Spirited
My word for today is spirited. I wanted to run like the wind, like a deer, like a small single engine plane. I want to fly.
Words are my vehicle and I want them to glide across the page, I want to make them transparent wings, with scotch tape and crayoned colored things to take you places you have never seen. In my imagination, the jewels of Babylon are still secured— emeralds, diamonds, jade and gold tucked in my cap and down my neck unfold:
Behold, King Solomon’s Mines—or should I say, Behold the Kitty’s mind!
Spirited—when did I lose that trait? When did I stop hitchhiking across country, joining up with spiritual masters, walking around town at night to see who else was crazy enough to stay up (turns out only the lone cop wondering what the hell I was doing out so late in a snowstorm).
Spirited—today I will swim in the pool, eat good food, drink lots of water and write, write, write!
Today I will be filled with the spirit to inspire, to write and to be whole!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
“Irish” Spanish Rice
My mother could burn water; she was such a bad cook. My grandmother, my father’s mother, was even worse. When I asked my Dad how he had learned to cook so well, he replied: It was self preservation.
Growing up I made dinner many nights for my siblings, and as I gained experience fancied myself quite the chef—perhaps not Gourmet Magazine standard—but I could turn out a well seasoned meatball, a flavorful salad and a terrific blueberry muffin.
I could hold my own in the kitchen; my brother and sisters gobbled up my offerings, always insisting, it was great; even if it was hot dogs and potato salad. Then I moved in with my future husband. Are all Puerto Rican men this spoiled? He did not like leftovers and would turn his nose up at delicious dishes.
One Saturday I thought let’s surprise him with something special—Spanish rice. I pulled out my cookbook and gathered my ingredients which were plentiful and savory.
Sweating in the kitchen for an hour or so, produced, what I thought was a decent Spanish rice. At the time, I had not been paying attention to what this dish should look like—yellow rice with minuscule bits of veggies, along with a tomato broth to cook the rice. My Spanish rice had giant chunks of green pepper and blobs of tomato stuck out here and there.
My husband fell off the dining room chair laughing. This has come to be known in our house as my “Irish” Spanish rice dish.
Since then I have discovered Goya products. Thanks, God!
Growing up I made dinner many nights for my siblings, and as I gained experience fancied myself quite the chef—perhaps not Gourmet Magazine standard—but I could turn out a well seasoned meatball, a flavorful salad and a terrific blueberry muffin.
I could hold my own in the kitchen; my brother and sisters gobbled up my offerings, always insisting, it was great; even if it was hot dogs and potato salad. Then I moved in with my future husband. Are all Puerto Rican men this spoiled? He did not like leftovers and would turn his nose up at delicious dishes.
One Saturday I thought let’s surprise him with something special—Spanish rice. I pulled out my cookbook and gathered my ingredients which were plentiful and savory.
Sweating in the kitchen for an hour or so, produced, what I thought was a decent Spanish rice. At the time, I had not been paying attention to what this dish should look like—yellow rice with minuscule bits of veggies, along with a tomato broth to cook the rice. My Spanish rice had giant chunks of green pepper and blobs of tomato stuck out here and there.
My husband fell off the dining room chair laughing. This has come to be known in our house as my “Irish” Spanish rice dish.
Since then I have discovered Goya products. Thanks, God!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Sugar
My whole life I have loved sugar, particularly candy, and most particularly chocolate. I am able to divine where chocolate is hidden in a coworker’s desk, or where the closest Lindt shop is on Madison Avenue.
Chocolate is the food of kings as far as I am concerned. Hersey Almond bar, M&M peanut, Dove dark chocolate, and anything from the Lindt shop are among my favorites, but just about any piece of chocolate will do. I am no connoisseur, and make no distinction between Lindt and Hersey. I saw a piece on TV that said Hersey had changed its formula and substituted a less expensive ingredient. Could have fooled me, give me a Hersey’s candy bar any day and I am in heaven.
Halloween was always my favorite holiday. Hard candy sat in my trick or treat bag, until Thanksgiving, there was no interest. Give me the Milk Duds, Milky Way and Snickers—even bite size made my day.
What bio-chemicals are in this stuff? Does it raise the serotonin level of my brain? Who cares? All I know is it gives me joy. Oh yeah, I like that too, Almond Joy. Oh boy!
Chocolate is the food of kings as far as I am concerned. Hersey Almond bar, M&M peanut, Dove dark chocolate, and anything from the Lindt shop are among my favorites, but just about any piece of chocolate will do. I am no connoisseur, and make no distinction between Lindt and Hersey. I saw a piece on TV that said Hersey had changed its formula and substituted a less expensive ingredient. Could have fooled me, give me a Hersey’s candy bar any day and I am in heaven.
