I just want to be mad for a while!

Until we have completed the migration I will post an alert here to check in over at Blogger.

http://attitudeslc.blogspot.com/

I told you so!

And the changes begin!  As I have been journaling about over the last month I mentioned that great changes were about to take place.  I also eluded to the fact that many changes had taken place in my life.  Additionally I said that October was the month that people and things I cared for chose to pass away.

In October 2006 my life did a 180 degree turn and everything changed.  Once again I face the same 180 degree turn.  No, my life isn't returning to pre Oct 2006, but metamorphosing in yet something else that I had not seen coming.  Now for many of you October 2008 will be a time when journaling as you know it comes to an end and a new way must begin.

When working with a client I never ask them to try something that I haven't tired myself. 

With that said AOL is hoping to be able to migrate our journals over to Blogger.com  I have already begun the set up, here is the link http://attitudeslc.blogspot.com/

I believe if we all stick together and help one another we will get through this well. 

Tags: Believe, Hope, Inspire,

Because it makes me feel good!!!!

Ok, this isn't an inspirational coaching entry.  It's Sunday and I just want to indulge.

I just love this song.  I love the harmony and it just makes me feel good.   I couldn't embed it as embedding was disabled, but here is the link:  Additionally, this is another feel good, guilty pleasure of mine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V88d-yXotKk

Additionally, this is another feel good, guilty pleasure of mine:

 

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Stopping By

I feel the need to apologize.  I no sooner was able to get the Nice Matters Award up and running then life got crazy here on the home front.  It hit the fan, literally!  Everything is fine, but real life has required quite a bit of attention lately and I am in the process of regrouping. 

 

Give me strength!

Keeping with the "Fresh Start" topic most people have two main challenges when starting something new, or re-starting something they had success at before.

 

The first challenge is setting a clear cut goal, the second challenge comes from trying to "fix" everything all at once.

 

The way to over come the first challenge is to write out what your goal is.  Then write out what it will look like and feel like to reach your goal.  Last, write out what your reasons will be for not reaching or completing your goal.

 

The way to over come the second challenge of trying to "fix" everything all at once is to take a very close look at what you just wrote.  Then write out all the steps you will need to reach the goal.  Clearly define what you find most challenging and what the difficult obstacles will be.  Then break them down to one or two week "changes" that are more easily mastered.

 

Good Luck!!!

Dear Diary

Well day one into the exercise program (WITHOUT BEER!).  It was still fun!

You may or may not have seen this going around.  I may or may not have shared it with you.. I do however think it is one of the funniest things I have ever read.  Mostly because... whenever you start something new whether it is an exercise program, or a computer program... you feel like this:

 

Dear Diary,

For my 60th birthday this year, my daughter Rachel (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

MONDAY :

Started

my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!

TUESDAY :

I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air - then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.

WEDNESDAY :

The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter

and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair 'monster'. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other shit too.

THURSDAY :

Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny bitch to find me. Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine - which I sank.

FRIDAY :

I hate that bitch Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader! If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it.

Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the Damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

SATURDAY :

Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her made me want to

smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching 11 straight hours of the Weather Channel.

SUNDAY :

I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter Rachel (the little snot) will choose a gift for me that is fun - like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

 

It's Monday... and a new begining.

As I mentioned last week, I often feel like this time of year is a great time to "start over" or begin new things.  Normally I spend the summer months relaxing and getting in shape.  This summer did not afford me that opportunity and I am starting to feel like a slug as I have not been able to work out.

I have always found it is easier to get myself back in prime shape over the summer months and keep it going during the fall and winter months. As that didn't happen this year, I must make a commitment to doing it now.

 

Being a coach I feel it is very important to have experience when coaching someone on a particular venue.  I never ask a client to do anything I have not done myself.  This way I know the challenges as well as the hints and applications that make their goals more attainable.

 

I have coached quite a few clients through weight loss and getting into shape.  I do not ask anyone to even consider trying anything I have not tried myself.  Any one who has decided that now was the time to get in shape please consider joining me. 

