simple pleasures

The little things, yes the little things really mean more to me than a lot of the big things combined. It is in the little things that I find peace, content, happiness, joy and pleasure. One big thing can sure make me happy but it doesn't seem to linger as long as the things that others do to make my day all that more amazing, my job easier, my encounters more pleasant. The other day I went grocery shopping and came home and the laundry had been started, I didn't even have to ask. To a man it may seem like no big deal, and sometimes it is far better to respond with a simple thank you than make it an embarrassing production how impressed you are by his grand gesture, (because to him it is not a grand gesture)!

I have started to keep a little gratitude journal in my purse where I will write down little things that I am grateful for every day, quotes that I hear and like, books I want to read and songs that I want to look up the words because they truly have great meanings! A little book for me to keep my thoughts and recollect all the beautiful blessings in my life. Gratitude and Attitude speak volumes. I think the more grateful you are for what you already have, the more likely you will be to come into more abundance. I want to be a patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled woman. One step at a time.

May 15th 2004

I Danielle take you Steve (I Steve take you Danielle)

 As you are now

And in whom you will become

 loving what I know of you,

 trusting what I do not yet know

No matter what life brings our way

I will be your best friend,

Your confidant

And strongest supporter

I will grow with you

In life and love

for all the days of our lives.

Let these words be remembered and placed in our hearts each time we have doubts, each time we fail to believe in the other person. Let us live for each other, for our truly amazing son that we created together and for fulfilling a lifelong commitment. Not taking anything for granted, with a sense of gratitude for every blessing we have no matter how small, for the unknown that is yet to come our way, planning as best we can but living for each moment knowing that it could be taken from us in a blink of an eye, grateful for every moment whether easy, hard, difficult or rich, stormy or full of blessing. We don’t know what is around the corner no matter how hard we plan. Loving and caring for each other in this very moment in time is all we truly have, why miss it, why linger on past regrets or future things that may never happen. Life is amazing and things happen for a reason, even if we somehow never figure out what the reason is.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things (1 Corithians 13:7)

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

                                                                                                                               

Missing the Challenge!

The stress of work, daycare issues, money and more... Oh how I am just looking for the answer that will solve all/most of my concerns. I want the peace and happiness back in my life, not the chaos and stress. Oh how I miss the challenge or working for myself. The motivation and excitement of getting that next sale, helping people find rental homes, buying homes, selling their homes and land. Writing when I want to, reading a good book, spending leisure time, I am not sure if I remember much what leisure time is. I know working for myself it is something I have a passion for and have continued to do over the years, but i am really getting to the point that I am craving it full time and would do just about whatever I can to make it happen. I love the people, the obstacles, the set backs, the challenge of helping that person find just the right property. At my full time job lately they have been stressing the push for recommendations (referrals) and how we need to ask on a regular basis, In my many years of sales, you receive a referral for your excellent customer service, your dedication to your client, the little things you do to go out of your way to make their transaction go as smoothly as possible, those are the services that render referrals, not because you asked, but because they gave it to you freely out of the utmost respect for your service and loyalty. Who wouldn't want that for a friend of family member. What a way to be truly blessed. Give 100% of yourself as much and often as you can and things will fall into place. You are going places and you are leaving behind a little of your warmth and care each time you come in contact with another person. Your words and deeds speak volumes. Be kind, be respectful, be considerate, think before you speak and share your sunshine with the world.

Peaks and Valleys

It is amazing to me how we can experience so many highs in lows in one given day. You can be up, down, sideways, happy, sad, angry, exhausted, energetic. No wonder most of us are tired by the end of the day and need that rest to get back up and do it all over again the next day. I know that my day started out with a bang, my car dying in the middle of the road, did I mention for the 2nd time in 2 weeks? Well, luckily they fixed it at no charge... but it did seem to set the course for my day, which I was able to quickly swing around and change my attitude toward the other instances in my day. I felt pretty productive at work despite being 3 hours late and seemed to pick up 2 new clients out of no where. Great! Did have a few other ups and downs not worth mentioning. I am extremely proud of myself that I can forgive and forget so easily and let things roll off my shoulder. I wish that everyone out there was like that. It is truly a conflict when you can be that way but someone else can not. Still working on my reactive self and slowing down the pace. I know I am doing all of this for a reason and I can't wait until it pays off and I can look back and say it was all worth it... not that I would do it again, but that it was all worth it! Today I am grateful for the pinal county sheriffs that stopped to help, my husband who handled my car repairs, my father-in-law for escorting me back to the car dealer and my mother for watching my sweet child, and all the friends I have out there that encourage me to be the best me I can be.... (well most of the time)

