Today I had to venture back to work after being off for one week and not even thinking about my job and all that I have to do for a whole 7 days!  It was truly wonderful to get away and not be concerned with what was going on in the office.  I have a great staff that takes care of things for me and I'm so happy they can keep things in control without needing me around all the time!  So nice to have them on my team.

Smile:  what did I smile about today?
I was told by two people that they liked my new haircut..guess my hairdresser didn't "gouge" me, as my mother said!  One person even asked if I had lost weight while I was out!  If I look thinner then I'll keep it this way all they time!

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?
I got through all 300 emails today and actually have a pretty good plan of action for the rest of the week.  I thought it would take me a while to get back in the swing of things, but it all quickly came back to me!  I guess that's a good thing.  We have so much to do, but have a good plan of action and hope that we can get it all done!

Love:  What do I love?
Speaker Phones!  I love being able to take a meeting hands free to allow me to surf the net, take notes and rest my neck!  Speaker phones!  Great invention!

On a side note...the online dating thing is pretty much dead.  I have had NO luck on eharmony, so am canceling that service when my contract is up with them in April.  The Bryan guy ended up being a dud.  He didn't pass the test when I told him I had the flu and he didn't even offer a "get well soon" message...AND... he's a NURSE!  So, now back to square one.  I need to find a hobby that is in a "target rich environment"!  Wish I had some talents!

YOU BE THE JUDGE:
So, today, one person said AGAIN that I look like Hillary Clinton!  I don't see it at all and actually take offense to this since she is so much older than me!  In the past 6 months 3 people have told me that and I just am so offended!  My hair has been different shades and lengths and still somehow the one person they see me as is HILLARY CLINTON!  Nothing against her...I think she's doing a great job as Secretary of State, and probably would have made an ok President...but I don't think I look like her!  You be the judge!  Perhaps it's her bad eyes...if that's the case I'm seeking out a plastic surgeon... soon!

Thought for the day:  It takes much more courage, strength of character, and inner conviction to forgive than it does to hang on to low-energy feelings.

Cheers!

I'm back from my trip to Funky Town...

Feeling much better after being taken to Funky Town for the past two weeks.  I think working out, getting some new clothes and spending time with some good friends have helped quite a bit.  In all actuality, I think turning it over to God really was the main factor to feeling better!

Smile:  What have I smiled about lately?

• Getting a nice email from someone in our office saying that she's heard about me from others and that I have a great reputation within our organization
• Helping someone else smile when feeling down
• Laughing at my new found love of late night TV--Jimmy Fallon.  He's hilarious and really makes me laugh out loud...so much so, I don't think that I fell asleep before midnight any time this week!  YIKES!

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?

At Bon Jovi Concert Oct 2010
(We need a new pic)

I celebrate the birth of my dear BFF! Happy Birthday to you! I am so blessed to have her in my life.  God really did right when he brought her into this world and ever since we became friends almost five years ago, my life has been filled with joy and happiness!  I hope that she celebrates how wonderful she really is and how special she is to so many people!  Love you sweet Bonnie!  And...the thought for you is...you're not old, just older--as Jon says:

Love:  What do I love?

As I said in previous blog post, I'm supposed to meet up with Bryan sometime next week.  More on that.  Haven't had much time this week to go to E-harmony much, so I'll see tonight if there are anymore selections out there since I last logged into it.
I love my new haircut that I got today, although I was trying to grow my hair out, I think the good ol' Bob is the best.  I think I look younger with it and feel much better--certainly not stretching me (my word of the year) to try something new, but if I can appear younger, then I can let go of stretching in that area.
I love being confident enough in myself to share my life with other people.  Didn't reveal anything too crazy, but fun sharing a little more of who I am with others and not caring what they think about me!
I love that tomorrow, I'm heading to Maryland so I can work and more importantly, see Bon Jovi in concert.  You know that posts next week will be fabulous!  What fun!

Thought for the day:  when you send out love, joy will come back to you!  

Just Breathe...

