Tag Archives: Challenged

Monday Gets to the End of 52 Weeks…Wow!

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Wow!  Wow!  Wow!  I can hardly believe I have been sitting down each Monday for 52 weeks to post here!  It is amazing to me that I have found so much to write about….especially since I didn’t really know much about writing in the first place.  I thought you had to have a journalism degree or maybe a master degree in something to be able to come up with things that people might be interested in reading.  After the first week, I really didn’t think I could continue here.  Quite honestly, by the time the second Monday rolled around, I was kicking myself for making the commitment.  What was I thinking!!  For the first few weeks my brain would resist the effort to create the post and I would spend hours and hours trying to just get 5-600 words down on paper…..writing and re-writing and often deleting everything and starting over.  After the first month, not only did the words start coming easier; but I was really looking forward to the process….an addiction was formed and I often had to delete stuff because it was way too much to include.

What have I learned from this 52-week process?  Lots!  I’ve learned that I can do a lot more things than I ever thought I could.  I’ve learned that the people around me, in my every day life, have taught me a lot about myself and have given me new appreciation and respect for the most simple of daily encounters.  I have gained new heroes in the most unexpected places!!  And new friends all over the world…..many that I will never meet….but some that I hope I have the opportunity to meet face to face some day.  I have realized that we all need to hear the words “You Matter” and feel that we are making a difference in some way.  My goal was a simple one…make a difference in someone’s life each Monday.  What I didn’t expect is to find how much it was making a difference in MY life each Monday!!

You all have encouraged and inspired me to continue my goal of 52 weeks and have brightened my Monday’s with your sweet comments and sharing of your loving feelings.   I couldn’t have done it without your help and support.  I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the difference you have made in my life.

So where do we go from here?  Big Question.  This weekly blog post has made me question and contemplate “What else can I accomplish?”  I have a few things in mind; but not certain what the exact choice will be yet.  My bucket list seems to be growing.   I’m going to take a little break from my Monday posting and decide what I want to do next.  I will post to this Blog site what the new one might be.  I hope you will join me on the new journey.  If you haven’t already done so, please sign up with your email here on this site; so you will get an email with the unveiling of where I will be next.  I would love for all you to continue along my path of discovery.

 I hope the spirit of JustStartWithMonday will continue in your life and that you continue to believe that YOU MATTER.

I hope you have realized just how simple it is to make a difference in someone else’s life.

It’s important to open your heart to new possibilities in making that continue to happen.

I’ll be back soon.

I hope today is a special Monday for you.

I know it is for me!!

Smiles,

Nancy

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Monday Gets Postponed

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I’m not ready for Monday; so I would like to just postpone it.  That’s right!!  Let’s start tomorrow or maybe the next day.  You know….stop the clocks.  Gone Fishin’!  Anyone want to join me?!!

How many times do you hear someone say…”If I had just one more day…”  We always think we would be better at something or more prepared or feel more rested or just have a better start….if we just had a little more time!  I do it all the time.  I call them the “Should’ve, Would’ve, Could’ve ‘s”  We all think we are just on the edge of a breakthrough or look for something to, at least, use as an excuse for why we don’t do better.  I’ve been doing it all day.  I have a huge project that is due tomorrow; but my usual combination of poor planning and procrastination has got me in a ‘dash for the finish line’ for tomorrow’s project.  I have all the valid excuses (or so I keep telling myself) of why I have put myself in this place.  You know what REALLY annoys me??  This is not the first time….nor it will it probably be the last time!  Why do I do this to myself??

Maybe I like the thrill of the last minute rush, or maybe I AGAIN didn’t plan wisely or maybe even, I set myself up to fail sometimes.  Honestly, right now, I’m thinking I’m just plain stupid!

OK….we realistically can’t postpone Monday….and even though it didn’t get off to a great start, perhaps it can end on a high note.  Nose to the grindstone.  Let’s get those projects finished.  I am the little red engine…I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!! 

How about you?  Got any of these hot fires to put out around your house?  I’ve started at the top of my priority list.  Today I will tackle my list and get my project finished.

