Work...that four letter word that we can't avoid

Work. A four letter word that can bring about happiness and stress all at once.  I find much satisfaction in my job, and am looking forward to the possibility of new beginnings.  I'm truly hoping that I can find greater fulfillment in a new position soon.  Fingers are crossed that this all will work out so I can love what I do and not settle for anything less than that!


Smile:  What did I smile about?
I have friends who take care of me and that makes me smile from ear to ear!  After having a dinner party the other night, I mentioned a story in which I was convinced someone had come into my home and left random bubble wrap in my bathroom sink.  Not remembering that I had previewed some training DVDs that morning that had bubble wrap around them, I was absolutely convinced that someone had been in my house...and perhaps was still in my house.  I told my friends this embarrassing story and so my lovely friends took pity on my and two of them bought me things that will allow me to have some type of light on when coming home to a dark house.  I appreciate that they are taking care of me!  Glad to know that I have good friends who care so much!

Celebrate:  What have I celebrated lately?
It's coming up on year end appraisals and as I consider all that me and my team have accomplished this year, I celebrate the successes we've had.  May not have gotten lots of kudos or extra attention, but I know that I've done small things with great work.  I'm proud of what we've done and while may not have a lot of appreciation, I know that I've made a difference in my area.

Love:  What do I love?

I love that the weather is getting crisper and we can wear sweaters and fun coats.  I like this type of cool, and am dreading the freezing temps that we will get in February.  I'll worry about that another time, but for now will enjoy the nice breeze, the nice cool mornings and wearing light jackets over cute sweaters!  Yea Fall!
Not so happy about the darkness that comes so early these days (we just had the end of daylight savings), but love the nice weather and changing leaves.




Thought for the day:  Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." —Mahatma Gandhi


Shaken...not stirred...

I WAS IN AN EARTHQUAKE!!!

I had to travel to Richmond, VA for a meeting today and while sitting in a conference room at the Hilton Garden Inn talking about exciting things like the impact to associates and customers will have after we make a particular change in my business...we felt the earth move under our feet. At first we all thought it was the air conditioner kicking into over drive, or someone was trying to move something down the hall and was shaking the floor...we didn't know what it was until it went on for several seconds and someone said "you know, Richmond is on a fault line..." At that point, we all hopped up, got our purses, tried to determine if we should bring our work computers and ran outside.  Once outside, we all stood and looked up at the building trying to see what was happening...probably a pretty stupid move to do, as if there really was something going on, we would have been in a bad spot.  I think that I need to read that book "Worst Case Scenario Survival Guide to determine what I need to do in situations like this should this happen in the future (as we know...my travel experiences tend to be more exciting than I really would like them to be--remember the hurricane last year??)  At any rate they clocked the earthquake at a 5.9 on the richter scale and it was felt as far north as Massachusetts and far west as Ohio.  Our offices in Maryland closed early and there was rumor that the building had some damage.  Was quite an exciting day for me and many others.  While there were not casualties that I'm aware of, and the shock only lasted maybe a minute, it was still a memorable event.  You can read more about the story here:  Virginia earthquake rattles East Coast-CNN.com

So...what am I smiling, celebrating and loving today??? Well...that's pretty easy...I'm loving the fact that while this could have been a very bad situation, we all were ok.  Life is good and all is well in the world (well, not all well with the world, a hurricane is heading for the east coast, the economy is horrible and TX still is in the 100+ degrees!).  God is good and I'm alive!  Just a little shaken...but not stirred!

Thought for the day:  

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying  --Live like you were dying-Kris Allen

And...of course, the theme song for the day....

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!

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!

We're all thawed out!

We FINALLY got out of the freezing temperatures, and I finally got out of the house after 4 days!  The warm up began and you'd never know within about 5 hours after we got above 32 degrees that we had so much ice and snow.  I'm so glad that we finally thawed out and were able to show the visitors that trudged here for the super bowl what Texas is all about!  It was a beautiful weekend and I think everyone's moods are much better with a little sun and a lot less ice!

Super Bowl 45 was played here in Big D this weekend and the Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburg Steelers 31 - 25.  It was a great game and I enjoyed the event with some good friends at a local sports club.  Ate lots of bad food but had great company and enjoyed some good times. Didn't hurt that the team I was rooting for won!  Great fun!

Smile:  What have I smiled about?

• Snow melting
• Getting out of the house (even though Target was busier than Black Friday!)
• Seeing some friends haven't seen in a while
• Doing a little scrapbooking

Mom, Sister and I in San Francisco July 2010

Celebrate:  What do I celebrate?

•  Snow melting
•  Having a wonderful, understanding Mom!
•  A good hair day!

Love: What do I love?

