Monday Gets A Ghost Writer

CoverHi!  My name is Tramp.  You’ve heard a little bit about me in my Master’s (I call her Mom) post here.  I am her forever, loyal sidekick and love spending time hanging out with her.  My Mom is a bit under the weather today, so I thought I would help her out and take over her Blog post for the day.  She is sleeping now so got to hurry and get this finished.  She probably wouldn’t like knowing that I put my dirty paws on her computer.  Let me tell you a little about myself.

I was born in the deep South and was known to many as Blackie from what I’m told.  I don’t really remember much beyond that as I was just a young pup when I came to live with my Mom in Florida.  I had been at a shelter for several months and despite the great care I got there, I was a bit lonely, scared and confused.  Well, one day a nice lady by the name of Sandi picked me up and took me to her house to give me a nice bath.  She told me I was going to meet someone who had another dog and she thought they might want to give me a new home.  I was very excited, but a little nervous too.  We went to a park and waited for my possible new owners to arrive.  Sure enough, right on time, they arrived.  Well, out of the car stepped this most beautiful yellow lab named Lady.  She was such a pretty thing and so full of life and smiles.  From what I got from the pieces of conversation was that Lady wasn’t always friendly to other pets and her master wanted us to meet and see how we got along.  Well, I was sure on my best behavior and Lady seemed to be pretty nice.  She did mention quietly under her breathe to me that she was “Queen Bee” and I should be super aware of that.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

So Sandi and this possible new owner talked for a bit while Lady and I got to know each other a little better.  They finished talking and Sandi told me to come with her to get back in the car.  I was so disappointed.  But….as my ears sagged a bit, this nice lady interrupted her and said “No, No….I want to take him with me today.  I just needed to make sure they would get along okay!”  Well….can you imagine my excitement?!!!  Today was MY best day ever.  Sandi was a bit surprised but very thrilled too.   This new owner had even brought me my very own collar and leash and had a crate ready in the car with a nice clean blanket in it.  I thought I was dreaming!!!

On our ride home, I think I slept like I hadn’t slept in months.  I was going to a new home and felt certain they would take good care of me.  My new Mom took me inside my new home and then showed me this GREAT yard where I could play and run.  I was sooooo excited.  I was Home!!  She showed me where I would be sleeping (right next to Lady) and then she gave me a big bowl of food.  Yums!  Biscuits too!  I was so tired after all the excitement of the day that I just kept falling asleep.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I guess by now, you realize how I got my name….Lady and the Tramp just seemed to be the right fit.

Many adventures have happened over the past eight years.  Lady and I spent many hours together wandering around our yard and laying in the sun and digging holes.  Lady was quite successful at begging for biscuits and I always got one too.   My sweet Lady was eight years old when I arrived; and sadly, she went onto doggie heaven a few years back.  My Mom and I moved to Tennessee for a while, but neither one of us liked the cold and snow.  So Mom packed us up and across country we went to live in Southern California.  I really like the sunshine and warm weather but best of all I get to have a second master….my best buddy Joey.  I squeal and run around every time he comes in the door.  He makes me happy!

I do lots of neat things here in California….I sunbatheIMG00343-20120818-1138, and garden IMG_0263and go for long walks.

My Mom takes me to this nice spa where I get great and relaxing baths too. IMG_0224 I am really a very lucky pup!! Which brings me to why I wanted to do this Blog post today.

My Mom writes this post each week to make people aware of things you can do to make a difference in other’s lives.

I wanted to have my turn too and let you know you can sure help out other pets like me and give them a good home just like I got.

I just can’t imagine where I might be if I had not been adopted by my Mom and Lady.  It makes me sad to think of all the poor cats and dogs that are alone in shelters and may never find someone that will love them and take good care of them.

 Are you maybe thinking of getting a new pet?  Why not check out some of the shelters in your town?

I’m sure you will find someone just as special as me…..okay, so I have gotten a little pompous in my older years.  It’s only because my Mom tells me every day how much she loves me and how handsome a fellow I am!!  DSCN0646

When she hugs me, I always hug back because I really appreciate how loyal she has been to taking good care of me.

I’m sure there’s a sweet cat or dog waiting to give you hugs and kisses too.

Give them a chance.

I’m sure you will get back much more than you could ever imagine.

