On a steel horse I drive (to Oklahoma in my Volvo...)

Yep, it's that time again...the boys are touring and me and Bonnie are along for the ride (well, at least one ride and one trip downtown).  Last night, we made our way to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the first concert of the tour that we will be attending.  We wore our new shirts that we got each other for Christmas thinking that we'd be a part of many people that would be all "blinged" out, however, it seemed like we were in the minority a little, but we didn't care...we were ready to rock and enjoy ourselves.  We had great seats and sat next to some people that were into the concert too, so we had a great time!  The concert was awesome!  Probably one of my favorite that I've been to thus far.  They played for almost three hours, sang 26 songs and sang all the hits new and old!  It was a great concert!  Nice, loud crowd and the band was on fire! It's been almost 24 hours since the concert and I am still hoarse from scream/singing for 3 hours and very tired, but would do it all over again in a minute if I could cause it is such a fun experience! Seriously, if you've never been to one of these concerts...go!  You won't be disappointed!

Some pics for your viewing pleasure...

Richie was back and on his "A" game this time
(unlike how we saw him much of the last tour before rehab)

Making some fan very happy singing directly to her!
Bed of roses was fantastic!

Captain America! 

He's looking right at me...all the way up in row "P"
I'm just sure of it!

Now, mind you, this wasn't the only concert we've been to in the last week...last Sunday, we drove to Tulsa, Oklahoma to see Muse in concert.  I wasn't as familiar with their music, but am a good friend and want to support my friend's obsession, and agreed to an adventure/road trip.  It was a great concert and I really loved the music.  They are 100% different than Bon Jovi, but the concert was awesome, great set, great crowd, great time!  

Smile:  What have I smiled about lately?
I have smiled at how my sweet friend seriously has an obsession with Zombies.  Last night as we drove back to the hotel from the concert, we saw a guy stumbling out of a bar..we think he got sick and clearly was having a hard time walking.  Now, I just thought it was a drunk guy that needed to go home and get some rest...Bonnie on the other hand had a different perspective on the situation and said "If I didn't know better, I'd think he was a Zombie."  I can honestly say that would probably never come out of my mouth, but laughed really hard when Bonnie said it.  I do seriously hope the Zombie Apocalypse doesn't happen..that guy was scary enough without being one! (or was he??)

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?
I celebrate that I've successfully completed two weeks of Graduate School and am really liking what I'm learning.  I am trying to apply what I'm learning and while it's hard, I do think I can do it!  I can't wait to see what I learn this week!

Love:  What do I love?

I love this new organization that I've learned about from Church called, Compassion International.  It's an organization that supports children in third world countries that are in severe poverty.  I've signed up to help a little boy, named Kalissa in Rwanda.  I'm so excited to be playing a role in a little boy's life and look forward to getting to know him through the years! 

Thought for the day:
I don't believe in complicated formulas for success. Here's mine: Act like it depends on you Pray like it depends on God -- Jon Gordon


And...I couldn't end the blog without giving you a taste of the awesomeness...One of the new songs on the "What about Now" album.  Here's the title track...makes you want to go out and do something to make a difference...I hope you will.

Calm, Strong, Grateful...

Three phrases that I'm trying to live by every day.  I've been practicing breathing exercises and meditation to help me keep calm.  I've been working out regularly and trying to strengthen body.  I've been keeping a gratitude journal since the end of January.  All three of these things have brought me greater peace and joy into my life.  While I can't say that every day has been stress and anxiety free, I do have better tools to cope during those moments.  I'm down 6 pounds since starting Weight Watchers and feel great about my progress so far.  Focusing on the things I'm grateful for have helped me to see all the blessings in my life and by having these as some of my last thoughts before falling asleep, I've had very restful night's rests in the past month.  All in all, being calm, strong and grateful have proven to be the medicine I need to remain happy and healthy!

NBC Wednesday Nights at 7:30 CST

Smile:  What have I smiled about lately?
I have enjoyed a new show on TV called Guys with Kids that is produced by Jimmy Fallon.  I think it is one of the funniest shows on TV and look forward to each Wednesday night.  It's a good show that doesn't have all the adult references and lewd comments and is just a good show to watch to forget about the day.  Try it out...you may like it as much as I do and I promise, you'll at least laugh at the cute kids on the show!

