Click here.
(my personal favorite - Jackson Pollock)
Showing posts with label Fighting the Stress Ninja. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fighting the Stress Ninja. Show all posts
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Fear can help.
Fear is one of the 7 major stress triggers in life. But, it can also help you appreciate abstract art at a new (and deeper) level.
Click here.
(my personal favorite - Jackson Pollock)
Click here.
(my personal favorite - Jackson Pollock)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Taking a bit of a breath...
My Mac crashed.
Died.
and got infected with a zombie virus. Which means, it's alive again, but .... scarily.
I lost about 15 pages of an upcoming novel, and I was pretty heart broken. So, I need to take a bit of a breather, and get caught up again.
In the meantime, feel free to backtrack to any posts for your needed Stress Relief or Mad Money advice and my books are always available for you.
If stalking is more your style, here are my other connection pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Or shoot me a note if you need anything.
xoxo
Died.
and got infected with a zombie virus. Which means, it's alive again, but .... scarily.
I lost about 15 pages of an upcoming novel, and I was pretty heart broken. So, I need to take a bit of a breather, and get caught up again.
In the meantime, feel free to backtrack to any posts for your needed Stress Relief or Mad Money advice and my books are always available for you.
If stalking is more your style, here are my other connection pages:
Or shoot me a note if you need anything.
xoxo
Friday, February 10, 2012
Stress-Free Friday Freebie
Happy Stress-Free Friday!
Today is a freebie day. Six stress reduction approaches that are easy to learn, simple to use and powerful in their effect.
They'll help you get back in control of your life, and you don't even have to buy my book.
1. Schedule Time Every Day To Center Yourself: A few times a day, stop and take a moment to gather yourself. There are many approaches for this. Here you become still, focus on your breathing, relax your muscles, and manage your mind. This gives you a centered, calm focus for your next activity.
2. Focus On Your Breath: When I used to coach volleyball (and swimming - especially) the first area I work on is their breath control. Notice your breathing, are you breathing shallow? Deepen it up.
3. Know What You Can Control: Make a list of those things you can control, those things partially in your control, and those things out of your control. As you go through your day, let go of those things that you have no control over.
4. Develop The Gratitude Attitude: What are you thankful for? Everyone has people and activities in their life that are good, beautiful, and valuable. Every day make note of this and be thankful.
5. Hit The Reset Button: Just as your computer needs to be rebooted often, your brain needs a reboot. Hit the reset button daily or you will gum up your mental RAM. Take a break, change activities, be with loved ones, or do nothing but meditate. Clear out the junk in your mind, so you can come back refreshed.
6. Start Your Day With Quiet: Clear your mind, quiet your emotions, and let your muscles relax. There is nothing better in the morning but quiet silence, coffee and a few songs from the birds.
The prime concept in stress reduction is to know what you can control, and what you cannot. With the help of a stress management specialist (THAT'S ME!) you can learn a wide array of stress reduction strategies that can help you feel more in control of what happens to you.
Reclaim the power in your life. Contact me for more information on how reducing your stress can improve your life, or check out the books for sale in my shop.
And HAVE A FANTASTIC FRIDAY AND A GREAT WEEKEND!
Today is a freebie day. Six stress reduction approaches that are easy to learn, simple to use and powerful in their effect.
They'll help you get back in control of your life, and you don't even have to buy my book.
1. Schedule Time Every Day To Center Yourself: A few times a day, stop and take a moment to gather yourself. There are many approaches for this. Here you become still, focus on your breathing, relax your muscles, and manage your mind. This gives you a centered, calm focus for your next activity.
2. Focus On Your Breath: When I used to coach volleyball (and swimming - especially) the first area I work on is their breath control. Notice your breathing, are you breathing shallow? Deepen it up.
3. Know What You Can Control: Make a list of those things you can control, those things partially in your control, and those things out of your control. As you go through your day, let go of those things that you have no control over.
4. Develop The Gratitude Attitude: What are you thankful for? Everyone has people and activities in their life that are good, beautiful, and valuable. Every day make note of this and be thankful.
5. Hit The Reset Button: Just as your computer needs to be rebooted often, your brain needs a reboot. Hit the reset button daily or you will gum up your mental RAM. Take a break, change activities, be with loved ones, or do nothing but meditate. Clear out the junk in your mind, so you can come back refreshed.
The prime concept in stress reduction is to know what you can control, and what you cannot. With the help of a stress management specialist (THAT'S ME!) you can learn a wide array of stress reduction strategies that can help you feel more in control of what happens to you.
Reclaim the power in your life. Contact me for more information on how reducing your stress can improve your life, or check out the books for sale in my shop.
And HAVE A FANTASTIC FRIDAY AND A GREAT WEEKEND!
Friday, January 27, 2012
A Gift from the Sea
I sit, anxiously awaiting to hear back on a new abode. A new home. A place where I can see the ocean, a place where writing and coffee and eating and living will happen with a 180 degree view of waves and water and salt and infiniteness. It is the year of the Water Dragon, and with my newfound observation of productivity in writing in proximity to the ocean, I am excited about the possibilities. Stressed about the move and yet calm in the assurance of knowing that this just FEELS right.
So, I sit, patient.
In honor of this feeling, in honor of this next year's worth of gifts from the sea, in honor of 2012, the water dragon, the gratitude and everything about life which is enjoyed at a slower speed.... (It is Stress-Free Friday after all)
An excerpt:
A Gift From The Sea
"The beach is not the place to work, to read, write or think. I should have remembered that from other years. Too warm, too damp, too soft for any real mental discipline or sharp flights of spirit. One never learns. Hopefully, one carries down the faded straw bags, lumpy with books, clean paper, long over-due unanswered letters, freshly sharpened pencils, lists, and good intentions. The books remain unread, the pencils break their points, and the pads rest smooth and unblemished as the cloudless sky. No reading, no writing, no thoughts even - at least, not at first.
At first, the tired body takes over completely. As on shipboard, one descends into a deck-chair apathy. One is forced against one's mind, against all tidy resolutions, back into the primeval rhythms of the sea-shore, Rollers on the beach, wind in the pines, the slow flapping of herons across sand dunes, drown out the hectic rhythms of city and suburb, time tables and schedules. One falls under their spell, relaxes, stretches out prone. One becomes, in fact, like the element on which one lies, flattened by the sea, bare, open, empty as the beach, erased by today's tides of all yesterday's scribblings.