I hope you enjoyed my post and I sure hope you will give another pup like me a chance some time soon.

I’ve got to go check on my Mom.

Smiles,

IMG00286-20120617-1729

Tramp

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Monday Gets Team Spirit

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??!!

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 In the Christmas Spirit

Went out to do a little last minute shopping today and despite the craziness, actually, got a bit embraced by the Christmas Spirit.  Caught myself singing along to the Christmas music playing….probably much to the dismay of the people next to me.  Every one was hustling around to pick up those last minute gifts….it’s those ‘grab off the table as you pass thru the door’ ones or the ones that are always near the cashier that somehow you think at the moment that it is the perfect gift…..for someone.

As I was standing in line, I was thinking that’s what we sometimes do in everyday life too.  We get in a rush and just “grab” for things and don’t really take time to think about what’s going to happen further down the road.  We don’t even consider what we’re doing and whether it is the right thing for not just ourselves, but those that are closest to us that might be affected.  We barrel ahead and don’t slow down to look at what we are trying to accomplish or how it will affect everyone.   I guess we don’t slow down for fear, we might be on the wrong path and have to do twice as much to get back on the right one….or admit wrongdoing to those that we might have “stepped on” as we were rushing along.

That’s what I like about Christmastime.  It forces me to slow down a bit and just enjoy the moment and reflect on what has happened throughout the year.  It’s not about fancy gifts or big displays of holiday food piled high on the table.  Rather, it’s just about soaking up the magical moments of the holiday.  The most simple happening can bring tears to your eyes and joy to your heart.  Unpacking an old Christmas ornament from days gone by can make you feel like you are experiencing that moment all over again.  I love the thought of believing in Santa and keeping his whimsical spirit alive.  We all like that thought, right?!! Christmas is a time to unbind the restrictions of age and find the child within.

If you are spending time with family tomorrow, I hope you take time to really enjoy the joy and love that surrounds you.  There may be some tired, grumpy ones in the bunch, but you can still love them and give them a big hug and tell them how much they mean to you.  That’s right!  Tell them “You Matter to me!”  Bet they smile.

If you are away from your family this year, I’m sure you can find friends or someone that could use a little holiday cheer and would enjoy soaking up the Christmas spirit along with you.

 Share the joy, share the love, share yourself.

Be in the moment and embrace the magic of Christmas.

It only comes once a year…..Don’t “rush” through the moment.

All my friends who have posted here and read my Blog throughout this past year have given me the joy of a big smile each time I’ve read your comments.

This has been a wonderful gift.

Thank you for caring.

Merry Christmas to You All!

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets Merried

No, it’s not a misspelling…just an acknowledgement of what today is about.  Got your attention though, didn’t it?  The holiday season should be a “Merry” time for everyone so today…….

Monday Gets Merried!

It’s not about presents and demands of buying and fighting crowds that look like they will wrestle you to the ground for that special sweater or mittens.  It’s not about whom to invite to your holiday party and wondering if you will be invited to all the “A” list gatherings.  No thoughts should be of whether the kids will get everything on their list from Santa, or if they will be angry at the ole jolly man for not fulfilling their every wish.  No stressful thoughts experienced of needing to max out your credit cards to purchase gifts for all the loved ones on your list.  Just don’t even go there!!!

Rather, it should be a simple time of reflection and gathering with friends and family to rejoice in the gift of love and friendship that you all share.  It is about the sheer joy of seeing twinkling lights everywhere.  I never get tired of passing house after house with their windows filled with multiple starburst lights.  It really doesn’t matter about the expertise level of the decoration…..it’s just about the world of fantasy that seems to be created.  I am sure there is something hidden in my childhood that makes me revert to that special place each time my eyes catch sight of a wonderland display.

Oh yes, and all the smells that come from doors you pass at this time of year….cookies baking, pies cooling and lots of “roasting” going on.  I’m not sure if it’s the cooler weather or holiday spirit that creates the fever of baking in people, but it sure adds a wonderful flavor to the air.  I’m not really one who does regular displays of baked goods; but at Christmas, suddenly I’m searching my archives for special recipes to stir up.

