The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY March 11, 2010
Outside My Window...  It's dark.  Just said good bye to my sweet husband who is on the road to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire to teach a PSIA event.  I love to wake up with him and pack his breakfast and coffee.  At times we both travel and it is this support that keeps us both so strong, feeling loved and completely connected.
I am thinking...  I should go back to bed, but I love to write and share my thoughts.  So much to do and with ski coaching on the weekends my life is so busy, I don't have as much time to get it all done.
I am thankful for... my life, my family!  Schuyler is doing so well in school, socially and academically.  He had 2 calls for after school "playdates" (hmmm  what do you call them when they are 8?) and is so crazy about letting his hair grow long, he makes me smile all day!
From the kitchen... blended strawberries & Cool Whip!  I LOVE my Vitamix and my recovery drink of OJ, frozen strawberries & mango with Shaklee Physique & Performance was truly a culinary treat!
I am wearing... My leopard bathrobe & PJs  (still thinking I need to go back to bed!)
I am creating... a video montage of my photos of the girls from this year at Mount Snow.  I know the music to use because they (mostly Rachael, Emma & Sydney) would sing Taylor Swift from the chair EVERY weekend.  Sad --- I will miss seeing these girls every weekend, they are an amazing group -- I named them the Snow Divas!
I am going... to Snowbird after the Boston Marathon, but this time I have a week to rest before hitting the slopes.  I remember the first Snowbird trip with Steve after my 3:05 Boston and how sore I was!  It was a long recovery process after my dehydration bit at the hospital in Kansas City, Vail & Snowbird.  What a crazy time in my life --- April of 2007.
I am reading... with Schuyler as much as possible.  His poem each day from school to learn expression & all the books we have in the "library"!  Need to get to the town library again soon --- any suggestions?
I am hoping... my training pays off for the Boston Marathon after running my second 20 miler.... I am finally feeling "ready" although not quite where I want to be.  Need some speed training to go faster!  :)
I am hearing... a lot of new music ....  I love music...  my latest is "The Healing Hand of God" - - I think of Steve when I hear the words and I really love Jeremy Camp.
Around the house... we are getting things all picked up and ready for spring.  I went to the "transfer" station yesterday and LOVE the feeling of all the trash and recycle materials out of the house and garage.  I love having a clean house, it takes a lot of work and cooperation of the family, but it is so worth it!
One of my favorite things... is my new camera - a Nikon d300.  The photos I have been taking the past couple weeks have been at another level.  The upcoming slide show for the Development program is featuring a lot of my photos and I am so proud of the shots.  I get such great joy when someone loves one of my photos!  I get comments now at the races from Bromley & Stratton families too!  It is these moments with these children that are captured and treasured!  My photography business is getting off the ground and I am so proud of the photos.  Looking forward to an upcoming wedding gig --- stay tuned!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  Finish my slideshow, clean the car, pack for Mount Snow -- get a lot of ACS work accomplished & get ready for spring!
Here is picture I am sharing...  The group of J5's at the top of Bear Trap found their way up this building....  Schuyler and his friends are so much fun to watch learn and grow together -- they have all improved so much as ski racers and really have made this a great winter for all of us.  Steve loves coaching these J5 kids and the progress they are all making is phenomenal!  I love these smiling faces of Aidan, Izzy, Alex, Max & Schuyler!

June 24, 2009 entry - Simple Woman's Daybook

Post it Tuesday!

I found this fun posting opportunity on Angie's Blog "Three's Company"---- which is now #97 in the ranking for Top Baby Blogs --- vote here!  She has some fantastic insights and experiences that she shares on her beautiful mommy blog!  Cheers to Angie!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today.
Jumping in with the rest of the internet-world. :) A quick way to catch up!


Outside my window... I am 3 floors up in the Embassy Suites in the Dallas suburbs. It is 90 degrees outside and I look at a world that I do not know -- and honestly appreciate completely the love i have for my home in Massachussets.

I am thinking... that the vision for our organization is complex and has many layers of departments and such amazing people behind access to care, Relay For Life and the Employer Intiative. I feel so fortunate to be working for the American Cancer Society and enjoy all my colleagues when we get a chance to come together to share our vision and our work.

I am thankful for... my husband as he really put such a special thought and effort into making my birthday so wonderful. I love him so much -- more and more every day.

From the kitchen... we were looking at Italian tonight, but going to Houston's! Always great food and good wine to celebrate my friendships here in Dallas.

