TVs Take

Our KLV is Turning 3

2012-01-30T14:16:00.000-08:00

OnWednesday this little girl will turn 3.

Preschool Photo

Amazingwhen I think that only 4 years ago I wished and wished to have a child.

August, 2009

Shehas been a source of entertainment, energy and endless love.

Now that memories are really starting to form it’s amazing to see her sensitive and fun loving side. I’mgoing to miss the ‘baby’ years but sooo looking forward to the awesome pre-schoolyears.

Thanksfor a great 3 years twinkle toes!

Youare loved by many.

Happy Birthday!

Tear Me Down to Build Me Up

2012-01-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

Whyis it that most of us have to go through a really really tough experience tocome out better? Sure there areexceptions but for me – the toughest of times were also the most defining, themost meaningful and the ones where I grew the most.

Whenmy parents divorced (age 10) – I knew it was a good thing and also realizedlife is not easy, move on.

Whenmy brother died – I grew up.

Whenmy husband went through extreme job stress – he grew so much.

WhenI got into a tiff last year with a good friend – the outcome was her becomingone of my best friends.

Perhapsit’s the way you look at these situations but as I plot along through life Iknow things can change without notice.

Ihave to smile a little as I look back on some of the yuck I’ve been through, becauseit served it’s purpose.

Do you grow the most during the toughest of times?

Time and Distance?

2012-01-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

Whenwe go through tough times it’s hard to know whether we need to immediately examine/discussand mediate or whether a little time and distance will help smooth thingsover.

AsI age I realize not everything needs to be discussed over and over. Not every problem is significant enough thatit needs to be brought to the surface. Thereare also occasions when time and distance gives us the perspective we need tomake necessary changes. At the same timeit’s healthy to address problems and work to change them instead of waiting weeks,months or years for them to come to a resolution.

Makingthe choice all depends on the situation but perhaps the most important lesson I’mlearning is the more emotional I am - the more time and distance I need.

Howdo you decide which option (A) immediately discuss/address/work to change or B) time and distance) to select?

PS: For some of you I'm not able to comment on your posts (thanks blogger) - please know I'm reading them. Perhaps this issue just needs some time and distance :-)

The Other Day...

2012-01-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Whilewaiting to check out of line at Target I saw the woman in front of me accidentallydrop cash out of her purse. Naturally Itold her. Once she realized she didindeed drop it, she picked it up and stared at me in dismay. After a few long seconds of staring; shethanked me. Then girl behind me staredat me – as did the cashier, almost as if I did something wrong. As she was leaving she thanked me again. Iresponded, “Sure, it was your money.”

Itwas a surreal moment.

AmI to believe that all her/their staring is the result of lack of trust? Is it that hard for them to believe someonewould be honest and tell her about her cash on the floor?

Does anyone else find this strange? Have we become 'that kind' of a society?

The Y Not U Project

2012-01-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

Do you have a dream or a goal mulling around in yourhead?

All of us have a few token skills and abilities where werock.

Sometimes it’s difficult to explore these abilities andsubsequent goals, particularly if we are buried under obligations and listlessencouragement.

We know that stating our goals will make us more mindful andaccountable to work toward it. Which iswhy I’ve created the “Y Not U Project!”

Courtesy of Google Images

Periodically I’ll feature bloggers who email me ‘Smart’goals. Since I have some of the coolest,kindest and most supportive blog followers I’m sure you’ll join me in offeringencouragement and support and possibly some guidance to the blogger being featured.

So Email me yourgoal, how you will accomplish it and your timeframe to succeed. I’ll periodicallyfeature bloggers and their goals here.

It’s time to reach out and do something you’ve alwaysdreamed of. Assuming it’s not illegal,I’ll be your biggest supporter.

Are you guys game?

Friend Moochers

2012-01-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

Haveyou ever had a friend ‘heavily recruit’ your nanny or most favorite babysitter? Not cool, right? There are unwritten rules about this stuff! Well what about a friend that ‘heavilyrecruits’ your friends? For some reasonit’s been happening in my circle and frankly it’s annoying.

Iget it that one of the most effective ways of meeting friends is through otherlike friends. That being said when it’sobvious they don’t want you included – it’s hurtful.

Whenyou are not inclusive, then you are exclusive for a reason and I can take ahint. Apparently I'm not that cool after all :-)

I’mcontemplating walking away from the ‘recruiter friend’ rather than confrontingher because I need zero friend drama in my life.

Thisever happen to you?

Eliminating the P Word

2012-01-07T07:24:00.000-08:00

There are two extremes out there: thosethat create a lot of conflict and those that avoid it at all costs. A great many souls are able to find themselveswithin the middle of these categories and that’s a good trait.

For those that consider themselves conflictprone – I’m wondering do you create problems and drama when there was almost noneto begin with?

I tend to create drama in my head; thinkingthrough problems, scenarios and situations ad nauseam.

Lately I’ve been telling myself to just forgetwhatever is bothering me – and that the only problems that are created are the ones we create(excluding natural disasters of course).

Perhaps I should remove problem from my vocab and then the Pword and all its consequences won’t be able to enter my head?

Sounds like a good solution, right?

A Physical Reaction

2012-01-04T11:12:00.000-08:00

Duringour recent move we used a reputable moving company, at least that’s what Ithought. Unfortunately post move wefound so many of our things were damaged, we were overbilledand we had to gut our laundry room due to their improper washing machine hookup.

Needlessto say we are disputing the charges.

Thiswas over a month ago and when I think about the company today or their managerit makes me shake and my heart beat uncontrollably – I have such a strong negativephysical reaction for this company it’s almost laughable.

Crazyhow I let this company get the best of me.

Howabout you, does anything give you this strong of a negative reaction?

A Response

2012-01-02T07:37:00.000-08:00

Withthe technology of today I find our responses are less than stellar. We respond to less calls/emails. Our feelings turn into abbreviations ratherthan sentences.

'connecting' with my sister

RecentlyI read somewhere that Gen Y has a hard time dealing with conflict because theybasically hide behind technology and 1 word answers. Interesting.

Anyonethat knows me well knows my obsession with sociology as I cannot wait to see the role technology plays on our mentalhealth. Moving on…

Ofcourse technology and lack of attention span have played a huge role in mywriting. For 1, this blog wouldn’t existw/o technology. 2) I know people don’t read much past 200 words, therefore Igenerally keep my posts to under 150 words.

Thepoint is that our responses are changing. Generally, we ignore calls, we don’t open emails, we rarely write letters and yetwe all want to have more meaningful connections.

Anotherexample of ‘you get what you give’, right?

The Layers to your Soul

2011-12-27T14:35:00.000-08:00

Whenyou try to define yourself; descriptive words like funny, serious or sweet maycome to mind. However we are more thandescriptive words, we are souls with layers upon layers of experiences;memories, disappointments and triumphs.