It is weird how motivated you can get by something that you really want to see happen. When you can actually visualize it coming true. When you think about it non-stop to the point that you lose focus on everything that you are wasting your time doing. For the past 2 weeks since I have clearer energy and stronger focus, forcing out all the negative energy strangling me, sometimes sweeping right back at the person sending it my way.   I have written down my goals, I have shared them with others and I am doing everything that I can to make them possible. I feel like God and the Universe is pushing me to do a certain thing and I feel a strong calling. It is hard when you have others to think about and it is not just you. You are not the only one who has the risk and convincing others of what they cannot see is often very challenging and stressful on all parties involved. Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Hebrews 11:1 But most of the time with convictions as strong as you feel it is worth the extra push and effort to get there, to truly be happy and believe in yourself, your dreams and your abilities, and KNOW in your heart, not just your head that everyone involved will prosper. Don't let go of what you know is right, pray that things fall into place and you are guided to speak the right words and share the right actions to get you to the place you ought to be. Remember in one of my past entries I spoke about the sticky note that I wish God would leave on my bathroom mirror. I think I found it.

Giving up something.

So I was thinking that sometimes we do too many things searching for the one thing that you will be good at or will take you to that place of success that you feel is out there and meant for you. I mean heck Instagram sold to Facebook for a ridiculous amount of money, why can't I have an idea like that. Is it genius or luck? I have no idea. I have decided that there are many blessings in my life and it is time to focus on what I do best so that I can get rid of the rest. Can I do it over night, NO. But I am sure going to set a goal, give myself the time, ignore those who think it can't be done and pursue like heck my dreams and desires so that I can get to where I want to be, to where I know I can. It isn't for lack of trying in the past, it isn't for failing, that I have given up, stopped working at something so hard or ignored it for awhile, it is because of those who said I couldn't that I started to believe that maybe that is true, but who better then our self to know what we are truly capable of and what better time than to prove myself right and someone else wrong, and really kick it up and feel good about it. Confidence is what we need to pursue what we want, stand up for what we believe in and go that extra mile, as a facebook friend mentioned today, why not go the extra mile, it isn't very crowded there. I challenge myself and others to look deep inside themselves, find their core that they feel good about, pursue it, don't look back, don't waiver and for goodness sake never ever let someone else who doesn't believe you can do it, convince you that you can't. Remember it has been said by Henry Ford, if you believe you can or you believe you can't you are right!

Mommy Diary 3.27.12

Ah, Calgon take me away! Do they even still make Calgon? And who has time for a bath anyway????
So the potty training thing is going to be enough to drive me nuts I think, but I am the one who needs to be calm and know that you can't get frustrated, mad, upset, yell, laugh or get impatient... why? Because I don't want to discourage him from going on the potty or scare him out of it. The last week has really been pretty interesting. I will definitely spare you any details, but I will tell you this, I think that I definitely have way more patience for this then I do when my kid is crabby, whiny or clingy. I think my husband thinks I am nuts for keeping my cool, but literally my kid tells me he has to go to the bathroom every 10 minutes or so, does he go every time, absolutely not, but can I get mad at him? Absolutely not. I am thinking that even though I just got done with my special diet and lost 14 lbs and 30 inches, and am starting to count my calories every day to maintain or lose more if I can, I just may need to factor into to my caloric intake, that indulgent glass of wine! Which I can enjoy while multi-tasking, unlike the bath which just takes way too long.
You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance. ~Franklin P. Jones

How does it feel?

