Dec 31, 2010

Happy New Year


Happy New Year friends. 

It has been an incredible year and I feel so fortunate to no longer be in the black hole that I was last year

This year has been challenging and fulfilling and I am so ready to CRUSH 2011. 

I hope your night and year is filled with fireworks, fun new experiences, champagne and love. 

Let's dominate this year, shall we?

xo, 

Tay

Dec 30, 2010

Bridget Believes



Today's post is from Bridget, a fellow Lumberjack, a friend of my brother and the proud owner of a shiny new BLOG. I didn't know Bridget when we were at NAU, but have loved hanging out with her recently! 
She moves to DC in two days having never even been there {that's brave, yo} and I am so excited to see the wonderful things that I'm sure will come her way on the East Coast. 

Enjoy! 


***********************************************************
 
I believe whole-heartedly that everything happens for a reason (my mom taught me that).

I believe that I am happiest when I am surrounded by the people I love--even happier when we are all dancing.

I believe in always reaching out to talk about the things that are most difficult to talk about.

I believe in family and that my nephews are the cutest/best/most hilarious children in the world.

I believe in the healing power of a really good run or Zumba class.

I believe in the healing power of a really good piece of pizza.

I believe in listening to your newest favorite songs until 2am.

I believe in standing up for yourself!

I believe in volunteerism and doing something really good to improve the quality of life of others.

I believe in red lipstick and wearing more of it in 2011!

I believe in eating, drinking and shopping locally. 

I believe in Steve Nash.

I believe in finding enjoyment in your job and being a good, reliable, hard worker. I believe this is one of the greatest lessons I've learned in my adult life.

I believe in feeling fabulous & classy while drinking a Tanqueray & tonic with a lime. I believe this is also the key ingredient to a really good karaoke night.

I believe in telling people how you feel. I also believe in moving on if they do not feel the same.

I believe in growing and learning through pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. Scary, but necessary.

I believe that diets are a waste of time and energy. I believe they make you crabby. 

Therefore, I believe in eating healthy and being good to yourself. I believe being good to yourself includes eating burritos. 

I believe in never settling for a man. I believe the old cat lady option is better than that. 

I believe that we all better learn to genuinely love ourselves. I believe that the power of self-confidence rules over all aspects of our lives.
*******************************************************

**photo stolen from Bridget's facebook page. <3 it. Thanks for playing!

Dec 29, 2010

Tracy Believes

Today's post is from my favorite LA blogger, Tracy

I love catching up on her acting, life and struggles {and overcoming those struggles} with the past. She is incredibly strong and shares her strength through her powerful words. We've also had some pretty great email conversations in which she has helped me through some ish

Thank you SO much for sharing again this year Tracy! 

************************************************************


I believe:

In the division of costs. As in: If I bought this dress for $200, but I wear it twice, then it really only cost $100. Also, if dinner was $30, but I had leftovers for lunch - voila! - it only cost $15. See how that works? I'm pretty sure men don't do this...

That kindness for the sake of kindness is the best gift you can give anyone.

Organized religion should help bridge the differences of others, not exacerbate them.

Chocolate fixes everything. If chocolate doesn't fix it, try eating cheese first, then chocolate for dessert.

Catching a stranger's eye and smiling is one of the most wonderful experiences humans get. Cherish it.

That we should all be proud of the supposedly "uncool" things we truly, absolutely adore. They'll be cool in a few years, trust me.

80's fashion is evil and looks good on no one except Rihanna, who would look good in bear suit. Speaking of which:

No, Lady Gaga, meat is not for wearing. Ease off the drugs, please.

It's the thought that counts when we try to do good things, and it's the action that counts when we try to do bad things.

That you shouldn't move in with someone unless you plan on spending the rest of your life with him or her.

In the power of breakfast in bed. And lunch. And dinner. And dessert. In bed.

People should hug something furry every day. If you have allergies to furry animals, hug a teddy bear, or a really soft blanket.

Sometimes it's okay to let people down.

That everyone should find three or four really good, deceptively difficult-looking but actually quite easy appetizer recipes, and bring those to parties for the rest of their life.

That life is what happens when we get up from our computers. The easiest way to blog is to live your life so that you have something to blog about.

************************************************

Link to Tracy's 2009 I Believe list.

Dec 28, 2010

Kelli Believes

Today's post is from my favorite local blogger, Kelli. Her blog, African Kelli, is incredible and you should all be reading it.

Oh, by the way, she also wrote a great book that you should definitely add to your 2011 reading list. 

*******************************************************************

I believe in the power of words. Words can wound, heal, cause laughter and tears, bring goose bumps to the back of your neck, a shiver down your spine and a rumble in your belly. 

