Merry Christmas!!

     Although this picture was taken in the middle of November, it seemed appropriate to add it to today's post.  Not sure what the weather has in store for us in the next several days, but I decided it was safe to go into the picture file and add an older shot.  
     If I remember correctly where I took this picture that day, I will be looking out the back door of the cabin once we get it completely built.  I am so glad that I have taken pictures of what our views will be like.  It will give us some inspiration in the next few months when we are stuck inside doing more of the planning.  I could probably even print these out and put them around our plans...you know, to make the inspiration a little more "inspirational"!!
     Not sure what the next few days have in store for us, but I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas!! We will be celebrating ours on Saturday with my family.  May God bless all of you this holiday season and all through the year!

 But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

 ~Clement Moore

Christmas is almost here!!

      Can't believe it...Christmas is almost here!!  I know, don't shoot the messenger, but it's true.  For the ones of you that try to do it all for the holidays, I applaud you...but also, hope that you have time to truly enjoy the season, also. 
      I have been there myself, and I know how hard it is to enjoy the season when you are so worried about "getting everything done on time" to have a "perfect Christmas".  Back when I was a single parent, I would do everything in my power to make the holidays magical for my child.  Getting him to as many of the holiday happenings that I could, baking cookies, mailing Christmas cards,  decorating, Christmas shopping and wrapping presents...and that was on top of working a full-time job that required extra time spent preparing for and attending work-related holiday events.  I love the Christmas season, but I am even tiring myself out typing all of this.
     My son is now an adult and I think that his childhood Christmases turned out fairly well.  Was it because I managed to get all of the above done?
      I don't think that was it at all.  I think that it was because Mom was able to spend some quality time with him.  He was also able to spend extra time with his all of his grandparents, great-grandmother, aunts and uncles, and friends. 
     It wasn't the number of activities that we were able to fit in or things that we were able to check off of our to-do list...it was the memories that were being made by just being together.
     So, if you can, set aside your to-do list, and just spend the time with the ones you love.  There is only one perfect Christmas and it will never be outdone.  It has been the most perfect Christmas of all time.
     I have now taken the pressure off of you to have the "perfect Christmas".  You now have permission to sit back and really truly enjoy the Christmas season with your family and friends, without all of the fuss.

Merry Christmas to all of you!!!

Loving the Change of Seasons

 

 

 

     Before I go any further, let me just say as a lifelong Hoosier, I love the change of seasons....I really do!  I love all of the beautiful shades of green in the springtime, the long days of summer and swimming, and the rainbow of colors every fall.

 

     In winter, I love the holiday season and the beauty of the sun hitting the snow-covered landscape.  However, the one thing that I am not a fan of in the winter is the blah dreariness that seems to come with the territory.  But I guess that I can look on the bright side... cold temperatures, bare trees and gray skies just make you love your nice warm home even more!

 

     Since this is one of those blah, dreary days, I just thought that I would put a picture from my neck of the woods this past fall.  Note the green grass and that the trees still have leaves on them...and the beautiful sunset is anything but blah and dreary!!

 

What is your favorite season?

 

 



 

Don't worry, Be happy!

     I love watching a show called "Oprah's Master Class".  Why am I telling you this, you ask?  Several months ago, one of the celebrities, Morgan Freeman, I think, was telling about when a teacher asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. His answer was, "to be happy". He said that the teacher replied that he didn't understand the question.
     I think he understood the question much better than most adults ever do! To be happy is what all of of are truly striving for in our lives. And I am not referring to the big moments that just take our breath away-type of happy...those are great, too.  But, they're not everything.
     I am actually thinking more of the everyday contentment that washes over us at the end of the day. That is the best feeling in the world!
     This Thanksgiving, I got to spend the day with 3 out of my 4 siblings (and talked to 4th on the phone). What makes my day is knowing that they all seem happy with their lives.  Does this mean that they are rich or have no problems at all? Absolutely not... But they all seem content with how their lives are going.
     New homes, new familes, new puppy! Kids all happy, healthy and doing well in life. Life's problems are all being handled and nothing that is too big or too tragic to bear.
     There is nothing in life like seeing the ones you love happy and content and living the life they want!

 Love you guys and love seeing you happy! Life is awesome!!!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!!

     Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!   I know that we all will have different plans for the holiday.  Some will be spending the day with family, or friends.  Some people actually like spending the day to themselves:  coming from an extrovert, that sounds crazy to me,...but to each his own!!

     But no matter how we spend the day tomorrow, we will all be spending it doing what we should be doing all year long...giving thanks!  For God above, for waking to a new day each day, for good health and for providing us with the necessities of life.  For once the necessities of life are met, everything else is just icing on the cake.

     My son has a favorite old saying that he found somewhere..."I cried because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet".  That puts a lot of things in perspective!! 

     So, while you are passing that plate of turkey or stuffing yourself with pumpkin pie tomorrow, just remember to continue saying your thanks for all of these wonderful blessings in your life.  Because much of it is just the icing on the cake...or should I say, the whipped cream on the pie!!!  LOL

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!!

"Attitude of Gratitude" continues~Thankful for Public Libraries!!

     Family, friends, good health, good weather, a sense of humor,...There are so many things to be thankful for all through the year.  Sometimes it is hard to know where to begin.  Since I am sitting in a nice, warm library while I am typing this, I think that is where  I will continue my "Attitude of Gratitude"palooza (LOL!)

     Whether it is the library where I worked for almost a decade or the one that I am sitting in right now, I absolutely love libraries!!  ~Always have and always will~ 

     When I would get off of work in my 'previous' life, I would still be hanging around the stacks and looking at books.  When we moved, the library card is one of the first things that I updated!!

     I needed to be able to use the computers for the blog and emails.  My husband and I needed to get books for identifying plants and trees.  We even needed to identify this huge insect that stung me a few weeks after moving here.  We discovered that it was a European Hornet (~Google that one sometime!!~)  My arm has finally healed from that, by the way!!  LOL

     I have been using the library also as a place to do research.  I am in the process of writing a few articles, and also have started doing some background work for a nonfiction book. 

     In a couple of weeks, I will also be coming up here to watch a movie that I have been wanting to see since it came out earlier this year.  They will be showing "The Hundred-Foot Journey" for their movie night in December.  Now, I will have to get that book to read and compare with the movie...it is an obsession with me when a movie is made from a book!!!

     Now, where else can you go for keeping in touch with friends, research, entertainment and so much more!!

     Tell me, what are you thankful for today???

Grateful for Beautiful Sights!!

Winter Wonderland this morning~in November!!!



 

 

 

 

     Even though I don't think that I am ready for a lot of snow yet, I do have to admit that I woke up to a beautiful sight this morning.  The pond in this picture is a little more hidden than I would have liked, but I couldn't resist showing you this beautiful shot.  The pond, trees, shrubbery and ground just sparkled so much in the sun, that it was gorgeous to see. 

 

     I am grateful that I have good eyes to still see the beauty around me.  I am grateful that I had a warm bed in a warm home when it is cold enough to be snowing.  Only three weeks ago, we didn't have electricity yet to keep up with a heater, so I am very thankful for the electricity to keep us warm and dry on days like this, too!

 

     Now as much as I like snow and think that it can be quite beautiful, I will also be extremely grateful if we don't get much of it this year!! ~ LOL  

 

     So, tell me...what are you grateful this morning?



"Attitude of Gratitude" Virus~It's Contagious!!

     With the month of November already rolling right along and Thanksgiving soon being upon us, I decided to have an "Attitude of Gratitude" season here on the blog.  There is so much we have to be thankful everyday, that sometimes we forget how good that we have it!  So, to counteract some of the stress and begin the holidays in the right mood,....Let's make this "Attitude of Gratitude" contagious, with no cure in sight!!!
     Since my anniversary was this past week, I would like to begin by sharing with you what a wonderful hubby I have in my life. (I would share a picture with you, but I made a promise to him that I gotta keep! ~ LOL)  In the years that I have known him, he has been nothing but considerate and loving.  I still remember back before we were married and he asked me what my dreams were.  I started to tell him what I wanted out of life. He listened very patiently, and then asked me what he could do to help make those dreams come true. 
     In the years since, that has never wavered.  He has been my best friend, my confidante, my sweetheart and my fellow dreamer.  We are now beginning to make those dreams come true together and I couldn't be happier. 

