Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Enjoy Attending Church

Since I was a small child, I considered myself a spiritual person, and believed in my maker,

but I never felt that I HAD to go to church to be that way. 

I believed I could worship at home, pray at home or in the car, etc., and still believe.

While that was fine then, I found the more I grew in my faith, 

Being in church on Sunday was important. 

Besides showing my Father that I love him by being in his house on Sunday's 

here is a list of Why I Enjoy Attending Church:

At church I am fed (not your typical foodfood, but other nourishment):

• The words of the Lord and the story of Jesus are offered to me to help me understand
• His unconditional love and faith or felt
• I feel accepted
• I am forgiven
• I leave renewed and revived
• I know I am saved
• I am ready to give back, love more, and let go of things which are not important

You might think that being in church on Sunday is too much of a commitment and takes up too much of your time...

Personally, I think being in church on Sunday FREE's Me.

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Like This Search Engine

I really like Fine Comb

I've used other sources for shopping searches like Nextag, but this one is simple, easy and is absent of all that extra internet junk...

Check it out and tell me what you think!

About Fine Comb

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I am Inspired by Yellow

So, what's the deal with Yellow Inspiration?

Well, Yellow is  inspiring to me, not just because it's my favorite color, 

but...because:

it's sunny,

it's cheerful,

it's positive,

it glows,

it's the color of my first car,

it's the color of my new kitchen

&

it's been my favorite song 

for seven+ years

and...

Yellow always makes me fell happy!

~

Today... buy, 

wear, 

draw, 

take a picture of, 

something 

yellow!

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Love this World Peace Poem

by Shel Silverstein

This is the sweetest poem, if you're interested in world peace...

Not just because it's written by my most favorite author when I was a kid, 

but because it's also the easiest to incorporate in your life.

Make it your goal to make someone smile and feel loved today...

Pass it on.

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I am Proud to Support America via Indivisible

While in Starbucks the other day, I did what anyone would do when they see a cause they believe in...

I put my money where my mouth is.

I am proud to be born in America. 

Black or white, free will, freedom of religion and freedom of speech, I love America,

 and believe we have the drive, the passion and love, that a country needs to be successful, 

and it's exactly why I also want to help America grow.

We help less fortunate countries, we rally for rights, 

 give to the poor, and other causes…

We give money and walk hundreds of miles for Cancer research...

Why not give to America’s need for job growth?

It affects us all. Whether you are unemployed, an employee, an employer or own a small independently run business...

America needs jobs.

Here is something you ought to check out and something that I support.

Check out what people are saying on Twitter about #indivisible.

Our goal in America is to co-exhist, unite and be free....

And together is the only way we can do it.

Support US Today!

Fun Friday: An Inspirational Quote for Fathers (Repost due to technical issues)

Necessity may be the mother of intention, 

but play is certainly the father. 

- Roger Von Oech

Y.I. Made This Wednesday About Nursing homes

This was supposed to be a general blog post, regarding nursing homes, (but not a Y.I. Wednesday post)... and how they inspire me to respect history, elders and the nursing homes in general...

But,  

I was not able to finish the post, 

before the untimely passing of my grandmother.

It's been a week, since the passing of my 'Nanny'.

She was the light of my soul and the one who taught me most of what I know. I've had plenty of time to think, but not enough time to comprehend. A mother who stepped in, when my own could not (or would not). A vigilant, Noble, dedicated mother and human being...who saw a need in a child's life and filled it. I respect her, and love her for that.

I mourn the passing of such a significant person, and I hope that when you see an older person, a retired, elderly, convalescent-home-bound human being, your heart will feel a certain salute...to the old mentors we will miss.

Here is the start, and the unfortunate finish of my original Nursing Home Yellow Inspiration Post:

Nursing Homes

They all have a history...
And in them, resides someones mother, aunt, wife, sister and or mother.

A few weeks ago, as my daughter sang the National Anthem at a local old folks' home, I looked on in honor, pride and respect...to all of those who came before me.

I thought of those elders who have paved the way, torn a path, been the guiding light.

I respected their truths, love and words.

I never, in  a million years, expected to be burying my own grandmother this week.

But, I am.

The feelings I had that day, in that nursing home, will never ever come close to those I have today.

She is gone...I am here...and someday, we will all be in her place.