Some days you look forward to and some you do not. Some days are overwhelming with the amount on the "TO DO LIST" -- because not matter what or who you are you have a "TO DO LIST". You don't even have to have it written down, maybe you just have a check list in your head of wants and to dos. It can seem endless and unreachable sometimes, or once something is physically or mentally checked off, you are ready to add on the next thing that you "almost" forgot or need to accomplish.
Maybe you tried something and it didn't work out, you failed, you let someone down, you misplaced something, you worked really hard and it wasn't good enough, you disappointed someone, or you let them walk all over you, because you were tired, busy, frustrated, exhausted and lots of other words you can insert here.
With everything one has going on in their fast paced life these days, it is almost a wonder that we have time for ourselves, let alone thinking about other people. We are constantly managing change, trying to prepare for the unexpected, managing relationships, our body, our job, our home, what we should or think we should be doing, carting our children around to this and that activity, going to parties, events and gatherings. When do we have time to breath, sleep, just be YOU.
And yet when someone takes a minute out of that day to truly make another person feel loved, important or special it really makes us feel that we are important and helps us to reflect and take the time to reach out to someone else that could use that little acknowledgement in their otherwise crappy/hard/stressful/busy day. Maybe we just need that little boost of motivation, maybe we are usually the one to motivate others, but someone knew that we needed it for a change.
I am grateful for those people in my life who either recognize that I need a little praise, a little encouragement and a little boost now and again, or those who just do it to do it and it happens to fall into a time when I need it the most, even if the person didn't really know it.
Sometimes you only need that little hug of kindness from someone to make you feel better. Thank you to those of you in my life who have done this for me, who have inspired me, prayed for me, believed in me and made me feel loved, blessed, appreciated and cherished. The way you made me feel no matter how small an act, made a world of difference to me.


I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou

You define your own success

"Often the difference between a successful person and a failure is not one has better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on one's ideas, to take a calculated risk - and to act."

Maxwell Maltz
1899-1975, Author of Psyco-Cybernetics

Sometimes I think that even with the courage we need to take the action and where we often find the biggest hold up in taking the action is where to start? If not us, who can take or idea and make it reality? What resources can we use? who do we know? how can we network? these can all seem overwhelming steps to take if you are holding back on whether or not the outcome can truly work; can we be successful? Do we want to even try? What if I fail? What if I get so far and waste time, money and resources and nothing to show for it? What if I make promises that I cannot deliver and no one supports me?
I think no matter who you are at one time or another you have asked yourself similar questions, chucked your idea into the back of your mind and moved on with your every day tasks.
I know for a fact that stepping outside my comfort zone, going after one of my goals and continuing to strive to make it successful, has landed me a published book, now of course it is my effort and the willingness of others to buy it to make it popular and allow me to publish number two, move on to other writing goals and strive to touch other's in some way along the way. I cannot and will not sit back and wait for it to fall into my lap and become a popular author without some sort of effort on my part.
There are other ideas that I have that may or may not evolve into something quite as significant in my life, however I need to take the chance and try or I will never know my worth, so why do I still have reservations, why am I still questioning my other goals, ideas and desires?
Simply it is the human thing to do and we want to make sure we are using what skills and talents God has given us in the most constructive and useful way, and trying not to mess up, fail or waste our time, energy or the time and energy of others for something that will never turn out. Too bad none of us have that crystal ball where we can see into the future. Whether taking that chance will pan out or not, we just need to do a lot of praying, take the leap of faith if we are guided in that direction and deal with the consequences whether good or bad when they arise. We must find the positive in any negative situation. There is some reason beyond our understanding for those things that simply do not work out, no matter how hard we try, no matter how much effort we set forth, but something is gained from it in the long run if you look for it.
I was talking with a student today who was having a really hard time balancing her life, work and school obligations, she is in her last class and she needed to make a certain grade in order to graduate, she was ready to give up and throw in the towel. We have had several conversations over the past few months where she has promised herself and I that she was going to do what she needed to and once again had let herself down, the only way to get to her goal was to start the course all over again, which would waste time and money that she didn't have, but continuing on or quitting would not get her there either. I told her starting over may be just what she needs and maybe by doing this she will encounter some experience that she would never have had if she completed the first course successfully. We talked for awhile and she turned her way of thinking around to a more positive light. Before I left work today she sent a really nice email again thanking me for listening, letting her vent and giving her insight that she was just too upset with herself to recognize.
How often do I try to think the more positive thoughts from a difficult situation or frustration during the moment? How often d we are caught up in the heat or passion of a moment of intensity, sometimes it is hard for us to step outside ourselves and say what we know our friend/relative or someone from our support system would say to us. When I run late for something, I say it was my protection from a wreck or altercation on the way , if I just left a few minutes earlier, if I don't get a promotion, position that I think I am more than qualified for, there is something better out there suited just for me, If I work my tail off showing homes and a particular client doesn't end up buying, I think I learned something from that person or experience that will help me in the future that I wouldn't have had if I hadn't
Don't allow yourself to get caught up in all the things you don't want, can't have or negative things that stand in your way. Try, fail, try again, fail, try again, alter your pathway to your success. Success is defined as the accomplishment of your purpose, it is what you feel that success is, everyone may have a different definition associated with what they think makes someone successful, trust that your definition for you, is the right one.