So, now it is your turn...What are the most grateful for today?  What makes you get up in the morning and puts a smile on your face?  I wanna hear what you have to say, even if it is only the fact that you can get up in the morning!  ~ LOL

Let's make this Virus Contagious!!!  And hopefully there isn't any cure for it!!!

What a view!

What a view!!!

 

 

     Why are we going through all of this craziness to build our dream home here?  It is because of all the little things that bring on that feeling of contentment at the end of the day.  A peaceful walk along your property as you check on things, making something out of nothing just a little more each day...and then there are views like this!
     The sun was just beginning to set over the trees to the west.  I actually got several good shots for about five minutes.  It was hard to pick out the best picture to post.  But I think that I captured it well! 
     When the cabin is all finished and we can just sit at the end of the day, I think that I know where my favorite spot will be.  The way that we are thinking of building, this should be our view off of the kitchen/deck area. 

     Come to think of it, I don't think that we will have any bad views out of any our windows.  Trees, pond, sunrises, sunsets...

AAAHHH!!!  Loving it!!!

Such a Good Feeling!

 

These guys are my heroes!!! 

     Electricity...what a godsend!!!  I think I love you more than my hubby!! LOL Not true, but the electricity comes in a close second!! You don't realize how much you love something until you don't have it!  Don't get me wrong, we have had power this whole time, just in the disguise of a generator. Going outside to turn it off/on when you don't wanna step outside at all is not anyone's idea of fun.

 

 

 

 

     My hubby keeps saying to just say the word and we can take the camper down to Florida. It really sounds like a wonderful (translate that to "warm"!) idea...but then noone would be here to work on our cabin, or even the property in general.
     It feels good at the end of the day to have gotten just a little more done to make this a beautiful place. It may be just one more tree cleared for the cabin, or, yes, getting the electricity installed, but it all adds up to a few more steps forward.
     ~Such a good feeling! 😄

Ready to Flip that Switch!

     It is funny what happens when you start living your dream!  You get excited about the little things...things you probably would have taken advantage of before.  Your priorities shift just a little bit, but all for the good.

     But I digress...

    When we first moved down to our property, we just pulled our camper to a good level spot, hooked up the generator and started unpacking.  A month later, we have a mailbox (with mail, too! LOL), almost have electricity (so, so close!), have some trees cleared and a cabin pretty well planned out.

     Getting electric doesn't just involve telling them to start service!  I got spoiled all of those years with easy connects like that in the past.  Starting with no electricity at all, you have to meet the REMC person at the property and have them survey to where you want your meter box.  Next, you build and install the wooden structure that said meter box resides.

     Then, it is back to the utility person to come back and inspect it, send the trenching guys to bury your lines to the road.  After all that is said and done, then it is back to the utility people putting the electric pole and transformer up out by the road.  Last, but not least, hooking up to "Home, Sweet Home" and flipping the switch.

     I am so glad that we are having chosen this dream.  We are excited to be living here and living the life that we want.  But, I will definitely not take the little baby steps for granted!! 


    

Decisions, decisions...what to do?

     Has anyone ever built a house from scratch?  Where you have to decide what it is that you want in a house?  In all of my years, I have never had to do this.  I have always lived in rentals or bought existing houses.

     I am extremely excited about building the cabin...don't get me wrong!  But, I have never had to decide what exactly I want, where I want it, or how big that I want it.  Now, I am making all kinds of decisions with my hubby and my head is starting to hurt!  LOL

     What are your priorities in your life that would factor into building your house.  I definitely want room to spread out my genealogy and scrapbooking materials, bookshelves galore, and room for guests.  But, on the other hand, we are wanting to keep this a fairly small cabin. It will only be the two of us, unless we happen to have guests (Prescreened, deposit required...Ha, ha!)

     Honestly, family and friends are welcome any time!  Seriously! But, I do like the deposit idea...maybe I will have to keep that in mind...Hmmm?!

      So, talk to me, give my your opinion.  Please, I would like to know about your experiences with this unknown world of "Building Your Dream House".

Ode to Sunshine

 

 

 

 

The sun is shining again!

      I can't believe how excited I was to see the sun shine again!  I hope that I never take it for granted ever again... We finally emerged from the camper after two weeks of rain and got some things accomplished. Well, we actually got outside sometimes, because we life made us go out in the yucky weather.

