Praise Jesus

I’m finding myself getting inspired more and more by my friends and family. This blog entry was inspired by VERY different things/people/occurrences.

But the commonality between both of them funny enough is … Jesus.

For some strange reason when I type or say “Jesus” a few things come to mind, and just the thoughts entertain me, enjoy:

-Advent Program as a young kid at St. Mary’s school. St. Mary’s annual advent program was really a 4^th grader’s religious fashion show. As young, cubby and unsure of who-she-would-be-one-day girl, I would beg and plead with my mom for a new Christmas dress to wear to the advent program – a night to celebrate in song, the birth of …you know it, everyone’s favorite baby in a manger, Jesus.

- High School days…o yes I followed Jesus to HS. This time as a-bit-more-assure-of-herself teenager, my reference point for Jesus was more of a remembrance of our World Religions class with Mr. Monfett. A strange but interesting and experienced man that I had a hard time impressing - probably because I started to question Jesus and not just dress for him.

- HS/College: “Look Look its JESUS!!” many a slumber party with a few select girlfriends watching The Sweetest Thing...here is the link to part I’m referencing.

- Now: Now, Jesus reminds me of … Jesus. Well not Jesus Christo but my friend Jesus (“hey-sus”). A great person and friend dropped some scripture on me the other day and as usual when I type these lengthy passages, I felt inspired. Now as an as-sure-as-she-has-ever-been-of-herself, I find my friends, family and experiences as my prophets, apostles, commandments, creed, code, church, Eucharist, reconciliation, and religion.

Jesus (friend), said this to me the other day and it stuck with me for some reason.

Jesus – “shit doesn't work out for a reason, found that out the hard way...if you don't wipe it clean that shit it will just spread and it gets even messier.”

ISN’T THAT GREAT!? I mean, really?! It’s really a sophisticated “Shit Happens” anecdote. If something isn’t perfect, or if life comes raining down (as it can sometimes)...Clean that shit up. Clean up the mess that you may find yourself in. If you don’t and expect the shit/mess/crappy thing to just disappear on its own, it won’t.

Clean up that shit because if you don’t…it will spread and who knows who you will be then – then it could get really messy.

I think it is too easy for us to sit back and point to things/circumstance/issues/people/etc and try to blame them for our “messes” that we find ourselves in. Through what Jesus said, I think that instead of trying to pass blame, as it may seem easier, I should just accept situations and challenges for what they are … and just move forward. Do a personal “clean up” and have faith in yourself.

I believe very much in faith in fate. Faith in my own fate, faith in who I am and how I lead my life. Faith in those things that affect me, faith in my family, friends and experiences. Faith in me. If you’re wondering what those words mean on my foot, well that should give you an idea.

So I may have a few different interpretations or what "Jesus" means or least reminds me of. But I hope that at the end of the day, I can faith in me to clean up the messes that I may find myself in. Or at least try and make it smell better.

"With a perspective",

Polly

Boys and Girls

Typing to Tunes: Hey Boy - The Blow, The Time is Now - Moloko, Love's Almighty - Telepopmusik, Longest Road - Morgan Page

SO...this is going to be a fun blog. Because as you would know if you read my blog, I geek out on people, interaction and how we communicate with each other and especially with ourselves. I have been thinking about the content of this impending blog since my walk to work this morning. Here we go.

Groggy morning, slept in, hair wet in a bun, bundled up for brisk walk to BART, coffee tumbler in hand, boomin' head phones to a somewhat new playlist. Lake Merritt is beautiful in the mornings, sun is shining, people are running, the bums are friendly, I'm stomping to the music, The Blow song "Hey Boy" begins to stream through my hot pink and blue headphones.

I have heard this song a million times.

BUT I have yet to really listen to the lyrics and the meaning of the song.

This song is not particularly "deep" or "moving" but I found it funny and insightful and brutally honest. 2 things I like very much in just about anything.

So here are the lyrics and I will walk you through them with my thoughts and feedback if your interested in TEAL. If not, I have included a link to the music video. Check it.

It may help to listen along with the lyrics.

Hey Boy
Why you didn't call me?
I waited for days
I can't believe you didn't call

Like in the video, why is it that, lets be honest ladies...we have waited for the phone/email to ring. We have sat in bed at night wondering. No, we are not crazy for doing this...but we do it and it's torture. Not all boys put us through this torture (boys don't flatter yourself). What is funny is that "waited for days" is somewhat true. Everyday that goes by that they don't call, we think crazy ridiculous things like "O well maybe he didn't want to call to soon". "Maybe he's busy." "But wait, did I say something weird". "Why wouldn't he call, doesn't he want to just talk to me?". Torture.

