Cheers to 2011

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on,

with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us."

- Hal Borland

Happy New Year.

Reality Crazed?

During a holiday visit, my sister-in-law mentioned she was enjoying TLC's "Sarah Palin's Alaska" show. I never thought I would willingly seek out anything featuring Sarah Palin, but my Mother decided she wanted to see for herself what the show was about, so I set my parent's DVR to record the show. Last night, I sat and watched 2 taped episodes with my parents and can honestly say I haven't been so horrified while laughing so hard watching any TV show.

At a loss for how to put my thoughts about how deeply disturbing the show is on so many levels, I came across an article by Scott Wampler who seemed to be experiencing similar feelings... and I couldn't express myself any clearer than he already has - so, here it is...

http://www.examiner.com/comedy-in-national/review-the-latest-episode-of-sarah-palin-s-alaska-features-huntin-hikin-review

Of course, you don't have to take Scott's word for it (or mine, for that matter)... but to borrow a quote I think even SP herself might use - "forewarned is forearmed"...

Thanks!

I am thankful for

having a job

great co-workers

a loving family

the best friends in the world

my own home

enough food in my pantry and clothes in my closet to give to others who need

good health

my sweetheart

and

countless reasons to wake up every day

and realize how truly fortunate I am to be me

And to those in my life who I count as my blessings,

I am most thankful.

Boo Who

Well, it's October 29th, just a few days until Halloween and than, November! As I'd hoped during last month's health scare crisis with my Dad and the simultaneous unpacking of my parents' new home - I managed to survive September!

Just when I expected October to be a month of boring, one of my parents' new neighbors hit my car while parked in front of their house. (sigh) So, I'll spend my last week of the month in a rental car while waiting for the bodyshop to finish repairs on my car!

No big plans for this Halloween - but after the frights I survived in September, I'm thinking an early night with no more scares sounds like a dream!

Hope you all enjoy a safe and happy weekend!

Sprinting into Fall...

It's been such a long time since my last posting and so much has happened.

In August, I celebrated my golden birthday. My sisters all flew in to celebrate with me and we spent a glorious weekend at the Phoenician's fabulous pool and talked and laughed and truly had time to appreciate each other for the first time I can ever remember.

Which leads me to my next comment: Sisters are wonderful!

A mere 2 weeks later, my parents arrived by plane on my Dad's 76th birthday. After 6 years of annual visits to take a break from Vermont winters, my folks finally placed their home on the market and made the move to sunny Arizona. While Dad was not feeling his best, we managed to celebrate his birthday and start their househunting that very weekend. After seeing 3 homes, they put an offer in on the 2nd house they toured, which was accepted on Labor Day. The following week, my Dad was admitted to the hospital. Thanks to Vickie, my amazing friend and super-realtor, my folks became homeowners during my Dad's hospitalization and after a few very tense and tearful days, we we were able to bring Dad directly to their new home. The new house is starting to look and feel like home. Dad is getting better with every new day. And I am enjoying dinners on the patio with my parents and watching them settling into life as Arizona residents.

Thanks to my wonderful family and friends, who have helped me survive the whirlwind month of September. I couldn't have done it with out you.

I've enjoyed a fairly mundane (dare I say boring) October so far.

Let's see what November has in store...

I've Got You, B!

It's hard to believe, but today my friend Bertha turns 50.

What makes this so incredible? Bertha is a mere 13 days older than me - something I remind her every chance I get. (why her son believes she's in her late 30's is a question you will have to ask her.)

We met in 1979 - just 19 and emerging from the protective cocoons of our childhood. I was living away from home for the first time in my life while attending college in New York. We bonded instantly as sisters and have remained that way ever since. Bertha and her entire family welcomed me into their lives with open arms and a fair amount of teasing, which I've come to learn is their way of showing love and acceptance. Along the way, I've acquired an affinity for cuban food, a second set of parents (who are not afraid of exercising their parental rights, sometimes more than my natural set) and the gift of a second language, thanks in great part to the spanish-speaking branch of my family.

Bertha and I have weathered through a lifetime of experiences - graduations, weddings, births, deaths, the occasional emergency room visit and countless family dinners. We've laughed together, cried together, argued and made up, and kept each others' secrets. And we've celebrated every birthday landmark together as well.

In our 20's, we shared our hopes, dreams, first loves and first heartbreaks. In our 30's, we journeyed into adulthood, celebrated our expanding families, discovered first grey hairs and bemoaned our expanding wastelines. Our 40's brought about lots of change, including cross country moves to the great Southwest, where we continue to share more reasons to laugh, cry and celebrate. We've traveled through each decade together, sharing the common bonds of age and experience.