 

  Things like dirty laundry, food and paying bills will eventually win over rain, but I do not like wet, cold days at all! 

     But the sun did come out again and eventually our front yard won't look like a mud bog for 4-wheeling and we can commence building.  

     Well, gotta go..."Ode to Sunshine" is over. But believe me, you will be excited over small things like sunshine when you haven't hardly seen it since September! 

 



Planning for our Future

     Yesterday, there was finally a break in the weather and we were able to get out outside to get more done.  We took a measuring wheel and some spray paint and started marking off where we will be putting the cabin.  It was really a nice feeling talking about where we wanted things to go and picturing it.

     So far, all of our other talks in the past have been just hypothetical and just part of our dreams.  We just could think about what we wanted, but we weren't able to put it into action.  That was one of the reasons that we moved down here to the property.  It was time to start working on those dreams, one step at a time.  It will take some time, but we are excited to be able to step forward with this and make it happen.

     We also took a good, long walk around a good portion of the property.  Another excellent neighbor was able to do some bush hogging and fencing for us. We definitely have some great neighbors!!

Great Neighbors are the Best!!!

October 10th, 2014

     Thankful for everyday blessings today!  Even though it is still raining...{imagine that!  LOL}, our neighbor stopped by with his tractor/bush hog and offered to help us!  With his help, my hubby now has more of the brush from the roadside cleaned up and looking nice.  Even have an area cleaned up a little more for our future cabin.

     What a godsend good neighbors can be!  From what I have discovered in the short time that we have been down here, we will have an overabundance of great neighbors!

Be Careful What You Ask For!!!

October 9th, 2014

     Be careful what you ask for!!!  In last week's post, I mentioned that I need to get out of my comfort zone more often and learn new things.  In the last few days, I have learned how to start/ stop a generator, run the sewage line off of a camper and refill the water tank.

     But I wouldn't trade this for anything.  I am learning new skills, spending quality time with the hubby and planning our future.

     the writing has been pouring out of me like rain from the heavens...which the past week has been practically nonstop.  Rain, in all different forms, every day...thunderstorms, steady, drizzle, you name it!  The writing has been no different.  Journal entries, blog posts, orphan pages.  Even research notes for a possible book in the distant future.

P.S.  I have no computer/ internet at home at the moment.  So you will see no posts for a couple of days until I make it to the library, and then maybe several posted at once.

I"m back...and better than ever!

October 1st, 2014

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams...live the life you have imagined."

                                                                          ~Thoreau


      I know that I have spent the last few years encouraging you to take those baby steps toward your dreams.  I also know that baby steps is all that I have been able to accomplish so far myself...until now.
     This month, the hubby and I have taken a giant leap into our future.  We moved down to property he owns to start building us a home.
     We have spent the last month downsizing and getting ready for the move.  Selling, Goodwill, or taking with us...check.  Getting house ready for renters...check.

     Have we lost our minds?...check, check, check!  ~LOL

     But does this move feel right to us?  Yes, absolutely yes.  It may seem crazy to everyone else, and that's okay.  Will we be okay?... or fall on our faces?  Who knows...
     But I am like that little fledgling bird attempting to fly for the first time.  It has to take that chance and spread its wings to find out!
     We'll see what happens.  Each day will be a new adventure.  Come along for the ride!


    

Getting out of my Comfort Zone

October 2nd, 2014

     Today's adventure is fairly mild, but it is new to me, and therefore, I think is important.  I have never towed anything before in my life.  Not in all of my moves over the years, or anytime ever.  I am sure you get the picture...

     This afternoon, we loaded up the hubby's truck, the camper in the back of the truck and also a trailer that he made.  Since he needed to drive another vehicle and trailer, I needed to drive this truck.
     The camper was weighted-down fairly well and a little top-heavy.  I could definitely feel the wind gusts pulling on it.  But, other than that, no problems at all!

     This may seem like a small thing to most people, but I was nervous about it.  Anytime you go out of your comfort zone and learn a new skill, it's going to make you nervous.  But, I've gotta get out of my comfort zone more often.  It's the only way I will keep learning new things!

     ...I guess not the only way.  Books, books and more books will teach me, too! (Can't help it...I will always be a bookworm and librarian at heart! LOL) But getting out of my comfort zone will teach me more about myself in the long run, I think.

     What do you think?

