have turned it into. 

Read some interesting information about Microfinance on the site. Proof once more that a little can turn into a lot and any effort towards helping someone else is never too small.

Hat's off to you Kiva. Companies and people like you keep me- and I am sure so many others writing, believing, and thankful for everything that we have and that is possible.

Have You Ever Noticed?

Have you ever noticed that the most genuinely happy people are the ones who are helping other people? With work, in life, in general?

Let that sit in for while, during the time you might be thinking about what's beyond main street for you.

More soon...

What's Beyond Main Street?

I'd like your help on a project that I'm absolutely THRILLED to be working on. 

What's beyond Main Street...to you? 

What do you think of when I ask?

"Main Street" could mean a frame of mind, a way of life, your next personal or professional goal, an image or an actual physical place. Not even the sky is the limit on this question- you can go wherever you want. Just run with it.

Please post a comment here to share, or email diane@bluelollipoproad.com. I cannot tell you what a huge help your comments and thoughts will be and make this project. 

Thank you thank you thank you!

"Whatever It Is I Think I See..."

The New York Times today says the recession seems to have a sweet tooth. Candy sales are soaring and adults in particular have been consuming growing volumes of Necco Wafers, Mary Janes, Gummy Bears and the like. This means either people are feeling nostalgic and want some yummy treats, or they are curled up in bed depressed about life and the doom and gloom of everything having to do with the economy that's in the media every millisecond. (I hope the second option above is not the case.) 

Media; Can you just back it down for a second? I'm trying to enjoy my Tootsie Pop!

It's not just candy that we are loving. We can't seem to get enough of all things that remind us of the good old days and childhood. Check out this gourmet peanut butter cafe' called PB Loco. Absolutely brilliant and what fun. Can you imagine the smiles you'd get if your job was to serve peanut butter everything to people all day? Really. Peanutbutterlicious?! If this can't start some good ideas brewing in your head, I'm not sure what will. PBJ's for a living? These guys are genius!

Clearly we learned everything we ever needed to know in kindergarten.

I'm off to meet with my 5 year old neighbor to see if he can give me some business tips...

Not Just Great Movies...

...fantastico quotes too.

Perhaps the below from Fellini will work to help those recently thrown out on their keisters to find their next fork in the road:

"Put yourself into life and never lose your openness, your childish enthusiasm throughout the journey that is life, and things will come your way."

I couldn't agree more Frederico!

A Portrait Of Caring

CVS is another company out there helping people share stories of all the ways they care. It is a thrill and so humbling that I'm able to continually find companies and people that are so generous. The fact that there are so many out there just giving and giving, expecting nothing in return is incredible.

I want to be these people.

You know those days when your work, love life, health, job and all else just feel like they totally suck? Yeah, they might at times. Sometimes mine feel like that too. But really? So many have it so much worse. And more? We live in America people! Land of opportunity and possibility and this is not a Bank Of America commercial. It's just the truth.

Maybe we could all make a promise to each other to spend just a few minutes this week following the example of the people in these stories. Lets go out of our way to do something nice for a stranger. Lets also try to open our eyes a little wider to things we should be thankful for. (Yes, I am guilty too of being a spoiled brat at times. Not fun to admit, but now I am calling myself out. Join me.) Lets take advantage of all the opportunity that we have available to us and get some perspective. 

Practice makes perfect right? You'd practice at running to become a good runner. Why not practice on getting perspective? Make yourself stop in the rat race for 2 minutes everyday and just look around with no distraction. You'll be amazed at what you "see" and what it will make you want to do.

Hippie Feet

I have never really thought twice about driving barefoot. But when I got in my car tonight and immediately kicked off my shoes as usual, I let out a big sigh and just thought:

Bare Feet.

How great.

All year round. 

Yay.

If you're coming from a hard- days work, a black-tie event or a soccer game, kick off your flip-flops, dress shoes, heels, boots, clogs- whatever as soon as you get in your car to drive home. It's such a treat and one of those little things that just makes you smile and feel all happy about your day.

Here's to hippie feet.

Named After A Stove

A friend of mine was raving about Potbelly Sandwich Works this week. After poking around to get some info. about this company, I am wondering how I've been to Chicago so many times and not eaten here. 

