Straight Flush

I'm like my grandma
short but I stand tall
Playing every single card that's dealt to me
Some days are Aces
Some days are Faces
well, some days are Twos and Threes

My grandma was short and I'm not...but this verse reminds me of her. Sounds like something she might have said. It's from a new Ben Kweller song, Fight, that seems to be on repeat in my car lately. And I seem to be screaming it at the top of my lungs.

No butts, no cuts, no coconuts

The woman in front of me had already unloaded ALL of her groceries onto the conveyor belt as I walked up to get in line. I was starting to check out the latest gossip on the tabloids when she leaned over and said, "Please...go ahead."

This completely took me by surprise because I actually had an armful of groceries, not just one or two things. The grocery line gesture is always so much better when it completely catches you by surprise.

I'm not sure when and where we decided it was polite and generous to let someone with only a few items go ahead (even though you were clearly there first) but it's such a great gesture. And I promise to do it more often.

To Whom It May Concern

So it's official. There was a technical error and my video application for The Best Job in the World never made it across the Internet waves. I received an email explaining they were "sorry", "it's too late", "nothing we can do" etc. So why would a rejection letter end up in my sunshine journal?

Because it prompted a letter writing session with a close friend and my brother to make one last ditch effort to get this job. And writing sessions are fun.
-----------
Hi Ben,

Thank you so much for your response.

I read (and re-read) your comment about there being NO DISCUSSION at this point.

So, let's not discuss.

Just watch this...it's only a minute. (You could use the break anyway.)
http://www.vimeo.com/3302161

Here's the deal:
Video uploaded.
Confirmation received.
Waiting ensued.

And now, we're here, Ben.
Me...with a broken heart and YOU, missing an amazing submission.

I'm TOTALLY wild card material. And if the rules are too hard to break...then maybe you should send me other jobs Tourism Queensland is hiring for.

Internet sucks...but maybe I don't...

Rebecca

Cop out

Online journaling is iffy. As is anything online, really.

Do I share, with the internet, THE ONE MOMENT that truly out-shined every other second of my day?

This isn't to say that I haven't been honest in every detail of every sunshine I've posted. They have all been moments that genuinely brightened my day. But sometimes the truly perfect moment is so special that I prefer to bask in it alone.

Maybe because it would reveal a secret I'd rather tell you if you asked and not have you read it in a fleeting moment at your desk.

Maybe because I'll offend the person I left at home because I had a headache, when really, I wanted a whiskey and a friend and a chat.

Or maybe, because I wanted to write it in MY journal, under MY bed, with MY thoughts.

And that, honestly, is my sunshine:
That if I pay attention, there are multiple teeny bright moments throughout my day. But some of them, get to be just MINE.

Pop culture invaded my yoga class

My yoga teacher was trying to explain that you need to be honest to yourself and listen to your body. If you're really struggling through a position, then rest. If you feel like you can reach further, than do. Avoid your ego; avoid that negative voice that tends to be more persistent than mosquitoes in the summer.

His advice on how to find your body's answer...just Google it. With your Inner Google.

This made me giggle at first...but there's truth to it. He mentioned that just like the real Google, sometimes bogus answers come up and you have to weed through the crap. But if you submit an honest question, your heart and soul and body will give you an honest answer.

Yea, so what. I'm a wanna-be Santa Monica-living hippie. I dig it.

It makes an ass out of you and me....except this time.

At Brennen's after kickball tonight.

Tim: "Hey Jack, do you want fancy beer or Bud Light?"

Jack: "Bud Light"

Tim: "Amanda, fancy beer or Bud Light?"

Amanda: "Whatever."

Tim: "Here, Rebecca, I got you a Bud Light."

I didn't get an option. But I love the assumption.
Love it.

No phone, no email.

Sundays should always be a day you misplace your phone and stay away from your computer. I forget how connected to LIFE you feel when you're not connected to your email.

Try it, it's lovely.

Say cheese.

Tonight...The Polaroid Oscars. A small gathering at my house to honor all the brave souls who have agreed to post their Polaroid picture on the wall of 2016 Ocean Park Blvd.



At some point, the party felt so adult. Instead of 12 packs of Coors Light, people showed up with bottles of wine and fancy whiskey.

Apparently, that whiskey went to some people's heads.

Someone received a spontaneous haircut, Taboo got a little dangerous and my neighbors gave the obligatory knock on the wall to make us shut up.