Halloween was always my favorite holiday. Hard candy sat in my trick or treat bag, until Thanksgiving, there was no interest. Give me the Milk Duds, Milky Way and Snickers—even bite size made my day.
What bio-chemicals are in this stuff? Does it raise the serotonin level of my brain? Who cares? All I know is it gives me joy. Oh yeah, I like that too, Almond Joy. Oh boy!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Predicament
There have been so many times when I have gotten myself deep into it into some down and dirty rough spot. Somehow I always managed to climb back out of whatever big ol’back hole got me.
My Dad was the Master of creating something from nothing, for getting out of tough spots, for triumphing over seemingly impossible odds.
One story, my parents loved to tell, was Dad had just had enough money for carfare to work, and would get paid that next day. It was summertime and the kids all played outside and when the Good Humor truck showed up, the kids would scatter screaming, “Ice cream!” at the top of their lungs. Parents, some living on modest means, always found the change to buy an ice cream cone for their little ones.
This one night, I ran into the house, and could not find my parents.
They had been discussing, how to say no, there was no money for ice cream, when I discovered them hiding in their bedroom closet.
“What are you doing in there?” I giggled.
“Give it to her” My father said to my mother.
“But Phil…”
“Just give it to her.”
They handed me the quarter and I unknowing what was going on, skipped out to get my toasted almond on a stick. My Dad then got the great idea to go through the cushions of the couch, his suit pockets, and winter coats, managing to just find two nickels and a dime.
He was always able to pull the rabbit out of the hat, at just the last minute. It was quite a dramatic childhood—who needed TV?
Here is another story he just told me recently: As a kid, he studied to be an alter boy for a whole year, learning to say the responses to the mass in Latin. After passing the test to be an alter boy, he went home and asked his mother for the $7.50 to buy the cassock needed to assist on the altar. She told him, “We just don’t have the money.” He went outside totally dejected, sulking around the neighborhood.
“What’s wrong, Philip?” Asked one of the older guys from the neighborhood.
He told him his story and how upset he was.
The boy replied, “I have an old cassock that I don’t use any more, you can have it.”
My father must have jumped for joy.
I need to start creating my future from vision. I have just started a vision board and am curious to see how it works. What is your vision for this glorious Summer?
My Dad was the Master of creating something from nothing, for getting out of tough spots, for triumphing over seemingly impossible odds.
One story, my parents loved to tell, was Dad had just had enough money for carfare to work, and would get paid that next day. It was summertime and the kids all played outside and when the Good Humor truck showed up, the kids would scatter screaming, “Ice cream!” at the top of their lungs. Parents, some living on modest means, always found the change to buy an ice cream cone for their little ones.
This one night, I ran into the house, and could not find my parents.
They had been discussing, how to say no, there was no money for ice cream, when I discovered them hiding in their bedroom closet.
“What are you doing in there?” I giggled.
“Give it to her” My father said to my mother.
“But Phil…”
“Just give it to her.”
They handed me the quarter and I unknowing what was going on, skipped out to get my toasted almond on a stick. My Dad then got the great idea to go through the cushions of the couch, his suit pockets, and winter coats, managing to just find two nickels and a dime.
He was always able to pull the rabbit out of the hat, at just the last minute. It was quite a dramatic childhood—who needed TV?
Here is another story he just told me recently: As a kid, he studied to be an alter boy for a whole year, learning to say the responses to the mass in Latin. After passing the test to be an alter boy, he went home and asked his mother for the $7.50 to buy the cassock needed to assist on the altar. She told him, “We just don’t have the money.” He went outside totally dejected, sulking around the neighborhood.
“What’s wrong, Philip?” Asked one of the older guys from the neighborhood.
He told him his story and how upset he was.
The boy replied, “I have an old cassock that I don’t use any more, you can have it.”
My father must have jumped for joy.
I need to start creating my future from vision. I have just started a vision board and am curious to see how it works. What is your vision for this glorious Summer?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Race
There was a time when I took up road racing. Not long races, only 3 or 5k, short hops by the marathon, triathlon standards. Still, it was fun and I enjoyed it. I trained for it and was prepared to go the distance. I felt like an athlete, although in the scheme of things, it was modest.
Fast forward, 30 years, I am now quite unfit, finding it hard to walk more than 20 minutes on the tread mill. I am going to work in the city where I must climb stairs and walk 20 blocks a day. I am working out now in earnest in the hopes of getting a bit more fit before this new job starts. It is a challenge.
I saw there was a fun race at the Bronx Zoo, you got to race through the zoo early in the morning and then could stay the whole day and watch the animals. That sounded like lots of fun. What do I need to do to get in shape to take the Bronx Zoo challenge? Walk everyday, do some kind of weight training, I have that gym membership, got to use it!
