Category Archives: Goals

Quickie Post!

This is just a quickie post to answer a question from my sis! “What does eating frogs mean?”

Well, this is something I learned from one of my favorite authors, Brian Tracy. Eating frogs is basically just a time management tool that means that you do the biggest, scariest, ugliest thing on your to-do list first, and get it out of the way. Anything else you do for the rest of the day, will be a cake walk in comparison. So, Brian Tracy basically recommends that you go out and eat your frog first thing every morning!! 🙂

If you had to “Eat your Frog” today, what would that look like??? Please feel free to share in the comments section!

Have a FABULOUS day!!! 😉

Good Morning!

I have often heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expect to get a different result. Well, being someone who is a creature of habit, I find myself reflecting on this idea a lot. I wonder if I am in a rut, and if so, what needs a good shaking up in my life!!! I think that my natural self is to be very nomadic, moving from one place to another, one activity to another, but that all changed when I lost my mom when I was younger. Now, movement and change is something that I have to purposefully concentrate on, otherwise I find I end up getting stagnant!! EW – that just sounds gross, but I am sure you know what I mean!!

I have 3 main areas of my life that really need my attention right now: my weight, my finances, and my home. So, when I woke up this morning, I asked myself what are some different actions that I can take to help improve these 3 areas in my life? So, I decided to make a list:

  1. Avoid the snooze!! When my alarm goes off in the morning, and I hit snooze, I really am awake, so basically I am just wasting sometimes up to 2 hours wasting time “trying to get a little more sleep”. Not today – up with the morning rooster!!!
  2. Get ready for work before anything else!! That way, when I have extra time left over, I am able to get any other things needing to get done before I head out to the office, and still be on time!
  3. Put me back on my to-do list! Now, I have a tendency to create a mental daily to-do list, and then cut out anything that would be too hard, or any “I don’t wannas” – not today! I am going to GO EAT THOSE FROGS!!!
  4. I am going to take my daily walk this morning, even if that means walking in the rain. I usually “try” to get my walk in at lunch time, and because work is usually so busy, it is super easy to find ANY excuse to not go – so today, there is no hesitation – it gets done first!!
  5. I am going to spend at least an hour, actually focusing on my finances today – they have been neglected far too long. Now, I don’t mean that my bills don’t get paid, but what I mean is that they are usually paid electronically, and I don’t always know how much money I am paying for what, or to what! So, I need to start living my life on purpose, and I know that having financial wealth is the key to true freedom to choose what I want to do, so now is the time to get that in check!!!
  6. and last but not least, I want more than anything to sell our condo and move into my home – wherever that may be. My husband and I daydream about owning a house on a small parcel of land, where we can create, and grow, and thrive, and make memories with our family and friends. I know that is out there somewhere, and I am so anxious to get started on that portion of our lives, but if I don’t start taking some kind of action to move in that direction – it will sadly never happen, and I just cannot sit idly by as we let our dream life is pass us by. So, today I want to do at least one project in the house that will make me feel like I am on my way!!!

Anyway, I am off to go get my morning walk in!!

Have a FABULOUS day!!! 🙂

Getting REAL!!

Good morning! I  did my weigh in this morning and am up .2 pounds from yesterday, which is frustrating because the weight was falling off so quickly before, and now it seems to be inching up a little every day. UGH! I am not really sure what adjustments to make – I am counting every calorie, exercising more, stress level is down, and I am making sleep more of a priority – I am not sure what else to do. I pray for wisdom in this area, because I am a little stumped! I just don’t want to have weight loss surgery! I want to know that I did this without such invasive medical intervention!

Anyway, I am loving taking the time to tap into my creativity every day! It has really taken the edge off of my sometimes stressful life.

Also, I have started, along with my partner at work, Chris, walking through the Willamette University campus for about 45 minutes every day. Willamette University has such an electric and creative feeling atmosphere – that feeling is VERY CONTAGIOUS! When I was in both Junior and Senior high schools, I had always dreamed about going to Willamette. It has always been so prestigious and the grounds are both stunning and architecturally MAGNIFICENT! I just wanted, and maybe still do, to be a part of that school’s history! Well, for now, I will just have to be satisfied with my daily walks!

Can I confide in you? I am having a health issue and normally I would let it go, but this issues has really become a problem. The thing is, is that I am menstruating seemingly all the time, which can really make it difficult to feel normal, not to mention clean and absolutely un-GROSS! My mom had a total hysterectomy at 32, I think, and here I am at 35. My doctor suggests getting a DNC done, which she warns will be very painful! I have ALWAYS been a BIG BABY when it comes to pain! A DNC is basically where they go in and scrape out the lining of your uterus! SHUDDER!! That sounds HORRIBLE!!! I think my hesitation, besides the pain, is that I hear that it can make it more difficult to get pregnant; like we need ANYMORE issues in that area of our lives! My husband and I have been together for 16 years and we have NEVER even gotten pregnant. That is REALLY rough because I have always known that I was born to become a mom, and Jason would make a FABULOUS daddy!! It is really hard to not be constantly jealous of my friends and family who have kids; ESPECIALLY those people who you come across in life who either ignore, or take their children completely for granted – that has been REALLY ROUGH! Anyway, one way or the other, I am going to have to get myself to my physician and get this issue taken care of, OR I will have no other choice but to invest in Kotex – since I may be SINGLE HANDEDLY keeping that company in business!!! LOL! 😉

Has anyone else ever had a DNC done? I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject in the comments above! Is it really as painful as I am thinking it is? Were you able to have children after having one done? Anything to help fill me in on the details would be EXTREMELY appreciated – thanks!!! 🙂

ON A SIDE NOTE: I hear that is supposed to be some kind of AMAZING show of shooting stars this evening! If the weather cooperates I will have to check it out!