R.I.P. Nanny.

You will not have to eat that horrible food.

You will be slim, beautiful, healthy and unwrinkled...

You will be with the Lord 

and Liz Taylor.

I love you.

Liz Taylor-
And the gaze my grandmother had in her time.
Liz was someone my grandmother not only resembled, but admired.
(A picture she would be glad to be likened to.)

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Love to Listen to Chris Botti

Most who know me, know I love various kinds of music.

And, Oh, why not love Chris Botti?

Just listen, or watch... and find out....

He is amazing, enchanting and talented.

There's nothing bad about his music and if you like Sinatra...

or enjoy relaxing...

Chris Botti is for you...

Y.I. Wednesday: Y.I. Think Road Rage is Personal

Merging on or off of the highway can be a very good visual for how well some people work with others.

They don't.

How often have you attempted to get over a lane or two and found it nearly impossible to catch a break by the cars in that lane?

How often have you been driving along and out of nowhere comes a car who's responsibility it was to yield before merging, but instead just barreled into your lane?

I think this is a really good example of how some people just don't play well with others.

I've always wondered why that is...

Last week, I was traveling back from a meeting and witnessed some ridiculous road rage.

1. The blue car next to me was going along...
2. A red car put it's blinker on to get into the right lane...
3. Plenty of space, plenty of time for the blue car to allow the red car to slip into the lane without disruption....

What does the blue car do? 

Speed up once the red car has almost completed her lane change.


What does the red car do?

She slams her brakes on. (Kinda serves him right. Right?- That's what she thought.)

Why did he allow her the space, then decide he wasn't interested in being nice?

Why did either one of them decide to act this way?

I think they take the whole thing a little too personally.

Just like when someone cuts you off because you were in their blind spot and you get mad at them for 'cutting YOU off!'.

It's not about hurting you, slighting you or short changing you...

It's usually about them. We just make it about us.

Remember to yield before you merge, think before you get angry...and give grace and mercy to those who are human; just like us.

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Believe Life is Your Classroom

Anyone can learn anything from a book, but until one actually goes through something, they will never really know what to do, or how they will react. What happens then is they gather feedback results based on what they did when they were in that situation. (Call it hands on learning.)

I used to home school and I'm still a big believer that the world around us, and the things we partake in during the course of everyday life, are actually the best lessons available to us.

There's been truth to the fact that those who continue to increase their level of academic intelligence eventually end up dumbing themselves down because they become so dependent upon 'what they learned' that it clouds some of the things they should be learning, and then how to manage in common sense situations.

Donald Trump is a big advocate for the real life classroom. He is the type of person who shares his mistakes and I respect that.

In his recent book Midas Touch, with Robert Kiyosaki, , he explains that the goal is not to arrive 'perfect', but get out there and make mistakes so that you get better.

Everyone and everything around you is your teacher. - Ken Keyes

Check this video out on Book vs. Street Smart-simple and to the point...

If you are just dying to know how smart you are, take this IQ Test.

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Love This Product For To-Do Lists

I love utilize to-do lists.

As a business owner and mom, I always have more than one list of tasks going at a time.

Over the years, I've tried several apps, and systems, of getting priorities listed, organized, and in a safe place.

I've used:

Sticky notes (and oldy but goody, but messy)
Simple paper and pen (long hand and doesn't' jump out of the book to remind you)
Notepad app in my phone (eh, just not working)
Emails to myself (wow, don't try this at home- black hole)
Other task management apps for my computer (like iProcrastinate)

But recently I tried Producteev!

And I love it, Because:

I like to be organized
See my to-do lists at a clear glance
Use it on my phone which helps me be efficient and organized on the go and sync

I also love it, because:

I don't like to miss deadlines (and it reminds me)
I like to visual prioritize (it uses a star system)
I like to give my husband a Honey-do list once in a while and it does that!

Thank you Producteev for helping keep my get things done efficiently, while feeding my husband's app-addiction in a good way!

Things in life aren't free, but Producteev is!

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Don't Always Listen to Myself

I've found over the years that my mind can be a very powerful tool.

It can help me achieve great things, as well as not.

Because, no matter what I tell myself, I usually end up believing it.

I was headed out the door to a business seminar today,
when I left a few minutes behind schedule....

it was raining 

(okay, POURING),

Traffic was sllllllooooooooowwwww....

