all around weekend

lovely friday night with the lotz's at seasons and their friend, larry, who is a registrar for a really cool art gallery in new york city. i am being added to his christmas card list because the man designs his card all year long. can't wait to get it. in addition, he is dating a girl who designs all of the white homeware stuff for anthropoligie. that's got to be a cool job...designing stuff, seeing it actually get made and knowing that hundreds of people have your work in their homes. neat-o!

talked to joy! i just love that girl. she is a true frie! hope to see her soon...her and marty are making the house on rosestone the place to be. let me know when you need the dragonfly and i'll be there!

saturday was a good day of overcast weather which inspires me to organize...so needed this time. i went through tons of stuff, paperwork and several boxes in the office and got it in shape to make it find-able and pretty. before the office makeover, ted and i got some fuel while enjoying a fine brunch that morning with friends at first watch. did you know that the hummingbird is the only bird that can fly backwards? that night, we got take out at ID which is always a plus. i got to see firsthand while waiting for my food, the joys of satellite tv...it was barely raining and there was no signal on their set. go cable people! the dish is so unreliable...

sunday was fabulous weather...enjoyed doing the canoe thing with ted down the wekiva river. excellent relationship therapy. guess who sits in the front of the boat? me!! met up with the lotz's down at the park. happy to see maya too! it's been awhile. ted and i could've stayed all day long but they were wanting to get some mexican food. headed over to soccer that night for a little scrimmage. scored a goal and had about ten shots on goal. i wasn't connecting as well this time. plus, we played with the sun in our eyes. i was surprised i could drive home afterward.

off to the week...it's going to be a busy one but very exciting too!

50 big ones

Happy Birthday to my fabulous

Auntie Mila!

I love you and all your dynamic qualities that makes

you one of the most amazing women I know!

how was your day? see mine in picture below:

for everyone, a common place

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
~Margaret Mead, US Anthropologist, 1901 - 1978

as many times as i have participated in group exercises that require people to start a conversation about something that may or may not be important to them and find a way to synergize thoughts and ideas, i am amazed at how beautiful the process can become if everyone jumps in and actively contributes to a real collaboration...not of egos, or stories or complaints but true possibilities that only a group made up of exactly the people in the room can create at that very moment. it is absolutely awesome! and certainly, one of the greatest gifts i feel God has given us as human beings. to feel a sincere commonality with total strangers who later, at times quickly, become colleagues, friends or part of your chosen family. for the past couple of days, i had an opportunity to sit at the table with a few people who i did not know and had no prior connection with other than we all work for the same company. after ten hours of meeting time, we came to a genuine understanding of what we need to do as a group to accomplish a massive task. what's even better than that is the sense that i am confident that we can do it based on the understanding of all those present during the process. it's exciting to be a part of an unfolding of personalities, interests, concerns, likes, dislikes, hopes, passions, reasons, similarities, differences...to see each element find a common place so that everyone has a chance to be a contributor, to carry the cause forward for everyone. i just love it. i love to participate. i love to witness it. i love to create it or inspire it among groups i'm in. it doesn't happen every day but then, i can't help but wonder why couldn't it?. why couldn't we all just set aside our pride, selfishness and pettiness about the small stuff and search for ways to serve the common good? we all have the ability. we all have the choice. we all have the power to influence, to change, to evolve, to inspire. i'm just grateful for being reminded of what i can do but more importantly from today, what a small group of citizens can do to change the world.

peruse this site -- www.howtochangetheworld.org, become a social entrepreneur or someone who is working to build a better place, community and world for all of us

hope and beauty

I know the world is filled with troubles and many injustices. But reality is as beautiful as it is ugly. I think it is just as important to sing about beautiful mornings as it is to talk about slums. I just couldn't write anything without hope in it.

~Oscar Hammerstein

cute baby alert (thanks best brother)

hello monday, goodbye weekend

lovely couple of days saturday and sunday ended up being.

friday kicked it off right with a trip to tampa and back for work. got back in enough time to hit the gym and head over to the lotz's to watch the ever-so-dreamy matthew mcconaughey in failure to launch. you too can see this movie because i actually own it. yep! i'm adding it to my dvd collection. let's see...that makes about 11 or 12 now. wow! i've got to get some new shelves or a storage bin.

saturday arrived quite nicely with nice weather and an agenda full of nothingness so with that, ted and i were able to create whatever we wanted. we went above and beyond by going to breakfast (imagine that) at the maitland first watch. our nothingness agenda was destroyed when we discovered that the new addition to our car family was sounding ill. we drove it down to the honda doctor where they gladly told us that the alignment was way off...like accident off...i promise i haven't hit anything! really people!! to top it off with a big fat cherry, the honda, my new car, requires super duper diva tires which are of course, tres expensive. so, to celebrate this news, ted and i decided to get hair cuts on a saturday, aka busiest day of the salon work week. we dared ourselves to try and get an appointment with the extremely popular and prego, cathy, on a day when salon ciseaux has absolutely no parking...none! we did it (it's all about who you know) and got out of there before the sun went down. we ran into some of the get along gang and ted invited everyone over to eat leftovers. that was great considering i was planning to sit and read this new book my boss at work hooked me up with. we're talking intellectual fodder for the brain -- two of the shopaholic books by sophie kinsella. i am in the middle of shopaholic says i do, gets married, something like that. jmo was right. you could read these during a layout session poolside or in the tub. they're fun, light and not too over the top so you can somewhat relate. so, all this to say, that saturdays are like a box of chocolates...you just never know what you're gonna get. a whole lot of nothingness turned into a great big of everything!

sunday was planned out from the get go. i am happy to report that i made it to the soccer scrimmage where i scored one of the last goals of the evening. it was not the highlight, far from it because one of the guys -- jim, also a member of the voodoo posse, did a pele kick. what's a pele kick you ask? basically, it's a back flip that somehow propels your foot to hit the ball and kick it into the goal. totally amazing! seriously, i think i've only ever seen pele on tv do this.

