Life is Good!!!

I haven't posted in awhile because...Life is so good!  I've started my new job and am loving it!  It is a completely different change of pace than what I was used to for the last three years, but a very welcome one!  I am getting up to speed on what my job is really about and have several ideas that I'm hoping to implement in time and am just trying to make friends and influence people along the way.  So far, so good!  I'm very excited about the future and all it will bring.

Smile:  What have I smiled about lately?
I've had a lot to smile about...a work life balance, continuing to build my relationship with God by joining a Bible Study on Tuesday evenings at church, seeing old friends at Kim's baby shower an laughing about old times, and feeling so welcomed in my new role.  Yes, life is good and I'm very blessed these days!

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?

I celebrate my wonderful friend becoming a Mommy.  I know she's scared, worried, anxious and also very excited, joyous and happy to be starting a family.  I've known her for 20 years and throughout those years, I've never known her to be anything but a care taker, a wonderful self-less friend and a very strong person.  Her precious Chloe will be a very lucky little girl.  She's being born into a loving family that will always look out for her best interests, love her to her dying day and never let her want for anything. I'm very excited for her and know that her entire life has led her to this moment, this time to be the best influence, teacher, role-model and parent to this little girl.  I pray that the delivery goes well and that she's safe and healthy.  Welcome to the world baby girl!  We're all glad you are coming to join us!  I can't wait to meet you!

Love:  What do I love?
Well, I had date number one for 2012.  My sister-in-law aka matchmaker set me up with one of the doctors that she calls on.  We had dinner on Friday night and ended up shutting down the restaurant.  He was really nice and personable.  I'm up for another date, if he is.  We'll see what happens.

Three words:  Ask and receive.

Thought for the day:

 Cheers my friends!

Another Adventure in the {scrap} books...

I can't tell you how many times I saw this sign welcoming me "home"
when I lived in AZ...it was nice to see as a VISITOR and not Resident!

After a nail biting wait in the airport we heard our names called letting us know that our adventure to Arizona was definitely on for that evening!  We made it hassle free to the hotel (well sorta hassle free...once I moved from AZ, I totally forgot all directions to anything!) It was a lovely resort and we were so thrilled to finally be away for some wonderful R & R.

North Scottsdale, AZ
Great buy for the weekend!

If you ever get a chance to go to this wonderful resort and spa...do it!  It was heavenly--and I can definitely say that after all the hotels I've had a chance to stay in during all my travels!  We got a great deal and the $150 hotel credit made it even more worth the trip.  After a great sleep...and I mean GREAT sleep, we got up went to breakfast, then drove to find my old house...

a VERY expensive mistake

Yes..folks...this small Patio Home costs more than you can imagine...one of the biggest mistakes I've made thus far in life...great learning experience, but a costly one at that!  After a visit to Trader Joe's Grocery, we finally settled in back at the hotel for an afternoon of floating on the river and just total relaxation.  This was my view from my chair:

My view from my chair...I do miss this sight...
Beautiful Arizona!

Me and My BIG hat!  Great find to keep the sun away

Resort decorations

I spent the day reading a book and enjoying the shade...
It was actually fairly decent in spite of the temperature

view of the lazy river...so relaxing...when the kids weren't around!

The lazy river was lovely, in spite of all the families there and just what we both needed..a great chance for us to catch up with each other, solve each other's problems, coach each other on work issues and just be ok with not talking at all so we could be alone with our thoughts.  It was a great afternoon!

Pretty resort!

Bonnie and the pretty trees

Palm Trees at night..so pretty--so peaceful!

After getting cleaned up, we ventured out to dinner...note to self, don't eat Mexican Food outside of Texas...just not the same regardless of the menu!  We got another great night's sleep then hit the lazy river again until the pool got way too crowded and it just got too hot to be outside.  We cleaned up and went to a movie (not sure that I'd recommend "Cowboy's and Aliens" but was a good way to spend the afternoon).  After that, we hit the lazy river for one last time before we called it a night.  Had another anxious wait at the airport, but we made it home safe and sound...another adventure in the record/scrap books!  Once again...thank you SWA for a great trip!  So needed and so lovely!  Go buy a Southwest Airlines Ticket today...they are a GREAT airline!

Smile:  What have I smiled about?
I read..cover to cover the Wall Street Journal both days on vacation!  It was so wonderful and I found myself quoting several facts throughout the day.  While I would love to think that I could find this much joy every day it's just not something that I can do regardless of how much it made me smile!  Did you know that mortgage rates are at an all time low?  Did you know that we are afraid of boredom? Did you know that Mellon is charging some of it's top investors a fee due to banking regulations?  Well...those were all the things that I discovered/learned in the WSJ!