Pretty much at a stand still,
in three different areas during the trip
due to yes, 

three separate accidents.

I ended up in the wrong lane (two lanes to the left of where my exit was coming up-on the right).

As I watched the exit go by,

and saw no exits up ahead,

I began to get into that funk: 

"Oh, man, that's great, this stinks; I'm going to be late."
"I'll never make it."
"I might as well turn around and go home."

...blah blah blah...

----------

It's important during these times,
when my mind is negative,
that I remember it's easy to think badly

 and sometimes
it's just a way to convince myself I can't manage  a task or reach goal.

-------------------

You can be your own worst enemy sometimes so....

"Don't Believe Everything You Think" 
- Thomas E. Kida


(I didn't today.... and I had an amazing day of education and fun!)


What did I do?


I talked the complete opposite to myself...
pushing the negative b@#*! out...
and 
pulling the Positive one up by her boot straps!
~
(I arrived with fifteen minutes to spare by the way, and plenty of time to network.)

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Am Appreciative for Life

I went for a barrage of tests last week.

I tried to think positive as I drove to the lab.
And pretended that's not where I was actually going.

While in the waiting room, I prayed.

As I got poked, pushed and scanned...
I acted as if it was business as usual and still tried to think positive
(though I'm sure my nervous chatter made the technician think otherwise).

I'd like to say that during the next week,
while I waited for the results,
that I forgot all about it...
but I didn't.

Finally, the follow up doctor's visit arrived. 

That's when I got serious and said some more prayers on my way to the office...

 I Got The Results and Prayed Again ~ 
This Time a Prayer of "Thanks For a Wonderful Life"....

I like to think I appreciate the good, the bad, the struggles, the lessons, the air I breathe and the
opportunity to experience it all, but honestly, as a human, I know I don't always.


But when faced with moments like these, I think we all find a whole lot more appreciation...

Why I Wednesday: Y.I. Think Goals Are Easier Said Than Done

Anything worth having is worth sacrificing for.

'Goal' 

is an easy word to say, 

but not always an easy one to use.

With 'Goal' as My One Word for 2012
I know that at some point I would realize that I'd have to say 'No' to certain things...

A new PTA meeting

Another Volunteer spot
My Favorite T.V. Show

Sleeping in...

So I could say yes to others:

Spending time with my family

Relaxing with a good book

Getting quality work done
Going on a Field Trip with My Child's Class

I'm happy to say, I never regret good decisions.

What do you give up so you can accomplish your goals?

What's most difficult about this for you?

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Know the Reason So Many People are Unemployed

I know, I know.... according to the latest polls, unemployment is down, but I look around and still see so many reasons why people have lost their jobs, and will continue to.

Every thing is so automated now a days.

Recently, I had to head over to the nearest lab for some testing. This particular lab is located in the local hospital, and to check-in for your appointment you actually visit the 'check-in kiosk', instead of stopping to talk to a person.

No more registering with a body. There is simply one person on duty, at a nearby desk, for any 'added' info or additional questions.

The kiosk is your admin person.

Wow.

All I needed to do was punch my info into a computer, which was hidden behind a little wooden cubby; things like my birthdate, zip code and confirm some insurance info and my address.

Viola!


Checked in and done.

Within about fifteen minutes everything was complete, even the lab appointment.

It's wonderful that this visit was so efficient. Though, not wonderful when I thought about the person behind the desk that is there no longer there.

Computers: our friend, and our enemy.


Other places where I've noticed computers replacing people, and cutting down on how many bodies which companies have to employ:

• I can avoid driving to the bank for a deposit, because I can use my iPhone to do the check deposit.
• I don't think many of us reach a body upon our first three minutes on the phone with any given company.
• At the library, I can check out my books at either of the 'virtual librarians'.
• Self-Check-Out which initially began in grocery stores, is now in several other types of stores.
• Self-Serve areas at the Airport, Post Office, and Computerized Voting Machines etc....

Time is hard to come by, so I'm happy we can gain more of it by utilizing automated, electronic, and computerized systems (in most cases), but I am sad for those who are no longer employed, because these computers they were replaced by them.

I can only hope that this might actually turn out to be positive in the long run, because those who are replaced by robots/computers can get a new lease on life by starting a new career which they love more! 