I think eating better, getting some much needed sleep, saying some good prayers and working out has helped my funkiness...although still have to say that I'm not 100% better.  I'm giving myself one more day and then that's it...move on...Oh--and don't forget to breathe--deep cleansing breaths like in yoga REALLY help!  Try it..Inhale--fill your lungs completely then exhale completely.  Do this 10 times and I promise, you'll feel better!  Just Breathe~


Smile:  What did I smile about today?
I helped a co-worker with some challenges he was having and made me realize just how much I have to offer.  I'm good at my job and appreciate others reaching out to me for help!  I'm proud of what I've accomplished and being asked my opinion and assistance really is nice to know that others see that too.

Celebrate:  What did I celebrate?
I celebrate that in spite of wanting to go out to dinner, I instead went to the gym for night two of workout.  I ran/walked another 4 miles in an hour and came home to a reasonable dinner.  I'm hoping that this will help get me on track again..I really need it!

Love:  What do I love?

I love Jazz Apples!  I tried them for the first time while at an expo for the Princess 5K I did last year!  They have now become my favorite apple because they are sweet and crunchy!  So tasty!  I realized today that I've gotten out of my routine of my apple-a-day and I guess that's why I haven't kept the doctor away!

As far as the online dating thing...well, I'm at the point of conversing with Bryan.  Doesn't look like our schedules are going to work to meet this week, so will have to get together sometime next week.  We'll see how it goes....still throwing that net out there and trying to fish out something...very slow, frustrating, humbling, aggravating process!

Thought for the day:  Great Mother Teresa quote: "Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier."  


I REALLY needed to read this quote today...stop complaining and start rejoicing in what you have!  So needed to read this...and Sorry Bon...thanks for living by this quote today...sorry I didn't do the same for you! Heart you lots!  Thanks for being there! 

I'm in need of some chicken soup

Yes, it's good for the soul, but it also will hopefully fend off some bug that I think I've caught and have been trying to tell myself that I don't have.  First realized the other morning, while trying to sing along to some Bon Jovi videos from a recent concert, that my voice was not quite cooperating. If I was putting on a concert, I'd have to cancel due to not being able to hit the high notes!  Luckily, I don't have any concerts this week!  As this week has progressed, I've felt worse, with today making me go make an appointment at our work clinic to see what is the deal. I couldn't get in to the doctor today, so won't know what's going on until tomorrow.  When speaking with the nurse, she thought I could have strep...I'm hoping that's not it!  Several people in my office have the flu and I'm really hoping that it's not that!   I can't be out of the office any more!  I guess I'll find out tomorrow what's going on.  I sound like a frog, so have to say, as a result, I've been a little quieter today than most days!  I'm sure my co-workers don't mind that!

Smile:  What makes me smile?

In one month, my mom, sister and I will be in New York City...the Big Apple...the city so nice they named it twice...the city where if i can make it there I can make it anywhere...you get the picture. I have wanted to take this trip with my family for so long and after flying many miles to rack up enough to treat everyone, we are going.  My sister needs a much needed vacation and my mom needs to spend time with her girls, so it's going to be a great time!  We are hoping to get some tickets to see the taping of some shows (Jimmy Fallon or David Letterman) and hope to see some Broadway shows too.  I hope the weather is nice so we can enjoy all that the city has to offer (i.e. Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Statue of Liberty).  I can't wait to go!  It's going to be a blast!  I'm so fortunate that I have the means to treat them to the airfare and that we can take off and enjoy this adventure!  Should be quite fun!

Celebrate:  What have I celebrated lately?
After working very hard last year, I got the rating that I was hoping for!  A "Very Strong" in my world is like the highest rating in most companies.  For me to get higher, I'd have to either walk on water more than one time and be observed by a large population of executives or be up for promotion.  While I think I walked on water one time, it wasn't observed by too many people and I'm not up for promotion, so my rating was in line with what my expectations were. Along with the very kind words my manager gave me about my performance, I also received a nice bonus.  So, I celebrate working really hard and getting the results that were so well deserved.  I'm not one to typically brag, but last year was a tough, good year and I felt like I deserved the performance rating I received.  Glad others thought so too!

