Tour Through Blogland!

Let's take a tour today!!  Thanks to one of my dearest friends, Hot Mess Princess (HMP), author of Hot Mess Princess, I am writing this post today.  I borrowed her picture for my post. :)

Let me start by saying that Dianne is a great source of inspiration to me, and one of the few people I can say I feel safe around.  As she said in her post, I am "a work in progress!"  Yes, I was the driver in the 2013 DFW Penis Expedition....  I laughed so hard during that trip I think I pulled a muscle.

Another of HMP's posts I love, because we worked on it together, is 50 Awesome Things To Do Before 50.   Seriously, it is harder than you would think to come up with 50 things to put on the list, never mind complete them.  I will say I am not going to be able to finish my list, since I turn 50 on the 16th.  Yes, Thursday I turn 50.  I am so proud of Dianne and I hope she completes her list.

This HMP post is one of my favorites just because of the title!!   There's Too Much Hair Down There.  You are going to have to read it to find out what the story is.  Be brave my friends!! 

I have to say HMP is so funny, honest, loving and the best friend a girl could have.  Now I will answer the list of questions for the tour.

Question 1: What am I working on right now?

Well, I am working on myself.  I have come to the realization, in the past few weeks, that I once again have to ask for help.  I HATE asking for help.  I wrote a post on shame and really that is where I need work.  I had to face the hard fact that I have an eating disorder and I can't fix it on my own.  So at 50 I get to start a new journey and I plan on blogging my way through it.  I want women to know that no matter their addiction, there IS hope and there IS a way through to happiness.  If my journey helps save even one woman's life, this journey is worth it, even if it is only my own.  I AM WORTH IT!!

Question 2: How does my game differ from other's in the same genre? 

I am not even sure where I fall in the "genre".  I tend to be all over the place and just write from the heart.  I'm very new at this and am still not sure if I will ever hone in on one topic.

Question 3: Why do I create/write what I do?

My blog is simply to share my experience, strength and HOPE with any reader that happens by.   What I post is from my heart.  I want to express my gratitude for the blessings I have received.  I what to give hope to anyone that feels lost and alone.  There is a place on the other side of tough things, where there is peace,  I have a very long list of tough things that I have walked through, and I imagine there are even more coming, but I know that on the other side there is peace, strength and a better me.

Question 4:  How does my creative writing process work?

Am I supposed to have a process?  Maybe that's part of my problem.  I basically do a "data dump" on to the page and then I try and clean it up for public consumption.  When I feel the need to share my experience I do, but as you can see I have not been in a place to share anything in a while.  I struggle trying to find a balance between being courageous and TMI.

The Q&A is over.  I am so happy to introduce Brittany.  I have been following her blog for a while.  I subscribe to her blog tips.  I tend to fall in the "common mistakes new bloggers make" side of things, but that's ok.  I am always willing to learn.  Brittney's blog is brittanybullen.com.

I knew I was going to love her blog the minute I saw her video on her "About" tab "Want to hear a song I wrote?"  I love it!  It made me smile.  She won me over right then and there.

8 Things I Can't Live Without...  I actually only have one of those things, Amazon Prime, but she is right...I can't live without it!!  Well, maybe I could, but why!!??

This could have come in handy a number of years ago, 26 Semi-Hilarious Marriage Tips.  It is a very fun and informative read.

Finally, How to Do It All (and Not Go Insane), my favorite is "Know when to quit".

Brittney's blog is a must read!!  Check it out.  Leave her some comment love!!  I hope you visit me again soon!!

I love y'all!

Brenda

More 50 before 50...

The count down is down to 73 days:

#5.  This one is a process.  I submitted my application to volunteering at Hope's Door.  This Is an amazing organization that helps women and children get out of homes where there is domestic abuse.  This is very near and dear to my heart because I have experience in this area.  I have finally gotten through to the other side  of the aftermath of living that way for 16 years.  I had to be in a place within myself where I could give these women hope that they can have a different life.  I left that situation in 2002, but was only able to start healing emotionally in 2010.  I am now in a place where I no longer hold resentments, but I hold forgiveness.  I have wanted to help other's in this area, but you can not give what you do not have.