As we reach our Golden Birthday celebration, I think back on those two naive girls full of promise. I reflect on the amazing woman we've become. On the inside, we are still those two 19 years old girls today. Still dreaming, still aspiring to be the best that we can be, both wishing for another 50 years or more to enjoy this life we've been so fortunate to share.

Happy Birthday, Bertha

My Sister

My Friend

Never stop dreaming...

Happy Birthday, Terra!

For Terra

(cue the music...)

da-da da-da da-da

"They say it's your birthday! It's my birthday too, yeah.

They say it's your birthday. We're gonna have a good time..."

I remember turning 30, and 40 and well, I'm not touching upon the next

landmark birthday looming before me...

On this very special day in your life, I search for the right words.

But what pearls of wisdom do I have to offer, if any?

Birthdays seem to be anniversaries for introspection and self-evaluation.

Birthday landmarks are a time to for the people in your life to remind you that

you are worth celebrating!

So, on this anniversary of your 30 years

I wish you:

a feeling of joy with every sunrise

a sense of well-being at every sunset

plenty of play time

a home large enough to hold your personal library of books

lots of wishes come true

endless moments of wonder

very few tears

a reason to smile at least once a day

a heart full of love

and

a lifetime of memories to cherish with every passing year.

Happy Birthday Terra,

with love.

Free Books for Soldiers!

I recently adopted a soldier who is stationed in Afghanistan. I adopted my soldier, after hearing about the Adopt a US Soldier Organization (http://www.adoptaussoldier.org/) from a co-worker, who has already adopted 2 soldiers! A friend of mine, who reads my blog, read my story about adopting Dylan, and has adopted a US Soldier, too! It's amazing how just word of mouth can achieve wonderful things.


Today, I learned from my neighbor, a local bookstore in Phoenix, Dog Eared Pages Used Books, is boxing up used books and sending them to soldiers stationed abroad! All they need is a name & address of a soldier and they'll take care of the rest. Or, if you're interested, you can make a donation to help their cause.

Check out their website: http://www.dogearedpagesusedbooks.com/?page=shop/disp&pid=page_event&CLSN_2929=127808875029293b431247e1a83a2ebb

I come from a family of readers and know what joy a good book can bring. It makes great sense to send books for those soldiers in stationed abroad who can't just pop into a local bookstore to pick up a great read. I plan on giving them the name & address for my adopted US Soldier! If you know of anyone who might be interested in sending books to a soldier serving this country, please pass this link along!



So, now it passes from me to you.... I hope you'll pass it along.

Adopt a US Soldier

Last week at work, a coworker mentioned she'd adopted a US soldier and was preparing to send her a care package. It sounded like such a do good, feel good thing and since I already love sending long-winded emails to family and friends - I figured it would be something I'd be good at! I applied to adopt a US Soldier of my own that very afternoon. Three days later, I received an email from the organization with the name and contact email for my adopted soldier, Dylan.

A week later, I've already corresponded back and forth a few times with Dylan - a 19 year old young man who is currently stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan. I enjoy hearing from him as much as I enjoy writing. His birthday is coming up soon, and I plan on sending him a little surprise package filled with things he likes. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

I'm not going to share too much about Dylan here out of respect for his privacy. After all, he may not want to be included in my not so private blog. But, if you think you'd like to do something good for a soldier serving our country and have a few minutes to spare out of your day something nice for someone you don't know, just because you can, I've got the website for you: www.adoptaussoldier.org

And who knows, the positive difference in someone's life may very well be your own.

The E-Woman Network.......pass it on

Passing on a link and some information about the ewomennetwork.com local chapter here in Arizona. Great group for getting more exposure for your company - and a great forum to meet other professional women like YOU!

http://www.ewomennetwork.com/chapterHomePage/chapterNews.php?chapterCode=AZ101

They're looking for sponsors for an upcoming event in August. See attached flyer for more.

Fun Times in Queen Creek

Memorial Day weekend was fun and I finally downloaded a few pics from a trip on May 30th to Queen Creek to commemorate Robert's birthday (OK, and to pick up that amazing fig balsamic they carry at the Queen Creek Olive Mill, since I was out and desparate to pick up new!)

We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Mill - and then picked a few peaches at Schnepf Farm nearby. Definitely an easy trip from Scottsdale and worth the miles to enjoy a sense of countryside and home-grown things. Plus, it's always nice to support local businesses.