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?
I celebrate that my mid year review (we do mid year performance reviews at this time due to our fiscal year ending at the end of July) was much better than I thought it would be.  I'm very hard on myself and have felt that I haven't really given it my all this year at this job, so I wasn't anticipating to hear all the kind words that I did.  I celebrate that it was fair and balanced and overall was good, so I'm celebrating this victory this week!

I also celebrate that it's my BFF's birthday (or it was on Tuesday).  I'm so grateful she was born and so grateful she's my friend!  The world really is a better place because she's in it and I'm a better person because of her!  Happy Birthday sweet Bonnie!  We'll have lots of fun at our concerts and looking forward to seeing Wicked in April.  I sure am going to miss you when you move across town! 






Love:  What do I love?

I love the opportunity to work from home from time to time to get things done.  I try not to take advantage of this too much and I wish that I could do it at least once a week, but that's not really acceptable in my office, so I'm grateful for being able to do it on occasion.  It helps me feel quite productive, allows me to focus on something that I'd otherwise be distracted easily and allows me to rejuvenate myself so I can face the office again.  Recently Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer said no telecommuting for anyone at Yahoo!  I sure hope this doesn't become the norm for more software companies in Silicon Valley!  Let's hope that my company still allows it, cause it's a perk I don't want to give up, even if I can't do it all the time!

Thought for the day:

Cheers!  

I've always had the power

I've had the opportunity over the last six months to work with an amazing woman who has helped me find my smile, relearn how to celebrate life again, and figure out what my passion/love is!  I completed my last session with her yesterday and when I look back over the journey, I have taken I'm amazed at all that I accomplished during this short time.  I have figured out my purpose in life, determined what I want to be when I grow up, and removed the limiting beliefs that repeatedly would tell myself.  I am so excited about the direction I am now taking and the focus that I have on my future. I now know what I need to do to make my dreams come true! I have been in a calm, peaceful state and am full of joy at all that life holds for me going forward.  Life is great and I'm so excited to be living it again!

Katherine, I can't thank you enough for helping me to find my power again!  I appreciate you more than you with know!  Thank you for being my coach and for becoming my friend! I'm so excited to share all the bountiful blessings that I  abundantly come into my life now and in the future! 

Katherine Bock Career Coaching

Goin' places? Yes, just not today...

This week I was given an opportunity to test out the possibility of trying something new.  I don't think it's going to work out, but certainly am not giving up hope.  I KNOW that I'm going places, I just don't know where or when quite yet, but I trust that God is in control and He will provide the way, when the time and place are right.  In the meantime, I can finally say that I'm present in each moment and happy and grateful for all that I am and all I have!

Smile: What have I smiled about lately?
I had dinner with someone I worked with over 10 years ago in Austin.  We've recently reconnected in a very strange way--at our hairdresser's salon!  I was getting my hair done and my hairdresser introduced us and she asked if I had lived in Austin then told me her maiden name.  We chatted for a while then exchanged information and finally got together this week for dinner!  Was great catching up and was also great putting some connections to some things that had happened while I was there but didn't know the whole story.  I look back on that time in my life with very fond memories and really loved that job and company.  Was great to think about it again and reconnect with someone that was part of it all.  I'm not sure why our paths have crossed again, but am happy they did!  

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?
I've been very good on my diet lately!  Have tracked regularly, even when I cheated, and worked out more the last week and a half than I have in a long time.  I have lost 3 pounds so far and am feeling really good! This Weight Watchers program has been really good and easy to follow.  I'm finally in the right mindset for dieting and am hopeful that this will be the ticket to help me get back into all the pants that I have in my closet so I don't have to keep wearing the same 6 pairs of pants that fit me now.

Love: What do I love?
Well, it was Valentine's Day this last week, or as I typically have referred to it, Single Awareness Day.  I have to say that in spite of the day, it wasn't as "in your face" as it has been in the past, so instead of dwelling on what I don't have, I came home, worked out, fixed a healthy dinner and got a good night's sleep.  So, I love that I can regard the most well known day for Love as "just another day" and not really think twice about it. 