It is with these words, that I believe a good book can be a friend on a lonely night, a traveling companion on a long ride, something to stick under a wobbly table leg, a reason to spend countless hours in a bookstore, a prop for a child just a wee bit too small for the Thanksgiving table, and a reason to trek to Egypt to see the greatest library of the ancient world. 

posterchild for the polaroid project

With words in books that fuel imagination, I believe all children should have a chance at a great school. In much of Africa, the lucky boys and the even luckier girls attend schools with dirt floors, limited space and expectations that are humiliatingly high. The importance of boys and girls in school, with books in hand and the power of the written word in their hearts-is a belief that fuels me. 

Mozambican children

I believe girls especially should go to school-without the restrictions of uniforms, book expenses or any of the other bogus fees that often keep them away. I believe girls who learn to read, write and think critically become women who are selective of their mates, have high expectations and are better mothers, teachers and leaders. These are the women who will change the village, the nation and the world for the better.

Mozambican children

I believe a healthier future for families globally starts with girls who are taught to read. Girls who learned to love words. 

In this, I believe.

*********************************************************************

Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful words and incredible photos, Kelli.

Dec 27, 2010

Mackenzie Believes



Today's post is from my cousin Mackenzie who is wise beyond her years.

Enjoy.

********************************************************

I believe.

I believe in grace even though I have none.

I believe in walking barefoot in the rain with no umbrella.

I believe in Steel Magnolias.

I believe that we were all put on this Earth for a reason – even if that reason takes 85 years to discover.

I believe in food that makes your mouth water just to think about it.

I believe in the kind of love that sweeps you off your feet and never lets you go. The kind of
love that keeps you laughing through everything, good or bad.

I believe in skipping class and spending all day in bed.

I believe that it’s okay to want to be five years old even though you’re 25.

I believe in the power of God and prayer.

I believe in respect and dignity – treating yourself with it and making sure you give the same to others.

I believe in staying out all night with friends just so you can watch the sunrise.

I believe that everything matters.

I believe that there are things we can’t take back, no matter how hard we try.

I believe that women will always be little girls first – no matter how hard we try to not be.

I believe in flirting.

I believe that it’s hardest when family is the one who hurt you – but the reunion is the sweetest.

I believe in Christmas.

I believe in butterfly kisses.

I believe in chocolate and that it is the best bandaid.

I believe that this too shall pass.

I believe that talking for hours to your best friend over a bottle of wine is just as good as sitting for an hour with a shrink.

I believe that my mom can do anything and everything. She’s wonder woman.

I believe that my dad is the smartest, strongest, most amazing man that I will ever know.

I believe in laughter, pink, high heels, Audry Hepburn, chick flicks.

I believe in big trucks, mud, backwards baseball hats, ripped jeans.

I believe in me. 

***************************************************

Dec 23, 2010

Tracey Believes

Today's post is from my favorite Iowa blogger {and soon to be author. I'm on of her beta readers. Squee!}, Tracey. 

Thanks so much for participating again Tracey! 

**********************************************************
tracey

I believe:
in the healing power of wine and girlfriends.
in publicly announcing your goals, even if it might mean announcing your failure to reach them, too.
that talent without hard work is talent wasted.
that making a Target run in my pajama pants, sweatshirt, and no makeup guarantees I will run into at least one former boyfriend, neighbor, and co-worker.
that my children are my greatest accomplishment.
that eight solid hours of sleep will do wonders for your attitude.
in acting like a grownup when I should, and a kid when I can.
that it’s okay to work tirelessly toward your own goals, even if everyone has to accept that you’re a little less available because of it.
that the universe has a plan for everyone.
that nothing is a coincidence.
that how you treat animals says a lot about you.
that books are cheap therapy.
that you can spend too much time on the Internet.
that there are two kinds of people: those who always answer their cell phone, and those who don’t even know where their phone is.
that Dave will rarely answer his cell phone because he doesn’t know where it is, and even if it’s in his pocket, he won’t answer because it will be on silent.
that if I don’t cross my legs before laughing, sneezing, or coughing, I’ll probably pee my pants a little.
in supporting my kid’s dreams.
in not paying lip service to anyone.
that there are morning people and night owls and trying to convince either one to change is a exercise in futility.
that being perceptive will get you farther than being smart.
that sometimes it’s best to just shut your mouth.
in giving second chances.
that we’re all a little psychic if we really pay attention.
*************************************************
another great list! I love seeing how the lists change and stay the same from last year.

Believe.

Dec 22, 2010

Ney Believes

neytaygrey
Today's list comes from my High School BFF, Neyleen. 

We have rhyming names (ney and tay) and the same birthday. 

Ney is a fancy attorney. 