Love:  what do I love?
I haven't given an update on the online dating lately....I'm in discussion with one gentleman.  He seems pretty funny and smitten with me.  Hopefully we'll take the plunge to meet face to face some time.  It's still an interesting process.  I'm convinced that some of my communications that I've sent have gotten lost.  I don't know for sure, but sure seems like I've sent more out than is showing.  May have to look into that a little more.  Of course, it could also mean that they have "closed" me and I'm just not seeing that for some reason.  So, the love life is going very slow.  This process is quite humbling!  Wow!

Thought for the day:  The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.  --Proust

Cheers folks!

I promise not to complain about 100 degree temps ever again!

Yesterday I took spent more time in an airplane than I did in an office.  I was supposed to go to Richmond VA for an overnight trip, but threatening weather in DFW caused the group I was traveling with to rebook our flights and go and come back the same day.  It was a long day but we were all happy to be on the way home and not stuck for a few days in another city.

So..today we woke up to freezing rain, snow and frigid temps!  Once again, had to spend the day working from home and while last week I didn't mind it too much, today I wasn't feeling well and just wanted to lay on the couch, but couldn't do that cause I had to deal with some work issues most of the day!  I'm ready for life to return to normal again!  I promise not to complain about the 100 degrees ever again...I promise not to complain about 100 degrees ever again...I promise not to complain about 100 degrees ever again!  Please summer come soon!

Smile:  What made me smile today?

I bought these wonderfully, cute rain boots the other day and was so thankful to have them today while sweeping my driveway in attempt to keep the snow and ice from accumulating too much.  I think they are precious and had to smile each time I put them on today!  They work much better than my slippers!

Celebrate:  What did I celebrate today?

I celebrate that I was able to get a flight out last night and be at home once again so I didn't have to get out in this awful weather and horrible driving conditions!  I love my house and am happy to be in it.

Love:  What do I love?

Well, have moved to "open communication" with one guy (Bryan) on e-harmony.  He seems like a fun guy and so we'll see what it happens.  I always think I'm better in person cause I can talk to anyone about pretty much anything, so I hope we will make it to at least the coffee or dinner stage. It's a really slow process and a very humbling one.  You think "oh, this guy seems like a good match, let me send him some questions"...then,  he NEVER responds!  You think, "is it me that he doesn't like or is he just not as anxious to connect as I am?"  I have to admit the voice inside my head tends to go crazy, but I'm determined to have a positive outlook on this and not let this define me or what I think of myself.  Those guys not responding are really missing out!  BIG TIME! That's all I'm going to say about that.

So what do I really love..I love that tonight Bon Jovi is going to stream the first 30 mins of their concert to kick off their 2011 tour.  That will warm my heart and make my sore throat feel better.

Thought for the day:  If you believe the best days are behind you, they are.  If you believe the best days are ahead of you, they are--Jon Gordon

Here's hoping you have wonderful days ahead!

Stay warm and safe out there!
Cheers!

He didn't see his shadow!

Bill Murray in "Groundhog Day"

Happy Groundhog Day! 

 Punxsuatawney Phil didn't see his shadow, so we HOPEFULLY will have an early spring!  All this weather is sure putting a damper on my travel plans these days, not to mention I've got cabin fever really bad!  If you ever saw the movie "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray you know that it's about a man that has to keep reliving the same day over and over again for a long time.  If you could relive one day, what would that be?  I'm sure one that brought you many smiles, lots to celebrate and one that you shared with someone you love.  I don't know that I have an answer, but something certainly to consider....

Smile:  What made me smile?
We had rolling blackouts in all of TX and I had to smile that while my power went out three times today, it only lasted for 15 mins at a time and didn't put too much of a stress on my day.  Once again, thanking my lucky stars that I wasn't like several in the city that didn't have it for several hours!  Oh boy, that wouldn't have been fun at all!