so, here we are on monday and i can't believe i'm still typing. today was extremely busy at work...i like it though because it makes me feel more and more part of the team. i really do love the team. they're good people that i have enjoyed getting to know. kena's super! rei's fun! jmo's cool! fi's on vaca. this week but i still like her anyway because she's australian. had a great lunch today with some prsa folks. left the office on the late side due to time getting ahead of me. it worked out traffic wise since i had to meet ted at the tire place with the very sick honda. she's not good when she's down like this. so, how much are the tires going to cost? over six hundred dollars...i feel the fire in my wallet. ouch! yes, you read "six" and then you read "hundred" and instead of my wish coming true for it to be in pennies, it's actually stayed as dollars. i remember paying two hundred dollars in college on tires for the vw golf and thinking that was outrageous. i guess i have to dip into the "oh no! fund" which is always a bummer but that's why it's called, "oh no!" so, again, ted and i wanted to commemorate this highway robbery by cleaning our other two cars this evening. well, wait a sec. it was me cleaning, scrubbing, drying and he did what most guys do...played with the water hose. yes, a very important job but it's only part of the process but then again, i'm just happy he participated. yay ted!

to end this overdone outpour, i will review and conclude that after all of this, i'm still so grateful, even soon to be without six hundred big ones in the bank. my life is constantly moving forward and i'm just trying to make sure i've got the right wheels (had to do it) to keep me on this crazy road. some days it feels like the audobon, others are a total dirt road with lots of holes full of mud and big sharp pointy rocks. but hey! i'm on it and i am lovin' the drive.

out with a bang

last night voodoo played a stellar game. it ended in double overtime and penalty shots. we lost by one which was fine considering we all wanted to sit and have some guin-erade. there is a team photo that my teddy took prior to the sweat match so when it's off the camera, also known as the black hole, i will post it with pride. in the meantime, thanks so much to the girls, especially gingie, who came through for me last night in a major way. she is hilarious and someone you don't want to mess with. she could seriously become a successful private eye. until next season...

stop and breathe

this is just such a great photo to me...i am trying to learn more about flickr so in the meantime,

i keep coming across so many great shots like this one.

this picture inspires a moment of just being -- no worries about what to do or buy or where to go. just sitting back and taking in what God gives to us daily...a life full of breathtaking moments that require nothing but taking the time to remember to stop, to take in and to see what is possible through Him.

moonday, no jellies

have you ever seen a moon jelly? spent my day at the beach yesterday and refused to go deep into the water because of the awful possibility of getting stung by a jelly fish. oh! the thought just makes makes my skin crawl.

you know how they say you can't really fear what you know...well, i am afraid of this. jellies are all over the place and over a year ago, i blindly swam through a bunch of them while snorkeling while my dear teddy scuba dived down in the keys. i lived, of course, but next time, the boat may be the place for me.

have you ever been stung? jelly? bee?

happiness to all my fries!

Celebrate the joy of friendship on this very special day!

It's FRIENDSHIP DAY!

Friendship Day thoughts (from a friendly site)

The abundant joys of friendship is enriched with its purity, simplicity, sincerity and trust. It is the intensity of the love that leaves behind trails of sweet memories to cherish the core of life giving a whole new meaning to it. The enigma of friendship strengthens with the bonds of relationships so unique which is unselfish, intimate, pure and beautiful. A bond, unburdened by the constraints of age, sex, religion, social status and other such artificial values that encompass all relations of mankind. Friendship means a firm and gentle relation. It has a responsibility of sharing and caring. It is priceless, incomparable and has an afterglow that shines life like happy sunshine. Friendship means you can confide, share secrets, have oneness and above all, equal wave lengths to match your interests and similar outlook. It has the power of appreciation whatever is noble and loving. A real friend walks in with you when all the rest fall apart in time of need. A true friend believes in your dreams and wishes the best of everything. Friendship is like a vase, once broken cannot be mended. Each person needs for a longing to talk and with the changing time, making friends has a whole new meaning.

Recipe for a Happy Friendship

2 cups of genuine interest
4 spoons of understanding
1 cup of recognition
1 cup of appreciation
2 spoons of tenderness
1 cup of simple courtesies
3 glasses of kindness
4 spoons of faith
1 cup of friendship
1 jug of laughter
1 jug of smiles
2 mugs of consideration for others

Procedure
Take Genuine Interest and make an effort to Understand. Mix Thoroughly with Recognition and Appreciation. Blend with Simple courtesies. Add Faith, Friendship and an abundance of Laughter.

Top freely with smiles and consideration for others. Bake with bright openness. Garnish with Love. Serve daily with generous helpings.

ATTITUDE – YOU can make the difference!

To smile;
To apologize;
To be unselfish;
To admit mistakes;
To enjoy your work;
To laugh at yourself;
To think and then act;
To forgive and forget;
To control bad temper;
To make someone happy;
To learn from mistakes;
To respond and not react;
To be honest and truthful;
To refrain from criticism;
To shoulder deserved blame;
To keep cool when provoked;
To listen without interrupting;
To respect others’ point of view;
To do a little more than expected;
To be well mannered to near and dear ones.

go go gadget girl!

worked on getting it together today. lots of little projects here and there. i covet having time to work on them. ted and i were able to spend some quality time together. always a plus on a weekend.

Leader and a Movie

Thanks to www.phillaeger.com, I found a site that after a brief quiz, told me the following about what kind of leader and what kind of movie I am:

welcome weekend

morning buzz

Kia and the rest of the crew served the buzz to me this morning. Caffeine not necessary.



