Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Shopping for the Shelter
@ sam's with m. and c. shopping for the women and children's shelter.
we had a lot of fun and filled up three huge carts of much needed items.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
One of my fave family pics
Just don't see this every day since we are a Florida Family through and through.
Enjoyed visiting Wisconsin though!
STILL HERE!
I've been busy celebrating birthdays and planning get togethers and painting bathrooms. Life is full and very good. So thankful for the amazing friends in my life and my family. Mr. Wonderful put together a nice gathering for me on my special day. We are loving the new grill!
Take a moment and say THANK YOU for all that you have, all that you are...
Take a moment and say THANK YOU for all that you have, all that you are...
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
AMERICAN or something else?
Talked to a friend today about how we are way too segmented as a country. He believes we are all American and referenced the following from Teddy Roosevelt.
Theodore Roosevelt on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN
"In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."
Theodore Roosevelt 1907
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Happy Birthday Anais Nin!
There were always in me, two women at least,one woman desperate and bewildered,who felt she was drowning and another who would leap into a scene, as upon a stage,conceal her true emotions because they were weaknesses, helplessness, despair,and present to the world only a smile,an eagerness, curiosity, enthusiasm, interest.
We are going to the moon, that is not very far. Man has so much farther to go within himself.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Family Trip - pics from PdC
where we stayed in PdC
Tanya and Justin so happy together!
Wendy and her grandbaby along with baby girl and her YaYa. Baby Girl loves to touch other baby's hands.
Moi, Cousins Michelle and Tanya with Auntie MilaThursday, February 19, 2009
Happiness Emergency
Thanks to Kelly K. King, I am posting the following interesting read from the Happiness Project that she pointed out.
How To Respond to Your Happiness Emergency—Stat!
Posted Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9:13 AM By Gretchen Rubin
Every Wednesday is Tip Day. This Wednesday: Nine tips for dealing with a happiness emergency.
I originally posted this tips list on the fabulous Zen Habits, but I wanted to put it here as well.
What do you do if you're feeling blue because of the financial crisis? Or if you're just having an extremely lousy day? Here are nine strategies that can boost your mood right now in a happiness emergency. In the next 30 minutes, check off as many of the following items as possible. Each one will lift your spririts, as will the mere fact that you’ve tackled and achieved some concrete goals; by doing so, you boost your feelings of self-efficacy, which can boost happiness.
1. Boost your energy: Stand up and pace while you talk on the phone or, even better, take a brisk 10-minute walk outside. Research shows that when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up, and the activity and sunlight are good for your focus, your mood, and the retention of information. Plus, because of emotional contagion, if you act energetic, you’ll help the people around you feel energetic, too.
2. Reach out to friends: Make a lunch date or send an e-mail to a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Having warm, close bonds with other people is the key to happiness, so take the time to stay in touch. Perhaps surprisingly, socializing boosts the moods not only of extroverts but also of introverts.
3. Rid yourself of a nagging task: Answer a difficult e-mail, do an errand you’ve been putting off, or call to make that dentist’s appointment. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of energy and relief.
4. Create a calmer environment: Clear some physical and mental space around yourself by sorting papers, pitching junk, cleaning a closet, stowing supplies, sending out quick e-mail responses, filing, or even just making your piles neater. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizable dent. Try to get in the habit of using the one-minute rule—i.e., never postpone any task that can be completed in less than one minute. And always make your bed in the morning! For most people, outer order contributes to inner peace.
5. Lay the groundwork for some future fun: Order a book you’ve been wanting to read (important: not something you think you should read) or plan an excursion to a museum, hiking trail, sporting event, gardening store, movie theater—whatever sounds like fun. Studies show that having fun on a regular basis is a pillar of happiness, and anticipation is an important part of that pleasure. Try to involve friends or family, as well; research shows that people enjoy almost all activities more when they’re with other people than when they’re alone.
6. Do a good deed: Make an e-mail introduction of two people who could help each other. Or set up a blind date. Or shoot someone a piece of useful information or gratifying praise. Do good, feel good—this really works. Also, although we often believe that we act because of the way we feel, in fact, we often feel because of the way we act. When you act in a friendly way, you’ll strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people. Along the same lines ...
7. Act happy: Put a smile on your face right now. Research shows that even a fake smile has a positive influence on your emotions—turns out that just going through the motion of happiness brightens your mood. In the same way, a recent experiment suggested that people who use Botox might be less prone to anger, because they can't make angry faces. If you’re smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.
8. Count your blessings. Take 10 minutes to think about all the things in your life that are going right, about all the things that other people do to help you, about all the things that you’re thankful for. In the tumult of everyday life, it’s very easy to focus on the negative and to lose sight of what really matters.