Thinking about heading back again in a few weeks to pick plums & apples (wondering how Arizona apples will be...) when they're in season. Will let you know how they taste. The peaches were heavenly.

Time is on my side...

It's Wednesday and also my "Friday" for this workweek, since I'm taking the next 2 days off. While I am certain there will be plenty of time for reading and relaxing during the next 4 days, there is a lengthy "to do" list waiting for me at home. I just hope I can satisfy my craving for lazy time and find motivation to attack the pile-up of neglected chores around the house... after all, 6 months of working 2 jobs with little time off has left my home in need of some TLC, too.

My Memorial Day weekend was the perfect mix of work time and play time. Free time still feels like a luxury to me - almost every weekend since November of last year [not to mention 2-3 weeknights a week] has been consumed with work. I'd nearly forgotten how good it feels to laze around at home. And thanks to giving up the part-time job, I plan to rectify that without further delay!

Time, for the moment at least, is definitely back on my side.

What Happened to May?

Wow, I can't believe it's Memorial Day weekend already - the kick-off to summer - my absolute favorite season of the year! (I'm sure those of you who know that I live in Sunny Arizona are probably questioning my sanity right now, but hey - I came into this world in the summer and many of my best memories are events that took place in all the summers I've enjoyed so far)... So, let's recap what I've been up to since my last post:

Mother's Day gave me the perfect opportunity to send my Mom a little something funny and with a purpose. With their house on the market and little in the way of activity, Mom had expressed her concerns about selling the house before another winter hits Vermont (talk about a place with hardly more than 2 seasons - winter for 10 months, fall for 2). I sent her something I hoped would help do the trick - Eco Joe! Mom's St. Joseph statue arrived and she quickly buried him in the front yard (following directions, of course) and made sure she asked St. Joe to help sell their home. Fingers crossed, we're all waiting for St. Joe to work his magic and get their house sold.

After 6 months working a part-time job at Macy's - I'm taking a break from the second job this summer. I cannot tell you how I look forward to having my nights and weekends free again! My last shift is on Saturday and I've already got plans with friends for Sunday!!! I am headed back to Queen Creek, Arizona - to enjoy the Queen Creek Olive Mill's little cafe, pick up a few bottles of their tasty fig balsamic dressing [makes the perfect marinade and dressing], and then a side-trip to a local farm for some fresh grown produce!

Not only have I recently won back my weekends - I learned this week that I've hit my maximum accrual for paid time off at my Firm - and now, I am taking a few unexpected vacation days in June! I've got a long and growing list of home projects to keep me busy on my bonus days off - but I do plan to squeeze a little mindless fun in the sun poolside with a good book (or two) Need a few good leads on reading material... check out http://www.goodreads.com/.

This month has been rather full with medical emergencies for a few important family members:

1. Aunt Jeanne - who ended up being rushed to hospital upon her return from a cruise... thankfully, she is now recovering and should be headed home in a few weeks.

2 Uncle Ed - now home after an overnight stay in hospital for an angioplasty... thankfully, tests show his heart is good and he's home and back sleeping in his own bed! I need to bake a batch of oatmeal cookies for him (I think home-made cookies have magical powers, don't you?)

3. Cousin Peg - My my positive vibes are headed to Peg, who is presently hospitalized and giving us all cause for concern... Hoping that she's on the mend and back home soon!

What else has been happening this May? Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays! So - I'd like to recognize the following people who enhance my life, simply by their being in it... Happy Birthday to Susan Baylis (where would I be without you, Sue!), Robert Gilmour (Mortgage Loan Officer Extraordinare and Super-Canadian - www.robertgilmour.com!), Liz Thompson (my cousin-in-law in NJ -check out her blog http://www.thisfullhouse.com/ - look, Liz a shameless plug!) and last but not least - my friend and the person who knows all my secrets - Cassie Mullen (also the smartest woman I know!)...

Love, Hugs and all great things to you! Make a wish - this one's on me...

Toot Toot, Hey. Tweet Tweet!

Today, I posted my first tweet. It was truly the first thing that popped into my head. I found "Rockin' Robin" playing in my head and so that is what I wrote. A fleeting thought really, meaning nothing. At that precise moment, I felt both childish and old.