When I’m around new acquaintances I often wonder which layer of my soul do theysee and which one do I project?

Whenwe are around our closest friends and family what do we project and why?

Whenour minds are quiet, what layer do we routinely fall into, rely on?

Which layer do youhope to change in 2012?

Peace

2011-12-23T13:52:00.000-08:00

“Whenyou find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live atpeace with others.” Peace Pilgrim

Peace is something so many of us struggle with. Some of us struggle for peace with a family member or co-worker or spouse.

Perhaps if we all had true peace within ourselves there would be no need to search for peace and happiness within others.

Wishing you and your family a peaceful, happy holiday!

Best Day?

2011-12-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

“Write it on yourheart that every day is the best day in the year.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mr. Emerson's above statement is a good reminder. Reminders are nice but not always do-able.

It's easier to say 'making each day the best day' is not practical and truthfully it's probably not. However putting forth the effort is what separates who we want to be vs who we don't; good vs evil.

I simply need to do a better job of making each day the best day. It's the best gift I can give to my daughter and anyone I encounter for that matter.

On that note, I'm off to read to KLV and hopefully elevate the day.

How are you making today the best day?

A Christmas Show

2011-12-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

So KLV had her first Christmas show and it delivered.

Some kids looked 'stuck' in mud, some were singing wild and crazy, while some kiddos looked around as if they just landed on mars.

Our KLV 'warmed' up to the performance, as shown below.

Yes it was sweet but I'll admit we laughed really really hard. It was awesome!

What's your best Xmas performance memory?

Food Traditions

2011-12-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

Asa kid we had so many amazing xmas traditions. Pizza on Christmas Eve because we didn’t want to bother with too manydishes before presents. Opening giftsfollowed by some Elvis playing in the background. Then we’d get all dressed upfor midnight mass and barely hold on until 1:00am because we’d be soo tired.

Mostof the traditions I had as a kid have fallen but those incredible holidaytreats; most of those have stuck with me and inspired me to continue on.

Hereare just a few food traditions we are hanging on to and creating (all homemade,mind you):

Party Mix, marshmallows, peanut butter hershey kiss cookies, peppermint bark, standing rib roast, cranberry cake with butter sauce and the list goes on.

Sure itwould be easier to buy things like marshmallows and peppermint bark but havingsomeone with the initials KLV help me is much more fun!

What’syour favorite holiday food tradition?

We Moved

2011-12-10T06:43:00.001-08:00

Three weeks agowe moved into a new home; just a few miles from our old house.

Since then KLV is finding new freedom in riding her trike to the community park and green space.

My momhas been helping me move items here and there to see where they look best.

My husband is happyto have our mountain views.

I am happy forthe change.

Moves are good;at least if you look at them that way. Theyusually involve some sort of trade-off and that’s okay too.

More importantlysometimes it takes a change of scenery to shift a mindset and for that I amincredibly happy we made this move.

Hope your scenery is making you happy!

Do You Believe?

2011-12-06T13:38:00.001-08:00

As I glanced through all the holiday cardson Shutterfly I saw lots of BELIEVEstatements.

For many believe means tohave faith or to believe in the magic of the Christmas season.

Unfortunately, so few of us are reminded to BELIEVE in ourselves. We don’t always believe we can do it,pursue it or live up to it.

My question - why don’t more of us believein ourselves?

Spend time with People and stay Healthy?

2011-12-02T14:43:00.001-08:00

When in a funk, many people won’t take that invite forcoffee or dinner out – they find comfort in being alone.

However, spending time with (good) people when we are inthese funky moods could be the best medicine. Studies have actually shown that the busier you are; the less likelyyou’ll be to develop serious diseases.

My Girl

Do you like spending time alone when in a funk or do you surroundyourself with good peeps?

Finding the Thanks

2011-11-28T06:14:00.001-08:00

Weare supposed to be extra thankful this time of year but I’m struggling a bit.

Don’tget me wrong I am grateful for what I have but forcing myself to be thankfulseems counterintuitive.

Perhapsfinding my thanks shouldn’t be so hard. Perhaps it’s just really living the life I’ve created.

Howdo you find your thanks?

Giving Advice

2011-11-22T21:05:00.001-08:00

While waiting for my dentist appointment to begin (which was a much different experience than 6 months ago) I read an article in LadiesHome Journal that said even though people may ask your advice, perhaps its best not togive it. Meaning, sometimes people justwant to be heard.

It’sfairly easy to misinterpret someone who just wants to be heard for someone whoneeds advice.

Howdo you determine when the listen and when to give advice?

Comparisons

2011-11-17T13:15:00.001-08:00

I recently read that we compare and determine ourhappiness level based on those around us. Ahhhyes the old competitive spirit at work again.

Is it natural to compare? Should it be natural to be happy if thosearound us have less?

Do you think comparisons drive us to be better or dothey create a superficial internal unrest?

The Harsh Truth

2011-11-14T06:30:00.001-08:00

Howdo you handle it when someone gives you harsh feedback about yourself?

Forme it stings but that’s usually the feedback I remember the most.

Sowhy does it sometimes take harsh truths to get the point across? For me, I’m a slow learner. In the past I’veneeded to get my feelings hurt to realize the error of my ways.

TodayI’m more open to feedback resulting in kinder advice.

Whatdo you do with overly direct feedback?

Enhancing Your Creativity?

2011-11-09T19:32:00.001-08:00

So many of us strive to be morecreative but struggle from time to time. A recent Psychology Today article reviewsthe 7 deadly sins that fight our own creativity.

We do not believe we are creative

We believe the myths about creativity (those blasted stereotypes of creative types)

We fear failure

We fail to act

We fail to produce ideas

We fail to look at things in different ways

Failure to accept personal responsibility

Myhabitual sins are # 3, fear failure and # 4 fail to act. I have a hunch that I dislike sin #3 so muchthat sin #4 is the outcome. Just a hunchthough J

What’syour dreaded sin?

Number of Friends?

2011-11-07T04:58:00.000-08:00

Accordingto a recent article most of us have 2 friends/discussion partners we candiscuss important matters with.

What’sequally as interesting is that the fewer friends we have the less likely we areto talk through problems which may lead to poorer outcomes in our lives.

For me it comes down to quality over quantity.

How many real friends do you have?

Are you in the 97%?

2011-11-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

Statistics say that those who write theirgoals down have 97% success rate over those who don't.

Do you write your goals down?

If not, why?

Happy?

2011-10-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

"Emotions are contagious; spread some happy" - TV

I will admit if I'm in a funk, the last thing I want to do is socialize. However, studies show that happy people make you happier.

Are you spending time with the right people?