And then, some morning in the second week, the mind wakes, comes to life again. Not in a city sense - no - but beach-wise. it begins to drift, to play, to turn over in gentle careless rolls like those lazy waves on the beach. One never knows what change treasures these easy unconscious rollers may toss up, on the smooth white sand of the conscious mind, what perfectly rounded stone, what rare shell from the ocean floor. Perhaps a channelled whelk, a moon shell, or even an argonaut.
But it must not be sought for or - heaven forbid! - dug for. No, no dredging of the sea bottom here. That would defeat one's purpose. The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea."
~Anne Morrow Lindbergh
So, I sit, patient.
In honor of this feeling, in honor of this next year's worth of gifts from the sea, in honor of 2012, the water dragon, the gratitude and everything about life which is enjoyed at a slower speed.... (It is Stress-Free Friday after all)
An excerpt:
A Gift From The Sea
"The beach is not the place to work, to read, write or think. I should have remembered that from other years. Too warm, too damp, too soft for any real mental discipline or sharp flights of spirit. One never learns. Hopefully, one carries down the faded straw bags, lumpy with books, clean paper, long over-due unanswered letters, freshly sharpened pencils, lists, and good intentions. The books remain unread, the pencils break their points, and the pads rest smooth and unblemished as the cloudless sky. No reading, no writing, no thoughts even - at least, not at first.
At first, the tired body takes over completely. As on shipboard, one descends into a deck-chair apathy. One is forced against one's mind, against all tidy resolutions, back into the primeval rhythms of the sea-shore, Rollers on the beach, wind in the pines, the slow flapping of herons across sand dunes, drown out the hectic rhythms of city and suburb, time tables and schedules. One falls under their spell, relaxes, stretches out prone. One becomes, in fact, like the element on which one lies, flattened by the sea, bare, open, empty as the beach, erased by today's tides of all yesterday's scribblings.
And then, some morning in the second week, the mind wakes, comes to life again. Not in a city sense - no - but beach-wise. it begins to drift, to play, to turn over in gentle careless rolls like those lazy waves on the beach. One never knows what change treasures these easy unconscious rollers may toss up, on the smooth white sand of the conscious mind, what perfectly rounded stone, what rare shell from the ocean floor. Perhaps a channelled whelk, a moon shell, or even an argonaut.
But it must not be sought for or - heaven forbid! - dug for. No, no dredging of the sea bottom here. That would defeat one's purpose. The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea."
~Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
A safe explosion.
There is a level of vulnerability when it comes to writing. A vulnerability that comes from the cracking open of one's soul to let the inner most, passionate creation out. In the last few months this observation has never been more keen.
When I was traveling, I wrote 5 books in a little over 4 months. Then, when I got back stateside I (and some friends) helped with editing, cover art, publishing and marketing. It was easy.
They were done.
(and you can get your copy today through my online shop)
Now I am looking at the 5 other books I started when I was on the road and have yet to finish with .... well, with exasperation.
I had such high hopes and expectations of myself to have gotten these done. and each day I look at the pile, those expectations just add a serving size amount of stress onto my poor little shoulders.
I ask: Why was it so easy to write when I was on the road, with no home, no job and no car, and it is so damn difficult now that I am back?
Then I realize....
It takes a huge amount of vulnerability to write. It takes a Universe-sized crack in your soul to open up and let the words flow. It is like the birth of a Universe exploding out of your chest.
For this level of creativity, the deep vulnerability, the passion and birth of something so wonderous, there is one secret little thing I've been missing. One thing I had when I was traveling, one little thing in which I soon hope to have again very soon.
Safety.
Not physical safety, but the emotional kind. The mental space and emotionally safe surroundings to crack through a hard candy shell and reach inside to pull out all the passionate, sticky, universe-exploding, deliciousness.
But don't worry, things are shifting changing and moving and I am too. Very soon, I will be all happy and settled and warm and safe and get back to my debaucherious rantings, writings and wriggly good times.
When I was traveling, I wrote 5 books in a little over 4 months. Then, when I got back stateside I (and some friends) helped with editing, cover art, publishing and marketing. It was easy.
They were done.
(and you can get your copy today through my online shop)
Now I am looking at the 5 other books I started when I was on the road and have yet to finish with .... well, with exasperation.
I had such high hopes and expectations of myself to have gotten these done. and each day I look at the pile, those expectations just add a serving size amount of stress onto my poor little shoulders.
I ask: Why was it so easy to write when I was on the road, with no home, no job and no car, and it is so damn difficult now that I am back?
Then I realize....
It takes a huge amount of vulnerability to write. It takes a Universe-sized crack in your soul to open up and let the words flow. It is like the birth of a Universe exploding out of your chest.
For this level of creativity, the deep vulnerability, the passion and birth of something so wonderous, there is one secret little thing I've been missing. One thing I had when I was traveling, one little thing in which I soon hope to have again very soon.
Safety.
Not physical safety, but the emotional kind. The mental space and emotionally safe surroundings to crack through a hard candy shell and reach inside to pull out all the passionate, sticky, universe-exploding, deliciousness.
But don't worry, things are shifting changing and moving and I am too. Very soon, I will be all happy and settled and warm and safe and get back to my debaucherious rantings, writings and wriggly good times.
Friday, January 20, 2012
At 5'9", I'm .... like a Turtle, short and snappy.
It's Friday.
I should post something relevent, entertaining or educations. I should post something about how to manage your stress, get your finances in order or how to keep balance in your life.
I should.
But I'm not.
Not today.
I've been grumpy the last few days.
The grumpy-forever-kind-of-grumpy.
I've been short and snappy.
Like a turtle but human-sized.
I've been stressed.
And this little turtle just wants to crawl inside it's hard shell and live in the silent, warm, darkness forever.
It's been a tough couple of weeks.
But... there is a glimmer of hope, a ray of light, an escape in the near future. Tomorrow to be exact. It is a night of lights and dancing, and fantasmal costumes. Pumping and sexy beats.
It is a night of dragons and dancing girls. Pretty lights and awesome music. A night to work out all the tension and stress in a glorious array of colors and hugs and friends and love. A night of unabashed, unhindered, open, free and accepting of everything crazy I could throw at it.
Including me.
It is a night to celebrate a new year.
Welcome 2012, the year of the Dragon.
I should post something relevent, entertaining or educations. I should post something about how to manage your stress, get your finances in order or how to keep balance in your life.
I should.
But I'm not.
Not today.
I've been grumpy the last few days.
The grumpy-forever-kind-of-grumpy.
I've been short and snappy.