Thought for the day:

Bring hope to the hopeless. Deliver spirit to the spiritless. And leave courage with the discouraged. Please. --Robin Sharma

Cheers!

Choose Happiness

source

Life is so much better when you choose to be happy.  I'm making a much more conscious effort to think positive thoughts, wish for positive things and just see the world from a much more half full approach.  So far, it's working.  I've been happier than I've been in a long time and am very grateful for all that is around me and all that I have.  It's pretty amazing what changing your thoughts can do for you!  If you haven't tried it yet, try it.  See the positive in a situation and I promise you, you'll have a different perspective.  Dr. Wayne Dyer says "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change."  It's a powerful statement with huge impact on you life.  So...choose happiness!  It really is the only way to get through this crazy world we all live in!

Smile:  What have I smiled about lately?
I signed up for Weight Watchers online and have to smile about the fact that I've been following the program and have been working out much more than I had been.  So far, so good.  Haven't weighed myself lately, but am hoping to smile when I see the number tomorrow morning!  It's certainly a journey!  I haven't put these 15 pounds on over night, so it's not going to be coming off over night.  I'm just trying to record what I eat, make better choices and move a little more than I had been and I'm hoping that combination will eventually trigger this weight to come off!  I'm hoping this new found positive outlook will also help!  

Celebrate:  What have I celebrated lately?
I received some very good feedback from our HR person the other day.  It made me very happy to hear that my brand has been positive and that I'm seen to have value at work.  I wasn't sure what would be said when I had my meeting with her, but very happy that it was positive!  
I also celebrate a big event happening soon...more to come on that, but am excited about something new coming into my life (hopefully!)

Love:  What do I love?
I love that we got some rain last night and that the weather behaved itself and didn't stir up some really bad thunderstorms.  It's getting that time of year when we get heavy rain, high winds and threats of tornadoes.  I'm not a big fan of that time of year, so was very happy that we got a little rain last night and it went away by morning so we could enjoy a super lovely sunny, Sunday!  Was a great day, to top off a great weekend!  Life is great!

For those that are interested, my boys' new album "What about now"  will be available for pre-order on February 12 and will be released on March 8 (Mom's birthday!).  You can order via itunes.  They were supposed to open their first concert last night in Connecticut but due to "Nemo" the Snowstorm that dumped 40 inches of snow, they cancelled, but still played for about 2000 people.  Tonight was the first time to a sold out crowd in DC...sure wish I had a reason to have been in the DC area this weekend so I could have gone! I have to wait until March 16, when Bonnie and I hit the road for one of our many adventures and see them in Oklahoma City! Should be quite fun!  

Thought for the day:
You were born to be awesome, please don't die average- Robin Sharma

Cheers!  Have a great week!  I am going to!

Hi ho...hi ho..it's back to school I go!

I got the official word today...I've been accepted into the University of Texas at Dallas Masters Program for Organizational Behavior and Executive Coaching!  I start on March 4 and while I'm not really sure what I'm getting myself into, I'm very excited at the new chapter this program will bring to my life.  I know that new doors will open as a result of getting more skills and knowledge in this area and am very excited that it's one step closer toward me achieving the life I've imagined!  

Smile:  What have I smiled about lately?
I was given some feedback recently, that when I'm thinking or talking about something that is negative that the sides of my mouth turn down a little.  I think it's from gravity doing bad things to my face, but at any rate, I'll accept the feedback and be more focused on appearing more positive.  As a result, it's caused me to be more conscious of trying to curve up my mouth a little more while I'm listening/thinking.  I have a mirror near my phone and have been practicing my looks in it while on conference calls. I'm glad I have a door to close so no one can see me looking at myself!  I have to say that it's been a little challenging to do and I've noticed that when I practice doing it, it completely lightens my mood!  Just shows me how much I've been in a negative space and I realize what that's done to my entire physical being!  Smile People...for your health, for your sanity, for your wallet (so you don't need plastic surgery!!!)

Celebrate:  What I have celebrated?