A. You're gay
B. You've got a girlfriend
C. You kinda thought I came on too strong or
D. I just wasn't your thing
no ring

Yes, I have encountered all of the above. Truly. A. I have gone out with 1 (maybe 2) boys that were clearly gay or very confused. B. Yes, I have gone out on a first date with a guy with a girlfriend - man I wish he read this blog. C. I'm SURE I have come on too strong, and D. well thats the "He's Just Not That Into You" reasoning and yes I have read that book and thank god for it. Thank you Karen for making me read it in college. Listening to the song list her mental multiple choice game as to why the "boy" hadn't called feels very...familiar.

Hey Boy
Why you didn't call me?
I waited for days
I can't believe you didn't call

When we sat outside for an hour at the party and talked
I thought something good could be starting
It's not a lot that I want
just some talking
and really, you just injured my pride

O boy o boy. Have we all heard our girlfriends say some version of the lines above.

"But he said...." "and we talked forever, ya know just talked" "I think he was really listening."

When we say these things, the crazy meters shoots to red and we automatically look like we want to take them home to meet mom and dad. But in reality (once we get our head out of the clouds) "Its not a lot that we want" ... we just really thought something good could be starting. But why do we think that automatically...it turns to "something could be starting". Why are we so convinced that something is starting...why couldn't it just be a normal friendly conversation? Torture.

But in the end the next day or the standard 3 day waiting period...our pride is injured. Our hope for "something good" and that doesn't turn out, we are let down and our pride is injured. But what doesn't make sense is that we set these expectations for hope. Hoping that something good turns out (of nothing) and at some point I think as females we try and just believe that something good will work out. And when that expectations is broken we are well ... like this song.

Hey Boy
Why you didn't call me?
I waited for days
I can't believe you didn't call

Susan said that maybe you're scared
Shelly says there always is a reason
and Chris said you're probably surrounded by girls and I'm just not one of them you're needing

Girls. I know I will never understand boys and I'M SURE they will never understand us. Part of this reasoning is because its not just ourselves that we're talking to. We talk. We're girls. And we talk about boys to our girls. A lot. Like most girls we need to talk about just about everything. The reason we feel this need is b/c we have to throw this crap against someone else and see if it sticks. We have friends like Susan that are sweet and hopeful. They reassure you that the reason he's not calling is because he's scared or doesn't want to scare you away, maybe he's busy, maybe he's just focused on his job, or maybe he just doesn't want to move too fast. Then you have friends like Shelly and Chris. The realists. The friends that just call it like they see it and let you know that hey, get over it, he probably isn't about you, don't obsess, don't take it personal. Easier said than done. I think I have more Susans :). So by talking and talking. We only make the torture worse.

So Polly why are you so inspired from this song?

Well besides The Blow being aaaamazing and the lyrics and the tone of song truly unique...Valentines Day is looming. I hope this blog serves as some positive reenforcement for my single ladies out there. We (present coming included, proudly newly dateless) should NOT look at this day and be sad as so many do. But instead remember to have control of what AND who you want. Yes, we get knocked off and distracted from this confident idea often, I know I have, but let that be only a brief period of dumb girlness and MOVE ON. Learn. Maybe talk to yourself less.:)

Thank you boy, Susan, Shelly and Chris.

Happy Valentines Day ladies, go love yourself.

Love,

Polly

Bay Play Time

Bay Play Time...

This weekend was filled with all things great and a reassurance that I have many more things to accomplish in the Bay. This leads me to Bay Play Time.

The Weekend started on Thursday my first show at the Independent. The Nels Cline Singers.

The respectful crowd sat back and enjoyed the jamming of this 3 piece. Nels of course was amazing and continued to wail so hard that his body looks like its vibrating electrically so fast that it literally looks like he's levitating. Stand up bass slapped it for real.

G and I yet again had a perfect time together and I was grateful that we could see such a unique performance.

Check out this vid for a sampling

Friday night...was a grand time to say the least. After surprising Kimmy with tickets to the Little Dragon show, we had cocktails and play time at sunset on the lake and then got roaring to go over bridge. It felt nice, more than nice to have my people with me under one roof, car, train, cab, etc. all of which we shared during their visit. We also managed to fit in, a cannabis club, a flea market, re-used store, Lanesplitter, Kona Club, and Fentons. Pretty good I must say.

Backing up to the Little Dragon show...well the Sweeds did it again. Besides the afro that obstructed parts of our view, these guys kept us dancing all night...my dogs are still barking.

Opener Billygoat was impressive.