80's morning at The Daily Buzz. Joined the nationally syndicated news and weather with personality team this morning for an hour of their broadcast to check out how it all goes down in the teeny tiny studio in Lake Mary. So much fun and great energy! Got to see Anne and Deanne. Deanne is having her baby Jack tomorrow! She is amazing and still so model-esque at one day before delivery. Met the production guys and gal. Got a photo for Teddy signed by his crush -- Andrea J. It's really a great way to start the day!

no go for voodoo

so, we lost again to a stinky team. the real score was 2-2 but our team kept getting called out. i'm glad that my team is as fun as it is. playoffs -- here we come!

letting go vs. holding on

letting go so that i may appreciate why i held on. i don't have to do everything to be anything. i can just be me and hold on to what is true. there are so many imposters. things, situations, peole who pose as one thing to only serve their own purposes. by moving forward, i see clearly what He has placed before me. in the end, no one will look at my gpa, church attendance record, bank account, drivers license or my credit score to define who i was or what my life was all about. it is my heart, those i loved, those moments i shared and the difference i made with it all while i was here.

i let go.

you go.

you go and i hold on.

i hold on.

to you.

you go and i hold on.

i hold me.

for me.

i go for me and i hold on.

thinking of jennifer

I was perusing the blogosphere and came across one that has been written by a 50 year old guy who has lost three of his four children in the last four years. His voice is very distinct and insightful on what his grief has brought him and where he is now knowing there's less years of life ahead of him than ever before.

It is always tempting to put things off another week, another month, another year, but if I do that, I will put off living life forever.

In the end, as so many people drift away and are lost at the end of frayed tethers of letters, all that seems to remain is family, and some friends as close as family.So many moves in my life, so few roots in so many ways.

How do you lose a child? How? The thought is painful enough. It brings me back to realizing how vulnerable we all are to reality, to death, to suffering.

thanks tangos and flowers

Was visiting tangos and flowers and couldn't help but get struck by the following excerpt:

Gilbert Chesterton met the question squarely."Christianity has not been tried and found wanting," he wrote. "It has been found difficult and untried." Mahatma Ghandi once said, I like your Christ, but I don't like your Christians." He gave as his reason, " They are so unlike your Christ." Unless and until we have men and women who live by the inner dynamism of the Spirit, human torches aglow with the fire of LOVE for Christ, Christianity will be a musty antique of a medieval past.

Only the Holy Spirit conveys the dynamic character of the moral life and nurtures the willingness to accept initiative. External law had bred a don't get involved attitude. Stressing the mere and minimal fulfillment of precept, it makes Christians cautious about making waves. Just float through life like a majestic iceberg taking no chances. A prominent American churchman remarked recently: " Other people, often not even Christians, are speaking out the sound principles of Christ in the struggle for racial justice more faithfully than we. They are looked upon as fanatics- YET they are doing a very Christian thing- things we should be doing if we see Christ in our fellow man." What a strange breed of Christianity the law has ushered in! What little resemblance it bears to the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

exciting news

Today, I know:

I am enough.
I have enough.
I do enough.

Today, you must know:

You are enough.
You have enough.
You do enough.

It's powerful stuff. Enough. When was the last time someone said, "________ insert your name (so for me, DragonFLY), YOU ARE ENOUGH"?? No one says it. They've taken on the same thinking for themselves...I'm not enough. I need more. I need to do this. I have to be this. Just for a minute join me -- I'm excited about being where I am right now, at this very moment just because I have what I have and I am who I am. Seriously, try it! Try thinking about your life, as is, nothing more, nothing less...So, isn't it exciting?!!?? I didn't say perfect people. I said exciting!! You have another moment, this moment, now this one, and this one and...You have enough. You have you. You have now. You have sooooo much!!

Read a book.
If you like knowing you're enough, read some Sark.
She'll remind you and inspire you to fly and to also take time to nap.

to Joy -- your message was amazing. i felt like you were standing right next to me...that's how close your beautiful words of love and remembrance touched my heart. your friendship moves mountains for me. i love you be-fri!

traveling out of town

going on yet another road trip tonight to visit the family in the northeast part of this great sunshine state. i tell ya what...we love to do the impossible. what? don't leave in the middle of the night...oh come on! look who you're talking to. we'd drive a million miles to spend time with our loved ones and enjoy a beautiful environment. it's not just me, ted's the same way. we've even discussed going to see china girl and, HELLO my peoples, she's in china!

Friday at last!

What happens when people have too much money and

aren't sure what to do with it. I really like those green cones.

I am not one who typically subscribes to the TGIF attitude. Typically, enjoying every day equally is good since working on the weekend does come up for me quite often. This week, I have to strongly say that I couldn't be happier that Friday is here and happening. It's been a heck of a week. Sleeping has become a luxury and the amount of caffeine that has been shot into my body is ridiculous. It's as if I'm in some strange science experiment. Theory: Woman can live and somewhat function for 5 days on nothing but coffee and hotel food. Conclusion: She can put one foot in front of the other BUT living and functioning are debatable.

The Grand Floridian was a glorious place to stay and play. Much to my disappointment, there was no play factored into the schedule so from afar, I got glimpses of what it might be like if I wasn't there for work. No hamburgers either...I had to settle for the filet.

I so want my pillow right now.

sleepover

doing a sleepover tonight at the grand floridian for work. i remember when people talked about this hotel first opening. they always talked about the $7 hamburgers. well, i finally get to check it out.

can't wait until david starts here...then i can get the inside scoop on the best rooms, activities, etc.

my day in pictures

1. started at international plaza in tampa at a press conference

2. went to tampa digital to edit video for stations who weren't at the press conference

3. begged kena for a short break to get my nails done in the midst of a very long day...thankfully, she said yes!

4. watched focus groups discuss some interesting issues for 4 hours

I got home around midnight. I'm tired but in a good way.

in loss

To a friend who just lost one of her best to Metastatic Breast Cancer -- I am so sorry.
You once wrote, "I have been amazed by the depths of my own humanity and the resiliency of the human spirit. We are all so fragile, yet so strong. So broken, yet so perfect. "

dedicated to buderfli, love dragonFLY

Congrats to my friend, Ginger, who today had her new house dedicated. This journey has been tedious and long but it's all worth it since you and My My are now on your way to creating a home of your own. Thanks for letting me be a part of it all. Wendy ~ so good to see you and the girls (little women)!

Habitat homeowner: 'It still hasn't sunk in'

by Robert PeRez
July 22, 2006

SANFORD -- Ginger Flack and her daughter began their new life Friday in a three-bedroom, two-bath home that sits directly under the path of incoming planes at Orlando Sanford International Airport.

They couldn't be happier.

