Sometimes it isn't about where you're going. Sometimes it's about just getting out!
We get into routines and we get into ruts. The older we get, the tougher it is to make changes. But complacency is no reason or excuse to accept boredom. You've got to grab life by the nads and try something new.
September is an absolutely fantastic month to try something new. The kids are back in school. They've got a fresh start.... so why not you too? Is this the season for you to try a cooking class? What about going dancing one night? Or even doing your makeup different?
If you're not buying into this philosophy, how about a baby step? If you always eat your french fries with ketchup, try them with gravy and cheese instead. Or take a different route to work - grab coffee from a new place? I had a hazelnut coffee the other day instead of my regular vanilla latte. It was nice.
Don't settle for your rut. Get out of your comfy place and find something that gets your blood rushing again.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Crazy trip bargain
Stumbled upon this one last night. Fly from Grand Forks, ND to Mesa AZ from Sept 4-8 for $55 each way. Or, package it with one of the most amazing, prestigious hotels (Arizona Biltmore, Waldorf Astoria) AND a car rental.... $750. That's air, hotel, car & taxes included for 2 people. OMG. If I didn't have kids heading back to school, you know where I'd be.
Go to Allegiant Air's web site. Arizona sale is on to June 20.
Go to Allegiant Air's web site. Arizona sale is on to June 20.
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| Discounts you've received! • 4th Night Free*
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Sunday, June 5, 2011
What's your hobby?
One of the simply amazing things about the Internet is the ability to connect people with similar interests or hobbies. You may like lime green Dodge Neon cars, with after market exhaust systems and Kenwood stereos and chances are you can find the (2 ... JK) other people in the universe that like the same. If you have a popular interest like Elvis Presley photos, you will be able to find millions of web pages that can grab your interest. So, it really doesn't matter where on earth you live, or what you are interested in, you can connect with like-minded individuals.
There was a time when hunting for vintage car parts could take years or even decades. A person could dedicate hours on every road trip to stopping in small town garages, or farmers' fields, or collector's swap meets to find the part they needed. Now, all you do is click a few times on Google, and there you are.... parts for your AMC Gremlin.
My tastes, though more refined (just kidding. I am a jokester today!!) include 1949 Chevrolet trucks and 1962 Corvettes. Seems any time I wish to indulge in daydreaming I can sit down in my comfy computer chair and view the most beautiful cars/trucks on the web. But am I missing out? Am I missing out on the great stories or the treasure hunts and mysteries of chasing the elusive car, or parts for the elusive car? Do things now-a-days just come too easy? What ever happened to the thrill of the chase?
There was a time when hunting for vintage car parts could take years or even decades. A person could dedicate hours on every road trip to stopping in small town garages, or farmers' fields, or collector's swap meets to find the part they needed. Now, all you do is click a few times on Google, and there you are.... parts for your AMC Gremlin.
My tastes, though more refined (just kidding. I am a jokester today!!) include 1949 Chevrolet trucks and 1962 Corvettes. Seems any time I wish to indulge in daydreaming I can sit down in my comfy computer chair and view the most beautiful cars/trucks on the web. But am I missing out? Am I missing out on the great stories or the treasure hunts and mysteries of chasing the elusive car, or parts for the elusive car? Do things now-a-days just come too easy? What ever happened to the thrill of the chase?
Friday, June 3, 2011
What moves you?
Though the weather has been absolutely terrible lately, people still find the strength to help each other and to keep moving forward. That in itself is inspirational. Floods, fires, tornadoes and hail are things we can't control. All anybody can do is prepare in advance, act on the best information you have and have faith that we will overcome all obstacles.
It seems to me that these same battles are fought against disease and sickness. You can build yourself up with good food, exercise and positive energy, but you must face what life throws your way. Events like the Cancer Relay for Life, where participants walk all night, rejoice and share memories of loved ones, take place all over North America. It's a wonderful thing when people come together in celebration or remembrance.
Together, we are so much stronger.
It seems to me that these same battles are fought against disease and sickness. You can build yourself up with good food, exercise and positive energy, but you must face what life throws your way. Events like the Cancer Relay for Life, where participants walk all night, rejoice and share memories of loved ones, take place all over North America. It's a wonderful thing when people come together in celebration or remembrance.
Together, we are so much stronger.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Celebrate in the here and now
Recently I was asked to do a video presentation, created from special family photos. It was a special birthday celebration for a woman who was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and best friend to so many people. Everyone in her life took time to gather their special photos and plan an event to celebrate her birthday with her.
We had about 50 photographs and set them to the Nat King Cole song "Unforgettable". It was a beautiful video of a beautiful life and woman. The fabulous part about everything is that her family was celebrating with her, and not after she was gone. This was a birthday party and a time to rejoice. Her family found the time in their busy lives to come together and celebrate in the here and now.