By the end of the day, I will probably be exhausted.  But, sometimes there is a good type of exhausted feeling…..the feeling of accomplishment and getting things done.

At the end of the day, Pat yourself on the back.

But, don’t linger on your laurels for too long.

Tomorrow is a new day and I’m sure you have lots you need to get marked off your list.  Start each day with an attitude of doing your very best and not wasting precious time in front of a TV or maybe your computer or any of the multiple possibilities of not staying on track to be the best you can be.

Your friends on Facebook will understand.  In fact, how about posting to your timeline, the list you want to get accomplished this week.  I dare you to make the declaration….and follow through with gusto.

Sorry I couldn’t really postpone Monday for you.

You might find out, however, it’s going to turn out to be a great day.

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets Writer’s Block

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I think I have writer’s block today….Wikipedia defines it as “a condition, primarily associated with writing as a profession” (hmmmm…questionable though because this really isn’t my profession), “in which an author loses the ability to produce new work”.  It goes on to indicate “the degree this “disease” can escalate to “some ‘blocked’ writers have been unable to work for years and some have even abandoned their careers.”  Can you imagine just not been able to write anything that made half-way sense for YEARS??

It seems I’m in good company though….F. Scott Fitzgerald struggled with the affliction as did the amazing Charles M. Schulz.  Maybe I should just ‘go with this’ and just consider myself among the famous writers.  You know…kind of like a prestigious club member.

The scientific theory is that “under stress, a human brain will shift control from the cerebral cortex to the limbic system.  The limbic system is associated with the instinctual processes, such as fight or flight response.  Because the person is primarily thinking in instinctual (learned) behaviors, creative processes are hindered.”  Guess that makes sense.  Guess scientists don’t consider that a person is really tired….or maybe just lazy sometimes.

I think it’s funny how we have all the perfect words put together to say sometimes.  We rehearse them over and over before we’re ready to present them on our “chosen life stage”…..and then when the moment arrives….all those perfectly rehearsed words are just lost in space somewhere.  We all have this super brain that is capable to doing so much more than what we use it for in our daily lives….but most really don’t.  In fact, some people seem like they leave theirs at home sometimes.  My Dad use to say that some people just use that container where the brain is for a place to hang their hat!  I’m sure you’ve met a few people like that, huh?

Did you know that the statement we only use 10% of our brain is a myth?  If it were true, then surgeons could remove more than half our brain and nothing would be affected….not the case….something is ALWAYS affected…speech, walking, talking.  What is true, however,  is that most of us only reach the potential of 10% of our brain capacity.  That’s right….we all have the potential of becoming great inventors or scientist or even great writers or whatever we might want to pursue.  If we want to do that….we have to push ourselves…and our brain to work harder, longer, with more accuracy every single day.  I always bought into the myth of 10% brainpower, but now I’m thinking that I’ve just been wasting time.  Like now….in the same time that I’m “declaring” that I have writer’s block, I could have written the first few pages of a best-selling novel.  Right?!!

What masterpiece will you create today by using ALL YOUR brain?!!

You could be a famous painter or maybe you could discover a cure for some of the horrible diseases that one of your friends or family are suffering with right now.

A brand new symphony would be nice.  Or maybe a new Broadway play.

Whatever “masterpiece” you have in mind, don’t be afraid to, at least, TRY to start to create it. Everyone has SOMETHING that they have said at some point that they “wish” they could do.

How will you ever know if you can do something, if you don’t at least try to do it?!!

Start now….start today.  It’s Monday….a good day to begin.

Well, guess I better get busy.  I’ve got a masterpiece to produce.

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets Organized

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pileI know it is hard to tell from this pile of garbage…..but I have really been busy getting organized this week.  I feel like I have been hoarding so many unnecessary pieces of garbage.  Some of them, I am still not certain why I kept them in the first place.  If it was a memorable experience, it must not have been too impressive because no details of the event remain in my mind!

I am cleaning out closets and files and cabinets and things I have stashed–all with the certain feeling they would be used one day soon.  Well, it just didn’t happen….so time to let them go.   This pile went to the recycling bin and bags of clothes and books and other no longer necessary objects went to Goodwill.