Like a turtle but human-sized.
I've been stressed.
And this little turtle just wants to crawl inside it's hard shell and live in the silent, warm, darkness forever.
It's been a tough couple of weeks.
But... there is a glimmer of hope, a ray of light, an escape in the near future. Tomorrow to be exact. It is a night of lights and dancing, and fantasmal costumes. Pumping and sexy beats.
Threshold: Enter the Dragon from daflew on Vimeo.
(Watch the video)It is a night of dragons and dancing girls. Pretty lights and awesome music. A night to work out all the tension and stress in a glorious array of colors and hugs and friends and love. A night of unabashed, unhindered, open, free and accepting of everything crazy I could throw at it.
Including me.
It is a night to celebrate a new year.
Welcome 2012, the year of the Dragon.
Monday, January 16, 2012
People are Amazing.
People are amazing.
Amazing in the beautiful artistic way,
Amazing in the creative, imaginative way,
Amazing in the 'crazy new-age Woodstock Festival, Dr Seuss in the Desert' kind of way.
And resilient.
People are very very amazing in the resilient kind of way.
Like these people...
and you.
You are resilient.
You are amazingly, creatively, deliciously resilient.
...and if you aren't.... it's just because you haven't had an opportunity to stretch your resilient muscles. It's because, maybe, you forgot. Don't worry, I'm here to remind you.
Consider this your reminder.
Amazing in the beautiful artistic way,
Amazing in the creative, imaginative way,
Amazing in the 'crazy new-age Woodstock Festival, Dr Seuss in the Desert' kind of way.
And resilient.
People are very very amazing in the resilient kind of way.
Like these people...
and you.
You are resilient.
You are amazingly, creatively, deliciously resilient.
...and if you aren't.... it's just because you haven't had an opportunity to stretch your resilient muscles. It's because, maybe, you forgot. Don't worry, I'm here to remind you.
Consider this your reminder.
Friday, January 6, 2012
No Clutter, No Stress, No Problem
CLUTTER:
Most people have a little here and there. But, unfortunately, there is a large percentage of people who avoid going home because of it. In a world where you experience plenty of stress from jobs, relationships, finances, fear, etc, why put another undue burden upon yourself?
When you come home from working in the scary world 'out there' you should enter a refuge, somewhere which is safe from the demands outside. (This goes back to our reptilian brain of being chased by tigers and seeking refuge in our cave. For a shameless plug and more on the chasing tigers of stress, check out my book *HERE*)
Don't come home to a place which causes you additional stress!
Just sitting in a cluttered room can create stress in two ways. First, in cerebral terms, too much information for the eye to process is stressful on the brain. Second, in practical terms, it is a visual reminder of how much work you have to do to get your house clean.
Living in a cluttered or messy home can create a constant low-grade stress and subtly put a drain on your energy. Speaking of energy, the 3000 year old Chinese practice of Feng Shui specifically addresses the issue of energy in the home. *Click Here* For more basic information on Feng Shui and Stress Relief. Or just 'Google it' and get lost in the land of inter-webbing.
Any way you cut it, the conclusion is the same: MESS MEANS STRESS!
My good friend Nye (who does amazing things with computers: **Click here** and inspired me this week) recently posted up that he was going to stay 'decluttered' for 2012. And instead of just proclaiming it, he found an awesome calendar which addressed an area of clutter for every single day of the year. (Check it out here)
I think it is pretty ingenious.
De-Cluttering doesn't have to be difficult, expensive (you don't need those 50 clear plastic tubs), or time consuming. Just a few minutes a day will, over time, save your sanity and your stress level.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
2012 = The end of the world, Zombies and Never Giving Up.
Soooooo...... Happy 2012 to everyone.
Is it the end of the world yet?
(Click here if video doesn't load)
According to the video, it doesn't look like it (although I question what kind of Kool-Aid the guy was drinking when he made the video).
But.... either way, you should be prepared for a Zombie Apocolpse.... just in case.
(I want this... **click** for uhm, disaster preparedness (I wear size medium).... consider it a birthday present.)
Zombies are rascally little critters. Kind of like depression.
Depression is rascally...
...and will eat your brain.
Like a zombie.
Depression = Zombie
Recently, Jenny Lawson, a woman who I admire (not just for her writing, but also for her humor) 'came out' so to speak, about her secret battle with depression and self-harm.
Read it here: The Fight Goes on.
Since she has posted, she has received thousands of comments and messages in support of her, her battle and her bravery. She had letters come in from family members of people who suffer from depression and even a woman who was going to commit suicide and decided against it because of her bravery in her post. *Read Here* Not just bravery, but also her strength in NEVER GIVING UP.
Since then, she has started the Silver Ribbon Project.
Twitter has exploded with the hashtag #silverribbon
You can support all those who fight in silence by wearing, *painting*, pinning or gluing a silver ribbon to yourself.... and we will know.
(You can also go *here* or *here* to buy one and support the Traveling Red Dress Project).
Until then:
Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle....
...... especially against Zombies.
Is it the end of the world yet?
(Click here if video doesn't load)
According to the video, it doesn't look like it (although I question what kind of Kool-Aid the guy was drinking when he made the video).
But.... either way, you should be prepared for a Zombie Apocolpse.... just in case.
(I want this... **click** for uhm, disaster preparedness (I wear size medium).... consider it a birthday present.)
Zombies are rascally little critters. Kind of like depression.
Depression is rascally...
...and will eat your brain.
Like a zombie.
Depression = Zombie
Recently, Jenny Lawson, a woman who I admire (not just for her writing, but also for her humor) 'came out' so to speak, about her secret battle with depression and self-harm.
Read it here: The Fight Goes on.
Since she has posted, she has received thousands of comments and messages in support of her, her battle and her bravery. She had letters come in from family members of people who suffer from depression and even a woman who was going to commit suicide and decided against it because of her bravery in her post. *Read Here* Not just bravery, but also her strength in NEVER GIVING UP.
Since then, she has started the Silver Ribbon Project.
Twitter has exploded with the hashtag #silverribbon
You can support all those who fight in silence by wearing, *painting*, pinning or gluing a silver ribbon to yourself.... and we will know.
(You can also go *here* or *here* to buy one and support the Traveling Red Dress Project).
Until then:
Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle....
...... especially against Zombies.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
... and for Random Wednesday.
You get pictures...
Lots of random, not safe for work, things I have found amusing, pictures.
Enjoy.
...and Will Wheaton for the Win.