Potbelly is the kind of place anyone would love to nosh. The locations are all chucked full of antique and kitschy decor that's authentic. They have yummy fresh food for super-affordable prices, are known for great service and being family friendly, they have live local music and do a ton of charitable work. How fab is that for a company who's keeping it real even they have grown to 200 stores and counting?

Kind of makes you think it'd be fun to moonlight as a sandwich maker just so you could hang out with these peeps for a while. 

My next visit to Chi-town? Yeah, I'll be visiting the original Lincoln Ave. spot for sure!

In Honor Of March Madness

I thought something I read in the Wall Street Journal today would be a fun sports snippet to pass on.

According to a 2008 poll from Referee Magazine, (Yeah, I didn't know there was such a publication either until today) 67% of referees think coaches don't know the rules.

No wonder why tempers flair up and people get so feisty. Thankfully though- that's all part of the entertainment.

STAND UP

Check out this brave (and might I add handsome:) young man speaking up for his rights this week at the State House in Vermont. His short speech is around minute 43 in part 1.

Gay, straight, black, white, city, country, old, young, big, little- whatever is close to your heart and you are passionate about; STAND UP FOR YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. It will make a difference.

Happy Spring!

Doritos And Starburst Or Pizza And Panties?

Need lunch on the go? Forget the candy or pretzels on buttons e6 and f3. How about some pizza made with fresh ingredients out of a vending machine? Here's an article from the NY Times a few days ago. Head to a mall in Italy and put in some coins for your pie.

What's next? Moms meatloaf and mashed potatoes? Probably already done somewhere. Check out all these crazy vending machine options in Japan. 

Ok, beer, noodles- I get it. But lingerie?! I wonder where the dressing room is for that one. 

It's Official

I just had my first stranger who I don't know from a hole in the wall comment on this blog. I haven't told very many people I even write one yet. This person found Blue Lollipop Rad at random. So flippin' exciting.

I have now had my first official thrilled beyond belief moment in regards to a personal project that I've given all my heart to. You know that moment after the years you say you are going to do something but finally push through all your fears, insecurities or whatever else might be holding you back to finally do it? Then some stranger comes out of nowhere to say thank you expecting nothing in return?

Yeah, that's it. So, so incredible. That is this moment for me. I have finally allowed myself to create something I wholeheartedly love and believe in and it somehow found a stranger who needed it and appreciates it. Thanks Gabi the stranger! You just made my day times a million! 

Now? Oh the possibilities...

Ignorance Is Bliss

Moving out of Blissville kind of sucks and it's really hard.

On the flip side, when you move out of Blissville you get to move to Realville which is where the totally great stuff happens.

I'm A Quitter, And Proud Of It

Yes, you read that title correctly. I can't very well live a truthful life, write what I do on this blog for you to read and hopefully be inspired by and claim to be real if I am doing things that aren't in my life- right?

Saying that, I wanted share that I will be quitting my job soon. The people I work for and with currently, are rude, and disrespect me. They have an overall miserable attitude. They don't care about the business as much as I do. They don't see that I work my butt off everyday with a smile on my face and show up on time. They likely wouldn't even notice if I got hit by a train. What I want is simple; To work hard and have the people I work for respect me. I think I deserve that. We all do.

Perhaps I made a mistake in choosing this job. Maybe I just got nervous because I am supposed to feel "lucky I have a job offer in this economy." (Can I just tell you how much of a load of crap I think that is by the way?) Maybe I was just scrambling because I have bills to pay, or was worried people would think I am lazy or something if I didn't find a job in a day. These are all pretty typical feelings. Either way, I am going to quit this job because I need to believe in what I do for work and deserve to have at least one redeeming thing about what I spend 40-80 hours a week doing. 

Discouraging and disappointing are not strong enough words to express how I have felt, and several of you who have written me have stated you have felt- when it comes to your boss/co-workers/job. The lack of general manners, respect and decency overall seems pretty sad in so many cases. On the flip side, those who have shared stories of jobs you love and are paid close to minimum wage, co-workers who are your best friends and how much you love that you make a difference everyday with what you do- this is where my hope stays and why I can't stop believing that great work is out there to be found. 

I'm not going to stop until I find it. Or I am going to make it myself.