I’m not sure why I have kept so much junk.  I moved to California with just a small U-Haul trailer and somehow it seems that everything was like a compressed sponge and has swollen to 3 or 4 times its original size.stuffed house

Why do you think we feel we need to hang onto our junk?  Is it a childhood thing? or just a normal human thing?  And it seems we have such big plans for the things we do save….fix the broken leg on an old couch or refinish an old desk (even though it has never fit in any house where we have lived) or maybe write a book from old research papers from college we have saved?!!  Or maybe we  just continue trying to pretend all the stuff doesn’t exist so we don’t have to deal with it.

Well….today’s the day to start fresh and clean out that clutter in your life….and your garage, apartment, house or wherever you have stashed all that stuff!  Don’t even think of the current state of the disaster…rather visualize what it will look like when you are all finished.  Go pick up a bunch of boxes and containers to help with the process.  Label a few “donation”, a couple are for keepers and a few ‘to be determined’ are allowed.  Start early in the day and keep snacks and beverages handy so you will keep focused on the task.

Here’s some visuals for you to get started….

Before Organizing

Before Organizing

After Organizing

After Organizing

Before organizing

Before organizing

Okay…..so this is a little bit of an exaggeration but sometimes that’s just what we need to really see the true picture of something that we need to deal with……and deal with it in a positive way!

After Organizing

After Organizing

So while you’re going through all your things…ask yourself questions….like….do I really need this now?  or maybe picture another person or family using the items that need them more than you?  if you think you do, in fact, need something…..be sure to ask yourself ‘will I use this in the next year?’  If not, then there is a really good chance that you won’t use it in the next 3-5 years!  And, if it’s like some of my things….I hadn’t used them in the previous 2 or 3 years either!!

I read that if you’re really having trouble letting go of something that you should take a picture of it.  That way, you’ll still have something tangible to “hold onto” but without all the clutter.  I’ve never tried that but let me know if it works for you.  Be sure to take a picture of all the stuff you are donating too…..great tax deduction and much more valid if you have a picture of things.

So, where are you going to start?

Maybe even start with your car!

You’ll need it to haul away all the things you are getting rid of so better make space and be able to load everything up as you are sorting.  Once it’s packed in your car, it’s hard to change your mind…..especially when you start seeing areas that are already showing signs of being neat and sorted.

I’ve got to get back to my piles here.

I want to make 2013 the best it can be and be ready for whatever wonderful adventure might come along.

Oh yeah!  Sometimes, you find amazing treasures amongst all the clutter….hope that motivates you to get started!!  Wonder what you will find?!!

Smiles and Happy Monday,

Nancy

Monday Gets Team Spirit

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I was working today helping out friends who have a new start-up company.  There were about 7 or 8 of us and we were packing boxes to ship out tomorrow.  We have been working on these for a few days and today was the finale.  Some of us had never met before and some were familiar faces.  During the course of production, we had all gravitated to the task that we seemed to be the most efficient.  We fell into a synchronization that made the production seem like it was automated.  No conveyor belts or fancy machines…..only people working together for a common end-goal.

It was interesting to feel the support and camaraderie of all working together to do our best and support the person on each side of you.  When one got behind, another would come over to help catch up and then move back in place when the “machine” was running smoothly again.  It was team spirit and I realize now that it was great feeling to be a part of it today.  Someone commented that it felt like we were little elves packing up for Santa’s big delivery.

elves

I grew up in a neighborhood that this was a common happening….not just a rare event like today.  Even though I was very young, I clearly remember how nice it felt to be a part of a group of people who sincerely cared about each other and were always available to lend a hand.  It really didn’t matter how difficult the task, there was always someone with just the right expertise to be the leader and others did their part to fill the gaps and take on the part that seemed to fit their own level of knowledge and skills.   I have old pictures of my parents and their friends and it seemed they were always having a good time too.