 

Martha at Life's Little Challenges has set forth a challenge to join her.  I am jumping on her band wagon and working her exercise program with her.  Her journal is private however if you would like to gain access to it, please e-mail Martha at lifes2odd or myself and she will grant you access. 

 

I began my program last night.  It started by doing this 8 minute workout.

 

 

Additionally, remember to stay well hydrated.  I drank a half a bottle of beer while doing it.  It was kind of fun.  Made me feel like I was in a club!  (I told Martha about this and she suggested that if I really want to push myself hard enough I needed to try harder to down the whole beer in the 8 minutes)

 

So yesterday I pushed myself harder!  I downed the whole beer and added 75 crunches! (Martha out lines this in her journal)  I felt great when I was done so I popped open another beer.  I was so charged up I thought I might go down and do 15 min of cardio on my LifeStep.  But... I looked at my beer and didn't think it would go well in a sports bottle so I decided to put the cardio on hold till tomorrow.

 

So... it is all tested and approved... Today I go back on my nutrition program and add the exercise sans alcohol.

 

If you want to join Martha and I please let me know!

 

Last April I started a nutrition program that has worked some amazing magic.  I hope to share it with you next month as I am on that tail end of checking it out and testing it.

Tags: Inspiration, Believe, Exercise

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When You Are Old

                   

When You Are Old

 by William Butler Yeats.

When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim Soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.

Fresh Start?

                                            

Yeah... I'm starting on Monday.  Summer flew by and I felt like I never had a summer.  I didn't sit on my front porch once this summer.  What did I do?  I have no clue because I didn't even write in my hand written journal.

Stop by Magic Smoke for more on this.

I am looking forward to a Fresh Start!  That shall begin on Monday.

Catching Up

It has been a very crazy week.  The begining of the week was my son and daughters birthday.  Both born on the same day.  Combine that with packing up my son and sending him away to college and things get really busy.  My daughters new birthday present then wreaked havoc on my computer and I am most likely going to have to reformat the hard drive.  Because of this I haven't been able to post my journal or visit others.  Hopefully with the long weekend ahead I will be able to reslove all of these issues and take a ride out to Montauk on my motorcylce.  (Hey I dream big!)

The "Nice Matters" award has been posted on Magic Smoke.  Here is the link to the web site I created.

                                   

and to the new Open Journal

http://journals.aol.com/attitudeslc/because-nice-matters-award-journ/

Next week I will cover a bit more on the details of the award, how to create it, and other interesting things.  (should my computer comply to my requets.)

Where be ye going, you Devon maid?

"Where be ye going, you Devon maid?"

by Emily Dickenson

 

Where be ye going, you Devon maid?
And what have ye there i' the basket?
Ye tight little fairy, just fresh from the dairy,
Will ye give me some cream if I ask it?

I love your meads, and I love your flowers,
And I love your junkets mainly,
But 'hind the door, I love kissing more,
O look not so disdainly!

I love your hills, and I love your dales,
And I love your flocks a-bleating;
But O, on the heather to lie together,
With both our hearts a-beating!

I'll put your basket all safe in a nook,
Your shawl I'll hang up on this willow,
And we will sigh in the daisy's eye,
And kiss on a grass-green pillow.

Life's Not Fair!!!!

                 

       

 

My eldest child Michael was outside playing with three of his friends when he was about four years old.  I hear one of the kids yelling "That's Not Fair!"  Michael, at the ripe age of four yells back "Life's Not Fair!"

I have no idea what had happened, the boys worked whatever it was out quickly and without my help. I did learn that my son truly paid attention to what he was being taught and by the example that I tried to set. 

(This particular lesson was that life is not fair.  Bad things happen to good people for no apparent reason.  Complaining about it does nothing.  DO something about it, when you can, to change the situation, or DEAL with it the best you can)

On Monday Mary from Just Mary Commented and said:

Here is the main problem I see, as I stated on a comment I left about mistreatment of others on a different blog a while back, many adults(that is where kids learn it from) articulate one thing, but do another. We can talk about kinder, gentler people & love your neighbor, but it doesn't help unless we SHOW this to children.  I mentioned on the other comment I left for someone that I once watched someone mistreat a handicapped person, & the man doing the mistreating was wearing a T-shirt that said Free Tibet.  Free Tibet, but screw over the handicapped?