Enjoying a good day...

     Since Mother Nature decided to calm down a little and give us some good weather, I thought it would be a good idea to get out and enjoy it.  So, while my son and husband got a lot of  renovation work done today, I worked on the flower beds, yard and patio with a friend.
     Two days of shelf reading at work, and then clearing brush, raking and cleaning the patio today. Working the body, and then ending the night  by working the mind with writing.  Nothing like a good work out!

Life Questions...

    Just finished watching Oprah Winfrey interviewing Sue Monk Kidd, author of "The Secret Life of Bees".  They spent a good portion of their conversation discussing paying attention to what is in the bottom of your heart.  Not only paying attention to it, but also having the courage to act on it.  

     But how do you act on it, when sometimes you feel like you are just in survival mode?  Do you take a chance, and maybe not be able to pay the bills?  Do you continue just barely keeping the bills paid or take that leap and possibly do better than ever before?

     I am scared to death of both taking a chance, and never taking that chance.  I know that you should always choose making a life, not just a living.  But there are times that your only choice is to just making a living for a little while longer. 

     How do you make those decisions? What are your those factors that affect your decision?  I want to hear what you have to say...tell me what you think.

Just keep hanging in there...

     There are days when you wake up and you know that this is your day!  You got this!  I have had some of those every once in a while.  And then you get out of bed and the world surprises you all day long!  Lately, those are the kind of days that I have been having lately. 
     I think those are the kind of days that really put your attitude to the test.  I think that I have still been passing the test lately, though.  Even if it is just keeping up with everything in life, that's a start!  There has even been a day or two (lol) that I have gotten a little planning for the future in.  You know what they say, "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans"! 
     I think on these kind of days, all that you can do is 1) Be grateful for what you do have, 2) Do the best that you can to make it through the day, 3) Take care of yourself,  4) Just keep taking those baby steps...and, most importantly, just hang in there!!!

Happy Birthday, Son!!

   Today, my son becomes a man...in the eyes of society, at least!  But to me, he will always be  the best of both worlds, a fun-loving little boy and the fantastic young man he has become, also.  I am so glad that God chose me to be your mother and I am very proud of all that you have accomplished so far in your life.
    Although I am sad to see the door close on your childhood, I am anxious to see what life has in store for you next.  No matter what  paths you chose in life, I know that you will always be a success.  That is because you have what it takes to succeed in life.  You  have a deep faith in God  that will see you through all of life's surprises. You are a good strong, caring, man that has intelligence, good leadership skills and an inner compass that points you in the right direction most of the time.

I love you very much !!!

Happy Birthday!!!

One of those weeks...

     Have you ever had one of those weeks!!! You know the kind...where everything goes wrong and it all comes crashing in on you all at the same time.   We'll, that's what the last week-no, actually, closer to two weeks- have been like!  :(
     Let's just begin with the fact that I now have no laptop on which to write my blog posts. I won't go into details and bore everyone...but let's just say that there have not been any recent posts lately because it's just not as easy  typing on a little smartphone screen!!!
     I also received some sad news that a dear relative had passed away and  I went out-of-state to his services. Although this has been a sad and trying time for us, I was truly humbled by my cousins and aunt.
     My four  siblings and I live in three different states and have very busy lives right now, but  I was blessed to be able to spend time with all of them, my cousins , and all of my relatives this weekend. We heard some wonderful stories of my uncle, and our mother, that made us laugh and cry.
     In good times and in bad, family and friends love you unconditionally.  Whether they are giving you a hug or a place to stay, they are there! Whether they know just what to say because they have walked the same path, or can only give you their presence...they are there!
     I love all of my friends and family very much! They mean the world to me! We may not say the words that the other person wants to hear, but we always say them with love in our heart. We only want the best for each other. I can only hope that I have been there for you as much as you all have been there for me!
 

Spring...It does exist!!

Spring will be here soon, I promise!!

 

     Green...So that's what color grass is!!!  I have almost forgotten!  It seems like it has been so long since we've seen it, that I thought we all might need a refresher course on the various shades of green that can exist in the spring.

     I just looked at the calendar. It is only 6 more weeks until we are officially in spring.  It will warm up tomorrow, soon...okay, okay, eventually!  But it is coming again.  Please keep this in mind as we look out our windows.  We are just being reminded to not take the spring weather for granted ever again!