Today, I would like to send special wishes for a very joyful and merry holiday season to everyone who is reading this post.  Please take time to reflect on all the wonderful gifts you have in your life.  Be sure to count your blessings……. every one should be able to create a long list.  Instead of buying an expensive present for someone who already has lots (and maybe even way more than they need), perhaps, take some of that money and give it to a family that is struggling right now.  Christmas time should really be about taking the opportunity to make a difference in this world and bring joy and smiles to those around you who really need a boost.  Don’t get caught up in the frenzy of mandatory shopping…..instead look forward to being grateful for what you have right now and sharing that feeling with others.

A simple Christmas card filled with words of appreciation and good wishes can mean more to some people than an expensive present from Rodeo Drive, Louis Vuitton’s jewelry collection or one of Michael Kors latest creations.  Be in the moment and spend your time appreciating your friends and family instead of spending your money shopping for something that they may never use.  I think you will be surprised to find how it is a win-win situation for both of you.  One special friend started sending me Christmas cards in October.  Silly, but so appreciated!!  Smiles are priceless and she has given me many now.  Another one recently sent me a long note telling me how much she appreciated and enjoyed the time we had spent together.  I haven’t seen her in about four or five years, but it made those special moments come back to life and feel like it was only yesterday that we were together.

So, I sure hope your Monday is Merry and all the days that follow.

Be sure to share your merriment with others

and focus on what is really important right now.

Hope your holiday season for 2012 is

the very best ever…..it’s up to you to make that happen!!

Happy Holidays.

wreath

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets A New Hero

There is a lady who lives in my neighborhood that really inspires me.  She is an older lady….maybe in her 70s who is one of the strongest, most determined ladies that I have ever seen.  I say “seen” because I have not officially “met” her and I’m not even certain she can speak English and I only know her from seeing her as I pass by.  She is afflicted with some type of peripheral neuropathy that prevents her from walking faster than baby steps with very stiff leg strides.  But yet, I see her every day out walking and carrying her bags of groceries or goods recently purchased.  I know from the bag labels that she has walked at least 4 or 5 long blocks to the retail stop….there and back.  Time and time again, I have asked if I could help her carry her load to her final destination.  And…each time, she waves me off with annoyance it seems that I have even suggested that she might need any assistance.

I find myself feeling helpless and annoyed all at the same time.  I want to help her make her day a little easier and let her know that someone cares about her….but she refuses to allow it!  But then, when I take my needs  and wants out of the equation, I realize how strong she really is and maybe I am the weak one.

Monday Gets A New Hero

My lady Hero is like a determined soldier who probably knows as long as she keeps doing these things for herself that she will continue to function.  Her determination is her strength and in many ways, she is stronger than I am.  What appears to be stubbornness and aloofness is really power and others should perhaps fear her capabilities.  I swear I think she could climb a mountain if she wanted to accomplish it.

We all get so comfortable in our high-tech conveniences that make our lives easier.  We think that it is giving us more power; but it is, in fact, making us weaker.  Everything has to be built bigger and faster and with more gadgets.  I miss my old-fashion Schwinn that didn’t come equipped with any kind of multiple gears to change.  A bell was, however,  a must because I thought I was going so fast that I needed to alert others that I was coming down the road!  Awww! the good ole days, right?

Today….think about what gives you strength and the ability to get things done.  It’s not that new iPhone or iPad or the new software or that car with all the fancy gadgets.   Maybe we need to realize that the really strong people in this world are the people like my lady friend…..not the ones that just spent 3 hours at the gym.  They survive because they are focused on their goals and don’t let anyone get in their way.  They are not afraid to go it alone and rely on their own strength to get them where they want to be…..even if it is baby steps at a time.   Just because someone could make things easier for them, doesn’t mean they will choose that option.  Their focus is to survive and they are doing a great job for sure!

Who’s your hero?  What gives you strength?

Do you expect others to always help you out?

Maybe try to get through today and do everything without asking a single person to help you out……You do it All!  Think you’ll feel good about yourself at the end of the day?  I sure hope so.

We all need to dig deep inside the core of our being to find the ability to push ourselves to be the very best we can be.  It’s there!  You just have to believe You Can Do It!!

So go climb that mountain.  I hope you make it to the top!

See you there.