Also, knowing what abuse IS is very important, it not only physical, it is psychological and emotional abuse, it is verbal abuse, it is being controlled by another person.  Yes, men can be victims also, but my experience is as a woman, so that is all I can speak to.

The Mary Kay Foundation has compact mirrors that include a list of signs of abuse and inside is a card that has a number you can text if you are in danger.  If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship please email me at oneawesomebrenda@marykay.com and I will be happy to send you a mirror and information.

 In my case the abuse began as verbal and emotional abuse, then grew into more controlling behaviors.  These felt normal to me because I had grown up watching this.  In my experience, these grow into physical threats and then into actual violence.  I left at one point, but did not have a support system and went back.  This was my greatest mistake, he was nice for a while.  As I became stronger he got more and more aggressive.  One day I knew that if I didn't leave then one day I wouldn't be able to leave.

I won't go into the why's that I stayed for 16 years, but I will say that I had to go through it to be who I am today.  I am a beautiful, confident, survivor, who has forgiven and is learning to love again.

#6.  I have ordered a Mosaic kit and will have my mosaic project completed this week!!  I can't wait!  I will post pictures when it is complete.

#7.  I am meeting with my fitness and nutrition consultant.  We will be walking and talking.  I am going to see if she would like to do a weekly or monthly post on my blog!!  Anne is so amazing, I hope she wants to!!

#8 Random Act of Kindness:  My favorite is picking up the order for the person behind me.  I gave a $20 to the manager that runs the drive-thru at Starbucks near work and asked to pay for as many orders as she could with it.  She said she was only giving it to the nice people.  LOL.

#9  I completed a painting last night, but my apartment complex is having a cookies and paint class on the 29th, which will count as my class.  Here is what I did last night as my creative outlet.

#10 Compliment a stranger!  I love this, because just the most simple act can turn someone's day around.  To look someone you don't know in the eye and say "You are beautiful! I hope you have a great day." and then move on.  She smiled and stood a little taller.  What a great thing to see.

Only 40 left!!  The list is being modified slightly, due to a shoulder injury and financial restraints.

3 More Down

Good Morning!  My Saturday was filled with first the anxiety of putting on a bathing suit for the first time in many years.  Even though It looked flattering I was not ready to go to a class in it. I wore it all day, like I was getting to know an old friend.

My brain remembers wearing a little string bikini...at 49 it's a tankini with a skirt.  I have moved into acceptance, but it was a tough step.

 
Being around other people in a bathing suit will be a huge step for me.  I am a stronger person and love myself so  much more than ever before, but can I handle someone saying something mean?  I don't know.

So instead I got my finances together and addressed making sure my 401K is adequate for retirement.  If anyone has used the tools to estimate what you need to retire you may have noticed the same things I did.

1. They only expect you to live 20 years beyond retirement.  Based on my family history we could live into our hundreds.
2. They are estimating that 37% of your retirement income is coming from Social Security.  I would love to believe that little fantasy, but I am not sure anyone in our government knows how to make that happen for my retirement.  I just can't count on it.
3. They are estimating a 3% inflation rate, but I think the true inflation rate is more like 5 to  6 percent.

So I have come to the conclusion that I will be working long past normal retirement age and aiming to live very modestly, no debt, only basic living expenses and enough fun money for one big trip a year.

I will say that my company is very generous with the retirement plan, If I put in 6% the total contribution annually is 14% with their contributions.  I have a long way to go to be ready to retire, but I will probably always have some kind of business going so the brain will stay sharp and additional income will still come in.

Finally, I wrote a poem for the first time in many, many years:

A Deep Sense

When we meet there is a deep sense of safety,

a knowing that I am safe.

When our eyes connect there is a deep sense of acceptance,

a knowing that we are worthy of each others love. 

When we talk there is a deep sense of honesty, raw communication,

a knowing that we can trust each other.

