Do you ever feel like no matter what you do or how hard you try you're just running in place? You've "wasted" all this time, seemingly worked hard for something and you're literally in the exact same place! Ugh! I definitely feel like that...more than I should! I'm stuck. Or am I?
Last year was really rough for me...all the way around...so, I'm glad it's in the past and I know there's a reason I went through it. And yes, I can say I'm a different person than I was last year, I know more about myself...my strengths and all my weaknesses...and I know I can survive and persevere. It may not be fun or easy, but that's how we grow...how we become unstuck!
Even though in some aspects of my life I feel like I'm in the same place I know I'm not. I know I have a better perspective over my life and what I want. Now it's just about showing up every day, living life to the fullest...because life is TOO short...and making things happen! Change is good...as long as it pushes you towards your greatness! And I know I have greatness in me! We ALL do! We just have to be comfortable embracing that fact and go for it! Go for it all!! The best lesson to learn early in life is accepting change and being able to adapt to it without stressing over it. Change happens every day and will happen continuously throughout our lives, so the sooner we accept it's going to happen and appreciate it vs. feeling discouraged by it the better our lives will be overall.
So, how do I get unstuck?! Keep moving forward. Keep trying. Never give up. Keep learning. Keep God by your side, always! I'm going to keep going and be faithful in the routine of each new day. And, I'm going to be grateful for trying to do better...be better each and every day!!
Wishing you many blessings in this first week of May and that you become unstuck in whatever is holding you back in your life!!
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Planning Your Summer Vacation?
Are you planning your summer vacation yet? What are your "requirements" when planning your summer vacation? Are you looking for total relaxation, adventure, educational, and/or a combination of all of the above? Or do you just want your toes in the sand at the beach or your hiking boots on climbing new heights or indulging in a new culture overseas? What's your pleasure? Does it change every year or are you traditional in your vacation planning? What gets you excited about planning your summer vacation?
When I was younger, my parents would fly my older brother and I to Ocean City, MD. That was usually the one and only time we'd ever fly anywhere. I vaguely remember getting little tiny toy airplanes and other little toys on the plane from the airline no less! And, I remember my dad would just drive up to any hotel that we thought looked good, go in to see if there were any rooms available and then if he came out with a smile on his face and keys in his hand we knew we had a room for the night...or for the rest of our vacation. We would spend a day at the beach building sand castles and picking up sea shells, and I remember having bags of sea shells in our attic at home after collecting so many shells over the years. My dad and brother would go out fishing one day while my mom and I would shop along the boardwalk. My dad caught a blue marlin one year, had it stuffed and it hung in our kitchen. It was a beautiful fish! We had a lot of great memories during all of those beach summer vacations!
Our days of going to the same place every year (or almost every year) ended after we moved to Texas. It was just one of those shifts in how we did a lot of things differently after we moved. We went to a lot of different places more for educational reasons, but also to just explore. My parents always liked to explore...whether close to home or not. Plus, we had the twins now so every place we went we were driving. A lot of fun and long road trips!
So whatever summer vacation plans you may be making, I hope they bring you joy, relaxation, adventure and a ton of fond memories! That's what it's all about! Blessings to you and your family for a happy and safe final week of April!!
When I was younger, my parents would fly my older brother and I to Ocean City, MD. That was usually the one and only time we'd ever fly anywhere. I vaguely remember getting little tiny toy airplanes and other little toys on the plane from the airline no less! And, I remember my dad would just drive up to any hotel that we thought looked good, go in to see if there were any rooms available and then if he came out with a smile on his face and keys in his hand we knew we had a room for the night...or for the rest of our vacation. We would spend a day at the beach building sand castles and picking up sea shells, and I remember having bags of sea shells in our attic at home after collecting so many shells over the years. My dad and brother would go out fishing one day while my mom and I would shop along the boardwalk. My dad caught a blue marlin one year, had it stuffed and it hung in our kitchen. It was a beautiful fish! We had a lot of great memories during all of those beach summer vacations!