HAPPY Halloween

Social Planner - UGH

2011-10-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

I’m the social planner in my family. A role I enjoy 89% of the time. The other 11% of the time I really reallyreally want my husband to take the reins but it doesn’t happen. His reason: I guess I’ve shot down too manyof his ideas ,in the past so he’s given up.

This type of social planning scenario must play out in mosthomes; girl doesn’t like his ideas, boy gives up, girl gets mad that he no longeroffers ideas.

My solution, I’m trying to be more spontaneous and suggestthings outside of the box as well as be more open to his ideas.

Does this type of scenario play out in your family?

How Do They See Me?

2011-10-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

“Betterkeep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must seethe world." George Bernard Shaw

SinceKLV started Preschool I’ve met lots of moms. In general they all seem great butit’s only natural to form some assumptions/opinions. I question whether I amonly seeing them for their greatness or their weaknesses.

Equallywhat are their perceptions of me?

I’dlove to know, honestly I would.

Thinking Off The Tops Of Our Heads

2011-10-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

Recently facebook interviewed Oprahabout her life today and thoughts about our inner selves. Oprah also talked about how she requires herteams to meditate. Her reasoning, manyof us think off the tops of our heads and we don’t really hear our trueselves.

How true. So many of us focus on surface stuff and don’t take the times to reallylisten to our selves.

How do you get beyond the noise and reallyhear yourself?

Blogging Slumps & Happiness

2011-10-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in theblogging sustainability post.

It’s comforting to know most of us have hadblogging slumps.

The truth is, I write for me and I also writefor you. This blog helps me improve my writing ability andyour comments motivate me to keep doing it.

My assumption is that when we all started our blogs; it was probablya challenge but it also made us incredibly happy once we started gettingfollowers and reading comments. It was the journey to get here that made ushappy. Now that some of our blogs havebeen chugging along for a while it’s probably only natural to ask, now what?

And so I’ll leave you with a quote from theHappiness Project that sums it all up for me, “If you donew things – visit a museum, learn a new game, travel to a new place, meet newpeople – you’re more apt to feel happy than people who stick to more familiaractivities.”

Thanks for traveling to TV’s Take – your journeyhas been worth it to me.

Blogging Sustainability

2011-10-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

If you are not a blogging superstar like Pioneer Woman or Kelle Hampton how do you maintain longevityand consistency in your blog?

I have no answers on this one; onlyquestions.

Sure, I have more ideas tocover on this blog but I often wonder...

Does anyone care or are they only commenting as a courtesy?

Am I still getting something out ofit?

Do I just need to generate more interest inmy blog?

I realize you get what you give – so perhapsI’m not putting enough into it?

What do you think, how do you go thedistance in the world of blogging?

Are You...?

2011-10-10T13:15:00.001-07:00

Are you teaching people how to treat you or are they teachingyou how you should be treated?

Do You Negotiate?

2011-10-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

I used to be too embarrassed to negotiateprices of merchandise or services. Myhusband is a tough negotiator and so I slowly started to see the benefit ofasking for a better deal (slow learner). While there are many of you who may be muchmuch more advanced in the negotiation department, here are two negotiatingskills that help me:

Simply ask for a better deal. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
After you ask for a better deal, besilent. Don’t be the first to talk. Let them ponder the next move.

What are your tips on negotiating?

My Little Pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Autumn!
We headed out to our first 'real' pumpkin patch this past weekend.

Unforunately the weather dude gave us the impression it was not going to be 90 degrees but indeed it was, which resulted in us being really HOT. Regardless of our overdressing, we had a great time hunting for the perfect pint size pumpkin.

If you must know this is my favorite season...that is when the weather in our California desert decides to cool a little. I'm hoping for mid 80's this week. A girl can dream, right?

How are you welcoming autumn?

Twisting Someone's Words 4 Their Benefit

2011-09-30T06:22:00.000-07:00

During a weekend with friends, one of thehusbands said to me in private, “Hey can you get my wife off my back?” I smiled politely, said nothing and joinedhis wife outside. I told her, “Yourhusband just told me how much he loves you.” She said, “Ha!” I proceeded totell her how fondly he talks about her when she is not around (truestory). I then told her that while shemay not hear it from him directly, some of the best compliments are the oneswe don't know are being said about us.

Needless to say she was fairly tickled thather husband would talk so favorable about her; behind her back.

Do you think its okay to twist someone’swords – when it’s positive – or do you think you should remain quiet or is honesty the best policy?

What's With All The Pressure...they're just toddlers

2011-09-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

During a parents night at pre-school (KLVis going 2 mornings at week) a parent asked this question, “My daughter alreadyknows her letters and numbers; is that all you’ll be teaching them thisyear?” Now if my daughter was around 4+,I could understand the inquiry but these are 2.5-3year olds. They are learning how to stand in a line andkeep their hands to themselves. I’massuming most children in this class know how to count to 20 and know theirABCs but they are also developing social skills and that’s a very bigdeal.

For me there is a bigger lesson here;sometimes it’s just as important to stop putting pressure on ourselves to bebetter in order to enjoy the processof becoming better.

Because when we embrace and enjoy change;it’s more likely to stick, right?

Also what do you think about all the pressure for toddlers to learn?

Seasons of Friendship

2011-09-26T05:15:00.000-07:00

“Friendship isn't a big thing - it's amillion little things.” ~Author Unknown

If you’ve been friends withsomeone long enough; you’ve probably found that each friendship or relationshipgoes through a season. Some bright andsunny while others a little darker and cold.

Regardless of the temperamentof the relationship if it’s worth keeping there will be better days ahead.

How do you determine whether to hold onto a friendship?

What If You're The Toxic Friend?

2011-09-23T06:12:00.001-07:00

According to a recent MSN article, 8 out of10 people endure poisonous pals. Sure most of us have someone who is less than positive and a downrightenergy suck but some of us still endure them.

My question is, who are these toxic buddies? I wonder if toxic friends even know they aretoxic. Do they sit around and pointfingers at everyone else being toxic?

What do you think; could youactually be ‘the toxic friend’?

Happy Family Life Means Developing....YOU

2011-09-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

While reading a recent article on parenting I came acrossthe NumberOne Parenting Tool.

Now I think the article has merit; if you develop yourselfthen, in general your family will develop. That being said when I take too muchtime working on myself I get a case of the guilts. Example: if I work out more than 2 times aweek I feel guilty. If I go out withfriends more than once a month, I feel guilty. Maybe the number one parenting tool I need is a little less guilt?

What’s your key to a happy family life?

From Peace to Unrest

2011-09-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

We are toying with the idea of buying a new home. We enjoy our home but for multiple reasons itmay be best to move. Therefore, this weekhas been filled with discussions about what we need vs. want.

More interestingly because of our decision to move we wentfrom a perfectly peaceful home setting to unrest.

It’s incredible how a simple shift in mindset can send us intoa tailspin.