I think everyone likes that feeling of having support and help along the way.  Sometimes, it seems easier to just do things alone; but there is that spirit of teamwork that we miss out on.  We all like gratification from time to time and somehow standing up and clapping for our accomplishments alone just isn’t the same!  High-fiving the “air” just doesn’t give us the same splash of praise as a friend or co-worker might do for us.

Perhaps, there’s someone in your neighborhood or a friend you know that could use a little help.  Or maybe you have a project that you have been putting off because starting it by yourself just doesn’t seem like much fun.

Why not suggest to others that  working together on these projects might be something to try out for a change.

Maybe someone in your group of friends can be the leader and others can add their own expertise to the task.

Maybe even someone could offer to cook on the grill or “whip up” a yummy meal to enjoy while you’re “merrily working along together”

Doesn’t that sound like fun?….Rather than drudgery that you perceived the task at hand to be?

Maybe it’s something as dramatic as adding on a room to a house or something as simple as re-painting a wall or planting a few new trees in your yard.  Maybe you’re an expert at both or maybe you don’t have a clue where to even start.

Well, pool your talents and I’m sure not only will the job be more fun; but it will also probably be done better and faster.

Come on, Team!team_spirit

Ready to get started?!!

Let’s help each other.

Let’s have fun.

Ready! Set! Go!

Let’s get the job done…..together!

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets the Flu…or not??!!

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I feel like I am being stalked around each corner by that big, bad germ a/k/a “THE FLU”!!  It seems people are literally throwing it in my path…….mainly because some people have not learned how to cover their face when they sneeze or cough!!   I see the “tsunami” coming down the aisle towards me and I do everything I can to get out of the way….including hitting a display or two in the escape.  tsunamiBut, there’s not just one or two or three of those frightening germ waves, there’s hundreds of thousands of them everywhere!!! There is no safe haven to avoid their invasion.

I want to become a bear and just hibernate until it is safe to come out.  Unfortunately, it is not possible to find a cozy cave somewhere and the reality of life must prevail.  And as the battle of the big, bad bug forges on, I have decided to tackle it head on and remain positive that I will win the war!

Monday Gets the Flu…..or Not?!!

There are so many strategies and defenses to incorporate and I am trying to select the one that works best for me.  The number one suggestion by the medical world is to have the flu vaccine.  Although I know it is a good thing for some, I don’t think I am one of them.  The more I read about the statistics of its effectiveness, etc., the less I think I want to have one.  Since we are already into the middle of the season, my odds of getting the flu are hopefully diminishing….hopefully!!    I have upped my dosage of vitamins and added D3 to the regiment, drinking lots of water and herbal tea and brought out the ole Nettie Pot!!  It is NOT my favorite thing to use, but it sure clears out your sinus passages quickly.

I think the foods we take in are important too; so cooked up a big crockpot full of chicken and vegetable soup.  crockpotSince the court system has proven it to be medicinal and effective, then got to buy into it that it will do me some good.  It’s always nice to make extra too, so you can share with family or neighbors.  If you keep those around you healthy, then it’s bound to increase your odds of being exposed, right?!!  Hmmm…if we see lemonade stands in summer, wonder why we don’t see chicken soup stands in winter??!!  Any entrepreneurs out there??  I’d sure stop for a cup.

Don’t you think it would be great if all offices during the flu season, encouraged nap time during the day?  Rest is so important and if we could just take a little 20-minute snooze during the day, I think we would all benefit from it.

Nap time!!

Nap time!!

Perhaps, by “ergonomically correct” standards, all desk chairs would be required to recline and offer a foot rest.  I would gladly furnish my own blanket and pillow.  Want to join me in lobbying for a new design to your office chair?

Preventative medicine is always the best rule, so sure hope it is the one that gets me “to the top of the hill” and away from this evil Flu monster.

I hope you are all taking good care of yourselves too.

I am sure that many of you are also taking care of children or spouses or maybe your parents are requiring your help right now.

Be sure to NOT neglect yourself and include Number 1 on

the list to care for and pamper.

Got any good remedies that you want to share?

Hope you stay healthy and start your year NOT having the flu!!

Today is Monday.

Meet you here next week to see how you’re feeling.