My goal is to find other fun forms of exercise: Hike in the woods, ride a bike around the local park, swim in the condo pool. How about playing with the dog? Anything that keeps me moving counts.
When was the last time you took a walk or hit the gym? Just do it!
Fast forward, 30 years, I am now quite unfit, finding it hard to walk more than 20 minutes on the tread mill. I am going to work in the city where I must climb stairs and walk 20 blocks a day. I am working out now in earnest in the hopes of getting a bit more fit before this new job starts. It is a challenge.
I saw there was a fun race at the Bronx Zoo, you got to race through the zoo early in the morning and then could stay the whole day and watch the animals. That sounded like lots of fun. What do I need to do to get in shape to take the Bronx Zoo challenge? Walk everyday, do some kind of weight training, I have that gym membership, got to use it!
My goal is to find other fun forms of exercise: Hike in the woods, ride a bike around the local park, swim in the condo pool. How about playing with the dog? Anything that keeps me moving counts.
When was the last time you took a walk or hit the gym? Just do it!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Respectable
Growing up being respectable meant everything to my mother.
She said things like: Get a good job, always be nice to the people on the way up, because you never know who you will meet on the way down, and the favorite of all mom’s in the ‘60’s—wear clean underwear, you never know when you will be in an accident.
I still strive for respectability and compromise my creativity, work life and friendships to appear ok to family and friends. What if I just blew it off?
Would I dare to live on a beach in Cabo and write murder mysteries (or at least try until the money ran out)? Could I sell off everything and hit the road in a camper with a dozen notebooks, pens and my digital camera and see what I could produce in 90 days? Would I dare publish a scandalous memoir of growing up in Larchmont, where respectability was punctured from time to time by crimes like rape, murder and assault? What about less offenses like teaching young ladies not to sweat, to say please and thank you (when you rather say a four letter equivalent of jack off), and of course to always look presentable. The first tenet of respectability seems to be “presentablity.” Don’t forget—full make up required while running to the store to buy a loaf of bread.
Hog wash. I don’t need to run away to be creative. I want to do my work and be a business woman, and earn the required fortune to stay afloat in NY. And I also want to take the risk, and write the tough stuff. Write the stuff I thought I would take to my grave; write the stuff that is not respectable.
I want to be free to write poems, short stories, letters, and reviews that blow the lid off respectability. I want to be free to be me and to do that I must undo, break free, work hard at recovering my true self. I want to start working out to get stronger physically which I think will also allow me to feel stronger mentally to write the tough stuff.
Why be respectable when you can have fun and just be free?
She said things like: Get a good job, always be nice to the people on the way up, because you never know who you will meet on the way down, and the favorite of all mom’s in the ‘60’s—wear clean underwear, you never know when you will be in an accident.
I still strive for respectability and compromise my creativity, work life and friendships to appear ok to family and friends. What if I just blew it off?
Would I dare to live on a beach in Cabo and write murder mysteries (or at least try until the money ran out)? Could I sell off everything and hit the road in a camper with a dozen notebooks, pens and my digital camera and see what I could produce in 90 days? Would I dare publish a scandalous memoir of growing up in Larchmont, where respectability was punctured from time to time by crimes like rape, murder and assault? What about less offenses like teaching young ladies not to sweat, to say please and thank you (when you rather say a four letter equivalent of jack off), and of course to always look presentable. The first tenet of respectability seems to be “presentablity.” Don’t forget—full make up required while running to the store to buy a loaf of bread.
Hog wash. I don’t need to run away to be creative. I want to do my work and be a business woman, and earn the required fortune to stay afloat in NY. And I also want to take the risk, and write the tough stuff. Write the stuff I thought I would take to my grave; write the stuff that is not respectable.
I want to be free to write poems, short stories, letters, and reviews that blow the lid off respectability. I want to be free to be me and to do that I must undo, break free, work hard at recovering my true self. I want to start working out to get stronger physically which I think will also allow me to feel stronger mentally to write the tough stuff.
Why be respectable when you can have fun and just be free?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
My Myth
Reading a book of daily Celtic Reflections, there was a passage on personal myth yesterday. The page said we have rejected myths to only believe and trust the so called “real.” As if the 10 o’clock news can explain this life to us. We have lost our way.
Some coaches talk about Purpose, but I don’t think that is quite what myth is. Myth is the deeply personal and cultural connection to our history and destiny.
For myself, when I think about my myth, I think of my grandparents who all left Ireland for a better life in America. My grandmother told me, when she was first here, she would go up on the roof and look toward Ireland, she was so lonely. She kept on, and created a new life for herself here. A pioneer!