The pair is moving into a 1,200-square-foot home completed in a 10-day building blitz by Habitat for Humanity of Seminole County and its partners -- Maronda Homes, Trustco Bank and Orangewood Presbyterian Church."This is going to give us a whole new way of life," Flack said. "We'll have our own home."

Amaya Flack was about a year old when her mother began putting in the first of 300 hours of volunteer work for the program. She will celebrate her fourth birthday next month in her own room.The 2 1/2 years of weekend volunteer work -- Habitat's required "sweat equity" -- seemed like no time at all, she said."It didn't seem like work," said Flack, a 29-year-old single mother. "Everybody is so wonderful, so grateful. They're happy to be there."

On Friday, it was Flack's turn to be on the receiving end."It still hasn't sunk in that this is mine," she said.Amaya was oblivious to Friday's ceremony, wandering in and out of the empty home as officials celebrated the completion of the house in record time."There was nothing but trenches for the footers out here 10 days ago," said Robert Kinney, Habitat president.

Flack's home was built a la Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the popular ABC program that rehabs homes for worthy people in seven days. On average, volunteer crews spent 12 hours a day on Flack's house.A 20-year interest-free loan helped make the home affordable for Flack, a manager at United Trophy's Casselberry store.

In addition to donating $20,000 for home construction, Trustco Bank is providing home-ownership counseling to Flack.Central Florida's hot real-estate market has made it nearly impossible to find affordable land in safe neighborhoods to build, Kinney said. Habitat built two homes, including Flack's, on Palmetto Avenue.Flack is looking forward to her new community. She does not worry about the near-constant shriek of jets and putter of prop planes overhead. She is just grateful.

"At first I was worried because they come in so low, but now I like watching them come in," she said. "We'll get used to the noise. Pretty soon it's going to be background noise."

Cocktails & the Cosmos at OSC

Picked up the Teddy Bear and came back into town for a networking event at the Science Center. Got to catch up with many people about the latest news...Met Kena's son who is absolutely adorable! Topped the evening off with some yumalicious Indian Food. I need to learn how to make saag paneer. It can't be that hard. Maybe I'll check in with one of my favorite bloggers -- Tales from a Veggie Kitchen. That girl can cook! Did you know that Michael Jackson also loves Saag Paneer. It's true! It's on the internet! :-)

the NEVERS

" 'Never say never.' People like to say that. Why? Beats us. Some things are really impossible. And sometimes, just sometimes, you should say 'never.' Never round up when guessing someone's age. Never allow your friends to drink and dial. Never stop yourself from saying something nice. Never deny yourself the last bite of something really delicious. Never sunbathe nude in India. Never chew gum in Singapore. Never go against your gut. Never be the one to break the news regarding Santa, the Tooth Fairy or any other personae with good reputations. Never decline a high five. Never take your health for granted. Never hold on to old socks."

From DailyCandy A to Z: An Insider's Guide to the Sweet Life

Some of my nevers fluttering around in my mind today:

Never eat a big dinner and then go straight to bed. Never sleep in cheap sheets. Never drive in the fast lane unless you're driving fast. Never be mean or encourage others to be mean. Never get angry for being in rush hour traffic during rush hour. Never drive in the rain if you don't know how or feel uncomfortable...Pull over! Never make fun of people who have to have at least one cup of coffee before they make sense in the morning. Never cook bacon in the nude. Never use the sink or toilet while your husband is showering. Never forget all of the firsts -- days, times, loves, losses, wins. Never shop without having some idea of what you're looking for. Never rush for no reason. Never smoke. Never complain without a suggestion/solution. Never eat mediocre desserts. Never forget to say thank you. Never overlook you're amazing friends...the ones who send you a great card that makes your day. Never stop kissing your spouse. Never live completely unaware of who and what surrounds you. Never use the words, "Because you always do" when trying to convince someone. Never answer the phone with a frown. Never wear uncomfortable shoes for more than 3 hours at a time...It really messes with your mood. Never acknowledge that you are all about something that is not bigger than you. Never slack on calling your mom even if it's just to say "I love you." Never forget how blessed you are. Never deny that you are beautifully and wonderfully made.

tie game to me time

voodoo doesn't strike again. we tied bud tonight after 40 rigorous minutes when i thought i had pulled a hammy which later turned out to be my quad. oh wellsies...moving on since i won't be able to play next week due to a work commitment. went to chippy's afterward with some of my favorite people for a quick bite.

ted's gone tonight so i am just sitting back and enjoying my solitude. i've never been one that requires constant attention. i enjoy people, company, guests, visitors -- unexpected and expected -- but sometimes, i really like to just be alone to think, to digest, to pray, to ponder, to revel, to appreciate, to remember, to understand, to just be. it's so peaceful, so important to just touch base with yourself every so often. deep breath in, deep breath out. this is nice...real nice.

the buderfli house

Lots of excitement brewing for my friend Ginger and her new house through Habitat for Humanity. Above is a portion of the building crew, her little cutsie My My and Christine from FOX.

Tim E. is 33!

Happy Birthday to my friend, TIM!!

weekend at home

first weekend in awhile that ted and i actually stayed in town. we spent friday night with theo and cathy in celebration of sophia's 4th birthday. i remember when she was just a little peanut at the hospital. ted, sr. came into town on saturday afternoon. this was his first trip, to my knowledge, out of town since trish passed away. it was so good to have him visit us. since i had to work on saturday night at the store, ted took him all over town. in true ted fashion, he got lost trying to get to i-drive. we had a nice dinner on saturday night at chang's. sunday morning, we attended a service at the Greek Orthodox Church in maitland. beautiful church. lots of kids in the congregation. we met the priest and looked around at the facilities. of course, we had been there before for Greek Fest but ted's dad had never seen it. we enjoyed a nice lunch at fw and then he was back to jax. i wanted him to stay considering he and ted are such a riot together. later that afternoon, ted and i headed to sunday soccer scrimmage where gene, josh and sara were waiting. i played with the big kids and ted played a game with josh, sara and gene. it was unbelievably hot. i think the worst ever! i scored a goal early on in the game and almost had another one. it hit the cross bar. we went to panera bread for dinner. it was good to see janice. she's been busy the last few weeks and so have i. she's got a new little baby niece that she's so happy about! it was just a nice weekend. full of family, fun and hot weather.

sick again -- yuck!

in volusia county this morning for a press conference and am feeling a bit under the weather again. why me? why now? at least i got a great lunch with a really hot guy. he's the best producer in all of daytona beach...all of central florida!

welcome baby ella!

great news from the be-fri earlier this morning about little matty-poo and his sweet southern girl having a baby girl! CONGRATULATIONS!
to ella -- you have just entered one of the most amazing families on all of planet earth AND as if that's not enough, you have one of the best aunties in all the universe!

celebrating true friendship

Everything I Need to Know about Friendship I Learned from My Women Friends
by BJ Gallagher

A TRUE FRIEND,
FROM A TO Z...