BILLYGOAT - web, click reels

Little Dragon - After the Rain

Little Dragon - Constant Surprises

For your entertainment this evening...here is a series of photo booth pics (compliments of Kimmy's iphone) from Friday Night...Nuff said.

Love,

Polly

The Little Things

*Typing to: Ring Ring by Sleigh Bells, Blood Bank by Bon Iver, No Love by Little Dragon, Possibility by Lykke Li, 9 Crimes by Damian Rice

It won’t be hard for me to post positive today as I’m headed back to California from a mini-vacay to Maui with 2 of my favorite people. It also doesn’t hurt that I’m jamming with my fancy new headphones. They’re boombastic.

Coasting through the air its bittersweet to leave paradise and land back to reality, but with a blanket of cotton swabs below me and cool glow of an amber sunset in the literal horizon I can’t help but entertain you with a memorable incite from my trip…

January 28^th is my parents wedding anniversary. Most years you can find these two beach / pool bums on Kaanapali shores in Maui. This year marked 33 years of love and marriage as the theme song to, “Married with Children” that was at one time so popular in my home as a kid, plays in my head.

33 years amazes me, I sat back to think and observe and then I can see why…

• The way they make breakfast in the condo like a perfected dance routine. Mom toasting her bread and frying her single egg while dad concocts his famous French toast recipe.
• The way mom always puts toothpaste on Dad’s toothbrush before bed.
• When Dad selects and orders the wine (that only mom and I drink) and on the anniversary makes sure to order a special one that would make my Mom giddy.
• Brief and intimate moments where I would catch them holding hands.
• Comfortable quietness without the need to clog the silence with words.
• The way my mom calls MY dad, “Pa” “Father” and “Daddy” as if her children were toddlers and she shouldn’t call him Ralph.
• The irritating but loving way that my Mom would look at my dad when he would order something a little less healthy.

Finally, the way that they both compliment each other on our way out to the door to dinner…why Jen do you ask why this is such a telling notion? After spending literally the entire day in board shorts, bathing suits and oversized t-shits, hair not combed and no make up, they get “dressed” for dinner.

Dad wearing his new Hawaiian shirt, souvenir sandals, cologne, hair combed (perhaps gel), and his dress watch and ring. Mom in her “flashy” (I “” flashy b/c if anyone knows my mom you know that shirt was not flashy but a notch up from her cute countryJ), sandals with a 1 inch heel and her diamond earrings from their 25^th Anniversary.

Dad: “You look nice dear.”

Mom: “Daddy you look so handsome. Jennifer doesn’t Daddy look nice in his new shirt?!”

AGAIN, why am I focusing so heavily on something like this? Isn’t this compliment that men and women pay each other tracked back to first dates and encounters? I think its amazing that after 33 years with one person that small/brief and to some insignificant 2 lines of conversation still happens. The Little Things.

As I wrote in their card on Friday, because we both know mom doesn’t know how to turn on a computer and dad probably doesn’t really know that I write a blog or what a blog is…

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.

Mom, mahalo for working double shifts at Sambo’s diner.

Dad, mahalo to you and the rest of the farming clan for having breakfast, lunch and dinner at Sambo’s and for getting the courage to ask my mom out for a beer.

Love you Ma and Daddy…

Everyone go and do some Little Things to those that mean something to you, friends, family, hubby, wifey, dog, cat, whatever.

Signing out,

Polly

Be focused, friendly and phenomenal...

I've gone back and re-read a few of my blogs and I think I'm starting to sound like a bad motivational conference speaker. And looking back on my conference planning days, that's the last thing I want to resemble.
So today I'm going to share some things that actually MAKE me WANT to be positive. Things that bring me back to "center", things that I embrace to keep me focused, friendly and phenomenal...

Friendly Advice: We all have um, we all depend on um, and all of um give advice. Let's face it, some better than others, right?
Recently I got some friendly advice from, you guessed it, an ol friend via gchat. Even through that magical lil green lite chat window, he enlightened me in a way that I did not see coming.
I was obsessing about a current life situation and being kinda of a "debbie downer", that's right I said it, not Positive Polly, in fact I insist on NOT capitalizing "deb's" name, as I refuse to accept as a Proper Noun.
ANYWAYS...I was upset/disappointed with something and here is the gist of the chat:

me: I hate that I feel that way
Jeremy: Don't hate the fact that you're living realistically
me: its just such a damper
Jeremy: Because you let it be
me: dang
calling me out on some sh**
thank you
Jeremy: That just happened

The phrase in red above I think may look simple and not obvious to what I'm getting at...but let me digress.
Anytime we find ourselves in a "funk" or "let down" or "resentful" it is because we let ourselves feel that way. Sure this isn't true for each and every situation but day to day with things big and small, its true. I was letting myself feel funky about something and it was only because I let myself do that. Basically, as I'm sure Jeremy will agree...shit or get off the pot...own your emotions and don't just sit around waiting for the universe to change them because it won't. Thanks for the friendly advice Jer...I needed a dose of my own medicine.