Goal Setting

"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together."
~ Vincent Van Gogh

I have decided that I need to get out of my slump and stop writing huge lists of things in my head that I think I need to accomplish.

"Goals that are not written down are just wishes. "
~ Unknown I need to write down goals, ones for the next 6 months, 12 months, 3 years and 5 years. Revisit every 6 months and come up with a plan of action. Anyone can say what their goals are or even write them down, but if you don't have a plan to get there it is probably not going to just fall in your lap one day out of the sky and someone says, here you have reached your goal " celebrate."

What is your timeframe? When do you want to reach your goals? Make sure you write down a deadline.

"A goal is a dream with a deadline."
~ Napoleon Hill

Goals and dreams can take years of serious actions, perserverance, dedication, determination and strong will. Obstacles may come your way and try to crush your goals. How badly do you want your goal or dream to happen, not enough if you let something stand in your way of your true passion, or sabotage your dream.

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."
~ Henry Ford

Accountablility is also a key factor, find someone who can support your dreams and goals but also get you to stick to what you say you are going to do. Review your goals with your accountability partner, share your plan and ask that person to make sure that you follow through.

“Everyone needs a coach, whether it’s a top level executive, a graduate student, a homemaker, a homeless person or the President of the United States” - Anthony Robbins

Write down why and how important the goal is to you. Write down how it will make you feel once it is accomplished. These are all way in which to help you stick to your goal. Know exactly why you want it and what it's purpose is for you. A goal without a purpose is pretty insignificant.

People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine.
Brian Tracy


You may have big goals, you may have a bunch of small ones, it doesn't matter. If you write them down and review them often enough, and make that plan of how you will get there you can do it. Believe in yourself, think positive thoughts, imagine you already have what you want.

“Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success.” Dr. Joyce Brothers


Happy Goal Setting!

The baboon story

On the way to work this morning I heard a story of a baboon hunter who set traps to catch a baboon. He dug holes deep enough for the baboon to just reach in and touch the bottom and filled the holes with salt. The baboon loves the smell of salt and will reach into the hole and grab the salt and not let go; because the hole is narrow the baboon cannot remove his fist from the hole without letting go of the salt, he struggles. For days the baboon struggles and eventually dies from exhaustion, unwilling to let go of the salt.

Ask yourself this, what are you holding onto that is slowly wearing you down to the point of exhaustion? With this New Year, what can you let go of that you think you need but by letting go may make your energy and performance level that much stronger. Is what you are doing helping you get closer to your goals or keeping you from reaching them?



"What we think or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only thing of consequence is what we do."
John Ruskin

happiness is contagious

Your HAPPINESS begins with YOU. Don’t wait for “someone” or “something” to provide it to you. Create it, chose it, live it…
it will be contagious.

Wash away the attitude

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."

Julius Henry "Groucho" Marx
1890-1977, Comedian and Film Star


Wow, time and time again I talk about attitude and circumstances. We have our up and down days, we can chose how we act and how we react, and sometimes it is so easy to get upset, to allow our mood, our circumstances or other people get us down in a flash, I am telling you that it is just as easy to get yourself back in the positive, shake off the "frustration", "disappointment" or "annoyance" and move on. It takes way more energy, time and aggrivation to stay "pissed" off then it does to let it go, and wash it away. Let go and enjoy the moment, because each moment you spend mad, frustrated, upset, pissed off, bummed, is a minute you lost that you could have been happy, enjoyed or missed! Think about it, then LET IT GO! Life is too short and precious to waste time. And a negative attitude however "better" you think is makes you feel is a HUGE waste of your time, because a negative attitude or outlook, doesn't change your circumstances- Only your actions can do this. And you are more likely to act and be effective, if your attitude is positive.