Have a FABULOUS day!! 😉

Tuesday Evening Update!

Well, I am still going through the Crafter’s Devotional, and tonight’s assignment is to color as if you were still a little kid. So here I am trying to think of something to color. The only thing I immediately thought of was houses, trees, suns, and rainbows – all of my favorite standbys just like when I was a little kid! I do however appreciate the exercise because it is helping me loosen up my creativity muscles so to speak!!

My husband and I live in a small condo, and I am actively looking for a little farm/cottage/or plot of land to call our home.  Someplace where we can have a small flower cutting garden, herb garden, and vegetable garden. I would also LOVE to have a space where my husband can do some woodworking, and I have a place to have both an art studio and a place to refinish/reupholster  furniture – HOW DIVINE!!! 😉 Ok, I can already hear some of you saying, “You? Get dirty?? Ain’t gonna happen!”, but, really, I am telling you! I want to get back to a simpler lifestyle, a lifestyle where you don’t watch life go by, you actually spend your life LIVING IT!!! I don’t forsee that we will be moving for at least a year yet, unless the good Lord has other plans for us, but I TRULY CAN’T WAIT!! 😉

I think I am coming down with something! I have been getting more and more congested, my right ear hurts, and now my neck and shoulders are really getting ache-ey!! I don’t have time to get sick right now, my work life is JUST TOO CRAZY BUSY to take ANY time off. At least, for the time being! I can imagine calling in sick in the morning, and my partner-in-crime, driving to my house, and picking my booty up, pj’s & all, and drag my sickie-self off to the office!!! I just love her – she really is a GREAT friend!!! I COULD NOT do what I do WITHOUT HER!!! 😉

Anyway, I am off to color some more…er…I mean, encourage my creativity!! What are some of the ways that you encourage creativity in yourself – I would LOVE to hear form you in the comment section above!!

Have a FABULOUS evening!!

Dreaming of Someday!

I am sitting in my craft studio day dreaming about my ideal future. I dream about one day making a living doing what I truly love; being surrounded by beautiful home accessories and home furnishings. Ok, that may not sound very romantic, but I imagine working with all sorts of fun and creative people,  who both create and are on the hunt for the perfect and unique treasures to help give their homes a special je ne sais quoi. Fabrics, textures, feathers, cashmere, all things sparkly, girly, and absolutely FABULOUS!!! I can hear the French music playing throughout the shop, and how I would ADORE taking a yearly trip to Europe to shop for new furniture and other home accessories! OH!!! Just the thought of it makes me SOOOO EXCITED – I wish I could just snap my fingers and make it my reality now!!! I am not sure exactly I am going to make this dream come true, or what it will ultimately be in the future, but, for now – it is such a beautiful sight in my dreams! I just have to stay focused on that, and ultimately it will be mine! I hope you will all be there to enjoy destination, as well as my journey!

With that, here are some pictures that are inspiring my dream business ideas!

I know these all seem very random, but to me they represent something like vintage girly, glam!!! Oh what a sweet life!! 🙂

Have a FABULOUS evening! 😉

Finding My Creativity!

I have just gotten home from a super-fun, and super-nerdy book store evening!! At this point, does this shock ANYONE??? LOL!!! I could sit amongst a huge pile of books and just pore of all of the pages, stories, and pictures and just soak them all in. Well, tonight I was surrounded by books on capturing and tapping into my creativity!! I texted Jason, who just happened to be sitting right next to me (LOL), that I dream about being an artist – I have this need to create something FABULOUS!! He just texted back, of course – as if that is what he has known all along, which might just be the case!!!

Anyway, I came home with a book called The Crafter’s Devotional: 365 Days of Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Unlocking Your Creative Spirit. This book was written by Barbara R. Call, and I am just itching to get started in this book!!! On day 1 (which they have set up for a Monday), the book guides you in getting started in journaling.  So, the idea of getting started has really gotten me motivated to get my office space back up and running! I want a creative place that is set up to inspire, and feed my creativity!!! YEAH!!! I will make sure to take pictures tomorrow to post as I get things in order!!!

Have a FABULOUS evening!! 😉

Thursday Night Update!