Amazing how our mindsets control our lives.

Is your mindset helping you or hurtingyou?

Is Being Busy Cool?

2011-09-13T06:21:00.001-07:00

A recent article posted by PsychologyToday discusses how some are wearing the “I’m so busy” badge as a statussymbol of saying look at me and all the things I do.

The truth is we are as busy as we want to be. Sure some days may be tilted to the insane andunfair but overall we create our own schedules and lives.

Are you happy with your ‘busy schedule’?

Recharging Your Emotional Batteries

2011-09-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

Elevating our energy levels seems relatively easy, but ouremotional health gets a little trickier.

Things like working out, eating right and getting enoughsleep help but sometimes we need an emotional connection to get out of theemotional swamp.

Here are some things that help me recharge my emotionalbatteries:

1) Host Happy Friends. Cook a dinner or cocktail party for good/happy friends.

2) Catch a movie or read a meaningful book.

3) Tackle goals. When I’m unhappy I try to change what I’m unhappy about.

4) Compliment. Usually the more compliments you give the more often you’ll receivethem.

How do you recharge your emotional batteries?

Giving Up?

2011-09-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

Life's problemswouldn't be called "hurdles" if there wasn't a way to get over them.~Author Unknown

Have you been working on a goal and now thinking aboutgiving up?

Do you know why you’re giving up?

Don’t you deserve to win too?

Passive Aggressive

2011-09-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

A sweet bloggy friend, Amanda, Simple Girl, Simple Pleasuresasked me to do a piece on passive aggressive behavior. I’ll admit I’m always honored when bloggers pose topics for me to cover– thanks Amanda!

The term passive aggressive gets thrown around a lot so forthe record: passive aggressive behavior stems from an inability to expressanger or disappointment in a healthy way.

I used to be passive aggressive and occasionally havetendencies but as I age it’s easy to see how silly misdirecting my anger is. I’ve learned to either talk directly to theperson with whom I’m angry or end the relationship. The second option may sound a little harsh andthere are always exceptions to everything but if a relationship is not feedingthe soul in a positive manner than why keep it.

Amanda mentioned how thoughtful all of my commentors are(your comments are indeed incredibly thoughtful, thank you) so I have two questions for you all:

1) If you havebeen passive aggressive, how did you ‘cure’ yourself?

2) If someone inyour life is passive aggressive, how have you handled it?

Gestures of Condolences

2011-08-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

In my circle of friends there have been way too many of their loved ones who've passed on. When a close friend or loved one passes sometimes thestandard card or bouquet of flowers doesn’t always seem appropriate.

Having lost a brother years ago, just hearing from peoplewho care was the most important gesture. Things like photographs, donations, meals, flowers are of course a niceway to express sympathy too.

Another touching idea is the Eternal Memory Candle. They provide candles to light in honor of lovedones lost. Andrea, the Founder lost her ownFather a few years ago and the company is a tribute to his legacy.

What are some touching things you’ve done to remember thosewho’ve passed?

Another Post About Fighting...With A Plant

2011-08-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

It was going to be a hot day, 115 degrees. So I decided, early morning, thatI would help my husband out with some outdoor duties. Duty number one, tackle an unruly bougainvilleabush.

The cut doesn't actually hurt, the face is for dramatic effect

Let's just say I fought the bougainvillea bush but the bush won.

The rest of my limbs look like they got into a fight with a stray cat.

This may be the last time I help my husband with the outdoor tasks.

This kind of thing ever happen to you?

Watching People Fight

2011-08-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

As my family and I walked through Sea World we observedseveral families having all out fights. Fights about where they were going, directions, food, departure times, etc.

I recall having these kinds of fights within my family whenI was young.

Knowing how foolish these fights are makes wewonder. What happens to our brain thatallows us to spar in public? Perhaps onvacations expectations are high and the delivery is low or energy levels falteror even better, it’s all the yuck vacation food that makes us crazy.

What is so incredibly important that we feel the need to brawl in public, particularly on vacation?

A Smile

2011-08-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

“Every time you smile at someone, itis an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” - Mother Teresa

KLV's pretty smile

While walking to the coffee shoprecently, I noticed a woman who looked unfriendly. Then she smiled. In an instant she went from looking snooty tofriendly and kind. I smiled back andcompletely changed my entire perception of this stranger.

There are manyreasons to smile but one of the best reasons is that smiling is simply contagious.

Are you good about giving the gift of smile?

Overanalyzing = Overcomplicating

2011-08-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

I tend to overcomplicate things; many people do. I can no longer recall how many times I’veheard friends say they wish they wouldn’t over analyze their lives because itjust makes the situation worse.

Why do some of us over analyze and others don't? This link from Ehow mayprovide some insight.

Are you an overanalyzer?

Tolerance

2011-08-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

“Tolerance is giving to every other humanbeing every right that you claim for yourself.” Robert Green Ingersoll

Some of us learn about tolerance from our parents, school orfriends. Some never learn about tolerance.

From birth through 15 yrs old, I lived in a town of 100, then moved to a town of 16,000. During those times, I was not exposed to people from different cultures and races. We moved to a large urban area when I was 16. There I learned about tolerance from one particular class in High School called Seeing Yourself and Others. My college (University of MN) was one of the largest schools in the country where diversity was quite evident but that class in HS was the most important. It taught us to shed our preconceived notions about people and see them for what they are. I wish everyone could take that class once a year.

For me tolerance and learning to read are similar. Withoutknowing how to read, I wouldn’t be as free to learn and appreciate the world openly.Without tolerance, I wouldn’t understand how to accept and love.

Who taught you to be tolerant of others?

Knowing Too Much

2011-08-12T06:14:00.000-07:00

Are there times when you wished you didn’t know so muchabout certain people in your life? Ido. This happens when I find out theugly stuff on people. From there, Istart judging and treating them differently. Sure it’s good to know someone’s character but prejudging happens alltoo often.

I have a friend that only sees the best in people, unlessthey prove her wrong. What an admirable quality. A quality I struggle with.

How about you; are there times you wished you didn’t know somuch about people?

Parents, Are We Better Equipped?

2011-08-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

KLV being KLV

Are we better equipped than our parents at parenting? Sometimes I wonder.

When I was a kid it was okay to ride my bike to Suzie’shouse or ride a horse without an adult around.

Today we seem to have to worry about everything.

Sure when I was a kid we didn’t have all the modernconveniences or advances in medicine but we did seem to have more freedom.

Each generation adapts but I do hope my child will rememberthe freedom of being a kid like I did.

What do you think; did our parents have an easier time atparenting than we do?

Listening To Fools?

2011-08-06T05:31:00.001-07:00

I read TheHelp and a line in the book stuck with me,…“Every morning….you gone have tomake this decision…Am I gone believe what them fools say about me today?”