Our days of going to the same place every year (or almost every year) ended after we moved to Texas. It was just one of those shifts in how we did a lot of things differently after we moved. We went to a lot of different places more for educational reasons, but also to just explore. My parents always liked to explore...whether close to home or not. Plus, we had the twins now so every place we went we were driving. A lot of fun and long road trips!
So whatever summer vacation plans you may be making, I hope they bring you joy, relaxation, adventure and a ton of fond memories! That's what it's all about! Blessings to you and your family for a happy and safe final week of April!!
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Don't Forget...
The Holt International DFW picnic will be held on Saturday, June 3rd from 12-3 pm at Parr Park in Grapevine, TX. For those in the area, whether you've attended in the past or not you should have received a postcard in the mail this past week with all the details. If you've never attended one of our local picnics or even if you're not affiliated with Holt International, you are welcome to attend! It's a great opportunity to meet other adoptees (kids to adults), talk to other adoptive parents and to talk to prospective adoptive parents about their experiences. The kids have a great time playing at the splash pad and also on the playground, and the parents enjoy sharing their stories with other parents. So, don't miss out!
I hope to see you there! If you are going to attend, please ensure you register here:
https://holtinternational.org/picnics/
Have a blessed week ahead and enjoy each and every day!!
I hope to see you there! If you are going to attend, please ensure you register here:
https://holtinternational.org/picnics/
Have a blessed week ahead and enjoy each and every day!!
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Paying Respects...
Yesterday I attended a Memorial service for someone I didn't know very well, but when I left I wished I had known him better. Per my last post, a sudden and shocking loss of life for my childhood best friend who lost her husband. She was the first friend I made when we moved to Texas so I know her and her family well. She, her husband and I all went to high school together, but I only said "hi" to him once in high school. I briefly spoke to him over the past several years as they had opened a gourmet popcorn and candy shop, so I would see him there when I stopped by. I also had a book signing there when my book first came out and my dad spent most of the time talking to him. So, my dad got to know him probably a little better than I even did!
But, after hearing some of the stories about him over the years, the relationships he had with friends and family and seeing a packed sanctuary yesterday it showed his true character and the measure of the man that he was. His 15 year old son had everyone in tears...and then laughter. There were a lot of laughs, tears and hugs yesterday...and that's how it should be!
Also sadly, it was a mini high school reunion with so many former classmates in attendance. A lot of hugs, wishing we weren't meeting in those circumstances and a lot of comfort in seeing so many familiar faces. However, I think I love seeing the parents more in those circumstances than friends. Knowing that the parents have gone through so much over the years and still seeing their smiling faces gives us all strength and comfort. They just hold a special place in my heart.
Death is hard. It's a part of life...we all know. But, it doesn't lessen the grief or the pain when it comes especially when it's completely unexpected. With a terminal illness you know the inevitable is coming so you can prepare for it...you expect it at some point. But, when someone is suddenly ripped from your life it leaves a deeper hole of shock and grief. As their 15 year old son stated with such rawness and sadness yesterday "It's not fair." It's not. But, I know with God, faith and the support around him he will grow up to be an exceptional member of society. His mother has strength beyond measure and her grace is a shining example for all of us. She truly is the sweetest, kindest person you'll ever meet, so please keep my friend, her son and daughter in your prayers for the days and weeks ahead.
Blessings to you today and every day that you make each day count to the fullest!!
But, after hearing some of the stories about him over the years, the relationships he had with friends and family and seeing a packed sanctuary yesterday it showed his true character and the measure of the man that he was. His 15 year old son had everyone in tears...and then laughter. There were a lot of laughs, tears and hugs yesterday...and that's how it should be!
Also sadly, it was a mini high school reunion with so many former classmates in attendance. A lot of hugs, wishing we weren't meeting in those circumstances and a lot of comfort in seeing so many familiar faces. However, I think I love seeing the parents more in those circumstances than friends. Knowing that the parents have gone through so much over the years and still seeing their smiling faces gives us all strength and comfort. They just hold a special place in my heart.