I am wearing... my favorite denium skort and no sleeve brown sweater shirt. Very comfy and cute too! :)

I am creating... a list of testimonials from the Impact conference and looking at the presentation for my volunteers to present on Friday.... Creativity in training and sharing is the best!

I am going... to dinner with Judy and Marty's team - since leaving the Business Unit, I don't always "fit" in - but it is nice to be with my favorite people from the past and good friends of the present.

I am reading... Shelley's blog -- sad about Viper, her dog that disappeared over a week ago -- I think about dogs and how close we become and how incredibly sad it is when they are gone. Can't wait to get home and spend more time with Oakley. :)

I am hoping... that the weather holds out for the weekend so we can spend extra time on the boat, mow the lawn and run a mountain race somewhere.... still need to finalize that before it gets too close to Saturday.

I am hearing... people getting off the elevator and headed to their rooms... busy people deep in conversations while I sit and type at the computer.

Around the house... we have some work to do with landscaping, weeding and solar panels. There is never enough time it seems to get it all done.

One of my favorite things... is talking to my husband on the phone and knowing how loved I am, and how much he misses me when I am gone.

A few plans for the rest of the week...flying home tomorrow, Relay visits and photography on Friday night, race somewhere on Saturday and get out on the boat!

A picture to share... The "Dream Team" - the volunteer steering committee behind the Impact Conference that we just had in Chicago. What an amazing group of corporate volunteers that really worked hard to put together this conference. It was a great success and the NTP volunteers all really enjoyed it and were so proud to be recognized there. Looking forward to the impact of this conference moving forward in our work with employers and the RFL National Team Program.

Social Networking

I found this video and additional commentary on Randy's blog "Community Mobilization" today as I work to get myself organized after vacation and find myself social networking on breaks.... It is funny how the web has transformed communication and linking to others, promoting causes and more - - although i am new to facebook, I have connected with many friends & family members and gotten to know and share experiences with colleagues from around the country through this tool and besides my blog - - this is the social networking communication link of choice for ACS.

Current facebook stats:
132 friends
32 albums
4 causes

Totally addicting...

Going, going, gone & Limo parking?

A tshirt sighting in Temecula Valley at the Oak Mountain vineyards - our host and "wine pourer" lady is wearing this tshirt with the saying on the front with a wine glass sequence. Very cute and worthy of a post!

AND I had to post this photo of the "END" sign from Mount Palomar - where they also state "Limo parking only" - quite comical indeed.

The theme of the week - LISTEN!

Crazy week, lots of travel and work goals have me crazy, challenging me and I really am ready to slow down. Looking forward to a break with our San Diego trip coming up, but realizing it is time to take a little step back and listen - - to my family, to my friends and make adjustments to be "heard" and mellow out my life once again.

So this post is dedicated to "listening".



First - Stephen's tshirt that is just so appropriate for today.

Next words that fit the theme from a not as appropriate rapper Talib Kwelli and his song "Listen": "Get it now, get it fast, get it right, Get it big, get it live, get it done, get it tight"

Then a music video from one of my favorite artists - Beyonce - "Listen"

Cancer Awareness - with a Twist - on a tshirt!

Detra and I were sitting in the general session of the National RFL Leadership Summit in Indy this past weekend, and sighted this tshirt statement on a University of Hawaii volunteer in the crowd. I had to take the photo to share.... a little xrated for my blog, but it surely gets the attention of our college youth!

You are divine!

My goddess bowl. My very cool skiing and bike riding friend Stephanie, who now lives in Hopkinton with her very cool skiing, bike riding husband and 2 gorgeous girls got me this bowl for Christmas one year... I used to take portraits of her girls and they are so photogenic! It was a joy to be with them every time, especially the 2 year old's party at the Chinese place in Bow. Very fond memories in deed. Well it is this bowl that I get my inspiration with breakfast in the morning. Cereal is my all time favorite food, I could eat it 3 meals a day! So this morning I thought it was worth a blog post - - my "goddess" bowl I call it... we have salsa in it once in a while, but mostly my cereal and when I eat to the bottom - I get the message. Positive inspiration - the energy bus - finding it everywhere - - look here in future posts for more! The makers of this COOL AWESOME bowl? Our name is MUDD. Cool eh?

Speaking of mudd - I ran the trails again this morning - thinking of racing Xterra and trail runs this summer... I will need to take some time to search. But it is fun navigating through the rocks and the mud. Although in the rain Oakley comes out a muddy mess & the shower begs for me completely covered in mud when I arrive home! FUN!