There is nothing sadder than that Irish music, the longing and hope for return. The Irish feel the West signifies heaven or Paradise. How interesting that is where my ancestor chose to start life again.
What is my myth? I feel it is up to me to cultivate my writing and my spirit. To meditate and put pen to paper is my personal myth. What comes of it, what direction it takes, where I go in meditation and prayer—that is where my myth meets my reality.
What are the myths in your family or tribe? What goes beyond your purpose to the deep inner longing of your soul?
Some coaches talk about Purpose, but I don’t think that is quite what myth is. Myth is the deeply personal and cultural connection to our history and destiny.
For myself, when I think about my myth, I think of my grandparents who all left Ireland for a better life in America. My grandmother told me, when she was first here, she would go up on the roof and look toward Ireland, she was so lonely. She kept on, and created a new life for herself here. A pioneer!
There is nothing sadder than that Irish music, the longing and hope for return. The Irish feel the West signifies heaven or Paradise. How interesting that is where my ancestor chose to start life again.
What is my myth? I feel it is up to me to cultivate my writing and my spirit. To meditate and put pen to paper is my personal myth. What comes of it, what direction it takes, where I go in meditation and prayer—that is where my myth meets my reality.
What are the myths in your family or tribe? What goes beyond your purpose to the deep inner longing of your soul?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Have a Spring Adventure
Tuesday was a 60-degree sunny day, the first nice day in a long time. My husband Tony and I got into the car and drove north for over an hour to reach the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) to enjoy a Price Fix lunch.
What a treat! The service was extraordinary, the ambience amazing, and the food out of this world. I have wanted to visit the Culinary for years. Could it live up to the hype I had created in my mind? CIA did not disappoint. We had a bit of trouble finding our way around the large campus and the students were so helpful and welcoming.
We chose the American Bounty restaurant, because it was the first restaurant we came upon. Know this: The Culinary does like reservations…. And check out their website, it shows menus, specials, directions, etc. (http://www.ciachef.edu/restaurants/default.asp)
What is on your “bucket list” that you can do today? Don’t delay! Have a spring adventure!
What a treat! The service was extraordinary, the ambience amazing, and the food out of this world. I have wanted to visit the Culinary for years. Could it live up to the hype I had created in my mind? CIA did not disappoint. We had a bit of trouble finding our way around the large campus and the students were so helpful and welcoming.
We chose the American Bounty restaurant, because it was the first restaurant we came upon. Know this: The Culinary does like reservations…. And check out their website, it shows menus, specials, directions, etc. (http://www.ciachef.edu/restaurants/default.asp)
What is on your “bucket list” that you can do today? Don’t delay! Have a spring adventure!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Joy
What is Joy anyway? Is it when you were a kid and you got so excited you could not sleep because you were going to Playland the next day? When was the last time I had that kind of experience?
Taking a Creative Writing class with Ariel Gore did it for me. I was so excited and the experience was amazing! She does not disappoint, for sure! And I wrote more than I have ever written before.
How can I get more joy in my life? Good question. Meditate? Give up Diet Coke? Hike up Bear Mountain? What brings me joy?
Natalie Goldberg gave a wonderful talk at the Open Center last night and was truly amazing. She filled me with joy talking about an exhibition of work by Impressionist, Pierre Bonnard, (http://www.metmuseum.org/home.asp) at the Metropolitan Museum of New York. It takes someone living in Northern New Mexico to tell me about stuff happening at the Met. Viewing this exhibit will bring me great joy.
The other thing is to do the right thing—work out, meditate, eat right, WRITE, and low and behold, joy will follow. That is what they always told me. Do what you love and the joy will follow.
The greatest joy I remember is learning to ride my bike. It is the closest thing I ever came to flying. One hot Sunday afternoon, I took my little red and white Schwinn to the top of the hill and coasted safely to the bottom. I am riding my bike by myself for the first time. What a feeling!
What brings you joy?
Taking a Creative Writing class with Ariel Gore did it for me. I was so excited and the experience was amazing! She does not disappoint, for sure! And I wrote more than I have ever written before.
How can I get more joy in my life? Good question. Meditate? Give up Diet Coke? Hike up Bear Mountain? What brings me joy?
Natalie Goldberg gave a wonderful talk at the Open Center last night and was truly amazing. She filled me with joy talking about an exhibition of work by Impressionist, Pierre Bonnard, (http://www.metmuseum.org/home.asp) at the Metropolitan Museum of New York. It takes someone living in Northern New Mexico to tell me about stuff happening at the Met. Viewing this exhibit will bring me great joy.