I received Elke's invitation to join her on Twitter by email. E-mail has replaced letter writing and talking on the phone for many people, myself included. As a young child, I had several pen-pals. I loved writing them letters and receiving theirs in return. Crafting a good letter has always seemed an art form to me. I continued writing letters to friends and family in my college years. To keep my letters neat, I often scribbled out a draft, then copied my letter onto stationary, using a ruler to keep my lettering in line. I spent hours wandering through card stores, just looking for the perfect card with just the right sentiment. As electronic communications replace greeting cards and letters, I will admit that I do keep in touch more regularly with friends and family using these effiicient communication methods.

As a child I kept a diary. I didn't write in it very often and my entries were mostly matter-of-fact details like "Today I went to School" and "Yesterday, it rained alot." Last year, I created this blog. I've enjoyed posting updates and getting comments back from people who've taken the time to read my ramblings. It's like keeping an online diary of sorts only now, I've learned to be a bit more wordy with my entries.

E-mailing and blogging aren't the only electronic contacts in my weekly routine. I can also be found on Facebook and other social networking sites. I sign onto Facebook daily, only because I was invited to join my friends on a few interactive games - and being a good friend, I accepted their invitation. BUT - once you start, you become obligation to return for more, day after day. I now spend 20 minutes every morning and another 20 or so in the evenings tending to my virtual farm and cafe. With my free time at a premium, I often wonder if I should simply stop - abandoning my farm chores and my virtual cafe customers. What else could I be doing with those precious 40 minutes a day?

Now, it's this Twitter thing. I am not even sure what to do with it. Is anything I am thinking really important enough to tweet? How often do I need to check in with my fellow tweets? [or is it twits? ... feel free to tweet me and let me know] Is there some protocol for twittering? I simply don't know. And, I'm not sure I care. But, I do love keeping in touch with my friends - wherever they are. So, I'll continue to write, call, email, post and now tweet to stay connected.

Until we meet up again somewhere online, I remain. Tweet-Tweet!

I Like Fridays

It's Friday! We're closing up the office a little early - which is always a treat - even though I'm working a short shift tonight at my second job (audible sigh). I've always looked forward to weekends but, working a second job means giving up the more relaxed schedule and time just to do what you want. Fridays now come with a sense of relief tinged with a longing for weekends before they were tied up in a second job.
I received a call from my friends t0 join them for coffee on Saturday morning - something we used to enjoy. I'll stop by, but cannot stay too long, since I'm on duty at 10:45 Saturday morning and need to pick up a coworker on my way.
House cleaning, running errands and other more leisurely pursuits have become things I squeeze in here and there. What I miss most is that sense of the weekend, spread out before me with potential to do anything I want - or just do nothing at all.
Hey, don't get me wrong - I've chosen to work a second job. And, for the most part, I actually enjoy being there. The extra income and employee discount have been put to use and greatly appreciated. But the extra income comes at a price. In my case, it's enjoying unstructured days on the weekend.
I've managed to fit in Sunday morning worship at the pool (the season is just getting started). I'm also discovering that having less time off forces me to be more productive with my free time and I've become far more appreciative of those days and nights off to just relax and unwind.
So here's to Friday. Hope you're enjoying yours!

Happy Birthday Heather!

Sending a Happy Birthday Greeting to Heather.

Make a wish and wish big!!!!

A Fitting Tribute

Monday morning and I'm feeling positive. I enjoyed a leisurely 3-day weekend with near perfect weather. I also learned this morning that the Edith C. (Aunt Em) Fenton Memorial Tribute fund has already raised $925.00 to benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

What a great feeling...

Raindrops on Roses

Last night, I called and talked with my Mom & Dad to see how they were doing and hear their first-hand account on how my Uncle was handling the loss of my Aunt Em. I haven't been that emotional since my Aunt's passing and was wondering why I wasn't more upset. After all, I cry simply watching hallmark commercials. Until last night. Mom relayed to me over the phone how my Uncle Ed had spent the last hours with my Aunt. He told them that my Aunt frequently commented he was always singing to other people, but never sang to her. My Uncle told my Mom he sang to my Aunt. He said, he sang for himself as much as he sang for her. After hearing this, my tears have been falling like rain.

I can hardly recall a family gathering that didn't result in my relatives breaking out in song. I have many wonderful memories of Aunt Em playing the piano in her living room while we all sang. I can close my eyes right now and picture Emmy seated on the piano bench with all of us gathered closely around her singing, "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music.

Memories like this are truly some of my favorite things.

Goodreads

UPDATE - April 19, 2010 - I finished reading Jean Kwok's "GIRL IN TRANSLATION" and must say, it was a wonderful book. I enjoyed from start to finish and look forward to her next published book. Thanks again to Goodreads.com and Terra, my Goodreads good friend, who turned me onto this webstite!