DANCE IT OUT: Quite possibly my favorite thing to get me out of a funk. Not just any dancing. But the kind of dancing where you let it all go. You close your eyes or stare at the neon light...and think of nothing besides the electricity in the air moving your body. The "IT" that is danced out is different for everyone. For me I can get this release and "re-centering" of myself with live music or simply in a friends living room shakin it b/c no one cares what you look like. This leads me to Jen's Concert Series ....which is really concerts that I will/want to be going to and where I plan on Dancing It Out. Let me know if you would like to join:

Jen's Concert Series
January 21 - Zion I - Oakland
February 3 - Nels Cline - SF
February 4 - (its a secret) - SF
February 22 - Yo La Tengo - Oakland
February - Cake - SF
March 18 - Girl Talk - Oakland - SOLD OUT SH**
April 1 - Galactic - SF
April 12 - Bright Eyes - Oakland
April 15-17 - Coachella

My first Dance It Out Moment - circa 2004/5 - Old Ironsides, Lipstick Night. You know who you are if you were there. ....

Alright, signing out in my favourite colour....
Be Happy and Be Well,

love,

Polly

Yes, another New Years Blog Post...

You guessed it, Positive Polly coming out with a new blog post that will probably focus on the same things that many of you other bloggers have been writing. For example; a 2010 review, wishes for 2011 and of course resolutions, resolutions, resolutions...

No doubt, I will try to keep it interesting, funky and fresh for ya.

2010 a year in review:

No I will not bore you with my ENTIRE year in review. But I have to say that 2010 was a pretty big contributor to the creation of Positive Polly. Lots has happened this year alone that has allowed me to try to be a better and happier person everyday.

2010 held some special jems of good times...kicking it off with one of the BEST NYE's ever with my homegirl Gyna holding it down in Seattle with our new ceramic kitty, better known as Pussy. Thats right we named it and it was more than funny.

For those of you that know us bandits, you know that we had a blast ringing in the new year in what is now one of my favorite cities. Starting off the year this way was only an omen for more goodness to come.
Concerts and Sunday Fundays with friends were as usual all the rage for my Sac Town Trio - Gynes, Melly and Kimmy Boi.
It was also full of baby blessings and weddings o plenty, new mamas Carrie and Jacqueline - you are amazing and I miss you both!

Speaking of babies...My sister gave birth to my beautiful niece, Anabella Grace as well this year! Very excited to have a new lil girl in the family. We were surrounded with boys for wayy too long. Of course this year was full of fun play time with my best buddy, Joe Joe:
It wouldn't be right to not mention the Great Move of 2010. Well not that big of move, but leaving Sac Town for Oak Town was more difficult that I thought it would be, however I am SO happy for the change and I am in love with living here in the Bay. People like Nick, Kim, the Kleins, Mateo and new friends have made me feel like this is my new home. But I need to do a proper shout out to my Sac peeps...please know I miss you dearly, I mean it. Nothing out here will replace dance nights at press club, bike days, brunch at capitol garage, runs in the park, beers at streets, 2nd saturday art walk, or sunny porch parties. Love and miss you all.
My trip to South America was also ridonkulous and HUGE shout out to Kare Bear for hosting such an amazing life experience.
Lastly, this year has been a big one for me with my physical and health goals. 70 L.Bs have been shed and I'm hoping for a few more...depending on the Big 4 Dubs...The Big W.W.W.W = Weekly Workouts, Weigh-ins and Wine. Thank you to all of you that encouraged me on my journey thus far, I wouldn't have been able to do it without you, especially R.E.L, Mommie, Kim Kim, and Lola).

Wishes and Resolutions Life Solutions
Resolution #1 - Top 2010
Resolution #2 - Run a Half Marathon - for real this time...
Resolution #3 - Stay in Better Contact with my Friends and Family. Too often I let time pass and make excuses for not touching base and caring for those that I love. I need to do a better job at this. period.
Resolution #4 - Save and then Save some more for Resolution #5
Resolution #5 - Book a Ticket to Portugal/Spain

As far as my wishes are concerned... as usual I wish for myself/everyone to try to add a lil more positivity and compassion into their lives everyday. I wish to stay positive when I want to scream at the car in front of me, when they get my order wrong at the coffee shop, when I am let down, when something doesn't pan out, when my car is towed, or when I loose my keys ... everyday I face this challenge to let these arbitrary and minor defects either effect me and my person OR not. I wish to continue to live with a positive and lite heart because if 2010 is any sign of this, only good things are to come of this mentality.