Just think if we stopped listening to the fools of the world(or in our own head) and focused onthe good stuff, what would happen?

Are you listening to what the fools are saying aboutyou?

A Confession

2011-08-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

I used to be the poorest of poor communicators. I would sitand stew. This would turn into an angerthat scared me.

I came from a home where we didn’t talk about our problems.We hid them, hoping no one would notice, fooling even ourselves. Thankfully as my family grew ourcommunication grew too.

I married a good communicator. He calls me out on my communicationchallenges. This is indeed one of the reasons I married him. I’m convinced he married me for theentertainment value, but that’s another post.

As I age, I’m continually convinced that the art ofcommunication is the key to life. If we communicate honestly with ourselves,our partners, friends, kiddos, co-workers etc., we’ll live a more contentlife. The most important though is howwe communicate with ourselves, as all roads lead from there.

I don’t always succeed in my communication but I knowfailing to communicate will help No One and hurt everyone.

Do you have an interpersonal confession to share?

Apparently Our Personalities Dictate Whether We'll Be Overweight…

2011-07-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

Recently MSN posted an article indicating people who are…“impulsive,cynical, competitive or aggressive were more likely to be overweight.”

The article didn’t seem all that shocking but with so manyAmerican’s battling weight issues, perhaps we need to pay more attention to howpersonality traits determine health. Forthe most part I do realize I hold the key to whether I’m healthy or not. If I want to be healthier and thinner then I'll do it; if I don't want it bad enough, it won't happen. For me it’s just discipline and quieting childhood pressures to be thin.

Do you believe personality is the main reason some are healthy vsunhealthy?

Plan the Work and Work the Plan

2011-07-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

“Many of the greatachievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men whokept on working.” Author unknown

Ever feel like giving up onthose goals? Yeah, me too. But giving up is boring and predictable.

As the quote says we all gettired and discouraged but forging through is what makes us more; happier,livelier.

When we read the articlesabout doing more and being better, it can get really overwhelming. When we commit to doing a few things well;when our priorities are aligned, then we can accomplish some awe-inspiringthings.

What are you committing tothis summer?

A French Saying

2011-07-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

Recently I heard that the French live for today whileAmericans live for tomorrow. While I’msure this is a generalization of a culture, I do believe Americans live morefor tomorrow than today.

I wonder if it’s healthy to continually be focused ontomorrow.

As an adult it can be incredibly difficult to live in thepresent. We all have obligations andgoals so our minds are frequently focused on the future. At the same time if we continually ignoretoday, then what’s the point of focusing on another tomorrow?

Do you live for today versus tomorrow?

Originality

2011-07-22T06:03:00.001-07:00

I find being original is quite difficult these days.

Even though we are all part of a more global world we seemto be just as homogeneous as ever. Ithink it’s simply human nature. Wemassage someone else’s ideas and turn them into our own ‘personalized’version. Not intentionally but throughinfluence. In essence, we are allbuilding off each other’s ideas. Veryfew of us have truly authentic ideas.

What do you think, do you agree it’s hard to be originaltoday?

Relationship Summit?

2011-07-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

A boss once told me that heand his wife did two ‘marriage summits’ per year. These summits would require them to sit downwith an agenda and assess how their marriage was coming along. Thesummits were not the only time they discussed their life together but it helped guarantee the air was cleared.

I haven’t quite adopted thesummit philosophy in my marriage but we do check in on each other often.

Realizing that so manycouples don’t communicate how they are feeling is shocking.

Imagine all the happinessthat couples could find again if they communicated honestly.

How do you and your partnerstay on track?

Isolation During Conversation & Self Awareness

2011-07-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

Someone in my circle has a hard time inquiring about othersduring conversation. I’ve brought thisto his attention but old habits die hard, really hard.

Failing to realize when we talk only about ourselves duringconversation makes us appear narcissistic. He is not vain, he’s just not very self aware.

So how do you teach someone to become more self awarewithout them getting defensive or paranoid?

There Is Just Something Wrong...

2011-07-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

Often when I read our paper or watch TV I hear aboutseemingly respectable people getting into silly brawls. Why does it seem that our society is fightingmore, stressed more and generally more unhappy?

Perhaps we’ve forgotten what’s important. Perhaps we no longer know how to work throughthings without getting hostile. Perhapswe are taking too many cues from reality TV.

Whatever the reason for all this anger, we need to recognizewhat it’s doing to our little ones. Justthink of the life lessons they are learning.

What do you think is causing all this anger?

Umm, Can I Get A Hand Here Too?

2011-07-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

Last year while visiting our local zoo, I proudly watched as my husband leaped to aid an elderly woman who had fallen and sprained her ankle. This past January, during a 90^th b-day party he helped a man to his feet after he fell from his walker. Then on our recent vacation to La Jolla he helped another senior citizen to his feet after he fell hard from his bicycle.

Not Actually My Husband

Apparently my husband is some sort of super hero to senior citizens.

Meanwhile he watches me trip and fall all over the place (all too often) and gives me this look like, really…again?

Note: 9 times out of 10 I’m fine and I end up crying with laughter.

Perhaps when I’m a senior citizen he’ll start offering me a hand. Maybe?

Memories

2011-07-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

“Everybody needs his memories. They keep the wolf of insignificance from the door.” ~Saul Bellow

Family Fun in La Jolla, CA

Some of us write to capture memories and others take pictures to remember.

Personally I love photos and photo books to help remember all the fun times with family and friends.

Regardless of your preferred method to imprint a memory, it is important to create keepsakes of the lives we live.

What’s the most creative way you’ve captured great moments to be cherished?

Curiosity

2011-07-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

Most of us find our curiosity starts to lessen as we get older because of the requirements in school and work.

But what if we all stayed as curious as a kid? Oh, I know we probably wouldn’t get anything done but just think about the fun.

We’ve all grown so accustomed to relying on TV or e-communication to satisfy the ‘what else is going on out there’ bug that we don’t seem to seek it anymore.

A Curious KLV

What if we started getting curious again – outside the walls of a computer or home – and really explored?

If you allowed yourself to be curious again, what would you see?

Also this is a tribute post to one of the most curious people I've known, my brother Grant. You are missed.

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!

That Youthful Energy

2011-06-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

If I could just bottle up all the energy put out by toddlers, we probably wouldn’t have an energy crisis.

If I could just capture an ounce of KLV's energy each day I’d never yawn.

If I could steal just a pinch of her pizzazz, I would get sooo much done.

If she would slow down long enough for me to catch her, that is….

Who or what are you trying to keep up with?

Manifestation of Stress

2011-06-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

"It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it” ~ Hans Selye

It’s rather easy to talk about managing stress but it’s really hard to put it into practice. One of my sister’s makes a living helping others get healthy. This means when I have an ailment she typically relates it to an emotional response/problem within my head. Most of the time, she is spot on.