Just received some good news from Goodreads.com - I've won an early release copy of "Girl in Translation" by Jean Kwok - thanks to my friend, Terra, who turned me on to this website! [www.goodreads.com] This happy surprise came at a great time for me, since this past week brought a little sadness to my life. First, my Aunt Em passed away. Due to her passing, plans for a trip to Benson & Tombstone were canceled so my parents could get back to Vermont and be with my Uncle Ed, who is mourning the loss/celebrating the life of the woman who has been his constant companion for the past 60+ years.

So, thanks to Terra - whose love for books and support of new authors & publications has brought be back to the days of curling up with a great book, enjoying a good read, then anticipation of the next book on the reading list!

Taking a Trip

I'm taking a few days off to enjoy some quality time with my folks. We've decided on a little trip to visit Karchner Caverns in Benson, Arizona - someplace outside Tucson and about 3 hours' drive. [ http://www.explorethecaverns.com/ ] Since we're traveling down the night before, we've opted to take in historic Tombstone, AZ. I'm expecting our little side trip will present a few good photo opportunities, which I'll try to post on the return.

Thankfully, our hotel offers free internet, so I'll be able to take my laptop and continue to tend to my farm on Farmville (isn't this a ridiculous thing to worry about)... LOL!

I Quit

Just before writing this, I was thinking about the day Jeffrey Hingston announced to our second grade class, "I Quit." Sometimes, I find myself wanting to quit my daily responsibilities, too. We start out in kindergarden being provided daily play-time and quiet-time but, somewhere along the way, those all important elements seem to be removed from the adult life curriculum. I miss play-time and the occasional mid-day nap.

My life of late seems to have become one long and ever growing "To Do" list. There's the list of things to do at work, followed by the list of things to do at home and the errands and other to do lists that spring up in between work and home. Of course, I am the person creating many of those chores, tasks, errands that pile up before my eyes - but that doesn't deminish my desire to quit - just for a little while.

Maybe, just maybe, a day off for play-time and quiet-time should be the next item on my

"to do" list.

Confessions of a Procrastinator.

A procrastinator, by definition, is one who intentionally and habitually puts off the doing of something that should be done. I am an excellent procrastinator.

I prepare wonderful "to do" lists. I thoroughly research any and all published materials on whatever the project might be - from weight loss to home de-cluttering. I create detailed plans, outlining exactly what steps I intend to follow to reach my goal. But, I truly excel at finding ways to avoid just sticking to one thing at a time, until the goal is reached or the project is finished. In fact, I am convinced my multiple project approach to personal goals in life is one sure fire way to never get anything done.

I've made promises to myself. "today is when I am going to change". I've read countless inspirational books on how to take control of my life, how to focus my energy on specific goals, how to send out powerful messages to the universe - and yet, day after day, week after week, I find myself sliding back into my the comfort of mediocrity. It's like, talking about preparing for the "Big Game," all the while hoping you never actually get called in to play.

So, what's my real problem? Am I not truly committed to achieving my goals? Am I not really serious about living a clutter free life, losing weight, achieving financial milestones, improving my self-image? I sure think I am. But, every now and then, I cannot help but ask myself, "is there really anything wrong with just being an under-achiever?"

I would still like to achieve some of my loftier goals - to enjoy the feeling of a serene, clutter-free home - to experience being physically fit and height/weight proportionate. I have been successful in learning to be a happier person by simply choosing to be so.

I just want to put out there, if someone truly has found the way - the true path that leads to personal enlightenment, weight loss, tidiness and brings all good things - I am here, ready to join you and happy to learn all I can from your wisdom!

The Parents are coming! The Parents are coming!

My parents arrive today and I'm happily anticipating their arrival. It's their annual trip for what I refer to as Senior Spring Break. Since their house in on the market and their future plans are to move here, this may be my last year hosting them for a month. I think we all hope this will be their last "visit" before becoming residents in town.

I am surprisingly calm this year. Normally, I wrap myself up in a flurry of home improvements, spring cleaning and meal preparations that keep me up until the wee hours of the morning just before their flight lands. Working 2 jobs (I was hired on as permanent part time after my seasonal sales associate stint from November to January at Macy's) has left me little time to keep up with my own laundry, let alone multiple "to do" list projects - so perhaps that is the key, not having enough time to think about what you'd like to do before company arrives.