I must say I couldn't agree more.  I have over 20 years of experience working with children and I can honestly say that I believe what kind of example you set is the most impresionable lesson you can teach a child. 

If you say one thing and do another, they will see it. 

If you want children to grow up and do the right thing, then you better be prepared to do the right thing yourself, no matter how hard it is.

Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte

     If children live with criticism,
               They learn to condemn.
          If children live with hostility,
               They learn to fight.
          If children live with ridicule,
               They learn to be shy.
          If children live with shame,
               They learn to feel guilty.
          If children live with encouragement,
               They learn confidence.
          If children live with tolerance,
               They learn to be patient.
          If children live with praise,
               They learn to appreciate.
          If children live with acceptance,
               They learn to love.
          If children live with approval,
               They learn to like themselves.
          If children live with honesty,
               They learn truthfulness.
          If children live with security,
               They learn to have faith in themselves and others.
         If children live with friendliness,
               They learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

 

Lyrics to "Watching You" by Rodney Atkins

Driving through town just my boy and me
With a happy meal in his booster seat
Knowing that he couldn't have the toy
Till his nuggets were gone
Green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my breaks and mumbled under my breath
His fries went a flying and his orange drink covered his lap
Well then my four year old said a four letter word
That started with "s" and I was concerned
So I said son now now where did you learn to talk like that

[Chorus one]

He said I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you

We got back home and I went to the barn
I bowed my head and I prayed real hard
Said lord please help me help my stupid self
Then this side of bedtime later that night
Turning on my son's scooby doo nightlight
He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees
He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands
And spoke to god like he was talking to a friend
And I said son now where'd you learn to pray like that

[Chorus two]

He said I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We like fixing things and holding mama's hand
Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you

[Bridge]

With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug
Said my little bear is growing up
He said but when I'm big I'll still know what to do

[Chorus three]

Cause I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
By then I'll be as strong as superman
We'll be just alike, hey won't we dad
When I can do everything you do
Cause I've been watching you

Learning & Experience

It is said that experience is the best teacher.  But what lessons do we learn?  Experience isn't always a mindful teacher.  It some times leaves our lessons open to varied interpretations.

Different experiences can teach us different lessons.  Additionally, our beliefs, background, and our mindset will determine how we interpret the lesson.

For example if you tell a child not to run on the pavement in flip flops because they will trip, and then they trip and skin their knee, that lesson is very clear. The child will learn not to run in flip flops.

However let's take that situation and apply different circumstances to it.  Let's say the child only owned flip flops.  Lets also say that the child rarely, if ever, was afforded the opportunity to play outside.  You give the child the same warning.   Depending on if the child obeys or not can afford a plethora of out comes.  He may obey and be content just to be outside.  He could be resentful that he can't run.  He could be inspired to find a way to get shoes that he can run in.  He may run and fall and be happy for the skinned knee as it is a trophy to remind him of his outdoor experience.  He could be angry he fell because he didn't have proper shoes.  He could be angry at others who are able to run because they have shoes and lash out against them.

Experience is a fickle teacher.  Teaching children when they are young how to learn from their experiences, both good and bad, will help them learn skills that will help raise their Emotional Intelligence which will help them cope better with adversity as an adult.  Teaching children (and those who act like children) how to view experience from different points of view is an amazing and valuable tool that will open to learning about change and diversity.  Often times the experience doesn't even have to be their own, it can be a friends, relatives or even your experience they learn from, which is just, if not more valuable.

 

Learning.

If I ride my motorcycle to my office and I want a cup of coffee I have to walk two blocks to get it.  I love the walk.  Gives me a few minutes break to clear my mind.  Learning popped into my mind.  I was trying to think of a topic to cover this week and various journal/blog posts have been touching on the same thing... learning.  Some spoke of back to school, others of lessons their children are learning the hard way, and others wondering if their children will ever learn.

So, this week shall be about learning.

As I was walking, I thought mostly about how hard it is being a child.  I believe it is more difficult now then it was when I was a child, but all in all, childhood is hard!