 



Small things in life...

     Tonight, writing this post in my nice warm house, I am very thankful for the small things in life.  We take many things for granted, since they are part of our everyday life.  But, on a night like tonight, I want to remember each and give them their due.
     First, I am very thankful for the pizza delivery guy tonight.  I didn't want to be out in this crazy weather after work and couldn't wait to get in the house.  But he was cool with it!  Thank you!
     I am so very grateful to be able to come home to a nice warm house. You know that you are an adult when words like furnace, insulation, etc. hold a dear place in your heart!!  LOL!
     Warm clothes straight from the dryer, food to eat, a warm house, family and friends.  Nothing is better!!!
     Life is fantabulous!!!!  I am so very blessed!!!

Present, future...or somewhere in between?

     Several times today, I have found myself in conversations about making plans for the future.  Earlier this morning, my husband and I had a long talk about this very topic.  About where we wanted to be and where we are right now. 
     It really makes you think about things...What do we want out of life?  Are we on our way, going in the right direction?  Or are some major changes in order?
     I think the answer to all of these questions is yes!  We are heading in the right direction.  We are making small decisions all the time that are moving us down the path that is right for us. But at the same time, maybe some major changes are in order sometime soon. 
     I also just ended the day today talking to a friend of mine.  Her family just made a big decision this week that will open up a new chapter in their lives.  I think that it will work out well for them.  But that doesn't mean that she is not scared of the change...I think that she is both scared and excited all rolled up in one! Change is scary, there is no getting around that fact.
     But taking the risk is worth it!  Playing it safe gives you a level of security that is hard to deny.  I know...I have spent the majority of my life just playing it safe.  But, when I have decided to  follow my instincts, it has brought only good things into my life. 
     If it is to scary to make those changes all at once and  take a completely different route in life, then just make those small changes instead.  Start making little daily decisions that don't seem to matter that much.  Start trusting your instincts more, make the small decisions that make you happy...
      Those small decisions may not seem like much, until you realize that you are out of that rut.  You are generally happier everyday.  You make enough of the small decisions during the journey and then you realize that you have changed your destination without even realizing it!!

Day Off...Woo hoo!!!

     Ahh...Had a day off from work.  Nice feeling!  Slept in late, got my hair cut, and had lunch with a friend.  Now, I get to set in front of the TV all day, right?!   Lol 
     I wish that was the way it worked!!  Actually, not really.  I took much of the day to really reflect on where I am and where I want to be at this time next year.  I am one that is definitely guilty of whining about changes I need to make in my life...and then I don't do a damn thing about them. 
     So, today, I spent time thinking of what I want to have accomplished by the end of 2014.  Then, I tried to break it down into smaller goals that will be much easier to reach.  It's so easy to just say that I can't get that accomplished, so I am not going to even start.
     Now that I have my yearly, monthly, weekly to-do list started, I can get started. I am going to do whatever I can to make our dreams come true.  By the end of this year, we will have a lot of choices that will be open to us.  I want to do whatever I can to be prepared for them. 
     I have a cousin that has been through a lot in the last few years.  He had been injured while deployed several years ago and had a long recovery to get where he is now.  Just about every time that I see his posts on Facebook, he is excited about his job or his classes in college.  And he almost always finishes those posts with these words, "Hard work and dedication pay off!"
     So, thank you, Drew!  You are my inspiration for 2014 to remember to keep working towards those goals that I set for myself.  Hard work and dedication to following my dreams will open up a lot of opportunities. 

It's all about you, baby!!

     Tonight, I decided that I am going to turn the tables on you.  Instead of reading about my thoughts and craziness, I want to hear about you.  What do you plan on doing for you in 2014?  What steps are you thinking about taking to become more content in life? To follow your passion?
     Are you going to start a gratitude journal? Learn a new skill?  Make sure to take time for yourself everyday?  Start living a simpler life? 
     Leave me a comment below and tell me what's going through your mind!  If you have been having trouble leaving comments, reply to the email posting when you read this instead.  I want to hear about you!  Small baby steps or big dreams...let's start this journey together!