Death is hard. It's a part of life...we all know. But, it doesn't lessen the grief or the pain when it comes especially when it's completely unexpected. With a terminal illness you know the inevitable is coming so you can prepare for it...you expect it at some point. But, when someone is suddenly ripped from your life it leaves a deeper hole of shock and grief. As their 15 year old son stated with such rawness and sadness yesterday "It's not fair." It's not. But, I know with God, faith and the support around him he will grow up to be an exceptional member of society. His mother has strength beyond measure and her grace is a shining example for all of us. She truly is the sweetest, kindest person you'll ever meet, so please keep my friend, her son and daughter in your prayers for the days and weeks ahead.
Blessings to you today and every day that you make each day count to the fullest!!
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Happy Easter!
HE is Risen!!
Happy Easter everyone! I hope you are enjoying this holy day with your family and friends! And, that you truly take the time to internalize the meaning of this day while educating your children and perhaps those that don't completely understand Christianity why this day is so important. With everything that's going on in our external world, things we can't necessarily control, we need to find a center that keeps us going...that attempts to make sense of all the madness and tragedy...and that navigates our moral compass. God has been and always will be the one constant in my life! The one thing I can always count on even when times are terribly rough, sad or frustrating. God is always there!
Sorry for missing Wednesday's post as I received very shocking and sad news about a very close friend's tragic news. Her husband died suddenly and he was only in his early 40's. We all went to high school together but I didn't know him very well back then. I've seen and talked to him more in the past few years. However, his wife was the first true best friend I made in Texas after we moved down here. She'll always hold a special place in my heart and she's truly loved by many! She and her family have endured so much loss in the past several years. First, a beloved friend from high school that many of us loved for her humor and friendship passed away from cancer. Then, her older sister died from pancreatic cancer less than 2 years after our friend passed. And now another tragic loss...the loss of a son, brother, husband, father and friend. Time is too short! Don't waste a single day!
And remember God's gift to all of us...life! Blessings to you and your family this Easter Sunday!!!
Happy Easter everyone! I hope you are enjoying this holy day with your family and friends! And, that you truly take the time to internalize the meaning of this day while educating your children and perhaps those that don't completely understand Christianity why this day is so important. With everything that's going on in our external world, things we can't necessarily control, we need to find a center that keeps us going...that attempts to make sense of all the madness and tragedy...and that navigates our moral compass. God has been and always will be the one constant in my life! The one thing I can always count on even when times are terribly rough, sad or frustrating. God is always there!
Sorry for missing Wednesday's post as I received very shocking and sad news about a very close friend's tragic news. Her husband died suddenly and he was only in his early 40's. We all went to high school together but I didn't know him very well back then. I've seen and talked to him more in the past few years. However, his wife was the first true best friend I made in Texas after we moved down here. She'll always hold a special place in my heart and she's truly loved by many! She and her family have endured so much loss in the past several years. First, a beloved friend from high school that many of us loved for her humor and friendship passed away from cancer. Then, her older sister died from pancreatic cancer less than 2 years after our friend passed. And now another tragic loss...the loss of a son, brother, husband, father and friend. Time is too short! Don't waste a single day!
And remember God's gift to all of us...life! Blessings to you and your family this Easter Sunday!!!
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Easter Egg Hunts
It's Easter egg hunt time! I'm sure you've seen them advertised all over (your) town...at churches, local subdivisions, your town, etc. My parents and I took my 3 nephews and 1 of my nieces to my town's annual Easter egg hunt yesterday. They had 4 different soccer fields filled with plastic eggs and candy for different age groups of children. My parents took my niece to the 3-4 age group field and I took my 3 nephews to the 7-12 age group field. We were planning out their strategy and wondering about the "silver" egg that contained a prize that was in every field. I thought there was more than 1 "prize" egg, but an Asian mom next to us heard our discussion and told us that there's only 1 "silver" egg per field and the prize was an Easter basket. She said you could just go buy one of those Easter baskets (fully filled) at Target. Ha! So, we decided to forget about the "silver" Easter egg.