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?
I celebrate that I've been able to get so much done working from home.  I'm making some headway on some projects and am so happy that I have a little time to get my thoughts together, etc.  I'm taking advantage of this time and thrilled about it!  I also celebrate seeing a little bit of sun and seeing a little bit of ice melting.  Finally celebrate that I didn't break my neck (although I did twist my ankle a little) getting my mail today, while I decided to venture out in my slippers.  Not the best foot ware choice- (Wow-i need to have a reason to get dressed up soon!  This staying home stuff is making me quite lazy!)

Love:  What do I love?
Well, I don't love that eharmony project is not going as planned.  STILL have several "waiting for responses" from people.  A little disappointed but still trying to have a good attitude.  Just don't understand...you go through all these phases and then nothing...so frustrating!  Guess they finally saw something they didn't care for in me.  Oh well.  Try, try again!

But, that's not what this blog is about, it's about looking at the positive, so what did I love today? I love Pandora radio!  I've just discovered this wonderful site and so happy that I can listen to some great music for free!  Today, I chose the Singers and Songwriters station and got to hear James Taylor, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Neil Young, Rolling Stones...lots of great songs that put a smile on my face.



Thought for the day:  Five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred
2. Free your mind from worries
3. Live Simply
4. Give More
5. Expect Less

Stay warm everyone!

Thankful it's Thursday!

Smile:  What made me smile today?
Seeing the video above while on the treadmill at the gym.  Something about watching 40+ year old men doing choreography makes you just have to smile from ear to ear!  Only thing that would have made it better...if it was the combined group NKOTBSB!  Now, that is greatness in action!

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?
I celebrate being able to press "send" on a document that has been hanging over my head for 2 weeks now!  Finally finished it and was so happy to send off for formatting!  I also celebrate that I went to the gym tonight. Sorry lady next to me trying to get your personal best on the treadmill.  I didn't mean to unplug your treadmill while I was trying to retrieve my ipod that jumped off the treadmill and flew across the floor.  I didn't mean to ruin your day!  Woops!  

Love:  What do I love?
Don't have any thing new to report on the online dating front.  Just playing the waiting game. And for those that are keeping tabs...no, I haven't figured out how to stalk Troy yet, so my goal of him falling in love with me is a little slow moving.  Need to get my network on the project!

So, what do I love today?  I do love the fact though that I am able to work from home and love that I have that flexibility from time to time to get things done and wow did I get things done today!

Thought for the day:  Give in the way you are most called to give, and life will thank you by placing joy in your heart.  

Cheers to you!

One step closer

Smile:  What made me smile today?

Listening to people laugh on the radio as I was driving to work today.  Just put me in a great mood as I was on my way to a busy day!  Love to hear people laugh!  We don't do enough each day.

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate today?

I celebrate that I am grateful for my past work experience.  Today I had an opportunity to begin a mentor relationship with someone that is starting their professional career.  As I was telling my story, I realized just how grateful I am for all those projects I did, all the people that believed in me when I didn't believe in myself and all the blood, sweat and many tears I have shed over the years.  I'm proud of my accomplishments and hope that I can help someone progress a little faster than I by learning from my many mistakes along the way.  I celebrate the past and appreciate all the learnings that I got from it.

Love:  What do I love?
So I'm one step closer to meeting my first guy on e-harmony (Bill is ahead of some of the others).  Today I had to answer three questions that he provided to me:

1. Describe an interest that you truly hope your partner will share with you?
2.  They say life is about simple pleasures.  What are your simplest pleasures and how do they make you feel?
3.  What do you think your three best traits that you can offer your partner?

At some point, I'll share my answers to these questions...but I ask, how would YOU answer them?  It took me ALL night to figure out how to be clever, myself and honest.  This is why I have such a hard time with online dating...it requires a lot of work!  I was supposed to do some business work tonight but made a choice to spend time on my personal life instead.  I'm hopeful that the decision was the best choice.  Anyway, I think that the more that I do these questions, the better I will be.  I'm really trying to have a good attitude about all this!  Really...I am!

Thought for the day:  Today you've been given a gift--the power to choose your attitude!

I think I have a chance...