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets Taken Away by Calgon

“Calgon Take Me Away”  is an old commercial slogan that has been “on the air” and repeated over and over since the early 1980s and it still rings true today for me!  I’m Ready for a little R&R!!  How about you?  I’m not sure just having a bathtub filled with bubbles is going to do it for me.  I’m just a bit tired today and need something special to happen.

I can’t imagine what it might be like for some of you who have several kids or maybe you’re juggling a couple of jobs AND a single parent. Add furry, four-legged pets to the equation and your chore list just doubled.  Having older parents who you care for can also add to a drain on your energy.  Maintaining a house you creates a constant list of things to do.  And just cooking three meals a day and other mundane daily chores can create multiple hours of things we need to day EVERY DAY!  No wonder we’re tired.  We need a break!

We push ourselves beyond a normal limit sometimes.  We don’t take time for ourselves to rest.  We keep saying we’re going to take a break, but fail to “put ourselves on the calendar” and schedule it.  We keep doing for others and neglect our own needs.  We say we’ll do it next week…next month…..and THEN Holy Cow!  It’s already next year!!  Yikes!  What happens to the time?!

Are you ready?  I’m giving you a “get out of jail free” card today.  Admit it….you need a break.  So today……

MONDAY GETS TAKEN AWAY BY CALGON

We have to take care of ourselves, if nothing else, so we can keep taking care of others.  We always seem to put ourselves last in line for nurturing and allowing ourselves to feel that “We Matter”.  It seems easy to do nice things for others, but we can’t seem to stop the process of being last on the list.  If we would start taking care of “Me”, then we could likely do a lot more for others.  Would that motivate you to take the time to be taken away by Calgon today?

Okay.  Here’s the fun part….if you could do anything you wanted to do today, what would it be?  Maybe stay in bed ALL day.  Or perhaps, read a book you started months ago.  What about having a super duper spa day?!!  Wow!  What an amazing thought!  Maybe just find a nice shady spot, bring a picnic lunch and stare into space for several hours would be a relaxing day for you.  I think I would like to go somewhere to look at the water.  I love the smell of the ocean breeze and the sound of the waves hitting the shoreline.  Maybe I’ll stop for a nice icy smoothie afterwards and then take a long afternoon nap.  That sure sounds like a relaxing day.

I don’t want to hold you up any longer…..you’ve got some planning to do.  If you can’t make today a Calgon kind of day, then at least take the time today to make plans for what you will do within the next week.

Make it something fun and just about you.

Remember to whisper to yourself throughout the day….

I Matter!  I Matter!  I Matter!

If we don’t take care of ourselves, then we limit

ourselves every day in what we can accomplish.

Make today a super, super day

Got to run…..the ocean breeze is calling my name.

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets “Taken Advantage of….”

I keep running into people and hearing their stories of how other people are taking advantage of them.  These are really sweet and kind individuals who wouldn’t “hurt a fly” literally; and yet other human beings…..no, make that inconsiderate, selfish animals are taking advantage of them without any guilt at all.

What is wrong with this world??  Why do some people really just NOT care if they hurt someone else??  This is sad….very sad.  And, it makes me VERY angry that I am limited in what I can do about it.  I know that these are not all bad people that are doing this.  They don’t commit violent crimes or carry weapons that you should be afraid to meet them after dark.  But rather, they are people who are just completely oblivious that someone is hurting or struggling or looking for a little consideration…..not to be stepped on and used and taken advantage of for their innocence and sweet demeanor.

Monday Gets “Taken Advantage of………”

What do we do about this type of happening?  I feel helpless when seeing it and hearing about it and would really like to change things.  What I would LIKE to do is confront these idiots and really shake them up.  I wonder if they heard the truth, they would change.  Maybe their parents just didn’t teach them right and wrong and how to treat people.

I think some people think that they deserve all the attention and there is NO ONE that has a more difficult life than they do!!  I’m SURE you all know at least one person like that.  You know the ones…..they always show up late for everything you plan, they bring along a guest for dinner but don’t tell you until you open the door to greet them, they ask you over and over to help them out but never return the favor because they’re too busy AND they are on their cell phones most of the time when you decide to have lunch together and catch up.  What is that!  Do they just not get it??!!