ACCEPTS you, warts and all
BELIEVES in your potential
COMFORTS you when you're sad
DELIGHTS in your successes
EMPATHIZES with your struggles
FORGIVES you when you hurt her feelings, just as you do her
GIVES you time and attention
HUGS you. ..often
INSPIRES you to do your best
JUST loves you
KEEPS your secrets
LISTENS with her heart
MAKES you want to be a better person
NEVER judges you
OCCASIONALLY disappoints you 'cause she's human, too
POINTS out your good qualities when you forget
QUESTIONS you when you're about to do something really dumb
RESPECTS your boundaries
SHARES her hopes and fears with you
TELLS you the truth
UNDERSTANDS you, even when you don't understand yourself
VALUES your ideas and opinions
WILL do anything she can to help you
XTENDS a helping hand whenever you need it
YEARNS to hear from you when you're away
ZINGS with joy 'cause you're her friend

Mark your calendars for Friendship Day on Aug. 6th! Tell your friends you love them and why!

Where in the world is my Auntie Mila?

The following is my Auntie Mila's tavel itinerary:

July
9 Leaving Jax to Atlanta to JFK NY.
11 and 12 Singapore
13 Singapore to Bali
16 Bali to Singapore
17 Singapore to Beijing
18 Tiananmen Square/Temple of Heaven/Imperial Palace/Acrobatic show
19 Great Wall/Ming Tombs/Dingling
20 Summer Palace/Wangfujing Street
21 Beijing to Bangkok
22 Bangkok city tour & shopping
23 Bangkok to Singapore
24 Singapore to Manila
25 Manila to Davao
27 Davao to Manila
27 Manila to Singapore
27 11:50 pm leaving Singapore to Germany to JFK NY
28th Home Sweet Home

Have fun Mila! Safe journey!!! Mahal kita!

Baby Theo's Christening

mr. wonderful, baby freshly christened, moi et brother T

cousin m with the cutest little baby in the whole world!

Theo, Josie, Tania (Godmother), cute Baby Theo and Mario (Godfather)

Today my baby brother's baby (Theodore Gene Hagen, Jr.) was Christened.

This kind of event makes one stop and really take in what is all around them.

Life. Family. God. Love. Hope.

traveling to tampa

This morning I was in Tampa and visited one of our main offices for work. Really impressive. The people were so nice and helpful. I learned a lot about the relationship between the teams and how they relate to mine. It was worth the four hours of traveling in the most ridiculous traffic. I shall return for yet another adventure. I just won't stop in Polk County. Story to come at a later time.

local cup filled with adventure and honesty

Prepare to be shocked! Voodoo did it again...We WON!!! 2 weeks in a row people. Woohoo! There were a ton of shots on our goal. It's true BUT when it all came down to it, they never scored on us. I got the ball and it was as if time slowed down. I saw John down at the goal. He kept hanging there to avoid running excessively. Only the Voodoo can get away with this kind of slack playing. Instead of passing it off, I took the shot but I kept it on the ground. All John had to do was tap it in to the little goal and BOOM! 1 goal for us at the last two minutes of the game. When the whistle blew, we added another win to our record! Everyone was so excited. I think I was still trying to figure out what happened. Needless to say, we are on a roll!

Today, I am hanging out with the cable guy and learning the "cables" (ropes) of the biz. There is an all new appreciation for what these guys do all day. In addition, I have named myself "Cable Girl" and will be making a costume soon. There will be photos upon its completion. The Adventures of Cable Girl!

Tonight at the Jill, I saw a million things that I want to add to my collection. Fall fashion is out and looking mighty cute!

To close, what an amazing freedom you discover when you choose to be honest. No pretending. No blaming others. No over analyzing or thinking. No judging. Just YES for being honest. In that choice, you find what carries you further than you could ever imagine. (sigh) It's awesome.

i love fireworks

CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY! theo and cathy made it all happen for this year's fourth. they brought the right people together for a grand grilling experience. theo grilled up enough ribs for the neighborhood. cathy made an awesome cherry pie. they even arranged for fireworks to go off that could be seen from the front of their house and from the back. it was a fireworks bonanza!

Happy Independence Day!

I ran/walked three miles this morning at the annual Watermelon Fun Run in Winter Park at 7:30 this morning with half of Orlando. Robin, Ixchel, Destiny and Maurice were there to celebrate the crazy idea and suffer together. I saw Theo L., Shawn S., Heather (she won the women's division with a time of 19:52) and Wendy. It was so incredibly hot. I know, I know, it IS July. I finished which was literally my only goal. Tomorrow night is soccer so I wasn't about to push myself too hard. The actual route is really nice. You run past all kinds of nice homes and enjoy the view. The worst part is you do pass the lead runners who finish under 20 minutes. You get to see everyone who's beating you. There were fully dressed firemen, American flag carriers, professional walkers, small children, etc. I kept reminding myself to honor my body and not overdo it. I was so happy to get into my car and blast the AC. Thank you for air conditioning especially for moments like this morning. About 20 minutes later, Ted and I met up to enjoy our usual breakfast at First Watch. He asked if I won the race. I told him that I won a frisbee.