Hello Tuesday--Thank you for being kind today!  You brought out the sun when the weather forecasters said it was going to be cold and cloudy, you went by quickly, and you didn't cause too many problems.  Good job Tuesday!  You can come back around again--perhaps even change your name to Wednesday.

Smile:  What did I smile about today?
Two things made me smile-

1. Seeing kids walk to school with their parents hand in hand.  I grew up in a town where we didn't have the ability to walk to school and always was quite jealous of the kids that grew up with that bit of Americana.  Seeing them walk hand in hand with their mom or dad just brings a smile on my face each day.
2.  While trying to get motivated at work, I was listening to my ipod and heard "Here comes the sun" by the Beatles!  Love that song and got me motivated to get some things done!

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate today?

I celebrate the ability to cross off several items on my to-do list!  It was quite a productive day and I love going to bed knowing that I put in an honest day's work and added value along the way!  Marking items done...priceless!

Love:  What do I love today?

The online dating has been going well.  Currently in the process of learning about two guys, Bryan and Bill.  They both seem cute and interesting and actually have brought some smiles to my face as I have been going through the process E-Harmony puts you through.  I can see based upon their profile why perhaps we were matched together.  We'll see what happens. I am hopeful that something will  happen.  

 If all else fails, I heard tonight on the news that Troy Aikman, my guilty pleasure before Jon Bon Jovi, is getting divorced from his wife of 10 years. I have hope!  I think I may have a chance...

Thought for the day:  It takes a lot of work from the face to let out a smile, but just think what good smiling can bring to the most important muscle of the body... the heart.

I just haven't met you yet...

Will I find love online?  Stay tuned....

Happy Sunday! Had a week of travel to Maryland and enjoyed a weekend catching up with some good friends.  Trip was good and I was thankful that the weather behaved so I could get there and back in one piece!  I'm a much better traveler when ice and snow are not part of the picture!

Smile:  What's made me smile lately?

Coconut Cupcake--YUMMY!

• Georgetown cupcakes in Bethesda:  Love the coconut cupcake so much that I can't get anything else when I go there!  This place has the BEST cupcakes and I love them so much I can rationalize and justify breaking my diet to eat one!  You must try if in the DC/MD area!  
• Watching movies with good friends:  I'm very blessed to have special people in my life that can also enjoy a quiet evening watching movies and allow me to be a bad hostess and fall asleep on the couch during the movie.  It was a great way to relax after a busy week of travel and meetings.  
• Getting a call from my niece and then finding out that my brother didn't even know she had taken his phone.  I love that she chose to call her Auntie to say "i love you"--so cute!

Celebrate:  What have I celebrated lately?

• That the weather held out and that the east coast has the tools to keep the roads and sidewalks clear when there is even a hint of snow or ice in the forecast.  It was so nice to see the salt pellets on the ground after eating dinner and helped ease my mind for the commute the next day!  Thank you MD taxpayers for putting your tax dollars toward my safety!
• Choices:  we all have a choice to be as happy as we want to be and I celebrate making the right choice most of the time. Life is good and I'm happy to say that I'm making good choices to see the world a little brighter and a little more positive.  Are you making good choices?
• Finally, I celebrate that I'm one of the few lucky ones that has not had to suffer too many bad things in life.  Today in church, we learned how Jesus suffered on the Cross and how God was there by his side, listening to him and how He is there for us as we go through our suffering.  I praise God that while life hasn't always been peaches and cream, I have been very lucky and am blessed to have all that I have, however, I also know that no matter what, HE is there willing and able to help me through whatever it is that I'm going through!  Praise God!

Love:  What do I love?

So, I did it...I finally got myself together enough to try online dating again.  I'm trying to have a good attitude about it and am hopeful that I will meet someone to spend some time with and who knows..perhaps fall in love with.  I truly believe he's out there..I just haven't met him yet!  Stay tuned for more updates on this project!  I'm sure that it will be quite exciting to follow--at least, let's hope that it is!   Enjoy the video...I think it's pretty perfect for my situation!

Thought for the day:

We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy.  The amount of work is the same.  --Carlos Castaneda

Cheers to you!  Have a great week ahead!