• Going back to an office where I can see people and not the same 4 walls
• My sister for her courage
• Coming home to a nice clean house--I love housekeepers

Some thoughts for the day:

"Listen with your heart."

"Do something spontaneous."

"Go where your heart takes you."

"Hold hands firmly, hearts gently."

"Exercise your heart today."

"Make someone melt today."

"Believe in those you love."

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!

Baby it's cold outside (and inside as well!)

Street in Plano courtesy of WFAA.com

After several days of predicting, the weather forecasters got it right.  We got rain, sleet and snow today and caused havoc across the metroplex!  While we try to be prepared for such events, we just don't have the tools to completely tackle these things and the city just completely was crippled today!

Cowboys Stadium gets some special attention
Courtesy of WFAA.com

Some places showed about three inches of ice and snow!  I think my street in front of my house is a literal skating rink!  Yikes!

Of course, the football teams were able to attend media day.  I joked with co-workers that if you were trying to get to the stadium, you wouldn't have any problem because the route from the players' hotels to the stadium were sanded, scraped and ice free!  We still have bad weather for the remainder of the week.  Wow!  Mr. Groundhog, please no more winter!!

Smile:  What did I smile about today?
I am fortunate that I have a job that allows me to work from home, so about 10 AM, I noticed that it wasn't very warm in my house.  I started investigating a little more closely and realized that my heat was out in my downstairs unit!  I was so happy that I had purchased the service maintenance plan and was able to get serviced today.  So, what did I smile about?  Seeing
Anthony at my front door this afternoon coming to fix my heater!  I was able to spend the day upstairs and was quite cozy, so I didn't freeze to death.  I have a nice life and it's days like this that I'm thankful that I do have this nice life.  There are so many people out there tonight that can't call someone to fix their heat because they don't have a house, or they don't have money to pay bills.  I'm very blessed and very thankful. So much so, I donated to the Salvation Army  to hopefully provide a little warmth to someone that needs it much more than I tonight!

Celebrate:  What did I celebrate today?
I celebrate that after Anthony left, the pilot light blew out again and I used my resources to get it started again!  I called Anthony and he walked me through the steps and I got my heat back on again!  Yep, I'm an independent woman...gotta celebrate that I can, when I want to, take care of myself (with limitations--still won't mow yard and would prefer not to have to take out the trash!)

Love: What do I love?
I love that I'm not important enough in my job to be in a position to HAVE to be at work, no matter what the weather is like!  Our office was open and I'm so very, very thankful that I didn't have to risk my life to be there!  Yep, being in a support role does have it's advantages.  May not make all the money, but hey, I get to stay in the comfort of my home on treacherous days like this! And..I'm planning on doing the same tomorrow too!

Thought for the day:  Don’t seek happiness.  Decide to live with passion and purpose and happiness will find you.


Keep warm my friends! Be careful out there!

Terrific Tuesday!

When I said that the "sun will come out tomorrow" in yesterday's post, I wasn't sure that it would actually happen (can't ever trust the weather forecasters!), but today, was so happy to see blue skies and the pretty sun up above!  While it didn't get above freezing all day, the sun sure helped improve mood and energy levels!  I love blue skies!


Smile:  What did I smile about today?
God is Good!  His works surround me and I see His hand in my life and others around me!  Lately, he's answered many prayers to heal relationships, help find jobs, keep cancer under control, and help keep stress levels low.  There is nothing more beautiful to smile about than to know the HE is truly in control if we only turn ourselves over to Him!  What a wonderful, peaceful thing to know!


Celebrate:  What do I celebrate today?
Each year I choose a word to help represent what I hope to achieve that year. This year, I chose "Stretch."  It has several meanings but one is to stretch myself in my job and take on some new things that I'm not familiar with.  Today, I found out that I will lead an initiative that I really don't know anything about and is truly out of my comfort zone, but a great opportunity to make a difference in my organization.  It's going to be a lot of work and comes with lots of visibility (which can be a great thing if things go well, but can be quite challenging if it doesn't!).  Many prayers will be sent to help me through this great learning curve!

Love:  What do I love today?

Due to the cold weather, my tire pressure sensor went off in my car, so I had to get to a garage to put in more air in my tires.  You see, I don't want to know how to check the tire pressure, or to be responsible for putting the air in the tires, so I love that there are establishments that I can pull into, not even get out of my car to get in the cold and allow someone else to take care of that for me! While for the most part, I'm a pretty independent, single woman, but this is one area that I play the "girl" card and don't want to know anything about this (I also play this card on mowing the grass and driving a standard car)   Thank you Discount Tire for the free air check and for keeping me safe!

Thought for the day:  "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you"  Matt 7:7--stop --right the minute and say a prayer!

God bless you today and every day!