Today has been great and very relaxing. We're heading to the Lotz's for a party and look forward to seeing fireworks. Thank you for friends who have a pool and who are super fun too!

weekend update

Spent the day at the beach on Saturday. YES!!! Really needed the ocean air and sand between my toes. The shells were everywhere -- big and small -- and every so often you'd find a shark's tooth. Those are the hot items for the summer. Ted and I played with our little nephew Matt. He recently sliced his fingers on the ladder at the pool so he has to keep his right hand dry. The kid is living at the beach for the summer so it is not an easy feat. I read an entire magazine in one sitting while my brother-in-law, Todd, read through a legal document for work. It was nice to just sit back and feel the sun and wind while soaking in the latest issue of "Body + Soul." I saw a little of the World Cup game. So sad about the UK. They played so well and I really thought they were going to win. :-( We all went to Cruisers for dinner, home of the best cheeseburger in the world. It was a great time...I couldn't help but sing all of the songs they were playing. Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time, I Promise, Keep Me Hanging On...Good stuff!

Sunday was an important day. It was the first time I had been back to the cemetery since the funeral. I needed to go alone. On the way, I picked up some daisies (her favorite flower) and laid them on her grave. All of the emotions of the last time I was there came rushing back. I miss her. I really, really miss her. We all do. Things are not complete without her.

We drove back late afternoon...it was unclear what time we'd get on the road. I had already arranged to come back early since I originally had things to do. Since that changed, I decided to go out to Showalter Field and kick the soccer ball around for a bit with the Sunday Scrimmage crew. There were about four girls there this time. I found myself really connecting with the ball and being there. There are games when you just can't seem to be where you need to be...Well, this was the total opposite. I had some really good plays just because I was there. It was awesome. Let's hope Wednesdays game will be just as good in the area of connection.

where's your spirit?

Interesting read in an article by Sally Kempton.

You know your spiritual IQ is climing when you:

-- notice that you're less bothered by the ups and downs of your life

-- remember to ask for grace and guidance from God and are open to receiving them

-- realize that you are happier and more peaceful when you stop trying to control every situation

-- recognize that living from your own essence is more important than getting the approval of others

-- find it easier to forgive your parents, your ex, the coach who bullied you in high school and yourself

-- wake up some mornings feeling gratitude for no reason

-- treat feelings of anger, jealousy and blame as signals to do self-inquiry and take time to look into what's behind those feelings

-- develop a time for prayer, mindful awareness, self-inquiry and silent contemplation

-- know how to tap into His strength so that you're less fearful of situations and outcomes that used to scare you

-- experience feelings of equality, kinship and concern for other people, animals and the earth

-- are less afraid to speak the truth -- and know how to do it gently

-- above all, feel a growing connection to being more and more spiritual

...spiritual intelligence is our instinct for looking beyond appearances to find out what's really important. Some people are born with that knowingness; the rest of us may need to uncover it through trial and error. Yet any moment can be the one when our innate spiritual intelligence wakes us up to the mystery -- the realization that one energy pervades us all.

dealing with anger

I read the following in the paper and thought it was something to chew on. Anger is bad but even worse than anger is not knowing how to deal with it in a healthy way.

Put a lid on anger before it boils over

Doug Worgul
The Kansas City Star

You can nurture a relationship for years and ruin it in a moment, if you can't control your temper. Here are some tried and true tactics for keeping cool when tempers get hot from experts at The American Psychological Association (apa.org), Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com) and Center for the Advancement of Health (cfah.org):

1 -- The best way to keep your head is to hold your tongue. When you're angry, anything you say can and will be used against you. If not now, in some future argument. Better to just say nothing. Don't be goaded into saying something mean or hurtful. It won't help. And you'll regret it.

2 -- Ask for more information. Many arguments stem from poor communication. Clarification is better than confrontation.

3 -- Avoid using inflammatory language. If you must speak, don't curse, don't insult, don't question motives or intelligence, and don't bring up past offenses.

4 -- Take the high road. Admit you were wrong, even if you weren't. Promise to try harder. Say you're sorry.

5 -- Get a second opinion. Talk to someone about the argument to get a more objective perspective on the disagreement.

6 -- Know thyself. Know the issues and circumstances to which you respond with anger or frustration. If you can't avoid these, devise a plan for responding calmly.

7 -- Take a deep breath and smile. This will help you stay in control and drain away ill will.

8 -- Consider what's at stake. Maybe it's your marriage, your job or your relationship with a child, sibling or friend. Ask yourself if the expression of your temporary feelings of anger are worth the risk of permanently damaging a relationship you value.

9 -- Work it out. Go for a long walk or bike ride. Go play a game of racquetball. Go lift weights. Use exercise to exorcise those bad feelings.

10 -- Get a good night's sleep. You're more likely to get mad or feel attacked when you've not had enough rest. You're also less able to control your tongue. See item No. 1.

fishermen beware

For years, people have asked me about my name. Where did your mom hear that name? Did she make it up? Is it a family name? What does it mean?

According to a website called Behind the Name, I found the following:

LORELEI
Gender: Feminine
Usage: Germanic Mythology
Pronounced: lor-e-LIE, LOR-e-lie
From a Germanic name meaning "luring rock". This is the name of a rock headland on the Rhine River. Legends say that a maiden named the Lorelei lives on the rock and lures fishermen to their death with her song.

When I was younger, I hated it. With a name that ended in "lie" I was called "Lorelie lies" and other silly things that didn't make sense. I never heard Brittany or Monica being teased about their first names. It wasn't fair. I remember having a serious conversation with my mom about changing it. She had changed her own name from "Luzbeminda" to "LouAnne" so I told her I wanted to change mine from "Lorelie" to "Lorelee." I remember crying and saying that life would be so much easier for me. Of course, she didn't budge. My name would be "Lorelie" and that was it.

Through middle and high school, the names/words/phrases that rhyme with mine or the ones that made people laugh only got worse. Of course, the kids who had the worst names were always the ones doing the teasing so they wouldn't get teased themselves. By then, I was a lot more comfortable with my name since I had discovered that it really did exist out there, especially in music. NOTE: There was a time when I didn't think anyone had heard of the name "Lorelie." It wasn't on lunch boxes or license plates or t-shirts. Those were only for girls named, "Christina" or "Lisa" -- certainly not "Lorelie."