I am enjoying a nice quiet evening with my husband. There is soft music playing in the background. Our sis and niece stopped by and had a healthy dinner with us and we played some rounds of Bananagrams – still one of our FAVORITE games!!! I love you sistah!!! 😉

Jason and I have had a little bit of a health scare here today. I will not go into any details, but I think my husband is finally on board with getting fit and healthy! I have been following the calorie guide from Livestrong.com, and have lost almost 9 pounds in a week and a half. I am really thankful that I stumbled upon this site. My husband, sis, and one of girlfriends have all joined up because of my progress so far. I am telling you – try it for one week, and if you don’t lose any weight, then quit – but it is free. So, what do you have to lose??? Except some unwanted lbs that you know have been bothering you!! 😉 Ok, commercial is over! Let me know if you have any success!!

Anyway, tomorrow is Friday – YEAH!!! Jason and I are heading out on a date tomorrow night – we are actually planning on watching the new Harry Potter movie. The 7th of 8. I have high hopes that it will be entertaining, not as good as the books mind you, but good just the same! I think it is going to be odd to watch one of these movies without Dumbledore – he has been so integral to the story. I also think that this movie will be scarier than I am used to. I am a big chicken when it comes to these things – my imagination has a tendency to get too out of control! I know, but now you know why I watch so many light and fluffy romances, and comedies.

Jason is asking that we go for a walk, and I am going to take him up on it!! So until next time!

Have a FABULOUS evening! 🙂

Still Brainstorming Name Ideas!

I am brainstorming a business name for my FABULOUS dream career – a home furnishings/home accessories/interior design service boutique! I did have one idea that I thought was extremely fantastic, but unbeknownst to me, it was already taken – DANG! Anyway, I have a two names so far that have made the top 10 list!! My girlfriend Dawn, who is a genius wordsmith, is helping me come up with some other ideas to add to this list. Anyone have any ideas???

WORLD!!! IT IS TIME TO LET MY INNER DIVA OUT!!!

Have a FABULOUS evening! 😉

Format Change!

Today is a good day to change things up a bit.

This has been a GREAT weekend, although I really haven’t see n too much

of my Sweetie this weekend, which is a little sad!

HOWEVER, I got to spend some quality time with some of my girls yesterday!! First shopping for treasures with my sis-in-law; later out to coffee and then dinner with my girlfriend! It was a VERY good day!!

I even had a chance to check out a new little chic boutique downtown and picked up this sweet little two-sided pillow. Isn’t it darling?

Anyway, I thought it was the PERFECT start to my Christmas season this year, and my Sweetie first thought was that it was a new pillow for the bedroom – Go figure!!! 😉

Have I told you that I am officially brainstorming starting a small business? I am passionate about helping women live the life of their dreams, and I feel that the foundation for living the life of your dreams is creating a home that truly represents your innermost self.

You should be surrounded by treasures that remind you of special people, places, memories, and all that represents the very best of you. That is what I LOVE hunting for those one of a kind treasures, and HONEY you have to know that I have ABSOLUTELY run out of room to store ALL of those treasures in my place, so I want to share them with you!! More news to come – but my next step is trying to figure out a business name!!! 🙂

I am off to go enjoy the rest of my afternoon!

Have a FABULOUS evening!

 

Another Day Another Dollar!

Well, as opposed to last night, I am being super productive this evening! I got less sleep last night, but my healthy eating is somehow giving me a burst of energy – oh yeah, and the walk I just got back from may have contributed to that pep too!! LOL! Quick side: check out the website Livestrong – it has been super fun and easy to use, not to mention FREE for the basic plan!!! Let me know your thoughts!! 😉

Anyway, what else? Ok, I am reading this new book that I just picked up, it is called, The Elements of Personal Style. This book was put out by the editors of Elle magazine, and this book is really inspiring. The tagline on the cover says, ’25 Modern Fashion Icons on How to Dress, Shop, and Live’. and HONEY, there is Diane von Ferstenburg (my FAVE!!!), Dita Von Teese (I think every woman needs to tap into what this woman has to feel sensual), Christina Hendricks (a real woman who rocks her sexy curves), Milla Jovovich (a woman who proves that you can be both stylish and strong), and Fergie (need I say more???), just to name a few of the featured fashion icons!!! It gives you style-based interviews with celebrities, inspiration boards and ideas on how to get the looks of the celebrities featured!! SO FABULOUS!!! not to mention colorful, insightful, interesting, and fun!!!  Check it out!!!

I am also busy going through my copy of the 2011 Entertainment Coupon Book – yes, I have finally reached that age where this MAMMOTH coupon book, really makes me happy!!! I know sad, but there you go!!

Ok, before I leave for the evening I wanted to answer a few questions to maybe let you all know a little bit more about myself and my life!

  1. When I fell in love I was wearing: Jeans, t-shirt, and one of my dad’s sweatshirts, yes dad I did take that! 😉
  2. People compliment my: My smile!
  3. My most prized possession: My wedding ring!
  4. Never: Give up!
  5. Always: Live as if today was your last!
  6. The most reliable thing in my closet: My black blazer, I could wear this almost every day!
  7. The sexiest thing in my closet: A little black dress with a deep v-neck and Ginger Rogers-type skirt that is meant to be DANCED in!!
  8. I wish I could change my: Stress level!
  9. I feel most beautiful when: I am HAPPY!!!
  10. Every woman needs: To have the confidence to BE EXACTLY WHO THEY WANT TO BE!!

Have a FABULOUS evening! 😉