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?
I celebrate that I've been in quite the learning mode lately.  I love reading some new articles from blogs that I follow on Twitter that help me grow in my knowledge of leadership styles and management challenges and training updates.  It's been great to be in a state of learning mode and I feel like I'm growing more and more each day!  I love to learn and gain knowledge!  

Love:  What do I love?
So...I think this about sums up where I'm at with my love life and Mr. Nice Guy:

Note: I'm not giving up on all Mr. Nice Guys...
Just the one that I've been blogging about lately!

Today I got a text saying: " I would like to talk to you about our "friendship."  I have prayed and soul searched.  I want to be honest with you.  I respect you too much to waste your time.  Can we talk tonight?"  So....that's never good!

While on vacation, I had some time to really weigh the pros and cons about this myself and although I was excited to see him this week, I was also wanting to spend some time asking questions and trying to determine if this is something that I want to pursue or not.  I'm glad that he brought it up first because I think I would have come to this same conclusion.  I will admit that I'm a little confused at his sudden change of heart.  Based upon text messages from the previous week, this was a bit out of the blue...not something that I, myself, wasn't thinking, but a bit out of the blue from where I thought he was with me.

Bottom line to this whole thing, we don't live in the same location and I think he's wanting to have someone that he can be around continuously and given my locale, that's not possible to do at this point--or ever.  So, I'm not sure if he's jumped to another person or what, but something changed in the course of a week. Maybe I've got myself together too much and he wants to be the rescuer ...I don't need someone to rescue me.  Maybe I'm too career oriented and he doesn't want someone to care about their job or what that brings to them..I love what I do and find much joy in it.  Maybe he's looking to fix someone...I'm pretty solid and don't need much fixing.  I don't really know what changed his mind, but  what I do know is that God has answered prayers...the right thing worked out in this situation and that's comforting to know...God did answer both of our prayers and I've got peace that the right thing for both of us occurred.  I wish him well.  He's a great guy and he deserves much happiness --I hope he finds what he's looking for...and I hope I do too.

My Mr. Nice Guy is out there...I know he is.  I've "dated" some great guys and if they were the ones that didn't work out, then I KNOW that there is one that is fantastic out there just waiting for me to cross his path.  It will happen, I believe it will and trust that God will provide at the right time, right place, right moment.  Somewhere out there, he exists...

So for now...the thought for the day is:

I'm willing to keep waiting on the RIGHT one...not the one that's there right now.  I'm willing to keep strengthening myself and building upon my relationship with God.  I'm willing to continue loving who I am, where I am, totally and completely.  Being single has some perks and I have come to love this place I'm at in life....all isn't lost, in fact, I think it's moments like these that make me find myself even more!

Cheers...

I'm going to start living better cause this taste of Hell is awful!

It's hot...that's all there is to it...just awful hot...boiling hot..so hot that it never cools off kinda hot...so hot that it feel like you are living in a perpetual hair dryer/oven!  It's been awful here in Big D the last few weeks/month.  Cars that sit outside for the day have a temp when you get in of 118 or so...I feel like I'm living back in Arizona again...only I'm not..I live in Texas and while it's supposed to be hot here in the summer...this is crazy!  I'm ready for some relief!  Wow!  It's hot...so hot!  Makes me think that I need to make sure that I'm living a better life so that I don't experience an eternity in Hell...I can't stand too much more of this!

Smile:  What have I smiled about lately?
Last night, I had the chance of spending an evening with my brother, sister in law and nieces.  It was a lovely evening in the pool, having dinner and just catching up on what's happening in our lives.  In the course of the conversation, we started talking about how close we are and how happy that makes us that we can still enjoy being around each other after all these years.  Many of our friends can't exactly say that about their siblings so it's nice to know that we are not only family, but also friends.  I'm fortunate to have the wonderful relationship I have with my fantastic brother and sister!  I love you guys!

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?