Adult went out the window. But I'm only 29, so it's totally acceptable.

Magically delicious.

The Pontius house was where all the kids wanted to be. We had an entire cabinet of Little Debbies (and still do), at least three types of sugar cereal at all times and a fridge full of soda. Growing up I wasn't really aware of how lucky we were in the eyes of all the kids who could only eat Total cereal and had never even heard of a Moon Pie.

Now, during many a conversation about Devil Cream Squares and Cookie Crisp, I'm realizing most of my friends were completely deprived as children. And for what really? Clearly Mark and I turned out just fine.

And the deprived kids...well, they're making adult beverages with Lucky Charms in them. Hennessy and Lucky Charms, in fact.

Delish.

It's important to have a repertoire of something.

Of all things processed and bad for me, I just can't seem to let go of fake cheese. Kraft Macaroni, Goldfish, Cheetos...all quite delicious. And spray cheese in a can, I mean come on. Included in my cheese repertoire is the always and forever scrumptious grilled cheese.

I'm sort of a purest when it comes to this sandwich. No fancy bread or fancy cheese or tomato or bacon...just bread, butter and preferably Kraft Singles (which I think have SOME real cheese value, but that whole getting stuck to the roof of your mouth thing makes me suspicious).

Even with my affinity towards your everyday, basic grilled cheese....Bodega in Santa Monica always seems to blow my mind with their brie and apple grilled cheese on challah. It's ALMOST as good as the original and never disappoints.

Awe, remember when we hated each other?

Appropriately enough, as the sun was coming up this morning, my brother and I were working on a video project (my interview for The Best Job in the World) and I had a little moment.

After a full overnight of working on HIS project, he still sat down with me to put the finishing touches on mine. And damn, that kid is talented. Best of all, we make such a great team. There aren't too many people in this world who will rehearse a dance for 30 hours straight, kidnap you on your birthday and still have time to hang with his friends.

We'll be taking over the world shortly, so rest up.

When skys are grey...

Today I got a pep talk from a friend.

Unfortunately, there's no cute story or interesting anecdote.

It was just that.
Words of encouragement and a few laughs from a familiar voice.

His name is David.
You should call him next time you're down.

Is that a pen in your pocket?

Hiking today, I realized you can't be much happier than a dog with his stick. They look so proud, so excited...just so happy. And they can't help but smile with a stick in their mouth...it's nearly impossible.

Come to find out (from my hiking buddy) there has been a scientific study on this. Two control groups:
1. People with a pen in their mouth
2. People with out

After a specified amount of time, the people with pens in their mouths -- who were ultimately forced to smile -- were actually happier after the allotted time. The penless people -- not as happy.

Am I gullible and have possibly fallen for yet another made up story? Quite possibly. But either way...dogs + sticks = happy.

Contagious

Never fails...laughter will always be contagious.

Went to a play tonight and there was a scene where a maid is laughing at her master...uncontrollably and for at least a minute straight. The scene itself wasn't all that funny, but I couldn't help but laugh along. The louder she laughed and the more she tried to catch her breath, the louder my laugh got.

I was impressed. She has to do that scene every weekend. And her laugh, real or not, still made me giggle.

Another Day

There's something to be said for starting your day early. I realize it's not a super uncommon thing, but for me, it is.

Today I went to an early yoga class and it changed my day. People seem friendlier in the morning -- less honking, more waving and things just seem calm. I'm convinced my yoga teacher steals music from my collection. He always seems to start the class with a favorite of mine that is utterly appropriate.

Today it was Morning Yearning by Ben Harper. And my favorite lyric:
Another day another chance to get it right
Must I still be learning?
Must I still be learning?

Award Fever

Throughout the year at my office, we gather names of clients and vendors whose names are worthy of Name Fame.

We finally tallied the votes today for 2008 and the winner is...

Items to note:
There are 5 people in my office.
Vicki's boss's name is Peter Kok. Seriously.
Second place went to Hooman Maboobi.

Always with me.

I've realized, over my very long 29 years, that there are times when everywhere you go, you feel as though you see a familiar face. I've learned (for me) that it usually means I just miss people.

Tonight, I swear I saw two good friends roaming around the bar -- both of which live 3000 miles from here.

These moments used to happen a lot when I traveled and it made ZERO sense that this or that person would be on the other side of the world with me. Which, ultimately, made me sad and lonely. However, tonight, it just flashed great memories through my skull and reminded me how much I love them.