little things can add up

At work I have been doing a daily quote or inspiration to my team members to keep myself in check and get them going for their day ahead, Yesterday I sent a quote about how you can chose your attitude despite your circumstances. I think however when the circumstances are going your way, (or the way you think they should) it is a lot easier to have that positive attitude. It is the little things that can sometimes add up and amount to more than even one significant good thing. The more we can show gratitude for the little blessings, the more I think we spread them.
Tuesday was not such a good day for me, I was feeling sick and I will spare you all the other little crazy occurrences, that I know should not have affected my attitude, but they did, it is that trickle effect sometimes. If I would have focused on the things that were positive more, I probably would have had a better day, but we are all human. However, I will share with you I had some small little things that started my day out well and I hope to continue to notice the good and let it overcome any obstacles or disappointments. I woke up and my husband knew that I was still not feeling well, he offered to get our son ready AND take him to his mom’s on his way to work, I somehow in my hurry made a really bad cup of coffee, so I decided to pop into the circle K to grab a good fresh cup, I emptied out my cup from home and filled it at the circle K, when I got to the counter the man looked at me and said with a smile, “ it is on the house, I hope you have a great day.” Wow, I was stunned, I even asked if he was sure, he told me no problem, there was hardly any traffic and I got to work on time. Ya for me, I had a pretty good day and at work and felt good about all that I had accomplished, I tried hard to compliment others in order to spread my since of cheer and happiness for the day. Sometimes it is easy to do this and other times it is not, but despite what we have going on at the present moment, there is always another chance, another day and another opportunity we have to get better at who we are. Whatever it is that you are passionate about commit to doing it. Whether it is as simple as making another person smile, or as large as dreaming you will be a successful author someday. Believe you are destined to do great things and make it happen.
"The moment you commit and quit holding back, all sorts of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, will rise up to help you. The simple act of commitment is a powerful magnet for help."

Napoleon Hill

Christmas angel

Every once in a while there is a person that comes along in your life that makes a light bulb go on inside your head. Someone who helps you realize you do make a difference. Someone who says something that really clicks in your mind and changes you forever. It isn't that you don't really know what they are saying, it isn't some new discovery that shapes you, it is just a reminder of who you are and what you stand for; a recognition of what is standing in the way of that person you truly are. They just reiterate to you and believe in you enough to make that difference or drive that you have simply bounce back, it is almost instantaneous. That little gesture or conversation can change your life for the better and those around you will be grateful. Those who are affected may not know exactly why the difference or the "old" you has returned, but believe me they will be grateful. I thank my Christmas angel for reminding me that life is about choices, that I can't fix every situation no matter how hard I want to or try, that I can't always be disappointed in myself if I can't fix it, I can't allow myself such a heavy burden of thinking others expect so much of me, then being so hard on myself when I can't deliver. Sometimes I can only add value, I can only be sincere, humble, genuine and I have to let go of the things that are beyond my control. May 2012 bring peace in my heart, kindness in my actions, compassion in my voice, patience in my teachings and much much more beautiful things.

frustration

So what did our parents do when we were kids. How in the world did we get by in the car for a trip or long drive let alone 30 minutes. I thought I had the routine lengthy drives (since we live out so far) down pat. Pop in a movie and I am good to go. Maybe an occasional "mom" or needing attention for a drink or to look at something but pretty much engrossed in his movie enough not to whine or bother me. Oh, but what happens when he is so used to this routine and the movie player stops working. The myriad of questions and talking doesn't stop, the whiny voice the persistent talking and then screaming if he doesn't get down or that he wants to "drive" mommy's car. I created a monster! UGH. So I magically slip on the CD player with a Disney CD, of which there are 27 songs and he only wants to listen to the ones where he hears Mickey's voice- which amounts to listening to the same 4 songs over and over again. Well then what happens when mommy's CD player becomes frozen on CD 4 out of 6 and you can not skip, move or eject the silly thing and it just won't play a song for anything. I think I decided that was about the time I really really needed a vacation away, from EVERYTHING! LOL! No seriously, how did we as kids go from practically no car seats and be able to entertain ourselves with toys in the back seat or looking out the window. I am so disappointed in myself for making the movie watching such a routine that when it isn't there the child doesn't understand why it isn't working and why mommy can't just fix it or go grab a new one at the store on the way home. There is no pleasing or reasoning with a 2 year old, who I have trained to watch a video when he is in my car. So I have decided that there must be some other way or avenue to break this habit but keep my sanity in the meantime while I re-train him to play with toys, look out the window or some other form of entertainment. I think that it is definitely doable it just make a few trips to re-train him and allow him to see that those things are not necessities, they obviously weren't for me and guess what I survived and so did my mom. 2 may be young for a person to truly understand the concept, but it sure is worth teaching that we can not and will not always get our way, and throwing a fit about it exhausts energy and really isn't worth the fight.