After 135 shows, in 22 countries over the last 18 months, Bon Jovi ended their "Circle Tour."  I'm proud that I was one of the 3 million fans that went to five of their shows during the course of this 18 months.  I know you all think I'm crazy, but I truly came to love these guys and can't believe I wasn't such a fanatical fan before now.  Since my first concert in Dallas in April 2010, I've come to appreciate their music so much more and find that many of their songs truly fit many moments in my life.  Whether I'm having a bad day, or a good day, turning on a little Bon Jovi helps my moods.  Some of my favorite lessons that I've learned through their music:

• "When the world get's in your face, say...HAVE A NICE DAY!"
• "When you want to give up and your hearts about to break, remember that you're perfect...God makes no mistakes...WELCOME TO WHERE EVER YOU ARE...this is your life, you've made it this far!"
• "I'm gonna live, I want to survive, don't want the world to pass me by.  I'm gonna dream ain't gonna die thinking my life was just a lie...I WANT TO BE LOVED"
• "I finally found my way...said good-bye to yesterday...hit the gas there ain't no brakes on this LOST HIGHWAY."
• It's ok to be a little broken, EVERYBODY'S BROKEN in this life, you're alright..it's just life
• My song that I hope is played before my wedding night..."This is the last night you'll have to be alone, I'll be standing right beside you when you can't make it on your own so walk with me please help me to be strong, this is the LAST NIGHT you'll have to be alone."
• And of course...IT'S MY LIFE...it's now or never..I ain't gonna live forever!  Cause It's...my...life!
• Hey man I'm alive...takin each day one night at a time..feeling like a Monday, but SOMEDAY I'LL BE SATURDAY NIGHT!"
• And finally, when it's a long week, i have to say..."We're halfway there...Livin' on a prayer!

I could go on and on, the point is that I love this band and have learned some good lessons about life, love and myself as I listen to their music...and they aren't too bad to look at too.  I sure hope they don't take too long off...I'm going to miss my boys...good thing there's You Tube and all those great concert videos to keep me from going in withdrawals!

Love:  What do I love?
Things with Mr. Nice Guy are going well.  He comes next week for a monthly business review, so I'm looking forward to seeing him, fixing him dinner and just spending some time getting to know each other more and more.  Not sure where this is going to go, or even if we can really even define that at this point, but I will say, that it's really nice to know that I'm on someone's mind and to have someone on mine.  I know I've said that before, but I find myself thinking of him quite a bit through my day and wanting to share more and more of my life--the good and bad with him.  We'll see where it goes.  I'm putting in God's hands and just hoping to  let HIM control my life, instead of me doing the typical sabotage that I tend to do in my relationships.  Perhaps, there's a Bon Jovi song to help me through this stage in life too...guess I'll just have to listen to more music (or buy another album).

I also love the new MAC operating system called Lion.  It's got some fun features to it  that makes it fun to surf and do things on my computer.  I also was pretty proud of myself when something wasn't working properly and I fixed it.  Google can be a good friend when you need to teach yourself how to do something.  I researched the problem and found the solution...and it worked!   I love when I figure things out like that!  Makes me feel so good and independent!

So...stay tuned for another adventure of Bonnie and me.  We are venturing to the cooler temps of Phoenix, Arizona this weekend to get away for some much needed rest and relaxation!  MUCH NEEDED REST and RELAXATION!  We are staying at a lovely resort and spa in Scottsdale and I'm excited to venture back to one of my favorite grocery stores...Trader Joe's and seeing my old house again.  (wonder if my crazy neighbors with the lovely el camino still live across the street...??)  Should be a lovely time, even though it won't be much cooler than it is in Dallas!  I'll report out on the adventures in the next blog post!  Stay tuned...i'm sure there will be some exciting things to learn!

Thought for the day "It is only possible to live happily ever after on a daily basis." —Margaret Bonanno



Cheers! 


Now..off to pack for my big adventure!

I know I live in Texas...but this is crazy!

The sad thing...
It was 6:45 PM when this was taken! 

So...it's been 17 days since we've been below 100 degrees and while I know I said that I wouldn't complain when it was 100..this is a bit ridiculous! Perhaps my friend's son has it right...I need to invest in some solar panels and get off the "grid"... I may need to hire him as a consultant and see what I need to save some money and take advantage of all this sun and heat!  Wonder if he'll take me as a client.....

Smile;  What have I smiled about lately?
I spent a lovely evening with some friends and family this weekend.  We've all been through some ups and downs over the last several years, but I have to say, last night, we all were in sync again and I felt like it was 1995 all over again!  I love this group of people so much and had such a lovely evening laughing, sharing our lives and getting caught up on the latest gossip!  Makes me realize that I really need to get with them more often...every six months is just crazy!

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?
Well...made it through another series of mid year reviews.  I absolutely hate our process at our company for our performance management process.  I think that if it was implemented in the way that it is intended, it would be fine...but it's not that way so much, so it's all about who you know and what your reputation is that counts...I just hope that I'm well thought of ...we'll see what all happens.

