Being realistic is the easiest path to mediocrity

Last night's episode of the millionaire matchmaker featured a plus-size diva seeking a hunk. Robin Kassner is worth millions and knows exactly what she wants, a handsome prince. The matchmaker found her to be superficial and delusional.

Here is a quote from an interview she gave to huffpo. I love it! I lover her audacity, her brazenness, and her (uuhhhhh) wisdom.

"Patti called me delusional and I took it as a compliment. Truly successful people have to be somewhat delusional. Only delusional people change the world. Being realistic is the easiest path to mediocrity. People thought getting in a metal tube and flying around the world was unrealistic, but the Wright Brothers didn't think so. People thought flicking a switch and filling a room with light was delusional, but Thomas Edison didn't think so. As a young woman, I run one of the most successful beauty and fashion firms in New York, I own a fabulous apartment in Manhattan, I drive a Mercedes and live the life I love. Most people would think those goals were delusional, but luckily, I go after my dreams."

Uh... diva alert?

Well done Robin. Click here for more of Robin's interview. Click here for an inspirational dance sequence from Save the Last Dance.

I didn't sign up for THIS.

And other things you might say to yourself during your twenties.

1. Who am I?
2. My bum looks great in these pants!
3. I don't know what I want, but I know it's not this.
4. I'll take IT!  (And other unapologetic exclamations whilst shopping)
5. What is my passion?
6. What do I want to be when I grow up? (I'll let you know when I figure it out.)
7. You want me to send a FAX ? But wait, I have a master's degree in English literature!
8. I wish I hadn't drank so much last night!
9. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. (It doesn't have to be!)
10. Mom will know what to do. 
11. Is this it? Am I doing enough with my life?
12. What is her deal! (And other comments on overly competitive Women.)
13. Where's my Vogue?  
14. Do I choose stability or excitement?
15. How do I decorate such a small space?
16. I'd love to see him again. I'd love to see HER again, she is so talented, smart, funny, and successful.
17. What do I want? How do I get what I want?
18. What is a 401k?
19. Who am I?
20. Should I marry him now? See here.
21. That was my promotion, why did he get it?
22. I'm exactly where I set off to be, so why don't I feel happy?
23. I love my roommate(s)/flatmate/boarder/hoarder.
24. Where have all the good cowboys gone?
25. I keep pursuing what I think I want for a profession, then change my mind and start over. Something has got to give! DID syndrome can happen to us all. And can be treated with the right support and proper planning.

It's the most wonderful time of the week!

Oh how I love Saturday mornings!

Pavarotti singing Nessun Dorma is the perfect Saturday morning theme song. At least for me it is! It's making my heart sing.

(Photo by my one and only)

Channeling patience thanks to Haruki Murakami

"The most important thing is to not let yourself get impatient," Reiko said. "This is one more piece of advice I have for you: don't get impatient. Even if things are so tangled up you can't do anything, don't get desperate or blow a fuse and start yanking on one particular thread before it's ready to come undone. You have to figure it's going to be a long process and that you'll work on things slowly, one at a time. Do you think you can do that?"

Excerpt from Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood

It felt like Mr. Murakami was talking directly to me, telling me to STOP! WAIT! And listen to my instincts.

The metaphor of yanking on a thread is also brilliant.

(Photo by a friend taken in Guatemala)

Our City Hall Wedding

Now that our wedding festivities in Guatemala are over. I thought I would share some pictures from our civil ceremony that was held here in New York City. Eric gave me the little bouquet that I'm holding in the pictures. Isn't it adorable? I think it makes the pictures.

The ceremony itself took under 2 minutes.   

We were amused by the short duration of the ceremony.

We took a serious shot to show our future grandkids. See kids, marriage isn't all fun and games.  

This picture says it all. We were excited for our upcoming wedding and for our future. After the ceremony we celebrated over pancakes. Later that day, in true diva fashion, I purchased my wedding shoes. It was a perfect day.

Hope

There are only 19 days left before my nuptials and the passing of my "find a new career" deadline. But don't be discouraged dear friends, because I'm not. I have regained my sense of hope (welcome back hope). You know that unexplainable energy that lifts you up from an otherwise soggy day? That is hope. Hope is the belief that a positive outcome awaits you. Today I am confident that I'll find or create a career that makes me happy and allows me to explore all the things I love.

What I plan to do with this new found hope can be summed up with a Goethe quote:

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it." - Goethe.

Dream and begin - check. Thanks Goethe!

I owe my rejuvenation to the outpouring of love I've received from friends lately. One surprise celebration after another (more on that later...well...maybe) has left me feeling entirely grateful for all the amazing and supportive people I have in my life. You know who you are!

That said, I know it’s hard to take that first step and make a career switch. But I've faced tougher challenges in my life and I have hope on my side.

So tell me...what gives you hope?

p.s. This photo is of me filled with hope. Can you tell?