One of the posts I came across that really highlighted this to me was Marlene over at "One Day At A Time" who wrote :   I am watching Michael Phelps and his mother  being interviewed.  He is telling stories of how he was always bullied and picked on throughout his life.  Well  to everyone that picked on this kid,  he can finally say "PFFFFT."

I didn't get to see this interview but I wish I had.  As I watched Michael being interviewed after his race's I was touched by his humility, grace and thankfulness.  He was so sincere.  I thought to myself that this kind of genuine response is something that often times is learned the hard way.  According to Marlene it seems I was correct.

It is unfortunate that children often times are the brunt of others cruelty.  Many schools are trying to institute programs to correct it however, it is unlikely that we will ever live in a perfect world and be completely free of bullying. 

I believe the key lies in not only teaching children not to bully others, but in teaching children how to handle bullying as well.

From the look and sound of it, it seems Michael Phelps mom did a pretty good job of it.  It is not an easy process and takes years.   As a young mother I wanted to protect my children from the cruelty of others words. I did not want them to have to suffer like I had to.   Little did I know that I would have a father in law that would undermine this at every turn. (I remember once he asked my two year old son when he was going to grow up.)  I would not be able to escape this. 

I quickly learned that it would be impossible to protect my children from the cruelty of others, but I was able to teach them what I learned on how to deal with it.  When the boys learned how to do this, they were better equipped when they went to school and the children's words had less of an effect on them.  I found it was more difficult to help my daughter with this then it was my sons as girls tend to be more emotional, however, she learned also.

So, how do you teach a child to deal with others cruelty.  Here are some suggestions.

1.  Access what the other is saying.

Is there any truth to it?  If there is... perhaps you need to change your behavior.  Children are brutally honest and often times don't know of a nice way to say something.  Sometimes we need to change our behavior.  If not, acknowledge that there is nothing wrong with you and move on.

 

2.  Find your happy place. 

(They were always surprised at how well this one worked.)  Ignore them.  Don't listen. Don't respond.  They want you to be upset and respond.  If you don't.  They will stop.

 

3.  Do not drop down to their level.

Do not respond to them by insulting them or putting them down.  Do not join in if they are being mean to others.  Do what you can to help others who are being treated cruelly.

 

4.  Understand where they are coming from.

Many times cruelty stems from something that has nothing to do with the person one is being cruel to.  Understanding that ones cruelty towards you really has nothing to do with you, and all to do with them, can go a long way in dealing with the word and actions that you experience.  It won't stop the person being cruel.  It will change how your respond to it.

 

5.  Talk it out.

Sometimes the pain hurts so much that you can't even think straight to do any of the above.  That's OK too.  Come home and talk about it.  Cry about it.  Yell about it.  Once you are through that front door of your house, you have found sanctuary.  Here you are loved and we will help heal the pain.

Saturday post on Sunday

Usually I try to post something funny on Saturday but I couldn't. I was having a hard time with the internet where I was.  While looking for pictures on decissions, I came across the following picture.  Had to share it with you. 

Decisions:

 

Tags: Decisions.

The Spider and The Fly

I thought with the recent post on decisions, this poem might be appropriate:

The Spider and the Fly
Mary Howitt

Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly, 
'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy; 
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, 
And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there." 
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain, 
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again." 


"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high; 
Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly. 
"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin, 
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!" 
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said, 
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!" 


Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, " Dear friend what can I do, 
To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you? 
I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice; 
I'm sure you're very welcome -- will you please to take a slice?" 
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be, 
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!" 


"Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise, 
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes! 
I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf, 
If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself." 
"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you 're pleased to say, 
And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day." 


The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den, 
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again: 
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly, 
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly. 
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing, 
"Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing; 
Your robes are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head; 
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!" 

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly, 
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by; 
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew, 
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue -- 
Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing! At last, 
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast. 
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den, 
Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again! 


And now dear little children, who may this story read, 
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed: 
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye, 
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

The Spider and the Fly
Mary Howitt 

 

Additionally, you may want to check out the illustrated childrens book by Tony DiTerlizzi.  It is enchanting.