There are two sweet little girls in my life that have recently had birthdays.  My sweet niece Meredith and Goddaughter Chloe!  On Saturday, I took Meredith and got her a couple of new outfits at Justice and took her out to dinner.  She came over to my house and spent the night afterwards.  It was such a lovely evening and I just love that sweet little girl so much!  Chloe just turned one and while I wasn't among the 50 people celebrating her special day in San Antonio, I was wishing that I was there to give her a little kiss and see her sweet smile!  My prayer for both of these sweet girls are that they grow up to be strong, confident young women that are secure in themselves and make the right decisions!  

Love: What do I love?
I love the changes that are happening in my life!  Lots of irons in the fire-a-brewing now and I'm so happy to see the vision for my life coming about.  It's been pretty amazing that just by changing my thoughts and having a focus how much my life has taken a different turn--for the better!  I'm very happy and very excited about my future--but living in the present moment and being very happy and grateful for all I am and all I have!  Below is my vision board for all the things I'm inviting into my life.  I couldn't put everything I'm envisioning for my life, but I think I've covered most of the major things..may have a few more things to add, but feel like I've got 90% on here!  

And because it's so appropriate for this post...a little message from my favorite boys...cause IT'S MY LIFE!  (P.S Jon looks quite yummy in this video!)

Thought for the day:
No one is in charge of your happiness except you!  

Cheers!

Be Awesome Today

Today was a good day!  I took the day off so I could process all that I learned at the retreat.  It was a perfect day!  I woke up, spent some time in bed meditating and praying and getting back to the real world.  I worked out and just allowed myself to enjoy the quiet moments of the day.  It was great! 

Smile:  What did I smile about?
This video was sent to me from my BFF...so cute and truly made me smile!




Celebrate:  What did I celebrate?

I celebrate that God is answering prayers!  I've been hoping for some changes to happen and those changes are starting to reveal themselves in a variety of ways.  I celebrate that the right things always work out at the right time!  Praise God!

Love:  What do I love?

I love my wonderful home.  I love that it's comfortable and safe.  I love the way it's decorated.  I love that I love to be here and am at peace when I'm here.  

Thought for the day:  Until God opens the next door for you, praise Him in the hallway!

I am perfect, just the way I am!

I had the delightful opportunity to spend four wonderful days at Lake Austin Spa with eight wonderful ladies all in search of finding our purpose and discovering ways that we can live our best life.  It was an awesome experience and I don't know that I've even processed all of it at the moment, but what I do know is that my new belief that I am owning and listening too is:

"I am perfect, just the way I am!!!"

Smile:  What did I smile about?

I smiled that I made 8 new friends this weekend.  All of us were brought together to provide support and love to each other throughout this weekend and I think we all added value in some way or another with each other.  It was wonderful laughing and crying with each other and knowing that we all bonded in a way that many people can't understand.  What I know for sure is that we are all better leaving than we were arriving!  I'm so excited to begin living my purpose and am very focused on achieving my goals and vision for my future!

Celebrate:  What have I celebrated?

I celebrate that I got into the University of Texas at Dallas Masters of Science Program for Organizational Behavior and Executive Coaching.  I found out on Thursday before I left for Austin and just was so happy that progress is being made toward my goals.  I know that it will be challenging, but I am ready for the lessons that I'll learn and I'm inviting new time management techniques into my life to help me keep focused on all the things I need to do.

Love:  What do I love?

I loved being in nature, seeing two cardinals, getting some wonderful spa treatments, laughing, drinking champagne, solidifying my purpose and vision for my life, being present in the moment, seeing the full moon high in the sky with stars all around, eating wonderful food and just finding my smile once again!  I am very blessed and grateful that I have the means to be able to take advantage of such activities and continue inviting these moments into my life!

Thought for the day:

Cheers!

Because We Can!

This brought a smile to my face this week as the new single was released from Bon Jovi!  I think it's quite catchy and will look forward to hearing it a couple of times during the tour season!  I smile at the single, celebrate that a band after 30 years still has "it", and love the hope this song brings!  

Enjoy

And if you feel so inclined, please purchase on itunes.