By the time I was 15, I found three songs with my name as the title:

1 -- Lorelei by Styx
2 -- Lorelei by The Pogues
3 -- Lorelei by The Tom Tom Club

I also discovered a Harry Connick, Jr. song that had Lorelei in the lyrics.

I know what you're thinking...What's with the "ei" at the end of everyone else's version of Lorelie? Supposedly, it's the way it should be spelled if you're going for the origin of the name. But, if you know my mother, you'll know that nothing can be the way it's suppose to be. It has to be different, unique, something special. Even in the midst of her name change, she wanted to make sure it wasn't spelled, Louann. She wanted Lou Anne. Space, capital "A" and an "e" on the end. That's one of the many things I love about my mother. She is very unique and because of it, I am too AND on top of it all, I embrace other very uniqe individuals. I don't want you to be like me and I don't want to be like you. JUST BE YOU! I AM LORELIE with an "ie" and am happy for it!

So, of course, the name, Lorelie, is becoming more and more popular now. The WB's Gilmore Girls has come on the scene with both lead characters sharing the name, Lorelei. The mother is Lorelei and the daughter is called Rory as a nickname of Lorelei. I'd never even thought there was a nickname for my name. Seriously, I had filled out applications with a line for nickname and every time, I would pause to try and think of something that would make sense. The show, of course, has become one of my favorite things to watch. It's focus is on the mother and daughter relationship in a small town setting with Rory's big dreams and Lorelei's big hopes after leaving her wealthy parents. The running theme is that she chose differently. Lorelei chose to have her own life because she knew what her parents life already looked like. It's not perfect and that's what makes it very inspiring.

So, if you're a Lorelei, Lorelie, Lauralye (actual spelling given to me on a coffee cup) or a (insert unique name), DON'T WORRY. Your name was given not to define you but to identify you only on the surface. You define you by the life you live, the choices you make and what you decide to put behind your name. I am grateful for my name because it isn't very common and it has grown to suit me but I still choose to stay true to me and my uniqueness.

Thanks mom. Through your uniqueness, you've taught me how to love mine.

we are the champions

VooDoo won the ball game last night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was up in the air whether we were going to play or not due to the weather but it ended up being a great game. Sarah set the pace with the first goal (what a beauty assisted by Bryce :-) )...Then Leah...Then Bryce...Then Jim. It was awesome! We won 4-0. It was a lot of fun. I am so glad Ted picked this game to come to instead of some of the other "sucky" ones. Ginger represented and made Michelle (who could not be there) proud! I guess we need to play in a dark, muddy and wet field more often.

Gin -- still want the SW/SA update. Love ya girlie!!!

the mayo jar and 2 cups of coffee

Thanks to Kena for the conversation today and the reminder below. She's "super"!

I know everyone has probably read this, but it's always nice to be reminded of why we are here on earth. Enjoy your life and family to the fullest...

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles roll ed into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. "Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--- your family, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained , your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuf f. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad! you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

mind fishing

• dreaming of people from years ago
• living with two cats (how did that happen)
• driving without full concentration
• walking in the rain with a new umbrella
• meeting someone's significant other for the first time
• going to a new restaurant
• engaging a total stranger and sharing an understanding
• reliving a traumatic moment in my best friend's life ( so didn't process the magnitude until today)
• loving what i'm wearing because it's so many of my favorite things
• enjoying a nice dinner with my husband
• avoiding green onions -- why are they on everything
• watching pepper's co-star - do i really look like her
• talking about people who are pregnant or who just had a baby
• experiencing envy for those who "naturally" have monday off
• reading everything -- newspapers, websites, magazines
• honoring trish's memory, her beauty
• disliking the parking lot on i-4
• celebrating the possibilities for ted with the great news
• knowing others are there to help whenever or wherever
• feeling the benefits of going to yoga last night
• wanting to change the world one moment at a time even with the smallest situation
• connecting with people through humor...laughing together is like nothing else
• being responsible and accepting and loving all of it
• being excited about life and what the next moment has for me
• wondering how my husband can look so cute while sleeping

so thankful today and every day

Weekend at the Ritz in Naples

So, I finally got to stay at a Ritz Carlton. Beautiful! So enjoyed the entire facility...the room, the pool, the meeting space. Everything was first class. I don't know if I will be able to stay anywhere else. Of course, I can't afford to stay at the Ritz unless it's at a majorly discounted rate like this trip but it's nice to suggest how difficult it will be to book anywhere else.

The free time in Naples at the District Conference was minimal. I did, however, take advantage of the pool before I left for Cape Coral. I finally got to peruse the Wall Street Journal and New York Times that was left on my door that morning. There was someone to make sure you had towels and someone else who made sure you had water or whatever else. There was a guy playing guitar by the pool to pre-recorded music. It was a nice touch. While I was on the phone with Joy, I kept saying that I don't think I could ever leave.

Believe it or not, my favorite part, as much as I rave about the Ritz, was not the hotel and all of its wonderful accommodations but rather the connections I made with a few of the attendees of the conference. Andrea and her husband of six years, Joe, was there for the weekend. I went to dinner with them on Friday night at EVOO. They were such a joy to be around and talk to...Of course, I have consistently enjoyed Andrea's company at meetings, breakfasts, events, etc. but this is the first time we've really gotten to spend some quality time together. She and Joe are just great. I kept thinking that Ted would've enjoyed being there too but he stayed back to take care of our diabetic cat. In addition to Andrea and Joe, I also got to see Geri briefly and Annetta. Allison from Ft. Lauderdale...Sarah from soccer...her friend Nicole. It was a very good networking experience. Well worth the trip!

I stopped by and had dinner with my mom on the way home. I got to see her creativity taking center stage in the kitchen. It's been awhile since I had been down to CC so it was a nice visit.

Happy to be back in Longwood and enjoying a nice Sunday with Ted and the koo's. They are my home which is why I love being there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my JENNY!!

Jenny, Jenny, I wish I had your Chinese number...I would call and sing the best darn rendition of Happy Birthday to you over the phone. A text message just doesn't have the same effect.