The Asian mom was very friendly and told us they'd been there in previous years. We (the boys and I) assumed the actual hunt would be over in less than 5 minutes and it pretty much was! All the build-up and then it's over in a flash! The Asian mom asked me to take a picture of her family and I did and she offered to take a picture of us, but we declined. I took one of the boys before it started, but I did wonder if she wondered what I was doing there with 3 Caucasian looking boys. If she did she didn't say anything.
I stayed close to one of my nephews holding the bag for his eggs, but the other 2 ran ahead to collect theirs. Like I said, it was over in a flash and afterwards I couldn't find the other 2 boys. I definitely had a moment of panic wishing I had told them to meet back where we started. But, we just looked and looked until we found one and then looked and looked harder to find the other. Sheesh! Relief. Then it was off to find my parents and niece and we had established a meet-back spot so that was helpful. The boys were disappointed with what was inside their eggs, but I ensured them our Easter egg hunt today at my aunt's house (their great-aunt) would be much better...much more fruitful for them in the candy department. They agreed.
We've had our family Easter egg hunt before at my aunt's and she does it up big! She has a hunt for the kids and one for the adults. She may have to have 3 this year...one for the little girls, one for the boys and one for the adults. We'll see. But, the best one is for the adults, of course! We all stand ready to go at the door until we get to elbow our way out ahead when the door opens. Then it's a race to find the golden egg! Yes, the grand prize egg. Usually there are prizes in other eggs, but the golden egg usually has the biggest prize. All prizes are gift cards to local retailers. So, it's fun, competitive and exciting for all of us! A well-anticipated holiday by all of us thanks to my aunt!
So, bring on the Easter egg hunts! Many blessings for a memorable week leading up to Easter and all the festivities that come your way this week!!
The Asian mom was very friendly and told us they'd been there in previous years. We (the boys and I) assumed the actual hunt would be over in less than 5 minutes and it pretty much was! All the build-up and then it's over in a flash! The Asian mom asked me to take a picture of her family and I did and she offered to take a picture of us, but we declined. I took one of the boys before it started, but I did wonder if she wondered what I was doing there with 3 Caucasian looking boys. If she did she didn't say anything.
I stayed close to one of my nephews holding the bag for his eggs, but the other 2 ran ahead to collect theirs. Like I said, it was over in a flash and afterwards I couldn't find the other 2 boys. I definitely had a moment of panic wishing I had told them to meet back where we started. But, we just looked and looked until we found one and then looked and looked harder to find the other. Sheesh! Relief. Then it was off to find my parents and niece and we had established a meet-back spot so that was helpful. The boys were disappointed with what was inside their eggs, but I ensured them our Easter egg hunt today at my aunt's house (their great-aunt) would be much better...much more fruitful for them in the candy department. They agreed.
We've had our family Easter egg hunt before at my aunt's and she does it up big! She has a hunt for the kids and one for the adults. She may have to have 3 this year...one for the little girls, one for the boys and one for the adults. We'll see. But, the best one is for the adults, of course! We all stand ready to go at the door until we get to elbow our way out ahead when the door opens. Then it's a race to find the golden egg! Yes, the grand prize egg. Usually there are prizes in other eggs, but the golden egg usually has the biggest prize. All prizes are gift cards to local retailers. So, it's fun, competitive and exciting for all of us! A well-anticipated holiday by all of us thanks to my aunt!
So, bring on the Easter egg hunts! Many blessings for a memorable week leading up to Easter and all the festivities that come your way this week!!
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
2nd Quarter
Can you believe we're already into the 2nd quarter of the year already? If you work for a company that runs off a traditional annual calendar (January - December), you've just closed out the 1st quarter, are waiting for 1st quarter results (and a potential quarterly bonus) and are executing 2nd quarter plans now. I've been wired into that kind of quarterly schedule for pretty much my entire career. Do you have an annual timetable or schedule you go by throughout the year? Is it the school year calendar? Is it a project by project timetable? We all run off of some kind of schedule that drives us to the next goal, phase, chapter, school year, etc.