Making progress and trying not to be perfect

source

Since the new year started, I've been wearing my fitbit and logging all my food in the myfitnesspal.com app on my iphone.  I've actually been pretty good with my eating and have forced myself to get in a little more exercise than I probably would have done had I not known how many steps I had in the day or how close I was to hitting the ultimate goal of 10,000 steps.  For example, the other night, Bonnie and I met up at the mall and when I came home I noticed I only had 1100 steps to go to hit the 10,000 steps.  Since it was dark outside, and I didn't feel like jumping on the treadmill, I walked around in place and did some marching steps to hit the goal.  Actually felt like I really accomplished something before going to bed that night!  

I'm traveling this week, so am just hoping to make progress and be ok with not being perfect.  I aim to make good choices and try to get in a little exercise along the way.  I'm bringing snacks with me so I can refuse the Doubletree Chocolate Chip cookies that they'll give me upon arrival or all the other junk food in the training classes I'll be in all week.  I hope to have good will power this week!  I've got confidence that I will be keeping myself on track!

Smile:  What have I smiled about lately?
I saw Guilt Trip this weekend and thought it was quite good.  There were some funny parts and some touching moments, but all in all, was a good feel-good movie to see on a Saturday afternoon.

I also smiled that I finally was able to turn my car into the Acura Dealership and get that off my to-do list.  Was quite an ordeal getting it inspected and coordinating someone to pick me up at the dealership, but in the long run, it all went pretty smoothly. They are getting a great car, so I hope that someone else enjoys it as much as I did for the last three years!  Now...time to enjoy my sweet Volvo!  


Celebrate:  What I have celebrated lately?

I celebrate the fact that I don't have a leak in my roof!  As I was putting away my Christmas decorations, I noticed some water damage in my storage closet that caused great concern for me.  I called my brother to help deduce the situation and he thought that it could be the roof since we've had such bad hail and wind storms here over the last year or could be a simple problem like flashing that has come loose.  Luckily, Dennis, the Adjuster from USAA was able to come the next day and take a look and found that the problem is a simple fix, probably less than $200 total to do.  He also checked out my roof and said it's in good shape...WHEW!  I'm so glad that I don't have to replace that at this point!  He also gave me a FREE fire extinguisher!  I love USAA!  Such a great company! 

Love: What do I love?
I love that my elite status on American Airlines is still in effect until February!  I'm traveling the next two weeks and am so happy that I can take advantage of the Priority Access and hopefully use my upgrades too! Glad I can take advantage of some benefits before I'm stripped all all my fun perks!  I just wish I was flying somewhere far so I could earn the gold status back before end of February, but alas, that's not happening, so soon...I'll be one of the "commoners" again.  Guess it will help me be appreciative when I get it back again!

Thought for the day:

source

Cheers!  Have a great week!

Happy 2013!

It's been a long time since I've blogged and I decided to begin the new year once again sharing my thoughts, insights and life with those of you that read this.  I got out of the habit last year and realize now just how much joy and therapy this blog brought me in the past.  I want that again, so am resurrecting this blog and starting fresh again for this year! 

Not going to dwell on the past at this point.  I'm very excited about the new year and all that it will bring!  I don't know what that will all be, but I've been really looking forward to the countdown in Times Square occurring!  

Smile:  What have I smiled about?
I smile at the fact that a new fresh start is happening and I'm hopeful that this year will bring much peace, joy and love.  I'm ready to get started and just filled with glee that it's finally here!

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?
I officially applied to go back to school and get a Masters in Organizational Behavior and Coaching at University of Texas at Dallas.  It's been on my list of things to do for several weeks now, and I finally did it today....no time like the January 1 to start something new!  

Love:  What do I love?
I love my new toy...a FitBit One Tracker.  I have only used it one day, but love that it tracks my steps, syncs up to Fitness Pal App, and monitors my sleep patterns!  I love it already and feel that this may help me to be a little more active and make some better choices.  I have to get moving and get control of my weight (that is something I DON'T love!).  Only one day in, but so far, I think it's a good tool!  Highly recommend based on one day of use!

One Word
Each year I've picked a word to invite into my life and show up in a variety of ways.  While many of the times this word has played a few tricks on me, I'm hopeful that this year's word will truly bring me what I'm looking for...JOY.  I know that this positive word will bring something very exciting into my life and help me truly achieve my greatest desires...to be happy, healthy and full of peace!

Thought for the day:
The future is exciting!