I did carve out some time to pot a few pansies and 2 small rosemary plants with pretty pale blue flowers in my garden, to give my patio a touch of spring color. If the unseasonal rain finally stops, they should be able to enjoy the normally dry and sunny outdoors expected in the Arizona desert.

Growing up, we lived close to our grandparents, aunts, uncles & cousins. We saw them often and you simply learn to take seeing family for granted. That is, until you move. Having made the move 6 years ago from a life centered in the Eastern United States, moving to Arizona is like another world. The climate is so different, there is no ocean, and for me - no immediate family. Telephone calls and e-mails help to keep me in touch with family members, but is not the same as seeing them more than once a year. So, I am looking forward to the time when my parents are just around the corner and spending time with them on a Saturday, or popping in for a free home-cooked meal (yes, Mom, that's what I'm most looking forward to!) after work is an experience I cannot wait to enjoy.

So, here's to the parents! May this truly be their last visit as out of towners.

Celebrating Sisters

My sister's birthday is right after the New Year - January 2nd to be precise. Finding the right gift for my sister isn't easy. But this year, I think I hit a home run. My sister is specific about her wants and needs. I searched for a suitable gift for her tastes and my wallet and this year, from the feedback I received from my sister, I think I find the perfect combination.

Of my sisters many traits and talents, she is an avid reader and writer. While shopping on http://www.theliteracysite.com/ store, under the Gifts That Give More section, I found I could make a donation that would send 2 girls to school in Afghanistan for a Year. The ad mentioned the Central Asia Institute, a non-profit organization supporting community-based education program in Central Asia. Wanting more information, I went online to http://www.ikat.org/ to learn more. It was during that process, I learned about Greg Mortenson, the CAI, and a book entitled, Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace, One School At A Time. Satisfied that this was a cause my sister would most certainly support, I made a donation in her name and purchased a copy of the book, which I had shipped to her house.

I was thrilled to hear from my sister when the book arrived. Apparently, the book was already on her "to read" list. I was more excited to learn how touched she was learning about the donation to send the 2 girls to school. As we chatted back and forth online, she wrote to me exactly what I was thinking - we both hope the two girls they send to school with our donation are sisters.

Happy Birthday, Sis!

Farmville Is Taking Over My Life

A few months ago, I reconnected with a college friend through Facebook. I rarely accessed the site, that is until this college friend suggested I join in on this virtual farming game. In just a few short weeks, I now sign on twice daily to visit my Farm, harvest crops, tend to the animals and visit my Farmville neighbors to help out on their farms!

I turn on my laptop before I leave for my morning walk, so I can tend to my farm before work... even my neighbor has gotten into the act, spending a few extra minutes after our walk tending to my farm. My return home after work follows a similar routine. You couldn't PAY me to work this hard on a real farm, but virtual farming takes a few minutes a day and the payoff - rewards and farmville cash to be spent on acquiring more stuff for your farm keeps you coming back for more...

As if Farmville wasn't bad enough - another friend who became a neighbor on Farmville coerced me to try my hand at Cafe World, also through Facebook. I've yet to get the hang of it (in fact, my first "medal" was for ruining several consecutive meals as the cook at my restaurant), but I've managed to do well enough to add a 2nd helper and feed a few customers.

I'm not sure how long it will be before I decided to close the cafe or abandon the farm - but for now, I'm happy to spend a few minutes each day in a place that reminds me being a good neighbor, taking care of the environment and taking pride in my work comes with countless rewards in this life! See you 'round, neighbor.

Gummi Vitamin Fan!

I don't know who created the first vitamin in "gummi" form, but let me tell you - I am their biggest fan. I've struggled with taking any supplements and medications in pill form for my entire life. I've never consistently taken a multi-vitamin, until now. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my gummi vitamins.

New Year's Resolutions

Okay. I'm not a fan of making New Year's resolutions that never seem to take hold - but I have renewed my commitment to continue to work towards meeting and achieving goals I set for myself during the past year.

First on that list is commitment to my health and well-being. For me, this means getting serious about losing some weight by making the following life changes: replacing bad food habits with good ones, exercising more - adding some strength training and increasing overall daily acitivity and learning to control emotions so they do not derail any progress I make.

Another resolve is to finish the much-dreaded office organization project (which has been on hiatus for months) and re-tackle those areas at home where my prior efforts have not been mainained. I do believe conquering the clutter at home will go a long way to helping reduce the stressful feelings and free my focus to healther pursuits (like number my number 1 goal above).
Wish me luck in my endeavors!