If I have to be a quitter for a little longer, because I make a not-so-great choice on the next job- so be it. At least I'll be able to take something from every job mistake I make and learn a little more for the next time. I will always be proud of being a quitter if it means I'll still be able to believe I can make a difference with my work somehow, someday.

Sure anyone would have to be a bit strategic about this quitting thing, make a plan, yadda yadda. No one can get all crazy and quit tomorrow if you can't feed your kids or will be thrown on the street. Do yourself a favor though, evaluate your current job situation and if you can't come up with at least one redeeming thing about it and your gut says it's never going to get better, get out. Summer is coming and you can always serve ice cream. 

Thank you Mom, for encouraging me to be a quitter when anything in life doesn't feel right.

Thank you Maureen in for being the shortest-lived and most inspiring boss I have ever had.

Thank you Meggin and Crystal for letting me try my best to be a good and fair boss to you. 

Thank you to everyone who has written to me and shared that because of this blog you are living and trying things you have always wanted to. That is why I continue to write and babble and it helps me to keep believing.

Quotables

"Old man socks with a salt stained sneaker."

"Divided by a couple of trees and a chicken coop."

I heard someone say these things today and after a total crack-up, all I could think was, god those would be great song or book titles!

Man I get a kick out of this stuff. 

You Bet Your Sweet Scooper

Cold Stone's not kidding!

Mmm...chocolate and peanut butter cups.

Fun Food Company Names

*Crunchmaster

*Bear Naked

*Ciao Bella 

Just an average Sunday perusing the grocery isles for some new treats and ideas.

Let It Out

I'm sure most all of you have seen these commercials. I love them. Wouldn't it be great if some random person on the street grabbed you when you walked by so you could talk/vent about anything and not be judged? 

I want this guys job. What a fantastic way to spend a day.

Don't be surprised if you see me with a couch and box of Kleenex on a street in your town sometime soon. 

Bike And Wine Tour Fridays

Here are our bikes outside a winery in Mendoza.

Sure beats a day at the office. I prefer exclusive bike parking to exclusive parking deck parking any day. 

Cheers to the weekend!

It's Your Stage. Work It

What do you do everyday? (I'm talking about your job/where/how you spend 40-plus hours a week.) Do your 40 hours make you a fair living, feed your soul and teach you/allow for you to grow toward your goals? If so, damn I am jealous along with lots of others. Here's a game plan for us that aren't quite as lucky as you just yet:

If your current employer is/has been good to you, but you still feel like you need a change, in a fair and responsible way, use your 40 hours as your stage. This is your forum to meet anyone you can, create new relationships and keep busting butt with a smile on your face. Just keep doing your thing and be patient. Opportunity will come.

It never fails to amaze me at how blind some company owners are to stellar employees they have. It's a real shame. In this case, get a little more aggressive than above. Shamelessly promote yourself. Heck, if you want to come right out and tell your current clients straight up that you are looking for a new job, while you're still working at your current one- do it. Rules of professionalism get thrown out the window if you are completely forgotten and disrespected in your current position. You have to take care of yourself. What choice do you have?

Clueless employers; Smarten up. Sure it might be a tough economy and there probably aren't a hundred jobs out there we can run to if we quit. Sure we have bills to pay and don't really want to be jobless, but please don't be foolish enough to think we (the stellar ones) will stick around a minute longer than we have to when new opportunity comes. Thanks for letting us use your place as a stage in the meantime though. At least we're getting that out of the deal!

Word Of The Night

Adroit

Adjective

Clever or skillful in using the hands or mind

Of All Water To Jump In...

...this guy chooses Niagra Falls frigid temps? 

Dude!- Next time you want to get crazy and stupid, join those fun college kids doing a tequila conga line in Cancun! You probably won't risk your life and the water is much warmer there.

Seriously Checkers

Baconzilla?

Ok, ok- so I was laughing hysterically. That's pretty funny.

Do You Really Want To Know? In That Case...

Next time someone asks you how you are, tell them. Don't just say "Good thanks!" automatically. It's pretty boring and usually not even true. Having real conversation/interaction with people is swell and always rewarding. You might think the daily auto-responder is necessary, but it's not. When you stop a second and share how you really are, you'll be amazed at the conversation and opportunity you will open up. Couldn't we all use some more opportunity?