Lots of random, not safe for work, things I have found amusing, pictures.
Enjoy.
...and Will Wheaton for the Win.
Monday, December 26, 2011
The end of Gluttony
It's Money Monday, and also the day after Christmas.
The day after a gluttonous day of spending. Spending on presents, spending time with family and friends and spending many hours lifting a fork into your mouth eating delicious food (which you probably wouldn't normally eat the rest of the year - like cookies. I love cookies).
It seems as though the holidays have become an excuse for gluttony. Although, my hope and wish for you is that you planned, did a budget, stuck to your diet, and spent the proper amount of time with your friends and family.
BUT--->>
If you didn't do things how you wanted, you can always start NOW!
Don't wait until New Years, get a head start on the wagon today!
If you blew your budget for Christmas, (or maybe didn't even set one, but now are looking at January 1 with horror and dread) I recommend this:
With perfect tips, tricks and a step by step budget guide, it is the perfect way to get your finances in order for 2012. (And it is #25 on Amazon's best seller list for Budgeting and Personal Finance!)
Click around for more tips and tricks on recovery from:
Gluttony (get a bit more balance)
Money Management (budget)
Stress (Life doesn't have to be difficult)
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
Diet
Exercise
and...
A video to make you laugh....
cute kitteh's for fun... 'cuz cute kittehs dancing to Michael Jackson makes everyone happy.
The day after a gluttonous day of spending. Spending on presents, spending time with family and friends and spending many hours lifting a fork into your mouth eating delicious food (which you probably wouldn't normally eat the rest of the year - like cookies. I love cookies).
It seems as though the holidays have become an excuse for gluttony. Although, my hope and wish for you is that you planned, did a budget, stuck to your diet, and spent the proper amount of time with your friends and family.
BUT--->>
If you didn't do things how you wanted, you can always start NOW!
Don't wait until New Years, get a head start on the wagon today!
If you blew your budget for Christmas, (or maybe didn't even set one, but now are looking at January 1 with horror and dread) I recommend this:
With perfect tips, tricks and a step by step budget guide, it is the perfect way to get your finances in order for 2012. (And it is #25 on Amazon's best seller list for Budgeting and Personal Finance!)
Click around for more tips and tricks on recovery from:
Gluttony (get a bit more balance)
Money Management (budget)
Stress (Life doesn't have to be difficult)
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
Diet
Exercise
and...
A video to make you laugh....
cute kitteh's for fun... 'cuz cute kittehs dancing to Michael Jackson makes everyone happy.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Stress-Free Stimulation
I have found one of the things in my life which stress me out is overstimulation. It could be clutter in a room or cubicule I am trying to work in, it could be a messy house, it could be a tv which is up to loud in the background, and don't even get me started on the christmas jingles and mall noise which seems to be overtaking the season like a pack of Christmas-infected rabid santa-zombies.
But then... then I read this article on Huffington Post (Here), and started to question... was my stress really stress, or was it anxiety? Was it a physical response, or was it my OCD/PTSD getting a bit out of control? Then I thought.... if I was a Zebra, would I have an ulcer??
The answer...
No.
No, my life is not in danger if the room is a mess and there is obnoxious music playing. No my life is not in danger when the dishes aren't done and everything isn't 'in it's place'. It is a psychological fear reaction which is happening deep in the neurocortex's of my brain.
But, I sure as hell am a lot happier when things are clean and calm and tidy. And, when I am happy, I am less likely to stab someone. So, as a Christmas present to you, I will be staying out of the malls for the next three weeks. Consider yourself safe.
Happy Holidays/Yule/Kwanza/Ramadan/PickYourPoison.
p.s. For more tips on how to stay Stress-Free this season, check out my new books which are now available in paperback. Available now in my shop, or on Amazon.com.
But then... then I read this article on Huffington Post (Here), and started to question... was my stress really stress, or was it anxiety? Was it a physical response, or was it my OCD/PTSD getting a bit out of control? Then I thought.... if I was a Zebra, would I have an ulcer??
The answer...
No.
No, my life is not in danger if the room is a mess and there is obnoxious music playing. No my life is not in danger when the dishes aren't done and everything isn't 'in it's place'. It is a psychological fear reaction which is happening deep in the neurocortex's of my brain.
But, I sure as hell am a lot happier when things are clean and calm and tidy. And, when I am happy, I am less likely to stab someone. So, as a Christmas present to you, I will be staying out of the malls for the next three weeks. Consider yourself safe.
Happy Holidays/Yule/Kwanza/Ramadan/PickYourPoison.
p.s. For more tips on how to stay Stress-Free this season, check out my new books which are now available in paperback. Available now in my shop, or on Amazon.com.
Friday, December 9, 2011
So, I should probably post something useful.
Since it is Stress-Free Friday and all, I should probably post something up that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. Considering the sky continues to get a little bit more grey and the air is so cold it's snapping at you saying 'nuh uh sista-friend, you get your butt back inside and put on a coat!'.
It's been a busy week and it doesn't seem to be letting up now since Holiday season is in full swing. Hustle, bustle, go here, go there, eat this, drink this, meet this person (be nice and shake hands), and don't forget to buy that gift. It is no wonder that people are starting to catch the cold/flu that is going around. Here are some tips to hopefully keep you healthy during all this hustle and bustle.
WASH YOUR FRICKIN HANDS!
Use hot hot water, soap and then dry your hands with a disposable paper towel (cloth dish towels are just little germ houses, multiplying like gremlins sprinkled in water after midnight). By the way, it might not be a bad idea to pocket a little travel sized bottle of hand sanitizer. I love that stuff. and one more thing... QUIT TOUCHING YOUR FACE!
GET SOME R&R!
Fact: Emotional stress weakens the immune system.If you are overly stressed for a long period of time, you are at a much greater risk of getting sick. So, sleep a little bit longer today, go to bed a little bit earlier. Put some lavender oil on your shoulders and neck and just chill out!
DRINK LIKE A FISH AND SWEAT LIKE A PIG
Have you ever seen a fish sneeze? Yeah, my point exactly. Drink plenty of water (or non-caffinated, healthy-for-you type of drink-stuffs). The liquids help flush toxins out of your body. The other thing that helps flush bad germs out.... sweating. So, figure out how you are going to do that. Exercise, sauna, sexy-times, whatever it is - and get sweating!
I know that 24-Hour Fitness is offering a great deal right now. Get in before the New Year when prices go up!
For more tips on how to keep well this winter, click HERE.