Good Luck.

good-luck

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets A Brand-New Year

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Well, it’s 2013!  Wow!  Wonder what the year will bring for us all??!!  Health, wealth, adventure, problems, failure…..yes, they are all possibilities.  But, we do have choices…..and we can choose the path that will be the best for us.

My blogger friend JoyLevel recently posted how we tend to experience the energy (negative or positive) of the emotions we project.  Something to be said about putting a smile on your face even when times are tough!  My dog Tramp always makes me laugh during the day for something entertaining he might do.  Maybe he has learned that he will get a nice hug for his silly antics!  He projects positive energy….and I give it back.  Good trade!

Another fellow blogger Onthehomefrontandbeyond is searching for the “Bliss” in life.  It’s really funny to hear some of the places she “is finding it.”  I think we all need to realize that it’s the small things that really count and simple moments can be the most memorable.

My good friend, Matt Emerzian, spoke at the TedX conference in San Diego and he is always one to offer some inspiring words.  His main message is to let everyone know ‘You Matter‘, but he also reminds us too that “It’s Not All About Us”.  I think the people who experience the most joy in life are examples of this.  The things that they do “lift us” because we recognize that it is being offered in the most unselfish way.

Stutley Tales often reminds me that there are blessings from above and no matter what struggles we have, we can gain strength by looking to the heavens for guidance.  She is a nice example of that and I would love it if she lived in my neighborhood, so I could visit with her regularly.  Despite some very difficult struggles, she always finds the beauty in the most simple happenings.

Paleolithic MD has changed my health so drastically in the last year that I feel he has given me back 20 years of my life.  I am now convinced that living to be a 100 can definitely be on my bucket list.  If I had loads of money, I would make him my primary physician and fly to Louisiana for checkups.

I wonder what this year has in store for me?  Traveling perhaps?  New Job?  Checking off things on my Bucket List?   I started this Blog with a 52-week commitment.  I’m not sure what I will do past that goal line. This is Blog Post #43!!  My posts have had over 3400 views and been viewed by people in 63 countries!   I have amazed myself that I made it past the first Monday.  In the beginning, it was really difficult.  I really thought it was beyond my expertise level.   I would spend hours writing and then in one click delete most of it because it just wasn’t working for me….Just a bunch of words that went nowhere.  It was a real chore; and if I didn’t start working on it mid week, I knew I wouldn’t make the Monday deadline.  But, because I made the commitment to myself and others, I knew I had to continue….despite the sometimes thoughts that it was the craziest decision I had ever made!  Well, somewhere along the way, something changed.  Not only did it get easier, but I started looking forward to working on each Monday’s post.  It became more a part of me and the realization that I could make just one person’s day a little brighter by sending them smiles or saying those simple words….You Matter!….was so motivating…..AND became a special inspiration to me!!  I never thought in my attempt to motivate others….that I would be, in fact, the one that benefited from it too.

So….whatever it is you would like to accomplish this year….make the commitment!

It might be a bit tough at first, but I am sure along the way the same magical change will happen for you too.

Keep focusing on the fact that when you make positive changes for yourself….you also make a positive difference for others around you!

And no matter what is the end results,

Always remember……“You Matter”

Happy 2013

Hope it is a super, super year.

smileSmiles,  Nancy

Monday Gets A New Lesson

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Today, I was reminded of a lesson that I was taught early in my life that at the time seemed like just a big pain in my neck…. but turned into one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Monday Gets a New Lesson

My parents, particularly my Dad, would NEVER let me get away with just doing a job with half effort.  If I was going to do something, I had to do the best job I could.  One time, I took on this project to refinish an old desk.  I think I was 12 or so.  I started my project and after about 5 minutes was really “over” completing this grand idea, so pretty much just slapped the rest of the paint on.  My Dad was watching from a distance and if I recall correctly, even let me walk away from it while the paint was drying.  A few hours later, on my return to retrieve my project, my Dad (in his very quiet manner, with one eyebrow raised) informed me that the job was not finished.  He further proceeded to let me know that I needed to re-sand the whole desk and apply another layer of varnish.  I huffed a bit, of course, but (that raised-eyebrow scowl always scared me a bit), again sanded the desk and “slapped” the second coat of varnish on.  Again…he let me walk away for the desk to dry.  And….AGAIN upon my return, he gave me the same directions!!  More huffing and puffing on my part!