The photo above is from Neyleen's wedding. Do you like my Anna Nicole hair? I hope so. 

Here is Ney's list;

I believe that watching a  sunset, smelling the ocean, and finding a beautiful seashell is perfection. 

My wonderful assistant, Irasema, believes that Santa has the power to 'off' people upon request. 

I believe that it is completely appropriate to show up to depositions with a bedazzled briefcase. 

I believe that love is mysterious, confusing, fulfilling, necessary and eye opening. 

I believe that family can be adopted, inherited, or borrowed if necessary. 

I believe that I am a super lucky person to have a friend like Tay Tay. 

I believe that at least one cocktail is necessary after work each day. 

I believe that work weeks should never be longer than 4 days. 

I believe that a Vegas trip should not last more than 24 hours. 

I believe that cheese, pasta, bagels and donuts are nutritious. 

I believe that I am not too old to take a photo with Santa. 

santaney

I believe that cabbage patches make the best of friends. 

I believe I will be a beautiful sea turtle in my next life. 

I believe I was Punky Brewster in a former life. 

I believe that the world no longer needs sharks. 

I believe that exercising is for the weak. 

I believe in the justice of jury trials. 

I believe in angels. 

****************************************************************

Thanks for sharing Ney Ney. I love you. 

**I didn't send emails out this year asking for lists, so if you would like to write one please send it to me soon! We will have a very small series this year if we don't get some more in. :)

Dec 21, 2010

My Mom Believes

momandlittletay

{me and mom. notice my patty-cake hands.}

Today is the FIRST day of the second annual I Believe posts. 

Are you so excited? 

I am. 

Today's post comes from my mom. She is coming to Phoenix today and I am so looking forward to her week-long stay. 

Here is her list;

I believe in the transformational power of being still. 

I believe in champagne.
{I know I said this last year, but I really do believe in those bubbles} 

I believe that actions speak louder than words. 

I believe that to have a friend you have to be a friend. 

I believe in hand written notes and sending them through the US mail. 

I believe that someone somewhere knows the whereabouts of my missing gym bag (since 1992-h e l l o)
{note from Taylor- she still blames me for losing it. I swear I never saw the damn thing}

I believe that all people really need is love, but that sadly some people just can't accept it. 
I believe that please and thank you are NOT the magic words but that the really magic words are the ones that encourage and support. Like, "I know you'll make the right choice," and "I'm SO effing proud of you," and "I'll sleep with the phone next to my bed if you need me at three in the morning," and, "I love you," and, "that sucks hard," and, "I am so happy to see you,"....oh wait..... those are more like magic sentences.

I believe that everything happens for a reason. 

I believe that honesty is the best policy. 

I believe in puffy hair. 

I believe in using too much Downey in the laundry. 

I believe in pockets because they help you when you are nervous, keep your hands warm when you are cold, are OH SO CUTE and sometimes they produce surprise money. 
 
********************************************************


{There is still time to send me your I Believe list! 
Ltkalander at GMAIL dot COM}

Dec 13, 2010

I Crack Myself Up



I wasn't even drinking when I ordered these.

Dec 8, 2010

hearts.

IMG_1840

My mom sent this card to me a few months ago. It has earned a permanent place on my bedroom mirror and in my heart.

If you are so inclined, call your senator and encourage them to repeal DADT.

Dec 7, 2010

Woo!

Hey look!

I guest posted on Woo.

http://www.michellewoo.com/2010/12/07/things-that-make-me-say-woo-by-totally-tay/

More guest posts for awesome bloggers coming soon............

Have you sent your 'I Believe' posts in yet?

Dec 3, 2010

Friday Updates

IMG_2051

Well hello there bloggy friends.
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I have helped with two births, two weeks in a row. Thanksgiving and shopping and candy-cane-mainlining have also kept me from the blog.
The births went very well. They were both difficult and were awesome learning experiences. I was able to use so many of the tools I've learned but haven't practiced, so that was fantastic. 

Want to see the babies? 

Go to the official Baby Love Doula facebook page to check them out. 

http://www.facebook.com/#!/babylovedoula

So, how are things with you? 

Are you busy writing your I Believe lists? Are you finishing them up and getting ready to email them to me? I sure hope so, because I have only received one person's list and ONE list does not a series make!

I have been feeling super Christmas-y this year. Carol and I are working hard on decorating their house for the arrival of mom, grandma and brother.  We are super pumped for the holidays this year. I even went shopping on Black Friday AND Thanksgiving night (just to Michael's on Thanksgiving night for some essential Christmas craft supplies) which I have never done before. 

More soon, I promise. 

In the meantime, start writing your I Believe lists! 

xo, 

Taylor