For more info on reducing stress, clickity clack HERE.
For something Random and Awesome which has nothing to do with stress or colds but will make you feel good when you see it, click here.
WASH YOUR FRICKIN HANDS!
Use hot hot water, soap and then dry your hands with a disposable paper towel (cloth dish towels are just little germ houses, multiplying like gremlins sprinkled in water after midnight). By the way, it might not be a bad idea to pocket a little travel sized bottle of hand sanitizer. I love that stuff. and one more thing... QUIT TOUCHING YOUR FACE!
GET SOME R&R!
Fact: Emotional stress weakens the immune system.If you are overly stressed for a long period of time, you are at a much greater risk of getting sick. So, sleep a little bit longer today, go to bed a little bit earlier. Put some lavender oil on your shoulders and neck and just chill out!
DRINK LIKE A FISH AND SWEAT LIKE A PIG
Have you ever seen a fish sneeze? Yeah, my point exactly. Drink plenty of water (or non-caffinated, healthy-for-you type of drink-stuffs). The liquids help flush toxins out of your body. The other thing that helps flush bad germs out.... sweating. So, figure out how you are going to do that. Exercise, sauna, sexy-times, whatever it is - and get sweating!
I know that 24-Hour Fitness is offering a great deal right now. Get in before the New Year when prices go up!
For more tips on how to keep well this winter, click HERE.
For more info on reducing stress, clickity clack HERE.
For something Random and Awesome which has nothing to do with stress or colds but will make you feel good when you see it, click here.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Welcome to Stress-Free Friday!
Today, I'm starting a new weekly column:
Stress-Free Friday
I thought about this while laying in bed this morning because of the Holiday season. Last night I drove around for almost 30 minutes looking for a parking spot to go to the movie. By about 25 minutes into looking, I was spitting and cursing and grumbling. It was very festive.
Little did I know that 'Santa's Workshop' opened last night and there were people waiting in a line that went over 2 blocks long to see Santa. I was defeated by damn Santa and his workshop.
The Holiday season is a season of heightened emotions, heightened expectations, and heightened pressures from family and friends to go here, do this, come to this party, eat this, drink this and from retailers the ever present 'buy this' jingle. It is the perfect storm for stress-inducing events. Here are a few tips which might help you make it through the holi-daze just a little bit more sanely.
Be Realistic! The holidays don't have to be perfect, or just like last year. People change and grow, the holiday celebrations will too! Remain open to trying new things, new rituals or even new ways of gathering together with family. Last year I spent Thanksgiving with my sister via video Skype. It can be done! Sometimes you just have to get a little creative.
Do (and stick to) a budget! Don't add to the stress of the Holidays by running out of money. By doing a simple budget and sticking to it, it will save a lot of heartache come January 1st when Rent/Mortgage is due. For more help on budgeting, please check out my book HERE which will guide you through the process.
Finally - and most importantly - Do something nice for yourself!
In this season of 'giving' we can sometimes give so much it leaves us exhausted and emotionally empty. Be sure this year you schedule something nice for yourself, it doesn't have to be expensive (although I would recommend AGAINST an edible 'treat'). Pedicures can be enjoyed by men and women alike and only cost around $20. Aromatherapy and spending 30 minutes in a dry-sauna (available at most salons/spa's for an hourly rate of between $10-$30) will do wonders for your mental and physical health and well-being.
For more in-depth ways to reduce your stress on a daily basis, please do not hesitate to reference my book on Overcoming Stress.
Stress-Free Friday
I thought about this while laying in bed this morning because of the Holiday season. Last night I drove around for almost 30 minutes looking for a parking spot to go to the movie. By about 25 minutes into looking, I was spitting and cursing and grumbling. It was very festive.
The Holiday season is a season of heightened emotions, heightened expectations, and heightened pressures from family and friends to go here, do this, come to this party, eat this, drink this and from retailers the ever present 'buy this' jingle. It is the perfect storm for stress-inducing events. Here are a few tips which might help you make it through the holi-daze just a little bit more sanely.
Be Realistic! The holidays don't have to be perfect, or just like last year. People change and grow, the holiday celebrations will too! Remain open to trying new things, new rituals or even new ways of gathering together with family. Last year I spent Thanksgiving with my sister via video Skype. It can be done! Sometimes you just have to get a little creative.
Do (and stick to) a budget! Don't add to the stress of the Holidays by running out of money. By doing a simple budget and sticking to it, it will save a lot of heartache come January 1st when Rent/Mortgage is due. For more help on budgeting, please check out my book HERE which will guide you through the process.
Finally - and most importantly - Do something nice for yourself!
In this season of 'giving' we can sometimes give so much it leaves us exhausted and emotionally empty. Be sure this year you schedule something nice for yourself, it doesn't have to be expensive (although I would recommend AGAINST an edible 'treat'). Pedicures can be enjoyed by men and women alike and only cost around $20. Aromatherapy and spending 30 minutes in a dry-sauna (available at most salons/spa's for an hourly rate of between $10-$30) will do wonders for your mental and physical health and well-being.
For more in-depth ways to reduce your stress on a daily basis, please do not hesitate to reference my book on Overcoming Stress.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
I've been triggered with ..... Get a JOB!
So, apparently one of the latest trends is to tell 'people' to 'Get a job'. The'People' I refer to are people such as: Occupy Protestors, People on unemployment/welfare/food stamps, recent college grads and .... ME!
You see, I have this friend. A friend I have had for the last 20+ years. This particular friend and I have been through a lot. Our lives, friendship and love for each other has ebbed and flowed. I have known this person since I was 8 years old. Over the years we have stayed in touch and I have watched this friend accumulate the 'perfect' life. Which includes the perfect career, the perfect house, the perfect spouse, the perfect car, with the perfect 2.5 kids.
And we had lunch not too long ago, to catch up. I will skip the boring part of the 'catching up' and head straight to the meat.
As we were chatting about life, and I stated that money had been tight, they said:
"You should just get a job"
I responded with, "you could hire me" to which they backpedaled.... quickly. I quickly followed up with:
'You know I have been writing and currently have 6 books published, right?' and
'Money is tight, self-publishing is expensive and book sales have been slow, I am undeterred. I love what I do and I'm going to just keep working as hard as I have been and things will turn around.'
Their response:
"You could be so awesome if...."
My. Jaw. Dropped. I didn't hear anything after that.
I was silently raging.
I had nothing else to say.
I kindly finished my meal and said my good-byes.
Still shocked.