So….I am now a bit embarrassed to admit that this went on for the rest of the day and into the next.  As the project progressed (or di-gressed—whichever way you want to look at it), I stopped even get any words out of him, he would simply look at me and nod his head in a negative manner and walk back to his own project with no further words.

Well…..Thankfully!!….I finally “GOT IT”.  If I was ever going to be free to get on with my life (there’s so many important things happening in a 12 year old’s life, you know), I was going to have to resort to doing the job correctly…..and so I did.

FINALLY, I knew I was finished…..With the last try, my Dad just looked at me……and smiled…..and said “Good Job”!!

Well, that desk is still going strong….now, almost 50 years later.  Through the years NOTHING could permeate its surface with all the multiple layers of varnish….and I always felt a sense of pride when I looked at it.

So…..when I’m somewhere working whether it might be sitting at a desk job typing or washing my car or helping out someone else.  I think of this wonderful lesson I was taught early in life….If you’re going to do something, do it right and do the best job you can!  Not just because you might have to “do it again”, but rather because, in the end,  you can feel a great sense of pride about yourself and about the mission you have accomplished.

I wish everyone felt the same way about tackling projects.  It seems there are so many who just do a “slapped on” job.  Unfortunately, they will never feel that sense of accomplishment or pride about what they do.  Maybe that’s what is so wrong in this world.  Many people just don’t want to make that effort.  Very sad!

So everyone reading today….here’s your challenge.

No matter what you do…whether it is cleaning your house, washing

your car, wrapping presents, cooking dinner, digging a ditch or any

other kind of task you take on…..do the very best job you can

possibly do.  Then….Stand back and admire your work

and feel the sense of pride that spreads through

your whole body!!

And know that….You’ve just made a difference and the world is

a better place because of your efforts!

My Dad will be so proud of you.

He’s an Angel in Heaven now, so I’m sure he will be watching.

You Matter!

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets Supportive of Thanksgiving Day

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Thanksgiving was first observed by the Pilgrims after they had survived a very difficult winter after landing in this country at a time when it was too late in the season and too cold to plant crops.  By the following fall season, their crops were bountiful and they celebrated with a huge feast.

What happened to that joyful celebration?  It seems there is more advertisement about Black Friday than there is Turkey Day (or Tofurky Day if your Vegan).  Granted we have not endured such a struggle as the poor Pilgrims; but we have endured a struggle of times in our economy and why not take time to do a little celebrating.  And even better….take time to give thanks!

Monday Gets Supportive of Thanksgiving Day

What are you thankful for?  It’s Happy List Time Again!!  That’s right.  Sit down and stop your crazy world just for a moment to make a list of all the things that you feel you can be thankful for in this world.  Everyone should really have a minimum of 50 things on their list and most should easily top a couple hundred.  That’s right!!  I said a couple hundred things to be thankful for today.  What’s wrong with you?  Are you blind?  Look around you and open your eyes to all the beauty and wonderful things around you.

There are places where there is fighting going on continuously, day in and day out,  and places where people are hungry and suffering, and other places where the very best one will every experience is a small little one room shack with dirt floors.  How can we not feel thankful?!!  How can we not think of stopping this crazy world for just ONE day to sit with friends and family and take the moment to appreciate all our blessings.

I know everyone likes a good bargain, but does the infamous Black Friday have to become such a focus for this week.  It really should just be one of those “maybe I’ll see what the stores have to offer” experience rather than a huge circled day on the calendar.  I’ve worked retail during that time and it is a real zoo.  Some people have fun and they are there with friends or family having a good time after sharing a big family meal together.  However, many are rude, angry, and will stop at nothing to get the items they have decided they deserve for this holiday shopping extravaganza.  They can turn a table of freshly stacked clothes into an unruly, twisted mesh of fabric in less than 10 seconds!  Sometimes, it seemed they really didn’t even have a thought of purchasing from the stack, but just couldn’t help themselves in tackling the pile with their violent outbreak.  And look out if the store happens to run out of an item!!  I think some would lie down in front of the door until you had the item personally delivered to them and it better be there in 5 seconds max.  I’d like to think that most are just out trying to save a little money or get a head start on their Christmas list, but at least you could be nice to other people while you’re doing it.