I guess it’s no wonder that for the first time in two centuries, the current generation of children may have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

How do you reduce your stress level?

Childhood Roadtrips

2011-06-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid we took one vacation a year. It was a 4 day trip to the Black Hills. We would drive– all 7 of us in our Ford Conversion van. Classy.

Rear of said classy van

What I wouldn’t give to go on just one of those trips again.

My family is different today. We no longer travel to the Black Hills and we no longer have horses. My parents are divorced and one of my brothers is gone.

As my own family embarks on our summer trips, I’m going to really take it in. Because in the near future, I’ll look back on these trips and realize I’d give anything to relive them.

What’s your best childhood roadtrip?

Time & Energy

2011-06-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

Many of us spend a lot of energy reacting to the negative! No wonder, negativity is everywhere!!

But what about those people who do good stuff for you? Do you give them the same amount of energy as the negative peeps get?

Out of full disclosure I tend to give the negative nellies more time and energy than the good guys. Ugh! Do you do this?

Perhaps our need to be right and powerful is the very reason we focus on those that make us feel bad.

Just think if we spent more time with people that made us feel great.

Dads

2011-06-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

“It is much easier to become a father than to be one.” ~Kent Nerburn

One night while sitting around the fire, I told my husband how he showed me what a great Dad should be. He smiled, choked back a tear and told me he owes it all to his own Dad. Several months later when my father-in-law was in town I shared with him what a good father his son is and how he gave him all the credit. Choking back tears he smiled.

My own dad was not as involved as I would have liked therefore I was mindful to find someone who would take fatherhood seriously. Hopefully my daughter will always know how lucky she is to have such a great Dad!

First day home

Happy Father’s Day to all the great Dad’s out there!

How are you celebrating the great Dad’s in your life?

Who Will Be The Best You?

2011-06-15T05:42:00.000-07:00

Now that Oprah’s show is crocodile dundee (aka done), who is going to tell us how to be the best you?

If you think about it, we actually don’t need anyone to tell us. The answer is within all of us; it’s just hard getting there. History, obligations and egos get in the way of our journey to live happier.

Isn’t it fascinating that our own brain obstructs us from becoming more just because it’s afraid to fail?

Being the best soul is indeed a lifelong process.

Are you on your journey to being the best you?

The Need 4 Opinions

2011-06-13T06:48:00.001-07:00

We all seem to be having a love affair with other people’s opinions; and there is no shortage of opinions to be heard.

We seem to have strong opinions about everything, but why?

Something has definitely shifted. The news stations and papers used to be more neutral; not so today.

Perhaps it’s that we are so overloaded with messages that we feel the Need to react. The Need to speak. The Need to be heard. The Need to identify.

Or perhaps we’ve always been this opinionated and social media has just given us a louder voice? Which is it?

Do you Get What you Give?

2011-06-09T05:44:00.000-07:00

Not all is fair in love in war but for the most part what we give is what we get.

Blogging is a prime example. When you work hard at building your blog it pays off, eventually. When you don’t put the time and effort into it you either remain stagnant or lose followers.

Other examples: fitness, cooking, relationships, professions, education and the list goes on and on.

Whenever I’m caught up in a ‘It’s not working or it’s not fair” situation I ask myself – Am I giving what I deserve in return? Answer: probably not.

I know if I work hard enough at something I'll get it eventually. If I don't work as hard as I'm capable then I shouldn't complain. For me this motto includes writing, health and relationships.

How about you, are you giving what you want in return?

Routines

2011-06-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

“The less routine the more life.” Bronson Alcott

I am a person who gravitates toward routine.

I like predictability because I know there are so many external factors that are unpredictable. You know, control what can be controlled.

My sister once reminded me that routines can be our friend and foe. Lately it’s been my foe. I cannot seem to step outside of my routine to allow new fun stuff to come in.

I end up saying, “We cannot do this or that because we have this or that.”

In the spirit of shaking it up a bit we’ve been ditching the routine (aka monotony) and having a little more spontaneous fun.

Are you a routine fan or foe?

How Do You Spell Happiness?

2011-06-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

Recently my Mom sent me a book title, “To a Child LOVE is spelled T-I-M-E”. While I haven’t read it the title struck me.

We all find happiness in different moments.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget what indeed makes us happy. I am guilty as charged. Obligations tend to get in the way of enjoying exactly what I'm doing.

So in the practice of stopping to reflect the great many things I have to be grateful for, here is how I’ve been spelling Happiness.

My Daughter's B-A-L-L-E-T C-L-A-S-S

D-I-N-N-E-R out with F-R-I-E-N-D-S

S-M-I-L-E-S

Just to name a few.

How do you spell happiness?

New Acquaintances or Friends

2011-06-02T06:03:00.001-07:00

Recently our family had dinner with several new couples. As I got to know them, I wondered, would we become ‘friends’?

Sometimes you connect with people and other times you don’t. Sometimes your schedules jive and other times they don’t. Sometimes the kiddos don’t play well or your values are different and then well, that settles that.

How and why certain people connect is fascinating. Then again people in general do fascinate me, particularly my friends.

Your turn, are you good at sizing up whether acquaintances will become friends?

Suprises

2011-05-30T05:45:00.000-07:00

Do you like surprises? I like good surprises but if I get suspicious of a surprise for me then it’s a painful process.

I wonder why more of us don’t pleasantly surprise each other. Perhaps most people don’t like surprises or too many of us have heart problems so the surprise would land us in the ER.

Surprises don’t necessarily mean elaborate parties or expensive jewelry. Little surprises like a nice snail mail card or home baked sweet treat seem just as thoughtful.

So why is it that we don’t surprise each other more often?

Note: I am surprising my husband this week – but I cannot tell you - for it wouldn’t be a surprise (even though he doesn’t read my blog)!!!

Also for all my bloggy friends - the blogger fixes have not worked for me so I haven't been able to leave comments on your blogs. I am still reading them all though.

Joplin

2011-05-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

The stories from Joplin, MO tragedy have really struck a cord with me.

Perhaps it’s that my husband is from Missouri. Perhaps it’s because when I grew up we had some scary tornadoes around our ranch. Or perhaps these were just everyday people who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Thinking about those babies who were swept out of their mother’s arms during this storm makes me so so sad. And I’m reminded just how precious life is.

I guess the only good that comes from these events is the reminder of how grateful we need to be for what we have.

Donations for the people of Joplin can be made here.

Lemons & Lemonade

2011-05-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

Some days with a toddler start out great.

Some days we don't start out so well.

Lately our days start out not so great but then magically patience levels increase,

temper tantrums subside

and the worst starts become the best of days.