When we walk, our fingers intertwined, there is a deep sense that silence is comfortable,

a knowing that our souls are talking in the silence.

When we hug there is a deep sense that going slow feels right,

a knowing that rushing is not a better way to go.

I believe this and when I meet this man, God will give me that deep sense,

a knowing that this man is a GIFT.

#1 of 50 and 96 days to go

Sunday I took one item off my list!  I was originally going to use my bottle cutter thingy to cut some beer bottles and wine bottles into glasses and containers to make candles in, but I can't get it to work.

So instead I broke out the paints and painted one of the bottles.

I am not sure I am done with it, but I like it so far.

This weekend is bike riding, yoga, zumba and poetry!! Stay tuned!!

50 Things I will do before I turn 50

Hello my friends!

I finally finished my Corporate Taxation course and re-entered the world of the normal.. I am reclaiming my creative mind and happy life!!  For my first post in July I am counting down to my 50th birthday...101 days away.  I have made a list of 50 things I am going to do before I turn 50.

1. Attend each of the free exercise classes offered at my apartment complex. (Maybe one will stick?!)
2. Go Kayaking
3. Take a dance class
   
   
   
4. Swim for exercise at least once
5. Rock wall climbing
6. Go Bike Riding
   
7. Go Rollerblading
   
8. Get my passport
9. Get my CHL
10. Take a road trip to Colorado
11. Girls weekend in San Antonio
12. Visit the Texas Capital
13. Take a Photography Class 
14. Volunteer to fight cancer
15. Volunteer at Hope's door
16. Meditate by the Ocean
    
17. Paint my dresser
18. See Family and Friends in California
19. Take a mosaic class
    
20. Make a mini terrarium
21. Take a painting Class
22. Take a pottery Class
23. Take a jewelry making class
24. Go to a drive-in Movie theater
25. Go to an outdoor music event
    
26. Sell something on Etsy
27. Dance in the rain
28. Wear a bathing suit and get in a pool
29. Random Act of Kindness
30. Pay a stranger a compliment
31. Write a poem for my blog
32. Start contributing to my 401K again
    
33. See a nutritionist
34. Start Invisaline
35. Take a glass blowing class
    
36. Take a knitting class
37. Take a pottery class
38. Go Horseback Riding
39. See the Ballet
40. See the FW Synphony Orchestra
    
41. Go to a trampoline place and exercise
42. Indoor sky diving
43. See Corpus Cristy
44. Pay off my car repairs
    
45. Make my business profitable
46. Make stuff to sell out of empty wine bottles
    
47. Make bath oils and bath salts
48. Do yoga at home
49. Inspire someone
50. Write a love letter to myself
    
    
    

If anyone knows of places in the DFW area that will help me reach my goal please share!!I basically have to do one every other day.  

10 Reasons to have a Mary Kay Business

Why do I have a Mary Kay business?  I have tried selling just about everything out there and this is the FIRST product that is practically selling itself.  The company values align with mine and I have the most steady, least pushy National Director ever.  I have all the support I could ask for and she gives me the tools  I need and positive motivation.

My skin loves Mary Kay products!  It is easy to sell something I believe in!  Also the company believes in their products.  As a consultant, if I buy inventory and change my mind Mary Kay will buy back the inventory for 90% of what I paid.  I have NEVER had ANY company offer me that deal!!  That was the deciding point on top of the 50% profit, or half off product.
www.marykay.com/oneawesomebrenda

10 Reasons to start your Mary Kay Business TODAY!!

1. The products sell themselves!!

•  #1 in customer loyalty with Brand Keys Award
• Recognized with "Good Housekeeping Award"
• 100% Customer Guaranteed
• Try before you buy
• Made in the USA by Mary Kay, Inc.
• Consumable
• Recession Proof
• NOT Animal Tested
• High Quality Research

2. Earn Extra Money!!

• Classes/Parties
• Facials
• On-The-Go

3. Flexibility = No Quotas or Territories

4.  Low Starter Kit Cost

• $400 in full size product plus supplies for $100.
• Annual website fee $50 - Only $25 the first year.  No monthly Fee.