After 20 years of knowing this person, of being friends for so long.... I was stunned. It took me a while and a very long walk home to come to the following conclusion.
My value, and the value of my brothers and sisters with college degrees and no 'job' isn't based on some arbitrary idea of:
'what I can do for someone else' or 'what someone will pay for me.'
My value is ME.
Just living, breathing and existing has value.
Not to mention my ideas, passions, educated opinions and connections. I am not going to just go out on the job market to pimp myself out to the highest bidder. I am worth more than that and refuse to de-value myself.
Take note: You are worth more than that, do not devalue yourself. EVER.
I say NEVER get a JOB!
p.s. For those of you that love numbers as much as I do, HERE is a great report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and US Department of Labor about the status of the 'job' market in the USA today.
You see, I have this friend. A friend I have had for the last 20+ years. This particular friend and I have been through a lot. Our lives, friendship and love for each other has ebbed and flowed. I have known this person since I was 8 years old. Over the years we have stayed in touch and I have watched this friend accumulate the 'perfect' life. Which includes the perfect career, the perfect house, the perfect spouse, the perfect car, with the perfect 2.5 kids.
And we had lunch not too long ago, to catch up. I will skip the boring part of the 'catching up' and head straight to the meat.
As we were chatting about life, and I stated that money had been tight, they said:
"You should just get a job"
I responded with, "you could hire me" to which they backpedaled.... quickly. I quickly followed up with:
'You know I have been writing and currently have 6 books published, right?' and
'Money is tight, self-publishing is expensive and book sales have been slow, I am undeterred. I love what I do and I'm going to just keep working as hard as I have been and things will turn around.'
Their response:
"You could be so awesome if...."
My. Jaw. Dropped. I didn't hear anything after that.
I was silently raging.
I had nothing else to say.
I kindly finished my meal and said my good-byes.
Still shocked.
After 20 years of knowing this person, of being friends for so long.... I was stunned. It took me a while and a very long walk home to come to the following conclusion.
My value, and the value of my brothers and sisters with college degrees and no 'job' isn't based on some arbitrary idea of:
'what I can do for someone else' or 'what someone will pay for me.'
My value is ME.
Just living, breathing and existing has value.
Not to mention my ideas, passions, educated opinions and connections. I am not going to just go out on the job market to pimp myself out to the highest bidder. I am worth more than that and refuse to de-value myself.
Take note: You are worth more than that, do not devalue yourself. EVER.
I say NEVER get a JOB!
p.s. For those of you that love numbers as much as I do, HERE is a great report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and US Department of Labor about the status of the 'job' market in the USA today.
A Tasty Nugglet
An excerpt from my SOON-TO-BE-IN-PAPERBACK-PRE-ORDER-YOURS-TODAY book:
How to Overcome Stress.
"There is a billion-dollar industry flourishing on this ‘Stress-Monster’. Our friendly night-stalking-ninja-boogyman is the number one industry in the civilized world. It is the cause of 70-90% of all doctor’s visits, and costs Great Britain alone over $600 million dollars last year, in the USA, over $300 BILLION! From anti-anxiety medication, accidents to just plain ol’ lethargy, Stress SUCKS!
How many times have you woke up with a migraine and called in sick to work? Do you have early symptoms of diabetes, ulcers or high blood pressure? Acne, weight gain or loss? Inability to concentrate, memory loss? How many weekends have you spent watching movies, reading books, surfing the net or playing video games just to escape? Everyone at one time or another has had a sign or symptom of being stressed. No wonder the word ‘stress’ is overused enough to make me barf.
Remember that ‘self-help’ buffet at Barnes & Noble? Amazon alone lists over 5,000 books for you to choose from just to ‘manage’ your stress. I have probably read half of those books and I find them uuuuber dry, boring and absolutely chock full of great information that I never used. Assuming you have figured out that the physical ailments you are suffering from are actually from stress, are you actually going to go to that 5am yoga class and chant ‘OOOHHHHMMMMMM’ for an hour?
Maybe.
But, I doubt it.
What other crazy non-practical stress reduction therapies have you tried?
Just take a minute and think about it.
Now, add it up.
Wouldn’t you like to save money, feel better, be more productive, and *GASP* actually be happy? Oh yes, it’s true, it can happen, and for the one time investment of just $99.99 in ten easy installments sent directly to my paypal account... I will send you the magic pill..... oh wait...wrong infomercial.
Seriously though. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no magic pill, no running, and no hiding. Stress is a multi-headed monster even Jason and the Argonauts couldn’t slay. It is just the natural result of being alive and coming into contact with other living beings. Congratulations! You are alive.
But now what?"
***************
and now... for an excellent review:
"Ms. Jones tackles these topics with a light touch using her smart and witty sense of humor, making it a very friendly and easy to understand book. She writes like she is a good friend giving you a piece of advice over coffee. This is an easy to digest book that is chock-full of excellent tactics, ideas, and strategies to live a life with less stress."
Get your copy today!
How to Overcome Stress.
"There is a billion-dollar industry flourishing on this ‘Stress-Monster’. Our friendly night-stalking-ninja-boogyman is the number one industry in the civilized world. It is the cause of 70-90% of all doctor’s visits, and costs Great Britain alone over $600 million dollars last year, in the USA, over $300 BILLION! From anti-anxiety medication, accidents to just plain ol’ lethargy, Stress SUCKS!
How many times have you woke up with a migraine and called in sick to work? Do you have early symptoms of diabetes, ulcers or high blood pressure? Acne, weight gain or loss? Inability to concentrate, memory loss? How many weekends have you spent watching movies, reading books, surfing the net or playing video games just to escape? Everyone at one time or another has had a sign or symptom of being stressed. No wonder the word ‘stress’ is overused enough to make me barf.
Remember that ‘self-help’ buffet at Barnes & Noble? Amazon alone lists over 5,000 books for you to choose from just to ‘manage’ your stress. I have probably read half of those books and I find them uuuuber dry, boring and absolutely chock full of great information that I never used. Assuming you have figured out that the physical ailments you are suffering from are actually from stress, are you actually going to go to that 5am yoga class and chant ‘OOOHHHHMMMMMM’ for an hour?
Maybe.
But, I doubt it.
What other crazy non-practical stress reduction therapies have you tried?
Just take a minute and think about it.
Now, add it up.
Wouldn’t you like to save money, feel better, be more productive, and *GASP* actually be happy? Oh yes, it’s true, it can happen, and for the one time investment of just $99.99 in ten easy installments sent directly to my paypal account... I will send you the magic pill..... oh wait...wrong infomercial.