So what are you thankful for?

And are you going to enjoy this Thursday with some of your family or maybe some really great friends?

Before you dive into your feast and stuff yourself until you feel you are going to explode, how about you just take a moment for everyone around the table to express a few things that they feel are blessings in their lives.

It doesn’t have to be anything dramatic or sensational….some times it’s the little things that leave us feeling the most thankful and joyful.

Be sure to not let the moment pass to let someone know how much they matter to you too.  Thanksgiving is a good time to show your appreciation for the special ones in your life who have helped you along the way.

I feel very blessed this year to be spending the day with my sweet son.  I’m looking forward to catching up on a few weeks of missed time.

I want you all to know that You Matter.  You can make a difference in this world by just appreciating the beautiful people and things around you.

So Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

I hope Thursday is a very special day for you.  Make it happen!

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets Political—or Not

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There are so many things happening in our country that seem to tax one’s political side to the max.  The Presidential Election!  Wow!  There’s a lot to take into consideration.  It would be great if we had two really outstanding candidates; but unfortunately, it just seems we are voting for the lesser of two evils.  I know that just “raised the hair on the back of your neck” for some; but I just think everyone is trying to rationalize and stretch the positive points.

What happened to the truth in politics….or was that ever a possibility?   Why does everyone have to skirt the issues?  Why can’t they just ‘say it like it is’?!!

MONDAY GETS POLITICAL….or NOT

Don’t you think it would be wonderful to have someone stand up in front of the nation and say….”Hey, I’m not perfect and I don’t have all the answers, but I am going to try my very best to get the job done.  I’ve got a great team behind me and if I don’t know something, you can be assured my staff is going to work to find all the details to inform me about the issue so I can make the very best decision.”  And…then actually do that!!  Instead…they skirt the issues, lie when they feel it might slip by and rarely just say “I don’t know!”

There’s so much diversity in all areas in our country right now.  There are people who will fight to the end to honor and protect our country….and there are those who find it appropriate to picket a funeral of a family who have just lost a son or husband fighting for our nation.  There is complete destruction on the East Coast from Hurricane Sandy and then there are areas that seem almost immune to anything except blue skies and balmy breezes today.  Gas prices dropping by at least a dollar a gallon in California….and little gas available in New York/New Jersey.  But, everyone, no matter what their circumstances, is looking for some balance, some certainty, some kept promises…..some hope.  Wouldn’t it be great if tomorrow’s election provided that?!!

Some people that read this Blog aren’t from the United States.  I wonder what they think about all the debates that have gone on between the candidates.  I wonder if it seems very appropriate and common or rather sounds like a bunch of whining kids who are trying to get their way!!

I guess it could always be worse.  We could have no freedom, no choices, no right to vote.  We could be living in war zones and fearing for our lives every moment of the day.  I just think we sometimes take what we have for granted and some take advantage of the freedoms we are given.

So for this new reign of the elected officials of our country….whomever it might be….

I wish for some forward movement of resolving some of the issues of healthcare and national debt and unemployment and an overall struggling nation.

I wish for the citizens of this country to be able to feel they are being represented and supported by candidates who are sincere in their efforts and follow through on all their promises.

I wish the candidates that are elected are true to their word and can see the struggles of many and fight to make changes, so some of the suffering can end.

And….I wish for this Monday to indeed be the start of something new and exciting.  Wouldn’t it be nice to get back that American spirit and everyone be able to feel proud to be an American.  I think we have lost a little of that.

So remember to vote tomorrow

and choose your candidates wisely.

Let’s hope brighter days and good times are just around the corner.

Onward and Forward!

Smiles,  Nancy