The other thing is to do the right thing—work out, meditate, eat right, WRITE, and low and behold, joy will follow. That is what they always told me. Do what you love and the joy will follow.
The greatest joy I remember is learning to ride my bike. It is the closest thing I ever came to flying. One hot Sunday afternoon, I took my little red and white Schwinn to the top of the hill and coasted safely to the bottom. I am riding my bike by myself for the first time. What a feeling!
What brings you joy?
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Try, You Die
Do or do not... there is no try.” -Yodda
Today I will go to the gym and I will NOT drink Diet Coke. Water and green tea are my beverages of choice.
What is the most important thing I do today? Go to the gym. Pure and simple, everything else flows from doing that next right thing. The next right thing for me is hitting the treadmill.
My style leans toward procrastination. What can I do to combat this character defect? Make my goals bullet proof? Get out there? Or as Nike has called it years ago: Just do it!
There are times when I wonder what will happen to me. Will I find a job once the economy picks up? Will we be able to pay the mortgage in 2010? Will there be work for me to do down the road? Will I want to do it?
I could spend hours, days, years even really, thinking of all these crazy ideas. Bottom line, I only have today, and I plan on making it a good one. It is time to lace up those running shoes.
What will you do today to improve the quality of your life?
Today I will go to the gym and I will NOT drink Diet Coke. Water and green tea are my beverages of choice.
What is the most important thing I do today? Go to the gym. Pure and simple, everything else flows from doing that next right thing. The next right thing for me is hitting the treadmill.
My style leans toward procrastination. What can I do to combat this character defect? Make my goals bullet proof? Get out there? Or as Nike has called it years ago: Just do it!
There are times when I wonder what will happen to me. Will I find a job once the economy picks up? Will we be able to pay the mortgage in 2010? Will there be work for me to do down the road? Will I want to do it?
I could spend hours, days, years even really, thinking of all these crazy ideas. Bottom line, I only have today, and I plan on making it a good one. It is time to lace up those running shoes.
What will you do today to improve the quality of your life?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Whole
Whole is a funny word as there is the homonym, hole, which means almost the exact opposite. English is such a funny language.
This is not what I want to write about. I want to be whole. I want to work out hard, drink water and green tea, eat veggies, tofu, and whole (ahhhhhh!) grains. I want to get whole, even shop at Whole Foods, money situation permitting.
Some times I feel like I have a big gapping hole in my soul. The way I fix that hole is to become whole. I need meditation, exercise, and fresh strawberries. I need to be clear on my intentions.
I need to become a Whole Warrior. I need to grow my inner samurai. I need to guard my inner beauty, and create a sanctuary within that will feed my soul.
The only way to get that whole is to heal, to be willing to do the hard work. I need to give up Diet Coke and chocolate. I need to work out 5x week and meditate daily. And I need to find fun, free, fabulous things to do to feed my spiritual child that sits on a red pillow, in a tropical garden, where Pelicans fly above white foam waves, in the land of sweet pomegranate tee-pee.
This is not what I want to write about. I want to be whole. I want to work out hard, drink water and green tea, eat veggies, tofu, and whole (ahhhhhh!) grains. I want to get whole, even shop at Whole Foods, money situation permitting.
Some times I feel like I have a big gapping hole in my soul. The way I fix that hole is to become whole. I need meditation, exercise, and fresh strawberries. I need to be clear on my intentions.
I need to become a Whole Warrior. I need to grow my inner samurai. I need to guard my inner beauty, and create a sanctuary within that will feed my soul.
The only way to get that whole is to heal, to be willing to do the hard work. I need to give up Diet Coke and chocolate. I need to work out 5x week and meditate daily. And I need to find fun, free, fabulous things to do to feed my spiritual child that sits on a red pillow, in a tropical garden, where Pelicans fly above white foam waves, in the land of sweet pomegranate tee-pee.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Day I Became a Trillionaire
The last time I remember the market being so unstable was during the tech melt down prior to 9/11. Stocks like Microsoft, IBM, and Dell hit the skids so bad; you’d think they had a drug or alcohol problem. Just too hot, too long, and voila, the nature of the market, it cooled down fast. In fact, it went into a deep freeze.
It was around this time, that I got in the habit of checking my 401K balances—daily. I would call up and using my magic PIN number access my retirement account.
Good thing too--our fund manager, while a household name, even the name of a mega bank, had not mastered managing 401K accounts. One time I called and my balance was $1.95. I knew that was not right . When I asked our HR manager what was up with that, he replied just be patient they are working the kinks out of their telephone system.
A few days later, I called again to get my balance and was given a different kind of shock. There was over a trillion dollars in my retirement fund. What made it even more amazing, was in its computer geek voice, it said, “you have 1 trillion, 340 million, 143 thousand, and 243 dollars and 52 cents.” We are talking some serious money.