I Just Love Her Expressions

And I Love how she can turn Lemons to Lemonade

XOXO,

TV and KLV

Words

2011-05-20T05:48:00.000-07:00

"Only speak words that make souls stronger.” Ann Vaskamp

Just imagine if we all spoke words to make each other stronger. What a wonderful place this would be.

Imagine the kinds of thoughtful conversations we would have.

Think about how good you would feel speaking such words to loved ones. Think about how good they’d feel receiving words that elevated them.

I also think that strong words don't necessarily mean sweet words. Sometimes honesty stings.

Do you believe souls can indeed speak only those words that make others stronger?

A Quiet Mind

2011-05-17T05:59:00.000-07:00

Only in quiet waters do thing mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world. ~Hans Margolius

I really like my time alone but rarely get it. Sometimes my own mind cannot figure out how to get quiet.

I do get periods of sincere solitude. Happily these times do indeed bring upon clarity. Other times solitude just gives me more time to steam about a problem. While other times I find myself watching trash T.V. – ugh!

Perhaps we don’t always want quiet because if we listen carefully we might hear something we are afraid of, the truth.

How do you find your solitude?

Oh The Anger

2011-05-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

The angry people are those people who are most afraid. – Dr. Robert Anthony.

We all know angry people, perhaps all too well.

Don’t you ever wonder why some people are so angry? Based on my assessment angry folks see problems as someone else’s fault; meaning they cannot let things slide nor can they take accountability for their actions.

Sometimes when I'm angry I cannot seem to step out of the emotion.

Perhaps it’s easier to stay angry than let things go. Perhaps it’s too hard to accept responsibility for errors. And perhaps they don’t even realize they’re angry.

When you get angry what, in simplistic terms, drives your emotion?

Fighting 4 The Love You Want?

2011-05-10T05:09:00.000-07:00

About 6 months ago I told my husband we are now entering the stage of, “Hey did you hear Mars and Venus are getting a divorce!”

He looked at me like I had 3 heads. He gives me this look often.

Unfortunately my proclamation is coming true. A few couples around us seem to be headed for Splitsville. Some are trying to stick it out – some are driving off a cliff.

Their relationships are not for me to judge. I didn’t marry them.

There are some simple truths here: Marriage is hard. Growing together is hard. Parenting is hard. Oh heck, life is hard.

Onto the question, how hard is it to fight for the love you want?

A Day 4 Moms

2011-05-08T06:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to you! I'm assuming this is a Hallmark holiday and what a good one.

My own Mom lost her Mom this past year. My Mom said that once she realized the matriarch was gone and she felt alone. What a real and honest statement. I also get a lump in my throat just thinking about it.

I guess it doesn't matter what your age when our Mom is gone part of our foundation is gone too.

To all of you who've lost your Mom, my heart goes out to you. For all of us who still have our Mom's with us, I hope you are doing something special to show them how much they mean to you.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Celebrating Mom's Day with my Mom and KLV 2 years ago

How are you celebrating this Mother's Day?

The Views We Chose

2011-05-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we spend so much time looking at what others have we forget to look at what we have. When we step back and really look at our lives it’s amazing what we see.

Practicing what I preach I did just that and this is what I saw.

Mother Nature: Our Purple Plum in Bloom

Mother Nature: Momma Hummingbird (her baby has since hatched)

Force of Nature: KLV golfing with a Rake

My view is pretty good, when I remember to appreciate it.

I Know They Can See Me

2011-05-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

Recently while trying hard to entertain my daughter I started doing some crazy ‘running man’ thingy. We were in a public place, my actions were silly and she was entertained. What’s even more interesting is that my friend was growing increasingly concerned and finally blurted out, “You know everyone can see you!” Of course I laughed.

She was uncomfortable and was worried I was making a fool of myself but I didn’t care.

What concerns some people and not others always fascinates me.

The fact is I am a klutz and a Mom. This equals a great many OMG looks and moments in my life. In general, I care what people think of me but then again, not so much.

For me, it matters more what I think of myself.

Do you care what others think?

Hypocrisy

2011-04-30T05:37:00.000-07:00

Live truth instead of professing it. ~Elbert Hubbard

When you write about virtues, being a human, relationships and communication it gets a little dangerous. I’ve never professed to be all knowing nor virtuous. I own up to questioning myself as much as I question others.

I am troubled by hypocrisy though. I dislike it, quite a bit actually, both in others and in myself. Luckily there are degrees of hypocrisy that help free us from the depths of peril. I tend to dip my toe in the ‘being human’ element of hypocrisy; you know the one where we make mistakes, fall back into old habits. My life has been filled with teachable moments and it’s important to use those to be better. Sometimes I succeed and other times I fail.

Let’s face it most of us are a little hypocritical. We are after all, just human.

Where do you sit on the topic?

Right Now I'm Lovin'

2011-04-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

There are times when you fall in love something that isn’t human. I remember getting my first bomber leather jacket in 8^th grade – wow. I was certain that was love. My first cool new car – again love.

Now I’m keenly aware material things are just things. All this being said I’m back in love with something inanimate, something fun, something silly.

These.

Aren’t they the coolest little wine glasses. Ever? I mean chalkboard on a wine glass. Too Cool.

We love making up names and the funnier the better. Find them at Pier One.

I’m also loving all books created by The Pioneer Woman. She started as a blogger and now look at her. Rock star.

What’s your latest favorite material object?

What's your Emotional Maturity?

2011-04-25T06:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel like my emotional maturity matches a wise 85 year old and other days I wonder if I’ve hit puberty.

Emotional Maturity (EM) is measured by the following: Playing well with others, Being honest with yourself and Being accepting of various circumstances.

I’ve found there are defining moments when you enter new levels of EM. Ex: birth, marriage, death. These times shake us into realizing the world is not just about the individual. Embracing all that’s precious is all that matters. Everything else is just noise.

What’s a defining moment that enhanced your EM age?

No Dumping?

2011-04-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

Recently someone sent me their problems and anger. The message was all bundled up in a nice little email. They were mad and angry at someone else and they wanted to dump their problems onto me. Now as a human there are several things I can do with this information 1) delete 2) react or 3) console.

There is a difference between opening up, casual complaining and all out dumping. When we have a problem and need a friend, we talk about our feelings and we have open ears. I like this exchange. When we dump, we are angry, our ears are certainly closed, we turn stupid and we become rude. I don’t like this exchange; it stinks.

Since it’s illegal to dump our garbage just anywhere the same should be true for figurative dumping?

BTW: I deleted the email but it wasn’t the last I heard about it L

Seeing Each Other

2011-04-18T05:51:00.000-07:00

Do you believe we really see each other? More specifically when someone is down or off; do you notice? When someone says everything is fine, do you always believe them?

The monotony of life can create this unifocus on ourselves. It may also create this unwillingness to want to really see people. I’m not sure which.