9. Perform an action that reflects your values. Do you think organ donation is a good idea? Sign up online to be one yourself; it takes less than a minute. Worried about climate change? Refill your water bottle from the tap instead of buying a couple of bottles throughout the day. The First Splendid Truth holds that to work on happiness, we should think about feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right in an atmosphere of growth. Living up to your values will help you “feel right.”
Some people worry that wanting to be happier is a selfish goal. To the contrary. Studies show that happier people are more sociable, likable, healthy, and productive—and they’re more inclined to help other people. So in working to boost your own happiness, you’re benefiting others as well.
Feel happier yet? Have you found any other effective strategies to give yourself a quick jolt of emergency happiness?
How To Respond to Your Happiness Emergency—Stat!
Posted Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9:13 AM By Gretchen Rubin
Every Wednesday is Tip Day. This Wednesday: Nine tips for dealing with a happiness emergency.
I originally posted this tips list on the fabulous Zen Habits, but I wanted to put it here as well.
What do you do if you're feeling blue because of the financial crisis? Or if you're just having an extremely lousy day? Here are nine strategies that can boost your mood right now in a happiness emergency. In the next 30 minutes, check off as many of the following items as possible. Each one will lift your spririts, as will the mere fact that you’ve tackled and achieved some concrete goals; by doing so, you boost your feelings of self-efficacy, which can boost happiness.
1. Boost your energy: Stand up and pace while you talk on the phone or, even better, take a brisk 10-minute walk outside. Research shows that when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up, and the activity and sunlight are good for your focus, your mood, and the retention of information. Plus, because of emotional contagion, if you act energetic, you’ll help the people around you feel energetic, too.
2. Reach out to friends: Make a lunch date or send an e-mail to a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Having warm, close bonds with other people is the key to happiness, so take the time to stay in touch. Perhaps surprisingly, socializing boosts the moods not only of extroverts but also of introverts.
3. Rid yourself of a nagging task: Answer a difficult e-mail, do an errand you’ve been putting off, or call to make that dentist’s appointment. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of energy and relief.
4. Create a calmer environment: Clear some physical and mental space around yourself by sorting papers, pitching junk, cleaning a closet, stowing supplies, sending out quick e-mail responses, filing, or even just making your piles neater. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizable dent. Try to get in the habit of using the one-minute rule—i.e., never postpone any task that can be completed in less than one minute. And always make your bed in the morning! For most people, outer order contributes to inner peace.
5. Lay the groundwork for some future fun: Order a book you’ve been wanting to read (important: not something you think you should read) or plan an excursion to a museum, hiking trail, sporting event, gardening store, movie theater—whatever sounds like fun. Studies show that having fun on a regular basis is a pillar of happiness, and anticipation is an important part of that pleasure. Try to involve friends or family, as well; research shows that people enjoy almost all activities more when they’re with other people than when they’re alone.
6. Do a good deed: Make an e-mail introduction of two people who could help each other. Or set up a blind date. Or shoot someone a piece of useful information or gratifying praise. Do good, feel good—this really works. Also, although we often believe that we act because of the way we feel, in fact, we often feel because of the way we act. When you act in a friendly way, you’ll strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people. Along the same lines ...
7. Act happy: Put a smile on your face right now. Research shows that even a fake smile has a positive influence on your emotions—turns out that just going through the motion of happiness brightens your mood. In the same way, a recent experiment suggested that people who use Botox might be less prone to anger, because they can't make angry faces. If you’re smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.
8. Count your blessings. Take 10 minutes to think about all the things in your life that are going right, about all the things that other people do to help you, about all the things that you’re thankful for. In the tumult of everyday life, it’s very easy to focus on the negative and to lose sight of what really matters.
9. Perform an action that reflects your values. Do you think organ donation is a good idea? Sign up online to be one yourself; it takes less than a minute. Worried about climate change? Refill your water bottle from the tap instead of buying a couple of bottles throughout the day. The First Splendid Truth holds that to work on happiness, we should think about feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right in an atmosphere of growth. Living up to your values will help you “feel right.”
Some people worry that wanting to be happier is a selfish goal. To the contrary. Studies show that happier people are more sociable, likable, healthy, and productive—and they’re more inclined to help other people. So in working to boost your own happiness, you’re benefiting others as well.
Feel happier yet? Have you found any other effective strategies to give yourself a quick jolt of emergency happiness?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tips to Being More Creative
Really into lists lately...Here's an interesting one about being more CREATIVE.
So you want to be more creative, in art, in business, whatever. Here are some tips that have worked for me over the years.
1. Ignore everybody.
2. The idea doesn't have to be big. It just has to be yours.
3. Put the hours in.
4. If your biz plan depends on you suddenly being "discovered" by some big shot, your plan will probably fail.
5. You are responsible for your own experience.
6. Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten.
