Raining Cats and Dogs

Where did that phrase originate? Is there an event in time where cats and dogs really fell from the sky? I think I'd crap myself.

Anywho - its raining here in Baltimore. This sort of weather always brings my mood down and its not making for a fun weekend. I'm still in surprisingly good spirits though. I bet its that whole power of positive thinking! Oh and its Emily's 6th birthday (she's my dog)... so you know, feel free to say happy birthday or whatever.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


Let's see... what else can I chat about? I got some interesting responses to my post about gossiping. Nothing scandalous and I agreed with all of them.

I guess when you talk about positive things that happen to people or about that person, I don't consider that gossip. I consider gossip to be negative commentary that isn't necessary (i.e. ooh, girlfriend needs to consider wearing a looser fitting shirt!)... or it isn't stuff that you wouldn't say to that person's face. Although I have been in situations where its better NOT to say what you really think to a person because no matter how much they claim they want to know the truth - they really don't want to know that the dinner they made you wasn't that good. I don't like to hurt feelings... and for anyone that's cooked me dinner, I'm not talking about you! I'm just using an example.

For the most part, I think I'm a nice person. The "gossip" generally only starts when I feel that you've wronged me. Like... you were rude to me for no reason. You purposely did something shitty to me. Etc... etc. But now - even in those situations, I'd rather just avoid you going forward.

And I've really beaten a dead horse with this whole, "I'm going to be nice!" crap so I'll stop there.

Tonight I'm meeting up with my fabulous blogging pals that live in Baltimore to eat some delicious Lebanese cuisine. Tomorrow is Megan's birthday (feel free to give her a Groundhog Day/Birthday shout-out!) and we're going to one of those Japanese Steakhouses. The chefs all have the same schtick but I love it everytime. The catching the egg in their hat? I always clap. The little onion volcano? Love it! And the pretend squirting of crap all over you but its really just a gag ketchup bottle? Give me more! Seriously - I love it. And doing sake bombs probably helps, I'm sure.

I hope everyone has fun stuff going on this weekend! Oh... its the Superbowl Sunday weekend, right? I guess people probably have something planned.

Oh and just because I thought it was funny. Ben sent me this today: Fashion tips for women from a guy who knows dick about fashion.

But I'm Trying to be Nicer!

Last night I met up with a bunch of the girls for dinner (its Baltimore Restaurant Week) at a fabulous Italian restaurant. Actually - I'm thankful for my friends in situations like these because it was tough finding restaurants that had vegetarian options.

AND I hadn't seen Suz since October. That's just insane!

Anywho - we were all catching up and whatnot when some gossip started to bubble up. I'm super guilty of gossiping. I can gossip about anything or anyone (celebrities are sadly included in this... and I say sadly because hello? Its not like I know these people). But I'm turning over a new leaf. My Inspirational Lunch post was genuine. Aside from all that "I don't know what I want to do in life" stuff... I really was getting tired of being catty, mean, etc. I don't want to be that person anymore.

Gossiping has gotten me into trouble in the past and I've definitely burned some bridges. I've also had my fair share of gossip spread about me (stupid karma). I think most people I know gossip. Sometimes its hard not to especially when situations arise where "so and so" and "so and so" were "totally making a scene last night!" or whatever. You want to talk about it. Laugh about it. Whatever.

So - I'm trying to not do that anymore. I'm taking on the approach of positive thinking. Its the power of positive, people.

A particular person came up in conversation last night and all of us in the circle pretty much share the same opinion of said person (and its not a good one). Although I would say that Amy and Megan are SO much nicer than I am. I have a tendency to show my feelings in my face. Stupid subconscious expressions! I'm also a bad liar.

What's my point? I didn't say anything bad! I'm trying to avoid the added commentary of "ew - did you see so and so's outfit?" and unnecessary cattiness like that. I will continue to report situations and events when asked but I'm going to do it as objectively as possible.

I've also realized that I just need to separate myself from foolish people. These are the people that make it difficult to NOT gossip or scream or be mean because they are ridiculous. So I'm cutting ties. I think its safer for me so that I can remain positive.

The best part of turning over this new leaf? I was told that I'm much funner when I'm mean. Ha! Traci even gave me an out and suggested that I should generally stay positive but when I'm with the girls, I can let it all out. While I love that suggestion... it would be like going on a diet Monday through Friday but allowing myself to pig out all weekend.

So... do you gossip? Or do you try to find the positive in people? If so, how do you do it? How do you deal with difficult people?