I would LOVE to be someone who could have an intervention with these folks. You know….just lay it on the line!!  Basically, tell them they are a selfish, uncaring, Low Life!!  It just doesn’t happen that way though.  I am who I am and do my best to hope there is good in everyone and they will change and hope that people don’t need such a kick to see what they are doing to others.

What I can do though is to be caring and patient and understanding towards the ones being mistreated.  I can try to do my best to be kind to them and tell them they are special and deserve to be treated with respect.  I can do nice things for them and try to help them when they are struggling.

So today my dear friends, do you know someone that is always that example of kindness?  Someone who NEVER asks you to help them or who might be struggling quietly and not feel they have the right or ability to ask for help.

They might be someone you see in your neighborhood or maybe someone at your workplace or maybe even someone that you see on the bus every day.

Maybe you see them every day…but you don’t even know their name.Well, today is the day to change that.  Today is Monday—a good day to make things better for someone else.

Today, your goal is to find someone who you can make a difference in their life.  Find someone who you know would never ask for help, but is struggling a bit in life.  Just show up at their doorstep and say “I’m here to help.”

Or take them a nice batch of cookies for their kids.

Or maybe mow their lawn for them while they’re at work.

Or maybe bring a co-worker a nice bouquet of flowers that you picked from your garden or a big basket of fruit.

Make them feel they are special and that there are good people in this world that care about them and want them to feel that they matter.

Tell them… “YOU MATTER”

over and over and over!!

Make sure they hear it.

And then…..be sure to remember that sweet smile you will see!

Priceless!

Go Make a Difference.

Smiles to you all,

Nancy

Monday Gets Thankful

I woke up this morning and before I could completely get my eyes opened, I found myself feeling very thankful for a lot of things in my life.  I stretched my arms out and immediately felt my sweet old lab, Tramp.

My “view” this morning.

He is there for me always no matter what kind of day I am having….Blessing #1 of the day.  The longer I laid in bed, the longer my list of gratefulness grew!  The irony here is that I have been struggling a bit in my work-a-day world and feeling a bit defeated at times.  I felt like doors had been closing for me and I was in a “woe is me” state of mind (Hmmm..sounds like a song perhaps). But yet, this morning, I found myself counting my blessings.  So let me share with you a bit……

Monday Gets Thankful

 I have to wonder if just “changing my attitude” made the difference.  Last night, I had to “sit myself down” and give myself a good talking to about my attitude.  What I realized was how much energy I was wasting feeling defeated and how it really wasn’t helping my situation.  It sure isn’t a way to win friends or move you forward if all you do is complain about your situation and problems.  Although I have to say, that part of the reason for changing my attitude had to do with some of the extremely kind and caring messages and words that I received from my friends and family.  Many offers of kindness have been sent my way.  How lucky I am to have sweet angels all around me who are “holding me up” when I need the extra boost…..many Blessings for sure!!

I have the sweetest son in the whole world who always boost my spirit by believing in me and making me feel that I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to.  He always believes I can “win the race” with flying colors.

I Can Do It!!

He does have a way of bringing out the stubborn-ness in me to prove that I can do something!!   Although…when I mentioned that I would like to try skydiving recently, he was not too supportive!!?!! Blessing! Blessing! Blessing! Tenfold!

As you know from my post last week, I have taking great strides in improving my health by following a Paleo lifestyle.  This diet plan may not be for everyone, but it sure is working for me….2 more pounds lighter this week.  I just can’t imagine having adversities in my life and dealing with health issues that would add to the struggles right now….in that regard, another scoop of Blessings for me!  I wonder if Ben & Jerry have thought of creating a flavor called “Blessings”.  I doubt if I could stop with just one scoop.

So, before I “lay it on too thick”, here is what I really wanted to share.  Life is a struggle for everyone….no matter what their situation might be.  But what we need to do is just count our blessings and keep saying to ourselves….“I Matter”  If we just believe in ourselves, then we can accomplish great things.  What it really is all about is “Love”….loving ourselves….and we all know “Love can move Mountains!  Right?  I have a few friends out there who are struggling right along with me right now, so here is a personal wish for you…..I love you and I believe in you and “You Matter” to me…So go Move a Mountain!!

So, what mountain do you want to move today?!!

Life getting you down too and sending you a bunch of struggles to deal with that are feeling like burdens and too much to handle sometimes?!!