Seriously though. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no magic pill, no running, and no hiding. Stress is a multi-headed monster even Jason and the Argonauts couldn’t slay. It is just the natural result of being alive and coming into contact with other living beings. Congratulations! You are alive.
But now what?"
***************
and now... for an excellent review:
"Ms. Jones tackles these topics with a light touch using her smart and witty sense of humor, making it a very friendly and easy to understand book. She writes like she is a good friend giving you a piece of advice over coffee. This is an easy to digest book that is chock-full of excellent tactics, ideas, and strategies to live a life with less stress."
Get your copy today!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Eat a Banana, Join a Cult.
First,
Have you ever noticed how weird it looks when you (or someone else) eats a banana....
Second,
For free shoes and drinks, I might almost ask about a membership....
and
Finally, two more books are available!
How to Buy Insurance
Overcome Stress with Balance
Get yours today!
Hard copies will be available soon! Stay tuned!
Have you ever noticed how weird it looks when you (or someone else) eats a banana....
Second,
For free shoes and drinks, I might almost ask about a membership....
and
Finally, two more books are available!
How to Buy Insurance
Overcome Stress with Balance
Get yours today!
Hard copies will be available soon! Stay tuned!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The very best of....
I was thinking today about how there are some blog posts I've written that have gotten buried. They have been funny, informative, inspirational or whatever. Perhaps it was my own desire to read the brilliance that has poured forth from my brain, or perhaps I was just reminiscing. Either way, I wanted to put together an all time 'best of' blog post page.
These are some of my very favorites, Enjoy.
Best Transportation Adventure
Best Self Observation
Best Zombie vs Vampire war
Best Dirty Post
Best Rant
Best 'Out of the Office'
Best Secret
Best ever
Don't forget to check out my new pages!
These are some of my very favorites, Enjoy.
Best Transportation Adventure
Best Self Observation
Best Zombie vs Vampire war
Best Dirty Post
Best Rant
Best 'Out of the Office'
Best Secret
Best ever
Don't forget to check out my new pages!
Monday, October 17, 2011
I love Birthdays, especially when they ....
Birthdays are a funny thing, they are inevitable (the alternative is not better), they are funny (hallmark has made a mint), and they can be the source of amazing memories.
Personally, I really love celebrating birthdays. I think that they are the perfect excuse to do those things in which you might not have otherwise done. Perhaps that one reason that gets you off the couch to experience something new (and we all know how much I love to do that!).
I think my love of birthdays started when I was a kid. I never had a lavish birthday party myself (my birthday is close to Christmas, so many times I got the 'combo' gift), but I did witness something particularly spectacular. I watched as my mother threw my father a surprise birthday party (with 30+ guests) 5 years in a row. Each year, he was shocked, and each year my mother's plans were elaborate and yet, exactly the same. It was glorious to see the look of shock on his face, and my mom beaming with pride that she pulled off yet another surprise.
As I grew into an adult, I have experienced some amazing birthdays that I will remember forever. A 2-day private soiree/dance/swim/hot tub/snuggly/movie event for 50+ people for my friend ZigZag's birthday.
My grandfather just got back from Havana Cuba where he celebrated his 80th Birthday. This guy is my hero, he has more stamps in his passport than anyone I have ever seen. It is especially amazing when you think about the fact that he was born during the Great Depression (when Herbert Hoover was in office), Gandhi was alive (and marching), Pluto was JUST discovered and Constantinople Turkey was renamed to Istanbul. WOW! (Btw - the pictures he brought back are AMAZING and I want to go SO BAD now!)
Personally, I think my favorite birthday so far was the one I celebrated last year in Mexico. It was me and six of my friends on a beach in Playa de Burros in the southern part of Baja California. We had fireworks, music and dancing on the beach, bioluminescent water, homemade spaghetti and magic spaceships. It was the BEST EVER!
Anyway, the reason I brought this up is that on Saturday, I hosted a birthday night for my friend Endi. First, Endi is an amazing woman. She dances, she sings, she makes crafty costumes and hair thingy's and she has been my friend for a very long time, and she deserved an amazing birthday. Her birthday also coincided with Seacompression. So, she came to Seattle, got dressed up, and off we went. We danced until our feet were sore, came home to a warm snuggly bed, got footrubs and slept for all of about an hour before she was off to her next birthday event.
Happy Birthday Endi!
And for you, whether you celebrate or not, I hope you make this year the best year ever, no matter what your age, or when your birthday is. Start celebrating now!
Personally, I really love celebrating birthdays. I think that they are the perfect excuse to do those things in which you might not have otherwise done. Perhaps that one reason that gets you off the couch to experience something new (and we all know how much I love to do that!).
I think my love of birthdays started when I was a kid. I never had a lavish birthday party myself (my birthday is close to Christmas, so many times I got the 'combo' gift), but I did witness something particularly spectacular. I watched as my mother threw my father a surprise birthday party (with 30+ guests) 5 years in a row. Each year, he was shocked, and each year my mother's plans were elaborate and yet, exactly the same. It was glorious to see the look of shock on his face, and my mom beaming with pride that she pulled off yet another surprise.
As I grew into an adult, I have experienced some amazing birthdays that I will remember forever. A 2-day private soiree/dance/swim/hot tub/snuggly/movie event for 50+ people for my friend ZigZag's birthday.
My grandfather just got back from Havana Cuba where he celebrated his 80th Birthday. This guy is my hero, he has more stamps in his passport than anyone I have ever seen. It is especially amazing when you think about the fact that he was born during the Great Depression (when Herbert Hoover was in office), Gandhi was alive (and marching), Pluto was JUST discovered and Constantinople Turkey was renamed to Istanbul. WOW! (Btw - the pictures he brought back are AMAZING and I want to go SO BAD now!)
Personally, I think my favorite birthday so far was the one I celebrated last year in Mexico. It was me and six of my friends on a beach in Playa de Burros in the southern part of Baja California. We had fireworks, music and dancing on the beach, bioluminescent water, homemade spaghetti and magic spaceships. It was the BEST EVER!
Anyway, the reason I brought this up is that on Saturday, I hosted a birthday night for my friend Endi. First, Endi is an amazing woman. She dances, she sings, she makes crafty costumes and hair thingy's and she has been my friend for a very long time, and she deserved an amazing birthday. Her birthday also coincided with Seacompression. So, she came to Seattle, got dressed up, and off we went. We danced until our feet were sore, came home to a warm snuggly bed, got footrubs and slept for all of about an hour before she was off to her next birthday event.