There are people in our lives that occasionally need more than a, “How’s it going?” Sometimes they need a, “Hey are you sure your okay?” or , “Hey let’s go out for coffee.”

Most families give each other tough love, but friends now they should be all about encouragement.

“So, how are you really doing today?”

Got Hobby?

2011-04-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Do you have a hobby?

I do – a few really. I enjoy writing, photography and pilates. They make me feel like I’m contributing something unique and worthwhile to my life.

If I didn’t foster these hobbies I feel listless.

Studies show hobbies are not only beneficial to our mental health but also our physical health.

What kind of hobbies do you foster?

A Metaphor Found...

2011-04-13T06:04:00.000-07:00

While in my weekly pilates class, have I told you how much I love pilates, okay anyway I giggled to myself as I looked around the room. Some of the attendees were mindful of their poses/positions. Others weren’t paying any attention to the instructor nor were they paying attention to how they looked while doing the moves. Note, sometimes I get distracted and I'm the dork in the class.

Enter Metaphor: when we are not paying attention to how we are behaving we don’t realize if we are off track. We just continue on with the less than favorable behavior; often times we get hurt.

When we are indeed mindful of being a good steward of our behaviors and lives then we are quite simply a better soul.

Do you believe you’re good about paying attention to your own behavior vs looking elsewhere?

Doing Some Good Lately?

2011-04-11T06:04:00.000-07:00

If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble. ~Bob Hope

Do you like to do special deeds for loved ones or strangers? I like to do good, but don’t always get around to it.

I do try to let shoppers with fewer items go ahead of me at the grocery store. Sometimes I bring in my neighbors trash – even though they don’t know it’s me. While other times I mow the lawn so my husband doesn’t have to do it. I used to volunteer but no longer have the freedom of time.

Of course I do these things to help others but at the same time I do it for me. It just feels good doing some good.

What good deed(s) have you done for someone lately? How did it make you feel?

**Mama Hen made me more aware of this recently, thanks Mama!**

Goal Setting

2011-04-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds. Francis Bacon.

I was always big on setting professional goals but personal goals – eh, not so much. Now that I’m not in a traditional workforce setting, it’s easy to forget about the need to set personal goals.

Lately I’ve been setting personal goals and it feels good. Some goals may be as trivial as: cleaning out the refrigerator or junk drawer but it feels good to accomplish a goal particularly if it adds beauty or enjoyment of your life.

So whether you are working 60+ hrs a week or a stay at home parent; don’t forget about those goals. There is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment.

Do you set personal goals? If so, who keeps you on track?

Defining Ourselves

2011-04-05T06:24:00.000-07:00

What is it that makes us want to define ourselves so much?

Some definitions are good. Example: if we are spouses or parents then we are bound by certain virtues.

There are times when I think defining ourselves, hinders us. Example someone saying, “I’ve always been overweight, nothing works...” Defining ourselves into a negative space almost makes it’s easier to stay there.

Do you believe by eliminating some definitions perhaps we are more capable to change into what we want to be? Are you big into definitions?

It's Blog Hoppin' Party Time

2011-04-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

Today I'm participating in this very cool Blog Hop Party hosted by 5 minutes for mom . Go check it out if you haven't already.

If you are here from the blog party, welcome!

A little background: I've been blogging for over a year and love it. I'm a proud Mom to KLV - her photos are here there and everywhere. My husband and I were introduced by my Mom (true story). I'm now at home with KLV trying to transform into a writer - dare to dream. My posts are usually under 170 words because I know your time is precious! You can read more about my life on my background page.

Thanks again for dropping by!

XOXO,
TV

Changing my Tude

2011-04-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude – Maya Angelou

This kind of thought process would definitely solve the world’s problems. There are a great many things we can change but millions upon millions more we cannot. Making changes or changing our attitudes would go a long way in creating peace within.

I've adopted the 'change my attitude' and I can say it has been quite positive. I don't dwell quite as much and for an over analyzer like me, that's huge!

What do you think?

A Quick Discussion on Aging

2011-03-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

I am not getting any younger but in general I feel younger than my age.

The women on television and in my community are doing some crazy things in order to look youthful. I'm sure there will be a time when I'll consider going under the knife to remove a few decades but at the moment but I hope not.

I find when women are true to themselves they don’t seem to age. When they do what they love and are happy doing it, they seem to have more grace and beauty than their counterparts.

If at the end of my life I say, “Thank goodness I worked hard to look good”, then I failed.

If I succeeded then I’ll say, “I really lived my life and I was happy.”

How do you feel about aging?

Being Present

2011-03-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

One of the nicest gifts we can give to each other is being present.

I can be so guilty of wandering off, mentally. I dislike this quality in other people and yet I do the same thing. Ugh!

In an effort to curb this downbeat quality, throughout the day I remind myself, “BE PRESENT – this moment will never happen again!”

It’s hard and weighty to keep reminding myself of the span of life’s moments.

Being present w/ KLV

Regardless of what’s going on, I need to do a much better job of being present. Because at the end of a day and a lifetime that’s one of the greatest gifts I can give.

Are you good at being present?

Also Congrats to The Yankee Texan for winning the Aloha for Carol Ann giveaway!

Aloha for Carol Ann Giveaway & A Starbucks

2011-03-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the pleasure of reviewing a new children’s book called Aloha for Carol Ann by a writer friend, Margo Sorenson.

It’s a charming story of 8 year old Carol Ann who moves to Hawaii but doesn’t want new friends or a new school. The aloha spirit shows Carol Ann that her new school is just as special as her old. I can relate to that.

Wanting an honest review, I read Aloha for Carol Ann to KLV to get her reaction. She sat quietly during the entire read and asked me to read it again as soon as I closed the book. When a 2 year old asks to read a book again, you know it’s good!

So in honor of all that’s aloha we are giving away a signed copy of Aloha for Carol Ann. As a special bonus, I’m throwing in a $5.00 Starbucks gift card, in honor of KLV’s Tattie Wattaes.

To enter, follow me and leave a comment about your experience in grade school along with your email to enter. A winner will be chosen by Saturday, March 26, 2011.

ALOHA!

My Child Speaks....Starbucks

2011-03-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

Over the past 5 months KLV has been saying, “tattie wattae”. She speaks very well for her age so this phrase had us thoroughly confused. It sounded like an African phrase. What did it mean?

It was not until my trusty mother in law came for a visit that she decoded the “tattie wattae” mystery. She said, “I think she’s saying, Chai Tea Latte.” You know what folks, she was right.

My child speaks Starbucks.

For the record, KLV doesn’t drink Starbucks but listens intently as we do the weekly drive through run.

A few weeks later, KLV said, “Grande Tattie Wattae Mommy?”

So now my child speaks proficient Starbucks.

Out of the mouths of babes…