Alright already, go out and choose to have a good day.

<3

Polly

Christmas is Next Week … What’s Up With That?!

Sooooo in case anyone hasn’t noticed Christmas is next week. WHAT. Is. Up. With. That?

As the years go by I see how much more time flies. I feel like only a few short weeks ago it was Thanksgiving…o wait it was.

Speaking of which, this year was yet again an epic Thanksgiving for the Santos fam bam.

After a night of boozieness in Monterey on Wednesday with ol friends … the standard, a few beers before, head to Alvarado, stand in the - you’re standing way to close to me - line at Lala’s knowing that you must order a double because you don’t know when how long its going to be until your next one…

Roll out of bed and head to Cayucas to my Auntie Dar and Uncle Nate’s home. To the top of the mountain we went. The next three days were spent with family, friends, vineyards, hikes, sweatpants, food and an odd combination of College Football and the Housewives of Beverly Hills … not sure why but both men and women alike were enthralled.

We, a family 20+ deep, huddle up in my Auntie Dar and Uncle Nate’s home at the top of Wallace mountain. They have to be the most interesting people I know. Auntie Dar known for always having enough air mattresses/beds for everyone, boiling the silverware, making sure you take your shoes off at the door b/c they might have “PO” (poison oak) on them, for buzzing around the kitchen managing an entire meal with such a calm demeanor and for having Shrinky Dinks for the kids to color and watch shrink as they bake in the oven.

She has the ability for you to actually miss her the moment you see/talk to her because you can actually feel how wonderful she is and how happy you are to have her as your Aunt. It's weird that someone can make you feel homesick when you are home.

My favorite part about Uncle Nate is that he is a freak of nature. I have no idea how old he is but I hope I am as ambitious, motivated and active when I get to be that age. I always learn something when I’m around him. Maybe something about grapes and wine and his new blends, or where to hike on the mountain, or maybe about his days as a school teacher or about the new goat that was born that he had to bottle feed b/c the mom rejected her AND then I get to feed the goat.

And of course the meal is ridiculous. But before the meal our family tradition (and educational moment) is when everyone forms a circle around the tables and holds hands. First person to start is given the A and they have to mention something they are thankful for that starts with the letter “A”, next person has “B” and so on. This year I had “O”, I was thankful for my cousin’s beautiful/smart daughter Olivia. It's nice to stop for a minute and let everything in 1 room be about 1 thing. What we are thankful for…”H” for health, “F” for friends, and so on.

After the meal of 2 different stuffings and a dozen different desserts, everyone retires to their favorite food coma position. For me this year, I had a primo spot in the comfy chair right in front of the game with a pillow so perfectly tucked for me to take a Tryptophan power nap to gear up for round 2.

Nice. Yes, thanksgiving on the mountain is one of my favorite trips to take with my family.

Moving on to Christmas…I have been assigned the notorious Relish Tray. Last year I really stepped up my game so I look forward to setting yet again another record for the tastiest assortment of pickled crap known to your local grocery store.

And LOOK There’s More!

A musical moment brought to you by Positive Polly...

I first heard about Alma Desnuda a few years back through my friend Karen, her co worker Paul was part of this band and I had always heard great things. The first time I saw them perform was outside of the Fillmore before a Brett Dennen show just jamming out for the wild kids that came out to wait in line early and have a good time on the street. I think the next time I saw them was maybe at a house party of sorts, always a good vibe and HAPPY/Thankful men.

This past Monday I went to their live show at Yoshi’s in SF. Let me just say they have come so far from that corner outside the Fillmore. They moved and grooved the audience and I am truly thankful for being able to see their set. Thanks guys.

A song that sticks out in "Great Big Water". One of the first times I heard this song I think I was on a 10 hour bus somewhere in Bolivia with Karen, we were stressed that the transmission or tires were going to blow out so she suggested we listen to some Alma D.

With 1 ear bud in my right ear and the other in her left…we were able to relax.

All in all this band does what seems like more for the communities it travels to then for themselves.

Check out their music and the trailer to a documentary about them if you feel so inclined, by their album or buy some stuff, these guys are going on tour to Austrailia and Indonesia, help buy them a beer, they deserve it…

Will be back soon.

Love,

Polly