Or... go into computer programming and repair....

Gauging by the way the world is evolving, they will never be without a job.

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Love Magazines!

Most people think magazine subscriptions are either a waste of money or are going out of style.

I don't believe they are...and....Gosh, I hope not!  Because I love them!

Someday, I'd even love to publish one of my own one day!!

Yeah, okay, so they may seem a bit costly to purchase, but there a ways to read them at a discount,  or for FREE!

These are just some of my favorites:

Psychology Today

Oprah

People

Architectural Digest

Dwell

Veranda

Elle Decor

Kiplinger

Newsweek

and some men's magazines because they cover things 

like health, recipes (yes, recipes) sports, cars and no-nonsense topics all in one place.

But, where can you read them without buying them?

1. If you don't yet have a library card, get one, because the library truly is your best source for free reading (in general).

2. Borrow them from a neighbor, friend or relative when they are done with them.

3. Go in on a subscription 50/50 with someone.

4. Ask for it as a gift (it's better than getting that turquoise sweater that's two sizes too big which you know you could never wear)!

5. Buy them when local school kids are doing magazine drives (you are putting your money towards supporting a good cause while getting a goody in the mean time (think of it like a box of Girl Scout cookies- except it'll last longer!

Bottom line: I like magazines because they are so much more personalized way to get the info you are interested in. They are current, compact and reusable! There are literally thousands on the market and you can get subscriptions on line just as well as in the mail.

Try this website for some fun unique titles.

Visit this site for more magazines.

Oh, and about that recipe thing.... here's one of my favorite recipes which came from a men's mag:

Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Chips (They're not ALL 'A man and a can' recipes'!)

Cut potatoes lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick slices.
Dump the slices and 2 Tbsp olive oil (I have adjusted this to about 1/4 cup or more), 1 Tbsp paprika (I've often used more), 1 Tbsp black pepper (sometimes I use less) into a zip lock freezer bag, shake up to coat. (The more coated, the yummier.)

Broil in oven for about five minutes and flip chips once then continue until golden brown.  YUMMY!

What's your favorite magazine?

And Why?

Y.I.Phone Wednesday: Why I Said Goodbye to My Blackberry

Recently, I said goodbye to my 'Beloved Blackberry...
Probably, for much of the same reason many other's have...

It's, as my husband says, 'antiquated'.

I really had not thought of describing my BB that way,
I liked it, I really did not have any big complaints about it....

but, compared to my iPhone,
I do think it's:

slow

complicated

small

&

bulky


THIS is in no way a Blackberry bashing...

This was actually a hard decision for me.

Familiarity is nice.
Having gotten used to it's functions and operating system,
I didn't want to get rid of my Blackberry.
Plus,

I don't usually purchase something to replace something-which-still-works,

In the past, I'm almost always the last one with the latest technology,

I really don't care about games, gadgets, apps or surfing the net on my cell phone...

But,

I work with the internet and communicate via email often.

I am a business owner, a volunteer and a busy mother, and I have many schedules to keep.

Time is at a premium for me.

So,
with the recent crash of my laptop,

and the new switch to an iMac at home, 

I had been bitten....

I'd tasted convenience,
had a peak at continuity,
simplicity and efficiency.

Wow,
I like those things.

So,
sayonara my dear friend.

I've moved on to:

synced calendars

connected notes & to-do lists between computer/phone

iCloud

quick desktop-access email

simplified documents

speed
a big screen
and lot's more...

I can't say I didn't try...

When I was thinking of what the iPhone offered,
I looked at the 'new and improved' Blackberries hoping I wouldn't have to say Goodbye...

Sadly, they left me wondering what was new besides the color and shape,
because it was clearly still 'Blackberry'.

I am a fair person, so, since I've touted my new toy,
let me give you the cons of going from a Blackberry to the iPhone:

Contacts lose extra notes when transferred, so beware when switching over
I am (still) not a fan of touch screens for texting and emailing, though it is better than most touch screens
With Blackberry, I could use Bluetooth to transfer pictures to my Mac (with iPhone I can't)
Blackberry was fun to say...
and everyone knew I hadn't spent too much money on it.


(It annoys me when people think I spent a couple hundred on my new gadget...remember, I like efficiency and saving money...Yes, it was on sale for fifty bucks...)