I ran around the office and cornered one of cmy retirement plan cohorts and screamed, “There is over a trillion dollars in my retirement account.”
“What?” She screamed back across the cafeteria as she got her second cup of green tea. “You have how much in your account, what?!!!”
After I explained, she replied, “Sell!”
The next day the problem was resolved, and the right amount appeared to be in my account which was somewhere between $1.95 and a trillion dollars.
Oh what I could do with that money!
It was around this time, that I got in the habit of checking my 401K balances—daily. I would call up and using my magic PIN number access my retirement account.
Good thing too--our fund manager, while a household name, even the name of a mega bank, had not mastered managing 401K accounts. One time I called and my balance was $1.95. I knew that was not right . When I asked our HR manager what was up with that, he replied just be patient they are working the kinks out of their telephone system.
A few days later, I called again to get my balance and was given a different kind of shock. There was over a trillion dollars in my retirement fund. What made it even more amazing, was in its computer geek voice, it said, “you have 1 trillion, 340 million, 143 thousand, and 243 dollars and 52 cents.” We are talking some serious money.
I ran around the office and cornered one of cmy retirement plan cohorts and screamed, “There is over a trillion dollars in my retirement account.”
“What?” She screamed back across the cafeteria as she got her second cup of green tea. “You have how much in your account, what?!!!”
After I explained, she replied, “Sell!”
The next day the problem was resolved, and the right amount appeared to be in my account which was somewhere between $1.95 and a trillion dollars.
Oh what I could do with that money!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Self Improving Money Managing Tree Hugger
Just stumbled upon “43 things site”, a cool website, (http://www.43things.com/book/quiz_results). They give a down and dirty quiz. It revealed I am“self improving money managing tree hugger.” Don’t cut down my trees and tell me it is going to save me money, I know that is pure bull donkey!
The book looks interesting but I am trying NOT to buy any books right now (so that money managing part may actually be true) however there is a blog. It is fun to see what is on other people’s lists. They not only show what is most important to them, but how they made that goal come true. Cool.
What would I pick as my top goal? Write a novel, lose weight, and get a job? Hmmmm…will have to think long and hard what is the most important goal to me. I usually try to work on three at a time. Not sure if that actually works for me. What was I a beaver in a previous life and have to have two or three projects going at the same time? Or am I, an ADD-addicted to adrenaline junkie as well as a tree hugger?
What is my top goal for 2009? Got goals?
The book looks interesting but I am trying NOT to buy any books right now (so that money managing part may actually be true) however there is a blog. It is fun to see what is on other people’s lists. They not only show what is most important to them, but how they made that goal come true. Cool.
What would I pick as my top goal? Write a novel, lose weight, and get a job? Hmmmm…will have to think long and hard what is the most important goal to me. I usually try to work on three at a time. Not sure if that actually works for me. What was I a beaver in a previous life and have to have two or three projects going at the same time? Or am I, an ADD-addicted to adrenaline junkie as well as a tree hugger?
What is my top goal for 2009? Got goals?
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Third Act
My parents never minded that I changed what I wanted to be when I grew up, almost as often as I got new sneakers. They just wanted me to have an idea that I was working towards some grand job goal.
I was on my way to being an Astronaut, Ballerina (doesn’t every little girl go through this phase), Artist, Writer, Scientist, etc.
None of these have been things I have made money on to date. It would be nice, if in this last push to figuring out what I want to be when I grow up, I do make money at my writing. What a concept!
It is more scary then sky diving, more scary then mountain climbing, more scary…well you get the picture. To do something I really want to do, to use my mind to make something, to be creative. That would be my dream.
Signed up for next online creative writing class, taught by the renowned Ariel Gore. She wrote, “How to be a Lit Star before Your Dead.” I keep it on my nightstand, next to my bed and read it all the time when I get down about ever reaching this long cherished goal.
How many of us are like me? Did you put your dreams on hold to raise a family? Or were you a “career woman” working long hours to get a head in a man’s world. Or like me you just held back until the last act was starting. Can I go for it now?
Why not, I got nothing to lose?
I was on my way to being an Astronaut, Ballerina (doesn’t every little girl go through this phase), Artist, Writer, Scientist, etc.
None of these have been things I have made money on to date. It would be nice, if in this last push to figuring out what I want to be when I grow up, I do make money at my writing. What a concept!
It is more scary then sky diving, more scary then mountain climbing, more scary…well you get the picture. To do something I really want to do, to use my mind to make something, to be creative. That would be my dream.