Tags: Decisions, The Spider and The Fly

Decisions

Today at motor vehicle, as I sat waiting to hand in my paper work to have the "M" added to drivers liscence, I sat and watched the news and information ticker provided to keep you occupied while you waited.

One of the topics was (I couldn't believe it!) how to make a good decision!  LOL.. They were close... but missing a few things.  Check out Magic Smoke today.

The Radio Show

For now the show is on hold.  Which is fine.  It is a wonderful venue and I am hoping to revisit it in the near future, however, for the time being, it is just not meant to be.  The time came when I had to make a decision and that decision was to wait a bit longer before continuing. 

Often, making decisions can be very challenging.  I have developed a system over the years that has helped me make difficult decisions with some sort of confidence.  I am going to share that with you tomorrow over at Magic Smoke.

For now a brief update on the "Nice Matters" award.

I am in the process of creating four web pages that will be home to the nice matters award.  I will be attaching them to my web site, for now, with one quick easy link that will bring everyone to the Nice Matters Award web site.  (I wasn't ready for the expense of ordering a new domain name.)  Boy prices have gone up since I ordered mine!  I have created the sticker that is easy to use with an Avery label or a sticker maker and a certificate that should print out nicely with most word processing programs.  The only thing left to do is clearly state the guidelines and finish the FAQ page.  I am fairly certain I should be able to finish this by next Thursday.

Tags: Decisions, Magic Smoke, Nice Matters

Quick Up Date

Just a quick update to let you know how things are going.  I have been diligently working on setting up the web site for the "Nice Matters" award.  I did do a lot of the prep work for it, however I was unable to actually start creating the site because I wasn't sure as to what the color scheme for the layout would be until the award was chosen.  Setting up the lay out, entering the information and creating the links is taking a bit longer then I had hoped.  Because of this I need to push off the unveiling until August 20. 

Also, if you are have the adobe acrobat program and know how to use it, I may need some help.  So if you are out there and interested, please drop me a note.  Also, If you, or anyone you know, have the ability to translate into other languages and would be interested in translating the Nice Matters Award information into other languages, please let me know.  (This I believe we have time to do. LOL)

Tags: Nice Matters

Friday Poem

When We Two Parted

by George Gordon, Lord Byron.

When we two parted
In silence and tears,
Half broken-hearted
To sever for years,
Pale grew thy cheek and cold,
Colder thy kiss;
Truly that hour foretold
Sorrow to this.

The dew of the morning
Sunk chill on my brow--
It felt like the warning
Of what I feel now.
Thy vows are all broken,
And light is thy fame;
I hear thy name spoken,
And share in its shame.

They name thee before me,
A knell to mine ear;
A shrudder comes o'er me--
Why wert thou so dear?
They know not I knew thee,
Who knew thee so well--
Long, long I shall rue thee,
Too deeply to tell.

In secret we met--
In silence I grieve,
That thy heart could forget,
Thy spirit deceive
If I should meet thee
After long years,
How should I greet thee?--
With silence and tears.

Perfectly Magic

Well, I was very excited to announce this weeks winner of the Logo award winner.  I am still working on get the site up and loaded so that everyone will be able to have the award at the click of a mouse button.  I have done the research to try to set up a web separate web site just for Nice Matter award.  It would not be cost effective nor time effective for me to do that.  So... I am working on creating a link to my web site and one that everyone will be able to use and embed in their blogs.

I want to thank everyone for their support and interest in this award.  I can't wait till next week to have everything unveiled.

Some Inspiration

As I have eluded there is much going on in my life.  This is very exciting and also very challenging.   When doors open and you are about to step over a threshold it causes you to pause and reflect on all that lies before you, and all that lies behind.  You must understand that in order for something new to happen, something must change within you.  You cannot keep doing the same thing, in the same way and expect different results.

As a life coach I challenge my clients to look inside themselves and discover what it is they must do differently in order to create the life they wish to manifest.  I also believe that in order to coach someone through a process one must have applied the process.  I believe in living by example.

Are standing before a decision today or in the near future?  If so... let me take you through the process that I put myself through.  You will be more clear about what you want.  You will know where to find your answers to the questions you have.  Your confidence will be raised so that you can feel secure in your decisions.  And, if you must leap without a net, you will have the wings to soar.