To the only real redhead in CHINA -- HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

off to NAPLES aka Linda Land

PRSA District Conference begins tonight until Saturday. Next year, Orlando gets to play host. Can't wait to check out the Ritz. Full report upon my return.

play nice

played against a new team in red. red was an appropriate color since one of their players was ready to fight one of ours. totally ridiculous. we lost 2-1. we played very well but we just weren't shooting the ball. it was nice to have a cheering section there. go voodoo, go! soccer schedule and other info here.

remembering

a special day.

i was watching mtv's the hills last night and one of the girls said, "sometimes there are certain people you just never get over." the hills...a total guilty pleasure. it's almost as bad as cheyenne and making the band 3.

book of days

LEARN TO SEE.

I believe that everyone should journal with pen and paper -- it's more personal and special somehow. Journaling has been a part of my life since elementary school. I remember when I took notebook paper, folded it in half and stapled it down the middle and called it "My Diary." The book that I would recommend for anyone to pick up and read if journaling is of interest at all is "Leaving a Trace" by Alexandra Johnson. I am loving the lines of truth that comes through the page and keep nodding my head even when I am only nodding to myself while reading. Journaling has made me realize, acknowledge and push through who I am and what I want to give to the world.

i scored the winning GOAL

so, i decided to join up the sunday night soccer scrimmage and after arriving at 6 on a sunday evening, i realized that i would be the only girl playing for the evening. so i moved on and started playing. we were there until dark. it was great practice. then, the announcement "one more goal and then we go" was made and i had my chance. instead of passing it off, i took the shot and I MADE IT! it made the whole practice so worthwhile. of course, i will be returning this sunday evening to do it again. girl power!

Celebrate!

Happy Birthday Michelle, the newly graduated and now one year older, Michelle!

goodbye geoff!

tonight i went to a going away party. it was great to be there since a lot of people ended up coming down to the restaurant. bobi showed up for a minute to say hello and chat. always good to see her. i learned a lot of good stuff about the people i work with!

voodoo is back

WE SCORED A GOAL!!!

Soccer season started again and last night we played two games to open the season. We lost the first and tied the second. Great fun! It's nice to have so many new, new/old people back on the team.

I look so smashing in yellow. It's the only reason I joined the team...No, actually, it's all Sarah's fault. She's responsible for asking me to come out and play. Here's Sarah and I:

Love to Ginger and the youngest member of Voodoo, My My, who now has a little friend to hang with during the games!

It's on!!!

back from NYC

COOKIE FORTUNE (no joke, this was in the cookie I opened) --
YOUR CAREER PLANS LOOK BRIGHT.

while in nyc, i worked, went to chinatown, i learned more about cable and education through cable, got sick, got better, attended the prsa leadership rally, got to know amy lyn from jacksonville better, found great new york pizza, met trade pub reporters with kena, walked a lot, bought nothing, endured the rain, rode in a cab, went to dinner at tsampa with linda who is with child, journaled while staring at the statue of liberty, rode the subway, walked a lot, went to the TODAY show, ate breakfast at the CONDE NAST building on times square, walked a lot and went to ground zero. in addition, i went to a great dinner at the remi restaurant with bhn people and natalie morales from nbc. another great dinner at the world financial center with all the prsa leadership. amy lyn and i enjoyed the view of jersey across the hudson. glad to be home.

Make Way for the Presidents

PRSA Leadership Rally 2006 - NYC

Met up with my pres-elects from Ft. Lauderdale and J-ville (Allison and Amy Lyn with me in photo above) to learn more about how to lead our chapters in '07. It was so great to see everyone. We also got to meet the upcoming president in Tampa and Miami. That pretty much almost covers the entire state. Too bad AB and I were a little unstable the first day. I had the flu and she had fun. We were quite the pair!

Chinatown - NYC

Start spreading the news...Here we are in NYC! I was hanging with the Star Teachers on Canal Street. Took the F Train from 51st. Bought a dragonfly necklace and a couple of disosable cameras (hence the photos). Oh yes, I bought one other thing -- fake hair that doesn't look like fake hair. Loving the W Hotel -- very chic.

China Town with Raedell, Edna and Cherry

Star Teacher Awards Gala, Remi Restaurant, NYC

my Chinatown pallies - raedell and cherry

My new bright team - They are super!

off to NYC

will be in NYC for a week starting today and will return next Sunday. they've asked me to help with the chinatown tour. where's "my jenny" when i need her?

gratitude

Thank you for your visits, hugs, calls, cards, emails, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss. Your love and support has been overwhelming and has provided the Johnson's with more than you'll ever know.


Patricia O. (Trish) Johnson

JOHNSON Patricia O. (Trish) Johnson, 63, passed away at her home on May 27, 2006 after a short battle with brain cancer. She was born in County Cork, Ireland on March 5, 1943, Trish arrived in the United States at the age of 9. She lived in Pelham Manor, New York until the age of 19 and moved to Jacksonville in 1962. She was pre-deceased by her loving parents John and Helen O'Connor and her brother Jerry. The outpouring of love from so many was a tremendous source of comfort to Trish and her family throughout her brief illness. Family members include her loving husband Ted S. Johnson; sons, Todd C. (Cindy) Johnson and Ted S. (Lorelie) Johnson, Jr.; daughters, Erin (Stephen) Chliveny-Pecot and Constance V. (Tori) Johnson; grandchildren, Craig, Matthew, Douglas, Miranda and Ruth; sister Maureen O. (Jim) Basset of Howie in the Hills, Florida. The Trisagion Service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 31st at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church on Atlantic Blvd. A visitation with the family and reception will take place immediately following in the church hall. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 1st at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church and internment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Pallbearers are members of the Order of St. Andrew - Archons of the Great Church of Christ; Peter Bouras, Jerry Felos, Sam Felos, Nick Furris, VADM Michael Kalleres, Ted Pappas, George Parandes & Dr. Photios Nichols. Honorary Pallbearers are; Alice Davis, Nancy Falloon, Tina Griffin, Patsy Johnson, Marcia Morales, Gail Thornton, Maria White, Margaret Yeager & Eunice Zisser.