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?

Giving Thanks!

     As the holidays start approaching, my thoughts start turning toward Thanksgiving and all that it means to me.  Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of each day, it is easy to forget just how much we are given.  I know that I am especially guilty of this, although I hate to admit it.
     I am not a morning person, by any means!  When that alarm goes off in the morning, I honestly can say my first thoughts aren't usually about my blessings.  And as I am trying to think of something that I can throw at the alarm clock, my thoughts are only of staying under the blankets as long as possible. 
     But when I can finally rouse myself enough to think whole thoughts, I find myself thanking God for waking up one more day. And for the warm, snuggly blankets and bed.  For having a job to go to when many people don't. 
     When the winds were howling outside this weekend, I was extremely grateful for our good solid house that kept us warm and dry. 
     For family and friends, new and old, close and far...there aren't enough words to describe just how thankful I truly am for each of you.
     So, please take the time this Thanksgiving holiday and throughout the year, to be thankful for all of the blessings in your life. 

Be True to Yourself...

Found this quote today and it summed up exactly the type of thing that I wanted to tell you today. 

"Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books - especially the Bible, build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day."
~John Wooden

 http://www.brainyquote.com

     John Wooden was a fellow Hoosier that became a basketball legend.  He won 10 NCAA championships in 12 years, He has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and as a coach.  His former players, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton, considered Coach Walton to be an inspiration.
      But one of the biggest reasons that he was so revered is because he was also a very moral man in a competitive sports world.  No matter how successful he became, he held on to his lifelong beliefs regarding respect, success and being a good person overall.   
     The man lived a long life (passed away at 99 years), had a successful career in basketball, was a very devout Christian who was devoted to his wife and family.  He was revered by his players and made a point of letting them know that there were more important things than basketball.   

     If I could only live up to a portion of what he deemed a success in life, I would feel that I have truly lived a good life.  Please drop me a few lines and tell me what you think. 

Taking Care of Myself

     I have been sitting here in front of the computer, wondering what I should right about tonight.  As I started to get tired and began thinking of going to bed, that is when it hit me.  Even when our bodies and minds start telling us to rest and relax, we usually give in to the "well, I should really do this first" or "let me just get this done first" thoughts running through our brains.
     I am going to listen to my body and tell my thoughts to go take a flying leap for the night!!  My body is trying to tell me something, and I better listen to it.  This is the time of year that the germs start flying and I'm not going to meet them with a worn out body.  Don't wanna meet the holidays with any kind of illness, if I can help it!
     Good night, sweet dreams, and please remember to take care of yourself.  You only get one body and you need it to last as long as possible!