Yesterday, I shared with you my new endeavor.  I didn't realize until late last night that I didn't include the link.  http://www.universal7radio.com/Home.php

I am still deciding on a day and time but it is looking like Wednesday evening or Saturday afternoon.  You will also be able to listen live via the Internet.

 

Radio Show

 

                                            

There is a very good possiblity that I will be hosting a radio show in the up coming fall.  It will be out of Rhode Island but is availibe via live feed on the internet.  The show will most likely be on Wednesday evening at 10:00 pm.  The radio station is Universal 7 Radio and it's mission statement is "to bring to the Radio and the Internet positive, inspirational, and hopeful shows that will empower mankind!"  It is right up my ally.  I am very excited to be partnered with such a sation.  Additionally they have quite some line up of hosts that I am equally thrilled to be connected with.

Check out the link and let me know what you think of the station.  Also, if you have any ideas on topics please feel free to offer your suggestions.

Tags: Radio, Hope, Inspire, Believe

Saturday Funnies (Math)

I kept thinking it was Sunday all day.  Friday was so long and busy it seemed like two days.  I had to leave work early to clean up a flood my daughter caused by leaving the hose on. It leaked into the basement for two days.  After using two wet vac's to suck up an inch or so of water we ran out to see a friend in a play.

Pror to this my son  asked if he could have a few of this "boys's" over. (Fraternity Bothers)

I said "Sure!  How many?" 

"'bout 20" he replied.

"That's fine" (I know they are great kids)

By 11PM there were over 100 kids in my yard!  Only one neighbor complained.  We did point out that her daughter was here.

The kids were all very well behaved and quite a few stayed over to help clean up before they left.  It was an interesting night, and a long night, but all in all a good night.  But that is the story of why I keep thinking it is Sunday.

Soooo here are todays funnies:

ROMANCE MATHEMATICS

Smart man + smart woman = romance
Smart man + dumb woman = affair
Dumb man + smart woman = marriage
Dumb man + dumb woman = pregnancy
______________________________


OFFICE ARITHMETIC

Smart boss + smart employee = profit
Smart boss + dumb employee = production
Dumb boss + smart employee = promotion
Dumb boss + dumb employee = overtime
_____________________________

SHOPPING MATH

A man will pay $20 for a $10 item he needs.
A woman will pay $10 for a $20 item that she doesn't need.
_____________________________

GENERAL EQUATIONS & STATISTICS

A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.
A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
A successful woman is one who can find such a man.
_____________________________

HAPPINESS

To be happy with a man, you must understand him a lot and love him a little.
To be happy with a woman, you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all.
______________________________

LONGEVITY

Married men live longer than single men do, but married men are a lot more willing to die
______________________________

PROPENSITY TO CHANGE

A woman marries a man expecting he willchange, but he doesn't.
A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, and she does.
_____________________________

DISCUSSION TECHNIQUE

A woman has the last word in any argument.
Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.
_____________________________

HOW TO STOP PEOPLE FROM BUGGING YOU ABOUT GETTING MARRIED
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Friday Poem

            

Two In The Campagna

by Robert Browning.

I.
I wonder do you feel to-day
As I have felt since, hand in hand,
We sat down on the grass, to stray
In spirit better through the land,
This morn of Rome and May?

II.
For me, I touched a thought, I know,
Has tantalized me many times,
(Like turns of thread the spiders throw
Mocking across our path) for rhymes
To catch at and let go.

III.
Help me to hold it! First it left
The yellowing fennel, run to seed
There, branching from the brickwork's cleft,
Some old tomb's ruin: yonder weed
Took up the floating wet,

IV.
Where one small orange cup amassed
Five beetles,--blind and green they grope
Among the honey-meal: and last,
Everywhere on the grassy slope
I traced it. Hold it fast!

V.
The champaign with its endless fleece
Of feathery grasses everywhere!
Silence and passion, joy and peace,
An everlasting wash of air--
Rome's ghost since her decease.

VI.
Such life here, through such lengths of hours,
Such miracles performed in play,
Such primal naked forms of flowers,
Such letting nature have her way
While heaven looks from its towers!