Signed up for next online creative writing class, taught by the renowned Ariel Gore. She wrote, “How to be a Lit Star before Your Dead.” I keep it on my nightstand, next to my bed and read it all the time when I get down about ever reaching this long cherished goal.
How many of us are like me? Did you put your dreams on hold to raise a family? Or were you a “career woman” working long hours to get a head in a man’s world. Or like me you just held back until the last act was starting. Can I go for it now?
Why not, I got nothing to lose?
Sunday, February 1, 2009
10 MPH
Just watched the most incredible documentary, “10 mph”. This is the story of 2 guys who quit their corporate jobs to take a cross country journey on a SEGWAY! The cast of characters, the most impressive for me is our own magnificent country, makes it so much fun to watch. Who knew Kansas was so beautiful?
Go to http://www.10mph.com/ to find out more.
The whole time the movie kept screaming to me, follow your passion! If these two guys can give up everything, and I mean everything, to follow their dream, why can’t I write a 200 word essay on what that might be like for me?
What would it look like if I followed my ideal life?
Healthy, fit, and active
Spiritually centered
Financially sound
Playing, as an artist, person, comic genius
Laughter all around
Can this tired middle aged woman re-invent herself to be colorful, crafty (string beads, not make trouble), and serene?
The real question for me: What will my life look like after this recession?
Go to http://www.10mph.com/ to find out more.
The whole time the movie kept screaming to me, follow your passion! If these two guys can give up everything, and I mean everything, to follow their dream, why can’t I write a 200 word essay on what that might be like for me?
What would it look like if I followed my ideal life?
Healthy, fit, and active
Spiritually centered
Financially sound
Playing, as an artist, person, comic genius
Laughter all around
Can this tired middle aged woman re-invent herself to be colorful, crafty (string beads, not make trouble), and serene?
The real question for me: What will my life look like after this recession?
Saturday, January 24, 2009
A New Day
Today is the day Mr. Obama takes the oath of office. A young family full of hopes and dreams moves into the White House. Michelle Obama and her fashion forward style, let’s hope the designers get on the band wagon and follow her! Yeah!
What I hope is there is a stimulus package and it does create jobs. My hope is that more and more people get back to work.
There is so much I would like to work on: Writing, crafting, working with others.
Where will it take me this year? What is the one big thing you can try this year to stretch yourself? What big bodacious goal have you been incubating? Go for it!
What I hope is there is a stimulus package and it does create jobs. My hope is that more and more people get back to work.
There is so much I would like to work on: Writing, crafting, working with others.
Where will it take me this year? What is the one big thing you can try this year to stretch yourself? What big bodacious goal have you been incubating? Go for it!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Waiting Out the Recession
I got the ol’pink slip October 31—Halloween, Trick or Treat? I have been actively seeking employment since then, to no avail.
Now, determined it will all work out for me and so many other hard working Americans, I am taking a different approach… a spiritual approach.
Every day, in addition to my 15 minutes of meditation, which I started to do seriously when I had this gift of time, I am also writing a gratitude list of “10 things I have to be grateful for” and keeping it close, so I can glance at it, as I surf the web looking for job possibilities, sending out resumes, or making phone calls.
Today, I am going to make the call to the soup kitchen and sign up for volunteer work. I would like to work in the kitchen and make meals for those too sick to get out and get groceries. It will make me happy.
Reaching out to my other friends who are also looking for work and offer encouragement and laughter, know together we will get though this.
I visited one networking event recently, and the leader said, “Looks like we are all waiting on
Obama.” That’s nice and I give Obama high marks and high regards, however, he can not do it all by himself. All of us, Congress, State government, local government, unemployment offices, and those of us seeking work, must do it together.
I will work, even if it is to volunteer and help someone less fortunate than me. What can you give back today?
Now, determined it will all work out for me and so many other hard working Americans, I am taking a different approach… a spiritual approach.
Every day, in addition to my 15 minutes of meditation, which I started to do seriously when I had this gift of time, I am also writing a gratitude list of “10 things I have to be grateful for” and keeping it close, so I can glance at it, as I surf the web looking for job possibilities, sending out resumes, or making phone calls.
Today, I am going to make the call to the soup kitchen and sign up for volunteer work. I would like to work in the kitchen and make meals for those too sick to get out and get groceries. It will make me happy.
Reaching out to my other friends who are also looking for work and offer encouragement and laughter, know together we will get though this.
I visited one networking event recently, and the leader said, “Looks like we are all waiting on
Obama.” That’s nice and I give Obama high marks and high regards, however, he can not do it all by himself. All of us, Congress, State government, local government, unemployment offices, and those of us seeking work, must do it together.
I will work, even if it is to volunteer and help someone less fortunate than me. What can you give back today?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Run Don't Walk to the Movies
Everybody I know who has seen it says the same thing: Slumdog Millionaire is the movie to see, right now.