I broke out in tears when I was touring a freaking gym of all places a month or so ago. (I know- sounds ridiculous) All the guy giving me the tour asked was how I was doing. It wasn't anything, I was just having a "moment." That's life. Would you believe that as soon as I got ahold of myself, this gent started talking about a bunch of stuff that was going on with himself and his life and we became total buddies? Guess he felt like he could trust a stranger when that stranger completely "showed their "a**." 

Not too long after the gym debacle, I blurted out way too much information to the director of a company who was interviewing me. (Yes, I did all the wrong things. All the stuff your mom and career counselors told you NOT to say/do but it was honest and I couldn't help it.) From that experience I was not only offered the job, but now have a friend who is easily one of the coolest and most inspiring women I have ever met. 

Try to spend one day answering, acting, being and feeling exactly what you do. Just let it happen. It's really difficult but you'll be pleasantly surprised at the results.

Look What I Get To Do After Work On A Tuesday

Can't wait for Wednesday.

What's that they say? Oh yeah- that's right; Life is good.

Erin Go What? How About Erin Stay Home

According to the National Retail Federation, consumers plan to spend $32.80 per person boozing out for St. Patty's Day this year. With bank accounts dwindling across the country, why not just stay home, celebrate and save some loot? Pop a $10 six-pack of Guinness, sit on your couch and relish that you won't have some drunk and overly excited fool barfing on you from doing one too may Car-Bombs. 

Sure it's sometimes charming to be out in all that madness and crazy business, but you probably have no idea who the heck Saint Patrick is anyway. Taking a year off from your local Irish Pub might be good for you. It'll give you time to do a little research.

Cheers!

Look What I Get To Do After Work On A Monday

Can't wait for Tuesday.

Today Is The Greatest

...and not just for The Smashing Pumpkins.

Check the Go campaign by VISA. It's terrific. How could you not want to go explore, go find something new or go rock anything out after clicking around all these pictures? 

It's a big beautiful world out there. Go, and don't look back.

Spring Break Or Bust

We met these kids today. Just trying to make a couple bucks to pay for their beer. Yes, this is what they were wearing on March 7th at the beach. How awesome is that?

Hot dogs $2 OBO. Too Funny. Love the fun and creativity. Oh to be 21 and on spring break again. 

Got Milk?

I heard today was National Oreo Cookie Day on a local radio station. I think the DeeJays were drunk,  just wanted to get excited and give stuff away at a local supermarket, or something.  It is not National OREO Cookie Day today. Apparently February was the anniversary. But good for them for attempting to entertain us this morning. 

I figured I'd play along and pretend too. Especially because I just ate an entire container of them in the past 3 days. Props to Nabisco!

OREOS have been around since 1912 and are called "Milk's Favorite Cookie." I'd agree. (That and Nutella's favorite too) Here's an interesting article about the world's best selling cookie we all love. I guess eating that whole container I just did was probably not the best thing for me. 

Oops. 

I Want To Buy This Place

REALLY want this place. I have about $4 in my bank account, so I'm not sure that will cut it. I am currently stalking the owner to get information though. Maybe he'll just gift it to me?

So, no- I don't have a plan. I'm thinking. All I know is I have driven by this little place a hundred times and for a few years and I cannot stop thinking about it. It screams at me every time; "I'd be a fabulous coffee shop! A Yummy cafe'! Place to live! Wine Bar! Retail Store! Community gathering place! Buy me, buy me!"

Anybody out there have out there have some bucks and want to invest in some property? I suppose I'm fine not owning it, but I could seriously run a kick-ass something in this space. Lets do it. 

Takers?

Bailouts Aren't Just For Those Auto Guys

Did your wedding fund just disappear because you had to use it to pay your mortgage and bills for the past 3 months now that you lost your job? Are you foolishly in love, engaged, but can't afford a lifesaver ring let alone a ceremony and party after? Now you have the chance to say "I do" in style, in the Bahamas and for free. 

The Bridal Bailout. 

Between March 20 and April 24 you can submit a video or essay with photos about you and your schmoop. Convince these guys why you are deserving of a freebie wedding. 