Blast from the Past

     Wow...that is really all I can say is wow!  They say that you can't go home again, but sometimes you can find a way to visit the people in the old neighborhood, at least.  This weekend, I have been able to visit some of the people from my past, and it has been wonderful.
      If you have been reading some of my back posts, you will discover that I have always been somewhat resistant to getting out of my comfort zone.  I grew up in a small town, where everybody knows everybody.  Then chose to go to a fairly close state university, with someone I already knew as a roommate.  Many people from my hometown went to that school, so I was constantly seeing people I knew. 
     So, why in my sophomore year did I chose to go accept a summer job in Michigan, where I didn't know a soul??  I have absolutely no idea!!  In fact, the only other Hoosier that would be there lived several hours from me and I had never met her. 
     And then, you go and throw in some confidence issues into the mix...that just made for an interesting coworker.  I was friendly and helpful to everyone; but at the same time, uncertain of myself and a little homesick.  Some of the counselors already knew each other and had worked there for a few years.  I am sure they were just a little aggravated with me.  One counselor in particular took me under her wing and gave me a lot more confidence in myself.  Thank you, Cricket, I have always remembered that kindness!
     Because of Facebook, I have found a way to get back in touch with many of these wonderful people.  Since we all had nicknames for the summer, I couldn't just use Google to find anyone.  So, through the magic of Facebook, I have spent a fantastic weekend reconnecting with old friends by the names of Splash, Rainbow, Barney, Cricket, Iggy, Banana and Ling Ling. 
    Thank you, ladies, for a wonderful weekend!  I look forward to staying in touch with you!

Long day...Ready for a pillow!

     Today has been one of those long days that seem to go on forever.  Starting with waking up a couple of hours before the alarm sounded blared.  One of those mornings where you never really get back to sleep and feel the lack of zzzzz's the whole day.
     I'll tell you what...In these crazy, multitasking, merry-go-round type of days, you definitely want to be at your best.  Trying to face a day like that when you are a not operating at full speed, is not the easiest to do.  So, if I made no sense today, or made some small mistakes, please forgive me. I know for a fact, I worded something wrong at a staff meeting and got a good laugh from everyone.  Ahh, the joys of being sleep-deprived!!
     So, I wish you sweet dreams, while I take a nice long trip to lala-land.  Beautiful place, I should visit there more often!! I hope that you are starting the new year by taking good care of yourself.  And if that means that I see you on the beautiful island of lala-land, I will stop and buy you a drink! 

     Take care and I will see you tomorrow!! 

You only live once!

     This weekend has been quite the roller coaster ride.  Trying to keep up with everything at work can sometimes be a little overwhelming.  So, I have been trying to spend some time everyday, just relishing in good times with friends and family outside of work, too.  On Saturday, I spent some precious time catching up with a good friend of mine.  We started out as coworkers many years ago, but soon became more.  She is like a mom, a mentor and a confidante all rolled into one. 
     I took the time to watch a good movie and just relax.  Every one needs to take some "me" time and do whatever it takes to recharge!  After running a few errands and doing a few chores, my husband and I enjoyed going out on a date. 
     I had a good time just living "in the present" this weekend.  But, I also enjoyed planning for the future with my husband, also.  We spent the better part of the evening working out some details for having alternative energy in the near future, finishing planning out some of our renovation plans and also, trying to figure out the best place to put the rabbits we are going to start raising.
     The weekend ended this morning when I woke up and found out that a coworker from my job had passed away.  We knew that it was probably coming, but it still knocks you off guard for a moment. It reminds you just how short life is and that you need to spend more of life actually living it.  So, as you go about your day today making a living, stop and take a little time to enjoy and make a life, too.

New Year, New Beginnings

Happy New Year!!!

    I  hope that 2013 has been good to you.  I hope that you were able to begin taking some small steps toward the life you want.  I don't care how small they were.  Tiny, miniscule, toe wiggle even...it doesn't matter.  Just movement in the right direction counts.
    So, what do you have in store for 2014?  Have you already started to make those new year's resolutions?  I, for one, will not be.  Besides, they usually only last for one month, week, ...ok, ok, maybe a day or two, or three!!
   But I do plan on enjoying life, counting my blessings, and following my passions as much as I possibly can...everyday.  Even if it is only for five minutes on some days!!!  That is still five minutes that are all mine, in my control, to do with what I please. 
   So...Happy New Year!!!  This is your year.  What will you do with it?