Ty Burr, of the Boston Globe, says, "I'll keep this simple: Cancel whatever you're doing tonight and go see Slumdog Millionaire instead.” Get to this link to see more reviews and find out where this gem of a movie is playing near you: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809956055/info
The story line is simple, Jamal Malik, a homeless orphan, now a grown man, is one question away from winning a million dollars. The authorities think he is cheating and interrogate him. He tells them his life story, how he has learned the answer to each question through his harrowing life experiences.
He wants to be on Millionaire, not to win the money, but so that he can connect with his childhood sweetheart. She, has been with him, on this rollercoaster ride of a life, and now more then anything wants to be with him.
One of my personal criteria for what makes a great movie is if the movie shows me another place that I have never been. If you have been curious about India, especially India in the modern day, you will love this movie.
Ty Burr, of the Boston Globe, says, "I'll keep this simple: Cancel whatever you're doing tonight and go see Slumdog Millionaire instead.” Get to this link to see more reviews and find out where this gem of a movie is playing near you: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809956055/info
The story line is simple, Jamal Malik, a homeless orphan, now a grown man, is one question away from winning a million dollars. The authorities think he is cheating and interrogate him. He tells them his life story, how he has learned the answer to each question through his harrowing life experiences.
He wants to be on Millionaire, not to win the money, but so that he can connect with his childhood sweetheart. She, has been with him, on this rollercoaster ride of a life, and now more then anything wants to be with him.
One of my personal criteria for what makes a great movie is if the movie shows me another place that I have never been. If you have been curious about India, especially India in the modern day, you will love this movie.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Why Being A Late Bloomer is Ok with Me
They called me Late Bloomer in grammar school—my parents, my teachers. Always dreaming, they said, like it was a curse or disease.
Down through the years, I have lived up to the late bloomer moniker. Managed to married for the first time, two weeks before my 40th birthday. Didn’t someone say a woman was more likely to get struck by lightening then marry after 40? Lightening strike me again--we are still happily married today.
There are advantages to being a late bloomer. Review the field, entrance late after the entire hubbub is almost over. Know what you want, yes, I take my time when it comes to decisions of the heart or the hearth.
In this day and age, when kids have websites by five, and prepare for college starting in 5th grade, late bloomers will surely feel like they will be left in the dust at the starting gate of life. It doesn’t have to be that way. Taking time to go after what you want should not be a race.
Many women have put their dreams on hold to raise a family. Can they not write, publish, paint, or take on creative projects at a later stage of life? Is there not future for the late starter?
Why not? With the internet, there is no end to the markets, opportunities, challenges and inspirations that can be had. It is all up to us.
Start your engines!
Down through the years, I have lived up to the late bloomer moniker. Managed to married for the first time, two weeks before my 40th birthday. Didn’t someone say a woman was more likely to get struck by lightening then marry after 40? Lightening strike me again--we are still happily married today.
There are advantages to being a late bloomer. Review the field, entrance late after the entire hubbub is almost over. Know what you want, yes, I take my time when it comes to decisions of the heart or the hearth.
In this day and age, when kids have websites by five, and prepare for college starting in 5th grade, late bloomers will surely feel like they will be left in the dust at the starting gate of life. It doesn’t have to be that way. Taking time to go after what you want should not be a race.
Many women have put their dreams on hold to raise a family. Can they not write, publish, paint, or take on creative projects at a later stage of life? Is there not future for the late starter?
Why not? With the internet, there is no end to the markets, opportunities, challenges and inspirations that can be had. It is all up to us.
Start your engines!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Time to Wake Up
It is January 3; do you know where your creativity is?
This year my resolution is to have more fun. What better way then to crank up the ol’ creativity and take it for a spin.
Make a bead necklace, look through my clothes and start dressing the part, how about a make over?
How about a blog??? I have been threatening to start one for years. Now is the time. For a long time, I have noticed that the demographic of 50-something women on the web needs more representation. Who are we? What do we want in this our Third Act? Where have we been? What is our future?
I plan on exploring this and other ideas, in this blog and in my own personal writing.
What are you going to accomplish this year?
This year my resolution is to have more fun. What better way then to crank up the ol’ creativity and take it for a spin.
Make a bead necklace, look through my clothes and start dressing the part, how about a make over?
How about a blog??? I have been threatening to start one for years. Now is the time. For a long time, I have noticed that the demographic of 50-something women on the web needs more representation. Who are we? What do we want in this our Third Act? Where have we been? What is our future?
I plan on exploring this and other ideas, in this blog and in my own personal writing.
What are you going to accomplish this year?
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