We have a love/hate relationship

Me and this little place called the City of Angels.

Today, I let my guard down and was a tourist for a day. I have a weird pride thing about appearing as a tourist...I'm not exactly sure why or where it came from (20 years in Orlando perhaps?) but it's there.

And...um, this city is amazing. Each new little nook seems to transplant you to what feels like an entirely different city.

Yes, LA is dirty and crowded and flaky and hipster and plastic and whatever descriptive word YOU'RE thinking of...but it also never ceases to amaze me; there is always a new place to discover. And for that reason, Los Angeles, we can still be friends.

Because you never know...

Soooo, my night consisted of agreeing to go to a bar that I knew might not be awesome. And then, ultimately running into two of the worst dates I've ever had. Both of which, happened over two years ago.

Fine.

However, luckily, I brought my roommate with me and she had a random stranger walk up from behind...place her shirt tag back in her shirt, and then walk away -- anonymously.

Definition of kindness...yes...100%.

Three Amigos

Three boys from three different walks of my life contacted me today to let me know they enjoyed reading these little daily entries. All three of which, hold a special place in my heart and I'm still shocked they all called/emailed/chatted me on the same day.

I've been staring at my screen trying to come up with another sunshine to avoid posting a sort of "pat on the back" entry...but why lie?

I'm so honored that these three people have read about moments that have made me smile and in turn had a little smile of their own.

(I'm actually still ear-to-ear.)

Always prepared.

Walking home tonight, I reached in my purse to grab my phone and had to dig through the various (probably needless) things in my bag.

However, moving my bathing suit out of the way brought a smile to my face.

You truly never know when you might need it. It's actually not USUALLY in my purse, but it IS always on my checklist as I'm walking out the door for a trip.

Essentials: Toothbrush, underwear and a bathing suit.

Wanted: More Laughs

I forget how refreshing laughing is...for your mind AND your body. That's not to say that I don't laugh often...because I do. I would even dare to say I laugh every day. But the good laughs aren't as easy to come by.

You know, the uncontrollable kinds that start as a giggle and the next thing you know, you can't breathe.

I had one of those today with a friend. About nothing really. However, it does almost the same work as an hour of yoga and I feel great.

If you hate the book, don't see the movie.

But stay for the credits.

Which is basically my review of "He's Just Not that In You"...but that's besides the point.

Today I was relishing in the rain and realized that in Florida you take rainbows for granted, because you see them all the time. This morning I saw one and couldn't wait to stop and take a picture and call it my sunshine. However, pictures never do it justice.

The rainbow was great, but what's even cooler is after I took the picture, I realized the street sign said Clark. Like Carolyn Clark, my roommate. Yay.

Hope

Standing in the isle deciding on a wine is always a challenge for me. I have to sort by flavor and then by price and then by label. I'm a sucker for the label.

Tonight, Hope Wine won. The label caught my eye, but more importantly...this label gives 50% of it's profits to the Fight Against Autism. Which blows my mind...50 PERCENT. Companies just don't do that.

So I bought it. And seven of my dollars went to a great cause.
My Cabernet never tasted so good.

What's yours?

Some people would say fresh cut grass.
Or home baked cookies.
Or the first rain.

One of my favorite smells?
Chlorine on my skin.
It takes me back to high school and flirting on the pool deck, eating plate after plate of pasta and pushing my body to the ultimate limit.

Getting in the pool today was a first step...now I just need to convince myself to do it at least once a week.

In 3 to 4 minutes

Waiting in line took longer than the actual portrait.
I remember when I was proud if I could draw a simple house.
And I'm pretty sure that took me longer than 3 minutes.

Yes, Jesse Biltz, I went to Starbucks

I sort of hate to admit it, but today it was a guy at Starbucks. Overly helpful, overly smiley and overly accommodating. Even when I didn't smile back.

Thank you for my ice coffee with the perfect amount of soy and thank you for calling out Rebecca instead of referring to me by my drink order.

Our team name is the Crazy Monkeys

Standing out in center field with my new glove (purchased just moments before), praying the ball didn't come my way, I had a flashback.

I could see Mark (my brother) in his little baseball outfit waiting for his turn to bat. And all the other little kiddies doing various things in the outfield: eating grass, picking their nose, facing the fence, sitting Indian style.

I realized I was almost the same as them...playing softball for what felt like the very first time and spacing out in the outfield.

Luckily, we had adult drinks afterward instead of Kool-aid.