Love:  What do I love?

I had a great time with "Mr. Nice Guy" the other night.  We have a lot in common and I just find myself thinking of him all the time..wondering what he's doing, how he is, if he's having a good day...all those things that I've missed thinking about since I haven't had someone in my life for so long!  He comes back in town in three weeks and only has plans to be here every month as it exists now.  Just trying to take things one day at a time...God has a plan..and if Mr. Nice Guy isn't the one, well, then that just tells me the one he has for me is pretty phenomenal!  This guy is pretty great!  Sure wish he lived here....

What else do I love? I have found this wonderful website called Pinterest.  It's like a bulletin board that you can put all these fun things on like recipes, quotes, fashion items...just some fun stuff.  A GREAT time suck, but fun to explore.  Check it out--I think you'll be hooked too!

Thought for the day:

So...so  True!  I'm so happy with my
wonderful, beautiful life!
Have a great week everyone!

In church today, I had this wonderful opportunity to see new Christians being baptized into Christ.  It was so touching and so wonderful to see these people full of love, hope and knowledge that Christ is their Lord and Savior.  It gave me time to reflect upon when I was 10 years old ( a long time ago) and the decision I may at that time to give my life to Christ.  While I can't say that I've always been the best Christian, I can say that I've never questioned that decision that day to give my life to HIM.  He is with me always and I have hope, peace and strength to get through this life because I have someone on my side to help me through good and bad.  I don't know how I, a lowly soul deserves this much grace and understanding, but am so glad that my faith gets me through the difficult AND happy times!  Praise God!

Smile:  What did I smile about?
I saw a couple of movies this weekend that made me laugh and smile...no, they won't win any awards, but was a great way to pass a few hours not thinking about all the cares in the world.

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?

I celebrate that I'm a Christian!

Love:  What do I love?
I am excited to see Mr. Nice Guy on Thursday.  I think that as I reflect on all that I want, he has a lot of the qualities.  Am looking forward to what may happen...and coming to terms with the fact that he doesn't live here--may actually be the best relationship ever!

I love my Costco...love going there and getting all kinds of stuff in bulk..but I also love going there and just wandering around...for some reason, this place brings me comfort and peace.  I'm not sure what that says about me that being around items in large boxes but, I love this store!

Thought for the day:  Life is like a tenspeed bike. Most of us have gears we never use ~Charles M. Schulz

Happy Birthday America!

Happy Birthday America!  I'm so blessed to live in this
great country!  Thanks to all those that have fought for this freedom!

KABOOMTOWN--ADDISON TX JULY 3rd, 2011

I got to enjoy a GREAT firework show --the #3 in the nation--in Addison TX last night!  While it was still about 99 degrees at 9:30 PM, it was quite enjoyable!  My friend Kristina and I decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner and hotel so we didn't have to fight the traffic and just enjoy the show.  Was a lovely evening..in spite of the heat!  I'm continuing to enjoy my new camera and think I got some pretty good pics of the show.

So much to update on lately...let's see if I can capture it all in this post...

Smile:  What have I smiled about lately?
I have been in a good place lately.  Things are going well.  We found out that we all got raises (change in company compensation), so that is a nice surprise.  Also, have gotten some good feedback from my boss, which is something I really needed to hear.  Have seen some movies lately (Bridesmaids and Bad Teacher), both of which you have to laugh at...in spite of the raunchy humor!

Celebrate:  What have I celebrated lately?
Well, I've decided that I'm going to stay in my current job and actually have celebrated my renewed outlook on it.  I think I finally have determined what I appreciate about it and am "fertilizing my own backyard" as my BFF says.  I haven't finished all that I've set out to do there and think that I need to give it a little more time to do so.  Also, have gotten the "go ahead" to explore some other areas within my job that I'm excited about and think will give me some good experience.

Love:  What have I loved lately?
My last post mentioned that I had a dinner evening with an old business partner that I worked with a couple of years ago.  We had a nice evening and have gone out again.  He's a really nice guy!  Really nice guy!  Couple of red flags that I see so far, but when I think about all that I'm looking for, he's got a lot on the list.  One thing he doesn't have...a residence in Dallas...that may be the biggest deal breaker.  At any rate, he's been very attentive to me, and I have to say that it's nice to think you are on someone's mind...and to have someone on mine!  We'll see how it goes.  He comes back to Dallas in a couple of weeks....