Count your Blessings, my dear friends and fellow bloggers.  That’s right….make that darn list and realize all the good things that you have to be thankful for today.  You might be surprised like I was to find out just how long your list might stretch.

I’d like to give you a little “kick start”….I’m letting you know that “YOU MATTER”.

Did you hear me?…..YOU MATTER!

Make your list, count your blessings, change your attitude and before the day ends…Make sure that you tell someone else YOU MATTER too!

By making a difference in someone else’s life, you will be surprised to find how much of a difference you can make in your own life too!

Have a great Monday! Be Thankful for the moment and the day!

You Matter!

Smiles,  Nancy

Monday Gets Bogged Down

Okay….last week, Monday Got Lazy and now it seems I am ‘bogged down’ in so many things to do that my head is spinning and my List is a mile long.  I guess I should admit, however, there might have been another day or so along the way this week that I felt I needed to pull out my lazy card!!…..Oh the price we pay sometimes for doing things that seem to come so natural and easy!!

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just post our lists on a community bulletin board somewhere and have help in completing the tasks that we are not very good at being able to complete.  Kind of a barter system….you do the laundry and I’ll fold it and put it away.  I’ll do the dishes….if you’ll do the cooking today.  Guess that’s the way it use to be when multiple generations lived together all in the same house.  Of course, I’m sure Woody Allen would be able to create a pretty authentic picture of what the real scene might be when that happens!  Be careful what you ask for, right?  Let’s address the issue….

Monday Gets Bogged Down

I wonder how some people are able to get so much accomplished in a very short time without procrastinating along the way.  I can’t even make a list without running off the edge of the paper and continuing to add to it before I even get a few items checked off AND actually losing the list several times before it’s completed.  I know I’m not considered to be a lazy person and most people think I’m above average in the organizational skill set.  Perhaps, I need to learn to delegate…….Hmmmm. Just asked Tramp to take out the trash and he looked at me and ran to the kitchen.  I was sure he was headed to get the garbage, but instead he just checked his food bowl to see if there were any scraps or extra dog biscuits!!  Guess I need to rethink this delegating thing….Choose your Delegate wisely, right?

I think this happens not only in just daily grind stuff, but just in life in general.  Even the fun stuff gets either over-completed OR gets pushed to the bottom of the list.  Life needs to be a balance, right?  Unfortunately, I think we often struggle to determine where the line gets drawn.  So, how do we get out of the ‘mess’ we’re in right now.  Let’s figure this out, so that perhaps we can work on this phenomenon together.

Are you in this space too?  Too much to do and too little time to do it.  What happened along the way?  For me, I think it is a cross between procrastination and distractions.  I might start cleaning the kitchen, but then take out the garbage and find myself out picking tomatoes off my plants in my garden.  Next thing I know, I am researching a good recipe to make with the tomatoes which leads somehow unexplainable to restaurants that I might want to dine at soon.  By the time I re-enter the kitchen, hours have passed, the kitchen is only half completed AND now I’m hungry (from ooo-ing over the recipes I’ve discovered) and struggle to find a clean spot to make some lunch.

Is anyone relating here??!!!  Please tell me that I’m not alone or unique in this horrible syndrome!!   Do you think there are any research studies going that I can join to find my cause and cure?  Perhaps, there might be a support group that will help me feel there is hope.

 Help!  Help!  Help!

Well, this is the point in my Blog post that I usual offer some suggestions or support to get beyond the current issue…..I’ve got nothing!!    Here’s what I thought I would do.  After you read this, post in the comment section at the top of the post, a description of a recent situation of your Bogged Down-itis.  Don’t be shy.  Even life’s problems can make us smile sometimes. Let’s see who could qualify for King/Queen of Bogged Down Monday.

Hopefully, what we’ll find is that we’re really not alone in this world and when we feel we are the ONLY human being dealing with something difficult, that we just need to open our eyes and look around us.

When life seems the most difficult, I’m sure there is always someone dealing with a worst situation.

And maybe too…..that we’ll understand that we need to reach out to others in time of need and get the support we need and offer the same to them.  We really don’t have to carry the whole burden alone.  Sometimes, the opportunity to make a difference is right in front of our face.

Have a Great Monday.

Make it a great day.  Reach out to others.

You Matter!

Smiles,

Nancy