Give an engaged couple and 8 guests everything for free and they'll bring 82 more friends and family members along who will end up footing the bill and then some when it's all said and done anyway? Smart move Bahamas. You're no dummy.

Dear Brides and Grooms,

Let me know if you are chosen. I will give you my address so you know where to send my invite. I am all about sand, surf and a destination wedding!

Skittles, Bourbon And An Old Pick Up Truck

You know how people say things sometimes you can't forget? No matter how many years pass or where your life takes you, and sometime even if you want to forget- you just can't? These sayings/quotes tick you off on occasion because you think, damn! They were right. ARGH!

Here's a couple that seem to keep me in check these days. I wanted to pass them on to poke at you like they poke at me. It's a good poke.

"Do you actually listen, or do you just wait to talk?"

"I just looked around one day and thought to myself; If that a**hole can do it- I sure as hell can." (In this case the term "a**hole" was referring to any Tom, Dick or Harry)

Dear Jack and Adam,

Thanks. I'm actually listening and I am doing it.

Broke As A Joke?

Yup. A lot of us are these days. The good thing is that cash isn't the only way to make things work. It seems as if it's recession this and economic crunch/demise/disaster that. Enough already! Lets be proactive and beat this thing. 

*The obvious one, Craigslist. Ads/postings are up 100% recently. Perfect! Get rid of that junk you don't really use or need anyway and posting is FREE! Take the loot you make pay it straight to that high interest credit card. You'll have a clean house and some extra bills paid. 

*Think about bartering. Maybe your hairstylist has talked and talked about getting in shape and you're a personal trainer. Offer a session for a cut and color. Your neighbor is a contractor? Perhaps he's willing to fix your back porch if you offer 5 nights of your babysitting services over the next few months. Then he can take his wife out on a few "dates."

*Ask a friendly favor or volunteer yourself for one. Who would have thunk it? Just like the good ol' days. Here's a fantastic resource you can use.

Heck, maybe while your helping that sweet little old lady down the street plant her spring flowers, or dropping off that old washing machine you don't need to the single mom- you'll end up making a new friend or meeting the man/woman of your dreams.

No Simple Nut

Companies seem to be doing more good than ever these days. I guess it's the sign of the times. If that's the case I am thinking these "times" should have happened eons ago. 

What's your true north? These people share theirs here. 

Someone just told me; "I got off my own ass and started writing my book, your energy and desire fired me up."

Even though I try my best to live my true north everyday, admittedly, I often wonder if what I do and preach will actually end up really helping someone. (Hey, lets face it- not everyday is easy and yes, sometimes things are discouraging even when you do have a positive attitude!) But there you have it. Now this person is going to write that book they have been talking about writing for years just because I am writing this blog and somehow it gave him that last little push?

Wow. Now that, is what I am working for. Thank you. Yay! Dr. Seuss was right!

One Fish Two Fish

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! 105 today. 

Oh the places you'll go...

Just Another Manic Monday

It's winter. It's freezing, it's Monday. Yuck.

If you are having a case of the Monday's, I've got something to break you out of the funk. Bonus if you spin around in circles and jump up and down. When you look and sound like a complete lunatic, you can laugh at yourself and get other people to laugh at you. It is fun. Chant the following:

I said a boom-chicka-boom

I said a boom-chicka-boom

I said a boom-chicka-rocka-chicka-rocka-chicka-boom.

I said a boom-like-chicka-like-boom

I said a boom-like-chick-a-like-rock-a-like-chick-a-like-rock-a-like-chick-a-boom.

I said a boom-chicka-boom

I said a boom-chicka-rocka-chicka OOH OOH OOH!

I know. ridiculous. Totally ridiculous. 

If that doesn't work? Eat some chocolate. Lots of it. That never fails. 

Don't forget- spring is about to spring! 

March Madness

No, not basketball. A tournament for yourself.

I picked up a little 30 day project for myself tonight. New month, new thing to learn. Now I challenge you to do the same. Teach yourself something for the next 30 days. Pick one thing and do it every single day. It can be for one minute, an hour, or three. Just make sure you commit to it every day no matter what. Maybe try to choose something you have perhaps felt the need to do for a while, or a something you've always wanted to improve. I'd love to hear what you choose.

Game on.