7. Keep your day job.
8. Companies that squelch creativity can no longer compete with companies that champion creativity.
9. Everybody has their own private Mount Everest they were put on this earth to climb.
10. The more talented somebody is, the less they need the props.
11. Don't try to stand out from the crowd; avoid crowds altogether.
12. If you accept the pain, it cannot hurt you.
13. Never compare your inside with somebody else's outside.
14. Dying young is overrated.
15. The most important thing a creative person can learn professionally is where to draw the red line that separates what you are willing to do, and what you are not.
16. The world is changing.
17. Merit can be bought. Passion can't.
18. Avoid the Watercooler Gang.
19. Sing in your own voice.
20. The choice of media is irrelevant.
21. Selling out is harder than it looks.
22. Nobody cares. Do it for yourself.
23. Worrying about "Commercial vs. Artistic" is a complete waste of time.
24. Don't worry about finding inspiration. It comes eventually.
25. You have to find your own schtick.
26. Write from the heart.
27. The best way to get approval is not to need it.
28. Power is never given. Power is taken.
29. Whatever choice you make, The Devil gets his due eventually.
30. The hardest part of being creative is getting used to it.
31. Remain frugal.
32. Allow your work to age with you.
33. Being Poor Sucks.
34. Beware of turning hobbies into jobs.
35. Savor obscurity while it lasts.
36. Start blogging.
37. Meaning Scales, People Don't.
37. When your dreams become reality, they are no longer your dreams.
So you want to be more creative, in art, in business, whatever. Here are some tips that have worked for me over the years.
1. Ignore everybody.
2. The idea doesn't have to be big. It just has to be yours.
3. Put the hours in.
4. If your biz plan depends on you suddenly being "discovered" by some big shot, your plan will probably fail.
5. You are responsible for your own experience.
6. Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten.
7. Keep your day job.
8. Companies that squelch creativity can no longer compete with companies that champion creativity.
9. Everybody has their own private Mount Everest they were put on this earth to climb.
10. The more talented somebody is, the less they need the props.
11. Don't try to stand out from the crowd; avoid crowds altogether.
12. If you accept the pain, it cannot hurt you.
13. Never compare your inside with somebody else's outside.
14. Dying young is overrated.
15. The most important thing a creative person can learn professionally is where to draw the red line that separates what you are willing to do, and what you are not.
16. The world is changing.
17. Merit can be bought. Passion can't.
18. Avoid the Watercooler Gang.
19. Sing in your own voice.
20. The choice of media is irrelevant.
21. Selling out is harder than it looks.
22. Nobody cares. Do it for yourself.
23. Worrying about "Commercial vs. Artistic" is a complete waste of time.
24. Don't worry about finding inspiration. It comes eventually.
25. You have to find your own schtick.
26. Write from the heart.
27. The best way to get approval is not to need it.
28. Power is never given. Power is taken.
29. Whatever choice you make, The Devil gets his due eventually.
30. The hardest part of being creative is getting used to it.
31. Remain frugal.
32. Allow your work to age with you.
33. Being Poor Sucks.
34. Beware of turning hobbies into jobs.
35. Savor obscurity while it lasts.
36. Start blogging.
37. Meaning Scales, People Don't.
37. When your dreams become reality, they are no longer your dreams.
Monday, February 16, 2009
TO DO every day...
MONDAY, MONDAY!!!
Got this today in an email and enjoyed reading through the list:
1. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Sleep for 7 hours.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Play more games.
6. Read more books than you did the previous year.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink plenty of water.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
14. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
15. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
16. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
17. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
18. Smile and laugh more.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Don't compare your partner with others.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Forgive everyone for everything.
26. What other people think of you is none of your business.
27. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
28. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
29. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
30. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
31. The best is yet to come.
32. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
33. Do the right thing!
34. Call your family often.
35. Your inner most is always happy. So be happy.
36. Each day give something good to others.
37. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
Got this today in an email and enjoyed reading through the list:
1. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Sleep for 7 hours.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Play more games.
6. Read more books than you did the previous year.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink plenty of water.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
14. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
15. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
16. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
17. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
18. Smile and laugh more.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Don't compare your partner with others.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Forgive everyone for everything.
26. What other people think of you is none of your business.
27. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
28. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
29. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
30. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
31. The best is yet to come.
32. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
33. Do the right thing!
34. Call your family often.
35. Your inner most is always happy. So be happy.
36. Each day give something good to others.
37. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day
HER FIRST VALENTINE'S DAY...I've got plenty of pics to post from Saturday AKA Valentine's Day with Super Mom Shah and her baby J. Baby Girl had a fantastic day hanging out at the Winter Park Farmer's Market. She saw trains, lots of people, played in the park, wore J.'s hat and drank from his sippy cup. We shopped along Park Ave. Super Shah and I both bought new dresses which is a miracle in itself to find two dresses on sale and in both our sizes. J. and Baby Girl fell asleep for awhile which was nice. We ended up walking around quite a bit and then headed out after the boys were done golfing. The afternoon was low key which was good after a very busy morning. Got a special delivery of roses which was completely unexpected. The card was signed from Mr. Wonderful which was so incredibly thoughtful since the day fell on the weekend and I really didn't expect flowers. Usually, they arrive at my office.