VII.
How say you? Let us, O my dove,
Let us be unashamed of soul,
As earth lies bare to heaven above!
How is it under our control
To love or not to love?

VIII.
I would that you were all to me,
You that are just so much, no more.
Nor yours nor mine, nor slave nor free!
Where does the fault lie? What the core
O' the wound, since wound must be?

IX.
I would I could adopt your will,
See with your eyes, and set my heart
Beating by yours, and drink my fill
At your soul's springs,--your part my part
In life, for good and ill.

X.
No. I yearn upward, touch you close,
Then stand away. I kiss your cheek,
Catch your soul's warmth,--I pluck the rose
And love it more thantongue can speak--
Then the good minute goes.

XI.
Already how am I so far
Out of that minute? Must I go
Still like the thistle-ball, no bar,
Onward, whenever light winds blow,
Fixed by no friendly star?

XII.
Just when I seemed about to learn!
Where is the thread now? Off again!
The old trick! Only I discern--
Infinite passion, and the pain
Of finite hearts that yearn.

Tags: Poetry, Hope, Love, Inspire, Believe, 5659

Nice Matters Final Vote

The final vote for the Nice Matter Logo award begins today.  In the mean time I am working on making all materials availible for free to all who are interested.  Additionally, if you do not want to download and create your own I will have them availible for a very low cost of whatever postage and materails will be.  I am guessing it will be about $3 to $4 dollars for a kit of about 10 awards, but I am still working on that. 

Stop by Magic Smoke and vote!

                                                    

Tags: Nice Matters, Inspire, Believe, Hope

...and world peace.

I have spent quite a bit of my time over the last month reading and researching about some of my new endeavors.  During that process I came across a couple of organizations I would like to bring to your attention.  Today I would like to highlight the "Treaty For World Peace".

 

This is an organization committed to propagating world peace.  It's easy and free to join.  They actually don't want your money at all and they say it!

 

They simply ask that you to sign their Goodwill Treaty and display it in an area where everyone can see.  Then fax or e-mail a copy of the agreement to them.  Additionally if you have a blog, journal or web site they ask that you display their banner and links on it. 

 

It's that simple!  Take a look by clicking on the link below and if it is something you feel strongly about please join me and sign the treaty:

            

 

 

 

Tags: World Peace, Nice Matters, Hope, Believe, Spirit

Nice Matters Plans.

I am very excited to unveil the "Nice Matters" award that we will be able to share with our friends, families, co-workers, and perfect strangers.  We are all sharing in picking the final logo design which is very exciting to me.  By Thrusday August 6, 2008 we should have the final votes in and our Logo decided upon.

Once that is completed we can then start sharing the award. 

I am currently creating a certificate that will presented with the logo sticker.  There will be three options avaible to obtain copies of this award.

1.  Make photo copies of the blank award you were given and pass them on.

2.  Print out the award by visiting the web site (I'm creating it) and clicking on the "Nice Matters" Logo.  You can print out all the materials needed to create your own "Nice Matters" award presentation kit.

3.  Call, write or e-mail me to obtain a "Nice Matters" award package.  This is basically free of charge.  There will be a nominal fee to cover printing and postage.

Tags: Nice Matters, Hope, Believe, Pay It Forward

I'm Back!

Dear Readers,

 

I am officially back!  It has been a month since my last real entry and there has been much excitement in my life since then. 

 

While I was gone I took two weeks of vacation.  I also worked diligently on the "Nice Matters" concept which I will share with you this week.  Additionally I have been researching and testing two new products that I am very excited about and will share with you in the days to come.  Last I have been entertaining the possibility of my own radio show and reality series episode.

 

I am also way behind on reading journals.  I promise to stop by soon, if I haven't already.

 

For now, here are some pictures from my life during the last month.

 

I got my hair cut, which I do two times a year whether I need it or not.

 

I went to the Yankee Game on the 4th of July with my husband.

 

I went to a party with my kids

 

My daughter Emily started a face painting business. Here is some of her art work.

And last but not least, I thought this was so cute.  My 20 year old son couldn't resist playing with the toys soldiers from one of the goodie bags at the party.  He didn't know i was taking this picture.