So, what will the 2nd quarter hold in store for us? As a marketer and planner at heart, it depends on what's been strategically planned out into marketing plans and then executing on those plans...and hopefully they work out the way you planned. But, as an experienced planner I know things don't always go as planned. That goes for life in general, too. We all learn that lesson time after time throughout our lives. So, having a contingency plan or back-up plan is always important. Whether that's at work or in life. Plan B, C, and D can all be as successful as you once thought Plan A would be. Sometimes it just takes a little more effort or a detour to get there.
Whatever is in store for your 2nd quarter, I hope it's productive, successful and full of fun and excitement! We all need a little more fun in our lives...and laughter and love! Wishing you many blessings for a memorable 2nd quarter!!
So, what will the 2nd quarter hold in store for us? As a marketer and planner at heart, it depends on what's been strategically planned out into marketing plans and then executing on those plans...and hopefully they work out the way you planned. But, as an experienced planner I know things don't always go as planned. That goes for life in general, too. We all learn that lesson time after time throughout our lives. So, having a contingency plan or back-up plan is always important. Whether that's at work or in life. Plan B, C, and D can all be as successful as you once thought Plan A would be. Sometimes it just takes a little more effort or a detour to get there.
Whatever is in store for your 2nd quarter, I hope it's productive, successful and full of fun and excitement! We all need a little more fun in our lives...and laughter and love! Wishing you many blessings for a memorable 2nd quarter!!
Sunday, April 2, 2017
April Showers...
It's a rainy Sunday morning...and hopefully the severe weather will stay away. Although, more hail and high winds are in the forecast. Since last Sunday's hail storm we've had a couple more stormy days including today. So, I guess spring has arrived and April showers are upon us!
I actually don't mind the rain too much since my lawn needs the water after my dad fertilized it a couple days ago. And, my garden will thank the skies for opening up since my dad and I also got my garden planted...with green beans (the hearty staple that grows great every year), onions and cantaloupe. No tomatoes, bell peppers, butternut squash, cucumbers or green onions this year. Sometimes they do well but most of the time the heat kills them before any goodness gets grown. But, my dad is also helping my sister plant her garden, so I'm sure they'll be some yummy goodness from her garden, as well.
So yes, hopefully April showers bring May flowers, green lawns, cooler temps and plentiful gardens! Rain is good, but a little less wind and hail would be even better...especially until I can get a new roof up! Thankfully it's still hanging in there and I'm grateful for it's continued protection! Shelter from the storms is a blessing!
I hope whatever storms are passing by you'll realize the nourishment it's providing and you'll enjoy the beauty on the other side of the storms. We are guaranteed to see the sun shine again and the clouds to part as blue skies shine down upon us after we've weathered the storm. Blessings for the April showers in our lives!!
I actually don't mind the rain too much since my lawn needs the water after my dad fertilized it a couple days ago. And, my garden will thank the skies for opening up since my dad and I also got my garden planted...with green beans (the hearty staple that grows great every year), onions and cantaloupe. No tomatoes, bell peppers, butternut squash, cucumbers or green onions this year. Sometimes they do well but most of the time the heat kills them before any goodness gets grown. But, my dad is also helping my sister plant her garden, so I'm sure they'll be some yummy goodness from her garden, as well.
So yes, hopefully April showers bring May flowers, green lawns, cooler temps and plentiful gardens! Rain is good, but a little less wind and hail would be even better...especially until I can get a new roof up! Thankfully it's still hanging in there and I'm grateful for it's continued protection! Shelter from the storms is a blessing!
I hope whatever storms are passing by you'll realize the nourishment it's providing and you'll enjoy the beauty on the other side of the storms. We are guaranteed to see the sun shine again and the clouds to part as blue skies shine down upon us after we've weathered the storm. Blessings for the April showers in our lives!!
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