That evening, Mr. Wonderful and I headed to dinner with S. and her hubs. This was our 8th Valentine's Day together which prompted a fun game of trying to remember what we did the first, second, third...
A big hug and five pairs of shoes that fit just right to my friend who provided much needed childcare for the evening. Baby Girl went to bed early so having someone willing to come over and hang out while we enjoyed an adult night out was so awesome.
Here's to love and my love, Mr. Wonderful, Baby Girl and good friends to celebrate it with!
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
the VP will miss you Nathan and Laura!
the 2009 VooDoo Posse Nathan and Laura's last week in the US before they head back to Oz.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
So proud of the NE Fla. Chapter!
Happy 35th Birthday!
Networking shoes
Queen Andrea...She's so fancy.
Jay...Queen President? Ok. Maybe not. He's still funny though. You can learn more
at JayMagee.com.
Andrea and I traveled to Jacksonville to celebrate the Northeast Florida Chapter's 35th Birthday and be a part of the PRism Awards. Lovely time and I just love the people up North. They're so much fun!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Where have I been?
Just shy of almost 800 posts and I disappear. As of late, I've been committed to taking time off which means stepping away from the laptop and all that it helps create. I'm happy to report that I've enjoyed the little break and now am back in blog-it-up! mode.
First, the year has started off all over the place. Mr. Wonderful remains, well, wonderful. Baby girl is impressing me with new skills on a daily basis. She has taught me that the simple things need to be embraced more often. Staying grounded and grateful...Two big priorities for me these days.
Second, January is by far the busiest month for birthdays for close friends of mine. To the befrie! HAPPY SUPER LATE BIRTHDAY! Would love to hear about your trip to Haiti and your birthday celebrations. To Jeremy, Steven, Doris and Daniel - Happy Birthday too! All amazing people and all born in January!
Finally, I want to turn a new leaf in putting observations together on this here blog. I mean, yes, being a mom is great but I want to get a bit better about posting other things outside of just the little one. She does completely fill my world but I'm also wanting to challenge myself to see and write about other life-filling things.
This is my first official post of 2009. Of course, the fireworks started it all off with a bang. (yes I did...it's what I do.)
WRITE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST!
First, the year has started off all over the place. Mr. Wonderful remains, well, wonderful. Baby girl is impressing me with new skills on a daily basis. She has taught me that the simple things need to be embraced more often. Staying grounded and grateful...Two big priorities for me these days.
Second, January is by far the busiest month for birthdays for close friends of mine. To the befrie! HAPPY SUPER LATE BIRTHDAY! Would love to hear about your trip to Haiti and your birthday celebrations. To Jeremy, Steven, Doris and Daniel - Happy Birthday too! All amazing people and all born in January!
Finally, I want to turn a new leaf in putting observations together on this here blog. I mean, yes, being a mom is great but I want to get a bit better about posting other things outside of just the little one. She does completely fill my world but I'm also wanting to challenge myself to see and write about other life-filling things.
This is my first official post of 2009. Of course, the fireworks started it all off with a bang. (yes I did...it's what I do.)
WRITE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Baby Girls Everywhere!
Super Mom of Twins, Gin, MyMy, the Z girls, baby girl and I got together on a quiet Sunday afternoon for a little play time. It is amazing how much older every one of them is getting! Even Miss MyMy who's in the lead for prettiest and babysitter of three. So glad I have such good girlfriends who have such sweet girls! Love you all. Saturday, January 10, 2009
Let's Go Ladies!!
Tina
Gin
So I actually got to participate in my first GNO of 2009 with my girls Gin and Tina. Both of these ladies have been in my life for over10 years and Tina has been in my life for over 20. So, a bunch of us moms headed downtown for a night out. It has been awhile but it was nice to be out and catch up without distractions and the little people needing us every two seconds. Tina is doing really well at work and super busy with her little J. He's a big kid now with energy to burn. Gin is doing great too. She has been attending a church near her home and her and little MyMy have become very involved. I love that for her since I believe it's what will bring everything together. So we headed to Orlando's finest rooftop which was nice and then headed to a new place where everyone seems to go these days. What a great night and I'm so glad that I was able to catch up with both Tina and Gin. They are fabbbuuuulous gals and I love them both!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Thursday, January 01, 2009
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