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Don't Forget!

Well I returned from vacation, and am playing catch up.  I thought I would be ready to start getting back to J-Land on Monday, but my back log of work has been overwhelming.  Additionally I have three really big,  very exciting, projects going on in addition to my launching of the "Nice Matters" award.  I'm looking forward to sharing all of this with you very soon and catching up with all of your journals. 

Don't forget to stop by Magic Smoke today and vote!

                                               

Just a reminder

I'm still on vacation, but I just wanted to give you a quick reminder to stop by at Magic Smoke and vote in the first wave of "Nice Matters" logos!

                                       

 

I will be on vacation till Monday July 21.  Hope your summer is going well.

Stopping by...

I'm still on vacation, but I just wanted to give you a quick reminder to stop by at Magic Smoke and vote in the first wave of "Nice Matters" logos!

                                       

 

I will be on vacation till Monday July 21.  Hope your summer is going well.

Tags: Nice Matters, Magic Smoke

Pardon The Interruption

Just stopping by quickly to let everyone know I'm on vacation til Thrusday.  Wasn't able to post yesterday to let everyone know.

So now a comercial break:

:

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My Submission

I was out one afternoon shopping and I found some usual crayons that are made by Crayola. They are called Crayola Twistable Slick Stix.

 

 

 

Now I know I am 45, but crayons still fill my mind with fun and imagination.  I still love to color and so does my daughter.  I pulled one out of the package and tried it on a scrap piece of paper and tried the crayon out.  WOW.  It was amazing!  It was magic!  As I ran the crayon across the paper the line was so smooth and so vibrant I was in awe.  I knew my daughter Emily would be just as excited about them so I bought them.  When I got  home the whole family was at the table when I gave them to Emily.  Her reaction was just as I expected and my 21 year old son and husband were just as excited. 

 

A couple of days later I found a picture on my refrigerator.  It was so vibrant and it just captured my heart.  I left it there for a few days, but then had to put it in a safe place until I could get a frame as I didn't want it to get ruined.  My first thought when I saw it was that I thought it would make a great "Nice Matters" award.  Sooooo here is my submission.

 

                                 

Tags: Nice Matters

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I could use a hand here!

       

I could use some help.  I am trying to launch the "Pay It Forward" "Nice Matters" idea and I am begining with trying to find a new logo for it.  Can everyone in J-Land please help.  If you have ever given or received the Nice Matters Award, can you please forward this link

 http://journals.aol.com/journalseditor/magicsmoke/#Entry3328 

and this one  

http://journals.aol.com/attitudeslc/inspiration/#Entry516 

to everyone you know who has gotten the award so that they can join in helping in this project?

Thank You!

~Rosemary

Tags: Help, Inspire, Believe, 5659

The Vine

                 The Vine

                                    By Robert Herrick

I dreamed this mortal part of mine
Was metamorphosed to a vine,
Which, crawling one and every way,
Enthralled my dainty Lucia.
Methought, her long small legs and thighs
I with my tendrils did surprise:
Her belley, buttocks, and her waist
By my soft nervelets were embraced
About her head I writhing hung
And with rich clusters (hid Amoung
The leaves) her temples i behung,
So that my Lucia seemed to me
Young Bacchus ravished by his tree.
My curls about her neck did crawl,
And arms and hands they did enthrall,
So that she could not freely stir
( All parts there made one prisoner).
But when I crept with leaves to hide
Those parts which maids keep unespied,
Such fleeting pleasures there I took
That with the fancy i awoke,
And found (ah me!) this flesh of mine
More like a stock than like a vine.

Tags: Wicked, Blieve, Romance, Hope, Inspire, Believe, 5659

Nice REALLY REALLY Matters!

A while ago Krissy @ Sometimes I Think and my dear friend Veronica, sent me an e-mail that reminded me of the "Nice Matters" award that was going around J-land for a while.  I have an idea developed and am working on it.  For now, read the e-mail below to give you a basic idea of the concept I hope to bring to our friends and family.  For more of the concept you can follow up today at Magic Smoke.

Tags: Nice matter, Believe, Inspire, Hope, Love

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