Now, I am time and money efficient, because:

I will never have to buy multiple calendars because I can sync several,
I won't ever have to print out directions/emails (saving trees),
I don't need to pay for VZ Navigator or a GPS system,
I won't lose my eyesight as quickly due to all of that unnecessary squinting,
I can work with my clients documents on the road because they link up between my computer and phone while tracking edits,
I can deposit checks by taking a picture of them (how cool is that?)...

O.K...I'll stop...

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Believe in Love

Find this wallpaper here

Some say I'm a fool for remarrying...
I know, it is a little crazy...but...
Love is something which is not always easy to avoid...


Nor is it perfect (let's just set the record straight)...


But...

Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.-Kahlil Gibran 

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Love the Beach in the Off Season

I went to the beach yesterday. What a beautiful day it was. Sunny and 60, with a slight breeze... Wow...

While I was there, it was hard not to notice the quiet.

Other than that, all I heard were seagulls flying above, a nearby train passing by and the water splashing up onto the shore.

It was the most wonderful way to spend my afternoon.

I like to the beach most in the off-season, when there are fewer people and it's not crowded and busy.

During my time there today, I heard no clicking of the mouse, no ringing of the phone, no text notifications, no car horn beeping......

The beach in the off season is my quiet place. 

For me, it's Peace at it's fullest.

While I walked on the sand, I picked up a few small rocks, like I usually do when I go.

I thought about random things...nothing pressing.

I sat down and read a chapter of a book.

But, most of all I just closed my eyes and listened.

Nature has to be the best place to take a time-out, because there's nothing there that's man-made.

It's all natural, and all amazing.

What strange weather for the last day in January... in a northern (snowy) state such as ours.

But I feel lucky that it is this warm, and that I was able to enjoy today this way.

I believe it was enough to refresh me until the next time I go.

Where's Your Quiet Place and Why Do You Go There? 

Is it to rejuvenate, gain clarity, or simply just to relax? 

Wherever your quiet place is, I hope you go there often.

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Don't Have Many Friends

I really have to say I don't think I have many friends.

Okay, maybe that came out wrong.

I have not had many 'good' friends.

Wait, that isn't quite what I mean either.

Let me try again:

Over the years, I've only had a few really close genuine friends.

Ah, that's better.

So, why do you suppose this is?

It might be because I'm a very busy mother. Many can relate to that...

It could be because I am not very friendly...ummmm, uh uh, that's surely not it.

Hey, I know! It might be because I'm a jerk! Nah, I've already said that I'm not a jerk...

So, if it's not any of those things...I have to wonder, it it's because 'I call it like I see it'.

Do you know how many people in the world would actually prefer you tell them what they want to hear, rather than what they need to hear? (I don't know the number either, but I'm betting it's a lot!)

I've never been a sugar coater. I like to ask thought provoking questions and give people my honest opinion (if they ask for it first, of course, otherwise that's just rude...).

Here's an example of the shoe being on the other foot: (Mine actually)

The other day, I called a couple of my friends for some advice. One of them was my father. (Yes, even after my turbulent angry teen years, I consider my dad my friend.)

I can tell my dad anything, and that man will, well...'tell me like he see's it'. (Gulp)

Never for a second does he entertain any idea that my brain comes up with, if... he sees a true problem with it.

I hat that about him....and love it at the same time.

After a good hour long chat on the phone, I hung up feeling deflated...but confident! You see, I had sensed I wanted to make a choice that may not be the 'best' one...and after telling him all of my ideas, and he telling me 'all of the truth behind my ideas', I realized it probably wasn't going to be the best plan after all.

He was right...of course. (I hate that too sometimes.)

After my husband and I discussed my chat with Dad, we agreed our gut had told us not to do in the first place anyhow, and though I sort of didn't want to listen to it....

I didn't want to, but I needed to.

Often, if we tell our friends the truth about something they are about to do, they can become defensive.
They can even come to the decision that they don't consider us a friend. It's not that we don't believe in them, love them or trust them. It's actually, just the opposite...we care for them more than they know and just don't want to see them fall.

If that causes me to have less friends, so be it. I'd rather be honest with them, than tell them a lie that they will be angry with me for later.

So it's back to the drawing board for me!

Thanks Dad! (And I mean that in the most sincere way.)