That was a great reminder to me to celebrate my friendships and loved ones in the here and now. Regardless of how corny it sounds, when was the last time you told your own mother that you loved her?
With Mother's Day around the corner most people feel obligated to buy a gift, make a phone call or take Mom out to dinner. But what if you did these things and it WASN'T Mother's Day? What if you took Mom shopping and bought her a new purse, or carried her groceries to the car, or what if you took her down to the jewellery store and had her rings professionally cleaned for her? What if you did something that made her eyes sparkle? What if it wasn't Mother's Day? Would she know for certain that you loved her? You bet she would.
In the same mindset, I remind my best friend as often as I can that she is my BFF and why. We've had some great times together and have more great times to come. It's a relationship, like any other that needs work and maintenance to stay strong.
You can apply the same effort and standards to all your important relationships - with your children, your neighbours, your employer and the people you rely on. Find a way to celebrate in the here and now. If you bake some cookies, share them with your neighbours or your kids' friends. Share a laugh. Celebrate in the here and now.
We had about 50 photographs and set them to the Nat King Cole song "Unforgettable". It was a beautiful video of a beautiful life and woman. The fabulous part about everything is that her family was celebrating with her, and not after she was gone. This was a birthday party and a time to rejoice. Her family found the time in their busy lives to come together and celebrate in the here and now.
That was a great reminder to me to celebrate my friendships and loved ones in the here and now. Regardless of how corny it sounds, when was the last time you told your own mother that you loved her?
With Mother's Day around the corner most people feel obligated to buy a gift, make a phone call or take Mom out to dinner. But what if you did these things and it WASN'T Mother's Day? What if you took Mom shopping and bought her a new purse, or carried her groceries to the car, or what if you took her down to the jewellery store and had her rings professionally cleaned for her? What if you did something that made her eyes sparkle? What if it wasn't Mother's Day? Would she know for certain that you loved her? You bet she would.
In the same mindset, I remind my best friend as often as I can that she is my BFF and why. We've had some great times together and have more great times to come. It's a relationship, like any other that needs work and maintenance to stay strong.
You can apply the same effort and standards to all your important relationships - with your children, your neighbours, your employer and the people you rely on. Find a way to celebrate in the here and now. If you bake some cookies, share them with your neighbours or your kids' friends. Share a laugh. Celebrate in the here and now.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
September Travel
Kids are back in school. The weather is still gorgeous. Could there be a better time to travel? Is it time for a road trip across the midwest? A cruise to Alaska? A flight to Paris in the fall?
The Caribbean is always on my mind, and though I have been there in July and August, I would hesitate to go in September. September & October and prime hurricane months. If you are on a cruise ship, rest assured that the ever present technology will be able to re-route you safely and quickly out of harms way. However, the same can not be said about being on land. Hurricane prone areas are used to the 'shelter-in-place" model to ride out the storm. However do you really want to be stressing in a hotel room when you would rather be sunning on the beach?
What about Disneyland in September? I think this would be an ideal time to take a pre-schooler.
What will you be doing this September when the school bell rings? Time to start your planning today.
The Caribbean is always on my mind, and though I have been there in July and August, I would hesitate to go in September. September & October and prime hurricane months. If you are on a cruise ship, rest assured that the ever present technology will be able to re-route you safely and quickly out of harms way. However, the same can not be said about being on land. Hurricane prone areas are used to the 'shelter-in-place" model to ride out the storm. However do you really want to be stressing in a hotel room when you would rather be sunning on the beach?
What about Disneyland in September? I think this would be an ideal time to take a pre-schooler.
What will you be doing this September when the school bell rings? Time to start your planning today.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Encouragement
Encouragement costs you nothing but it can mean a whole lot to the recipient. When was the last time you said, "great work today" to your employee, or co-worker, or even your own child? Was it today? Was it yesterday? If you can't pin point the moment, it's been too long.
What if you told the gas jockey that washed your windows that he did a great job and that washing your windows on this slushy, dirty spring day, really helped you out. Do you think he might remember your words? Do you think it might help him get through the next 5 hours of his 8 hour shift pumping gas?
What if you said the same thing to your dentist? "Thanks for doing a great job on that filling. My tooth doesn't hurt anymore and I'm going to enjoy eating a meal once again."
What if we were all openly, expressively grateful for the little things that make our lives easier? Or just thankful for the people in our lives who make a difference. What if...
What if you told the gas jockey that washed your windows that he did a great job and that washing your windows on this slushy, dirty spring day, really helped you out. Do you think he might remember your words? Do you think it might help him get through the next 5 hours of his 8 hour shift pumping gas?
What if you said the same thing to your dentist? "Thanks for doing a great job on that filling. My tooth doesn't hurt anymore and I'm going to enjoy eating a meal once again."
What if we were all openly, expressively grateful for the little things that make our lives easier? Or just thankful for the people in our lives who make a difference. What if...
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