People who make a difference

Hi all,

Enjoy this little note sent to me by a friend...Happy Friday and have a grand weekend~


Charles Schultz Philosophy

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions, just read the email straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with...



Easier?

The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care...

Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia" (Charles Schultz)

My answers:
1. Mr. Salomon, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Gilbert, Miss Austin, Mr. Hebert
2. Judy, Sue Ann, Dawn, Paulette, Shawn,
3. Susan Walker, Reuel Johnson, Michelle Pitt
4. Schuyler, Steve, Mom, Laura
5. Steve, Schuyler, The Barbours, All my girlfriends! TOP TEN!

"The Energy Bus" - by Jon Gordon

Flying home from the 3 day Kansas City Nationwide All Relay Staff meeting last night I read the entire book that they gave us at the conference and really LOVED the read! The energy, the positive nature of the rules and the story really supports so many aspects of life that are important to be happy, to stay happy and to live and love life to the fullest. Work, play, family and passions are all included in the subject matter with its simple format and focused simple steps. Such a great and easy read - I recommend it to all of you to read today! : )

Here is the website to give you some insight and even beyond that Jon Gordon's newsletters are also available and more great reading! What I love really is this ticket to ride concept, inviting others to "ride your bus", no "energy vampires" and the downloadable posters too! Check it out - you will NOT be disappointed.

For today - I am inviting you all to join my bus - get on and ride. Be positive and strive for success, keep your energy flow positive and moving forward. Be a part of the "movement". Ride my bus! I hope you accept my invitation, because I want you all to be happy & successful in your lives!

By the way - the meeting, my presentations, networking and recommendations were really successful for me in my position - a great trip for my worklife at this time and although a crazy aborted landing last night (plane went back up before landing and kinda scared me - frequent traveler that I am) -->> it was a great 3 days.

Audrey Hepburn's Beauty tips

For attractive lips ,
speak words of kindness...

For lovely eyes ,
seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure ,
share your food
with the hungry.

For beautiful hair ,
let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise ,
walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone...

People, even more than things, have to be restored,
renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed;
never throw out anyone.

Remember,
if you ever need a helping hand,
you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands;
one for helping yourself and the other for helping others.

My favorite coffee mug

Random musings.... my coffee cup.... I got Steve this Starbucks coffee cup and after exchanging his because the bottom kept falling off - I was admiring the beautiful shape of this stainless steel mug. The little things in life... well he bought it for me and gave it to me as a present right away... my favorite (and his favorite) color purple and slender and lean (like I hope to and try to be as lean as possible). I love this mug - the way it keeps my coffee HOT (the way I like it) - black - steaming and in my hands - this cup fits me so well.

Random - but important things - the little things that make you happy.....

Valentine Survey

Valentine's Day Survey
Do you have a Valentine?:	yes - Steve
Do you want one?:	yes - Steve
If so, who?:	Steve
What do you want to do on Valentine's Day?:	Romantic dinner for 2
What would be the perfect gift?:	one red rose and something creative from the heart and hand written note / card
How was your last Valentine's Day?:	not so good
Chocolate or flowers?:	flowers
What does your school do for Valentine's Day?:	work - emails!
What do you think of February 14th?:	I love sharing the love!
Do you remember your best Valentine's Day?:	no
Do you remember your worst?:	no
Are you doing anything for Valentine's Day?:	staying home with the one I love
Do you want to be kissed?:	YES
Do you want to be loved?:	YES
Take this survey | Find more surveys Bzoink - The Original Survey Site

The new color of love

Wandering around CVS in Belchertown in the valentines candy I was thinking and remembering when I was a kid and all the chocolate and cards from friends.... we got Schuyler Spyder Man cards with tatoos and I found this gem...

Green M&M's - remember when it was just a myth? Well now it is TRUE!
See the photo.... and the note on the back. I thought this was the greatest thing! The marketing folks at MARS truly have me this time. Maybe because I am so in love... walking around in green colored glasses.

WARNING: Eating green M&M's may enhance romance levels. (it's true - - really... you must try them for yourself).

Words of advice

1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
2. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
4. When you say, "I love you," mean it.
5. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
6. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
7. Believe in love at first sight.
8. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
9. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
10. .In disagreements fight fairly. No name calling.
11. Don't judge people by their relatives.
12. Talk slowly but think quickly.
13. .When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
14. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk..
15. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
16. When you lose, don't lose the lesson
17. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.
18. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
19. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
20. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
21. Spend some time alone.