Happy Birthday Endi!
And for you, whether you celebrate or not, I hope you make this year the best year ever, no matter what your age, or when your birthday is. Start celebrating now!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Art of Hoarding
First, let me say that hoarding is tragic. Everything about accumulating ‘stuff’ to one’s demise is just sad. Sad in the way that a love of some-thing can outweigh the love for oneself. Tragic because we have found entertainment in this type of tragedy of others (as in, the television show - Hoarders) which is an extreme example.
I understand how it can start, I even understand how just an accumulation of ‘things’ can eventually turn into hoarding. I also am seeing first hand the mentality of what happens when you live through times as desperate as the depression where you have nothing. Then all of the sudden you have the means and there is ample availability of all - the - stuff. It is like sending a kid loose in a candy store.
Last Saturday I was called out on an emergency, and since I set my own ‘writing’ hours and don’t have a day job, it was easy for me to pack my backpack and get on a plane at short notice to help a friend out. Long-story -> short version, I am currently helping a dear friend of mine whose mother just passed and father is very ill. We are having to go through the house and pack up dad to get him ready to live in an assisted care facility and prepare the estate for a sale. This sale will include not only everything in the 2500sq foot house (minus dad and his prized possessions), but 8 cars, a camper, a 4-wheeler, a boat and all the contents of four out-buildings full of stuff. Treasured, precious, hobby-filled, stuff. It is an accumulation of their lives together, and yet, there are times when we are cleaning out a closet wondering ‘what were they thinking?’ as we throw away bags and bags of old cards. Old, used, sent, written on, christmas, birthday, easter, mothers day, and anniversary cards. Freezers are full of food dated back to the early 90’s, and dollar store knick-knacks are intermingled with precious (and valuable) antiques. Plastic bag filled tupperwear containers filled with full silver sets with antique mother-of-pearl handles.
The last few days have been more of a treasure-hunt than an organize-and-pack-dad-for-impending-move. Although we have 3 weeks left to go through everything before the Estate Sale, and I’m getting a little nervous. The more we go through, the more precious-antique-one-of-a-kind-type items we are finding in very random and unusual places (confederate dollars in the sewing kit?). Which means, we are going to have to go through EVERYTHING.
It has been fun, it has been exhausting and it has been everything in-between. Thankfully, my friend is awesome with a wicked sense of humor, and I love her. So, it has been full of laughs (and a few blackmail photo’s).
There is no internet at the house, so I’m trying to get into town to post up more of my adventures as often as I can. Yes, there are still places in the United States which do not have internet access and you have to GO somewhere BY CAR to get online. Shocking, but true.
So, that is where I am, and what I am up to. Thanks for being patient while I am out of internet connection availability for a while. In the meantime....
....I’ll keep you posted. (hehehe posted.... hehehehehe)
p.s. *For the record - I’m not calling my best-dear-friend’s parent’s ‘hoarders’, but I am considering calling my folks and begging them to do a big purge. As in..... ‘isn’t it time you sold all your stuff and just traveled the world with a backpack?’ kind of purge. Because as much fun as it has been these last few days, I’m not sure I want to do it again.
p.p.s. Red Robin has Wi-fi and a very very happy margarita.... jus' sayin.
p.p.p.s - UPDATE - I think I have convinced my mom to live like a gypsy. The only catch is... she wants to do it in Fiji... I'm thinking, this could kill two birds with one stone and am currently hatching a plan...... (insert evil laugh here).
I understand how it can start, I even understand how just an accumulation of ‘things’ can eventually turn into hoarding. I also am seeing first hand the mentality of what happens when you live through times as desperate as the depression where you have nothing. Then all of the sudden you have the means and there is ample availability of all - the - stuff. It is like sending a kid loose in a candy store.
Last Saturday I was called out on an emergency, and since I set my own ‘writing’ hours and don’t have a day job, it was easy for me to pack my backpack and get on a plane at short notice to help a friend out. Long-story -> short version, I am currently helping a dear friend of mine whose mother just passed and father is very ill. We are having to go through the house and pack up dad to get him ready to live in an assisted care facility and prepare the estate for a sale. This sale will include not only everything in the 2500sq foot house (minus dad and his prized possessions), but 8 cars, a camper, a 4-wheeler, a boat and all the contents of four out-buildings full of stuff. Treasured, precious, hobby-filled, stuff. It is an accumulation of their lives together, and yet, there are times when we are cleaning out a closet wondering ‘what were they thinking?’ as we throw away bags and bags of old cards. Old, used, sent, written on, christmas, birthday, easter, mothers day, and anniversary cards. Freezers are full of food dated back to the early 90’s, and dollar store knick-knacks are intermingled with precious (and valuable) antiques. Plastic bag filled tupperwear containers filled with full silver sets with antique mother-of-pearl handles.
The last few days have been more of a treasure-hunt than an organize-and-pack-dad-for-impending-move. Although we have 3 weeks left to go through everything before the Estate Sale, and I’m getting a little nervous. The more we go through, the more precious-antique-one-of-a-kind-type items we are finding in very random and unusual places (confederate dollars in the sewing kit?). Which means, we are going to have to go through EVERYTHING.
It has been fun, it has been exhausting and it has been everything in-between. Thankfully, my friend is awesome with a wicked sense of humor, and I love her. So, it has been full of laughs (and a few blackmail photo’s).
There is no internet at the house, so I’m trying to get into town to post up more of my adventures as often as I can. Yes, there are still places in the United States which do not have internet access and you have to GO somewhere BY CAR to get online. Shocking, but true.
So, that is where I am, and what I am up to. Thanks for being patient while I am out of internet connection availability for a while. In the meantime....
....I’ll keep you posted. (hehehe posted.... hehehehehe)
p.s. *For the record - I’m not calling my best-dear-friend’s parent’s ‘hoarders’, but I am considering calling my folks and begging them to do a big purge. As in..... ‘isn’t it time you sold all your stuff and just traveled the world with a backpack?’ kind of purge. Because as much fun as it has been these last few days, I’m not sure I want to do it again.
p.p.s. Red Robin has Wi-fi and a very very happy margarita.... jus' sayin.
p.p.p.s - UPDATE - I think I have convinced my mom to live like a gypsy. The only catch is... she wants to do it in Fiji... I'm thinking, this could kill two birds with one stone and am currently hatching a plan...... (insert evil laugh here).
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