Continuing Calm

So the other night I received something in the mail that was pretty disturbing after I had already thought it was taken care of, and of course it was 5:07 pm and too late to call and question or straighten it out. Of course. How often does stuff like this happen and put us into a tizzy where we get upset and our brains get the best of us and we think the worst. I decided after getting a little upset of course that I would just wait until the next day because getting upset really wasn't going to fix or erase or give me the answers that night that I was looking for. I actually let it go, I fell asleep at a decent time and I didn't wake up bothered by it in the middle of the night. The next morning I did think of it again and had a little bit of anxiety, however on my way to work I told myself that I needed to just wait and then deal with the issue, if it was even an issue or a mistake. Getting worked up about it prematurely only depletes my energy and strength. The next day I was given the happy news that indeed it was a mistake and that I didn't have anything to further worry about. What a huge relief off my shoulders and a lot less energy that was depleted from me getting worked up over nothing. Don't get me wrong, I did get a little upset, but a lot less than I normally would. Sometimes there are many things in our life that are definitely beyond our control and depleted our energy whether it is premature or is really valid, still doesn't fix whatever the issue is that arises. So the next time you are faced with an issue and you can chose to worry yourself into anxiety or be patient and see if it is truly and issue and if not feel relieved and if it is then take the necessary steps to do what is needed.

Actively Listening

So I order a peppermint coffee with cream from the coffee cart at work yesterday, the guy proceeds to repeat my order and then I start talking with the person next to me no longer paying attention. The lady goes to ring me up and I hand her my debit card, before I realize she says $3.88 she has already swiped my card. I say to her, $3.88 your large coffee price on the menu says $1.95( which by the way is still way more expensive then circle K! lol) but nonetheless I am dumbfounded. I ask them why so much and the coffee cart guy says that I ordered a latte. A latte? Really? I nicely say, I ordered a peppermint coffee with cream and you repeated it back to me and even asked me if I wanted skim or whole milk... well actually I wanted cream, but I said 2% meaning for him to mix he skim and whole... Anyway, I said well I really just wanted coffee, how much is that, he said $1.95. I asked how I should have ordered it to get coffee and he seemed confused. I again mentioned that I didn't order a latte, and instead of saying oh I am sorry about that he proceeded to tell me the difference in price between espresso and plain coffee... um okay... anyhow, I nicely mentioned again that all I wanted was peppermint coffee, so the man (notice how I am not calling him the barista; far from it) says he will remake my coffee with a very agitated look on his face, like I should have just taken the latte and been happy with it, and the lady proceeds to dig through the tip jar to give me the difference between what she charged my card and a cup of coffee.
So not to be rude here, but I think if there was a little active listening involved in what I wanted maybe it wouldn't have leaded to frustration on any one's part. This is why I say, BE interested in what others have to say, Don't just ACT interested, it may make all the difference. Oh and did I mention this was the 2nd mistake the guy made in the very few times I have purchased coffee at this particular stand... I am thinking trend here.
But in all actuality I guess the blessing here is that I should be grateful that I have a job and a coffee cart in the first place.

Thanksgiving

Today I am thankful for a loving supportive family. A healthy beautiful son.
For friends that I hold dear to my heart and love me for me.
For those who fight for our country to give me the freedom that I take for granted everyday.
For my home, my car and all of the things that I am blessed with.
For 4 days off from work, and a job to return to.
For recognizing opportunities to make myself a better person.
For my health.
For the sunshine and gorgeous Arizona weather.
For many many other things, simple, true and cherished.
For those of you who read this, what are you thankful for?


Thanksgiving is recognized once per year. This year I challege all of us to spend 5-10 minutes a day reflecting on those blessings that we have and don't always recognize because we take them for granted. Appreciate the little things they make all the difference.

endless possibilities

So my signature for my books is The possibilities of your imagination are endless, DREAM BIG! Might I just add that action is required. Dreaming is just a part of getting to where you want in life. Most people don't just sit around and good things fall in their lap. You have to take the actions necessary to fulfill those dreams, wants and desires. You have to not allow the road blocks, and believe me they will come, stand in your way. You have to work hard, put time, energy, effort and enthusiasm into what you are trying to accomplish. Believe in yourself and your dreams, believe that those dreams will make a difference. Don't stop trying if it is something that you really want. Pursue all the necessary angles. Don't give up, and be okay with failing, you can try again or in another way. Sometimes there are many different possibilities on your way to success and they may not all work the same way to get you there. Keep trudging along, gather as much support as you can. Be willing to sell yourself, your idea, your product and be passionate about it. Don't be afraid to ask others for their help along the way, but remember to always be grateful for what you get, what you have and what you are looking forward to.