On a different note, I am not smiling about, celebrating or loving my weak attempt at beating the battle of the bulge!  I've been so stressed out  and so much in a funk that I just can't seem to get in the mood to eat right or work out...even though I know that if I did, I'd feel better!  Now that I'm finally a little more in control, I'm beginning the battle again!  Going to try having an accountability partner and see how that goes for me!  I hope that will do the trick--something's gotta give--I either need to lose that weight, or buy new clothes...that's the crossroad that I'm at right now!  UGH!  I hate the battle!!!  Someday I'll win!

And of course...it's not a holiday without a wish from my boys--Happy Fourth of July folks!

yes...America is BEAUTIFUL!!

Thought for the day:     "The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us." —Ashley Montagu


Feels something like summertime!

Remember when I said I wasn't going to complain about it being 100 degrees???  Well, I forgot what it felt like when it was only 12 degrees...100+ for the past week has brutal...and today is only the first day of summer..I think global warming is more than a urban legend! Al Gore may be right!

Smile: What did I smile about today?
I smiled that my housekeepers came today and that I came home to a lovely smelling home with clean sheets, clean floors and clean toilets!  It's the little things that bring a smile to this girl's face!

Celebrate:  What did I celebrate today?
I celebrate that I applied for a job today and got a phone interview tomorrow.  I have thought and prayed about this opportunity and feel really good about taking this next step. It's doing something a little different than I'm doing today and my role may change slightly, but I think I'm looking for the experience and excited about what I can learn from this.  I think it's a good step to take!  At least I hope it's a good step to take

Love:  What do I love?
Well...today I ran into someone in my office that got divorced about a year ago...he invited me to dinner tomorrow night, so we'll see what may happen there.  Going in with low expectations and see what may happen.  Not calling it a date...just dinner.
I also love my sister and so glad she's taking a big step toward healing from some recent hurts.  She has a rough couple of days ahead of her at Life Enrichment Boot Camp, but I think in the long run, she will have a fresh start and a fresh life!  I pray that this experience is what she needs to move forward!

For your viewing pleasure...in honor of Summertime--a message from my boys...



Thought for the day: You must begin to think of yourself as becoming the person you want to be.” -David Viscott

Thank you for being a friend

I've heard it said that people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.  Over the past year, some have come and gone and their reason they came into my life has revealed itself.  Some friends became "seasonal friends" and have decided to take their life in different direction.  In spite of this,however,  I'm fortunate to say that I'm extremely lucky to have a small group of friends that regardless of the length of time in between visits or connections, we still pick up right where we left off and also know that I can call them up in the dead of night and they'd be there right by my side!  I'm very lucky, very blessed and very honored to have a small group of extraordinary women that have molded and shaped me over the years and have made me become the woman I am today.  God blessed me very much with such amazing people to love me...unconditionally.  So, today, I smile, celebrate and love my friendship with my all my fantastic friends.  Thank you for being a friend!

Smile:  What did I smile about recently?
My five year old niece got the game ball for getting the first run in of her game.  She hit the ball  and made it to second base.  So proud of her!  Little athlete in the making!

Celebrate:  What did I celebrate recently?

I celebrate that I'm getting a kitchen counters and redoing my bathroom.  I've contracted out my brother to manage the construction and spent the last week picking out granite --giallo fiorrito is the color for my kitchen.  Santa Cecelia is my color for my bathroom and a nice porcelain tile that sorta looks like travertene is the tile for my floor in my bathroom.  I'm excited to be tearing out the tile in my shower and replacing with a nice marble.  I've been wanting to make these updates for the last 4 years, so I'm glad that I'm finally doing this and hope and pray it's not too painful of a process!


Love:  What do I love?

I love weekends!  I love not having to think about work, love relaxing, organizing, and resting after the long, stressful work life that I have.  I wish time stood still a little more on these two days off so I can get some more life "stuff" done!  I can't believe it's already 8:30 on Sunday!  Where does the time go??

On a different note, I had date number 3 with my new guy.  I'm really not sure what to say...he's nice, but not so sure that there are sparks there for either of us.  I did find out he's not religious and is not a Christian, so that concerns me, as that is the top thing that I'm looking for in a mate.  I have a great time with him and enjoy his company, but am thinking that we may be better friends than anything else.  If he asks, I will go out again with him and am hoping that we can do something other than dinner to see if it generates some sparks between us.  We'll see what happens...AND if this doesn't work out, well, that's ok...just will send my net out again and see what else I cast.  Life will go on and I'll continue being the happy, healthy and terrific person I am!

Thought for the day:  Regardless of what's happening right now, keep affirming: Life brings me everything I need exactly when I need it.


Have a great week folks!  Love you all!