5.  Learning is easy!

• Mary Kay has a great training tools on-line and local meetings for training and support.
• Adopt a consultant program is amazing

6. Big benefits like no other!!

• You can move up as fast or slow as you want, but if you want it you can have it as a consultant.  Mary Kay does it right!
• 1-4 active team members and you get 4% monthly bonus check on top of your sales commission.
• 5-7 active team members and you get a 9% or 13% monthly bonus check on top of your sales
• Career Cars, including registration and insurance or a monthly cash option

7. Prizes, Awards and Recognition

8. Tax Benefits + No Risk Inventory

• 100% Customer Guarantee
• 90% buyback for consultants

9. The very best part...Mary Kay Ash

• In 1963, Mary Kay Ash began her company with a dream to help women.
• Golden Rule Management
• Unique business philosophy of God, Family, Career
• Positive environment and attitude

10.  Personal Growth - I have received all of these benefits in my first month.

• Self-confidence 
• Challenge and purpose
• Development of new skills
• Positive non-risk environment
• Encouragement
• Satisfaction from helping others (leading by example)
• New Friends
• Maintain and Improve Appearance (this is how I get appointments and sales)

SHAME - Today, I am ENOUGH!!

Hello again to my readers,

I took a small break from blogging as my worlds converged to reveal progress in lessons that take a lifetime of practice.  My God, Higher Power, Spirit of the Universe...what ever you are comfortable with...has been leading me down a path I have taken before, but for very different reasons today.  I'm very different today than even a year ago, and I didn't realize it until this week.

The title of this blog is probably not going to result in many readers, but that is ok.  The importance of this topic in my life, and facing it head on, has begun a freeing, positive and miraculous change in my soul.  It's taken me this past month to get to the point where I could put this into words.  I had to PRACTICE the things I have been reading about and listening to in Brene' Brown's books The Gifts of Imperfection and Daring Greatly.

Let me begin with, I have a job that has some very tedious, mind numbing tasks, when I work on them I put my headphones on and listen to Brene's books on Audible.  www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability

When I started studying shame I had faced some very big realities about myself, had to walk through them and clean up the wreckage of my past.  This is a life long task, but the major events have been addressed, amends made and forgiveness given.  I had to face that my defense mechanisms root from fear.  Once I knew that, I had to peel the onion another layer deeper, which revealed the true root of my fear, which is SHAME.

I studied shame, because that is where I am comfortable, studying, working with data, facts...give me facts! On the other hand, feelings are not comfortable for me.  I have been allowing myself to feel, and leaning into it, for 4 years.  It's been awkward, painful, but so rewarding.  I have found out that feeling doesn't kill you, it feels like it sometimes, but it won't.  If you can walk into it, talk to someone who has made it to the other side, then you can be free of the fear.  Fear intensifies the pain.  I think of pain as "the valley of death", which for me means a time of change and God walks me through it.

Brene' discusses that shame feels the same as trama symptoms.  I have lived with PTSD since age six, but didn't know what it was.  I wasn't sure that those symptoms happened to me when I was in shame, until now.

Those of you who have known me for a while know I have tried to sell everything on the face of the earth. There is a reason I am an accountant and not a sales person.  I swore I would not try and sell anything again. To be honest, in the past, I was always trying to sell these things with the motivation to make big money. (I know, I know...) They were always products I liked.  However, I would buy more than a sold and didn't really run it like a business.

Well, a month ago I was contacted by a friend, who asked me to do her a favor and listen to a recording and take a survey to help her in her Mary Kay business.  I agreed to  do this, and she knew I had a bad experience with one rep in the past.  I had actually stopped using Mary Kay products as a result.  I will say that it's not fair to judge an entire company based on one person or even a small group of people.

I listened.  The national group leader is my friends sister-in-law, she has values that align with mine - God first, Family second and Work third.  When I lay out boundaries she honors them.  I don't like conformity, but when I look at the guides for what they expect of their sales force, it is a long and detailed list, as a business practice rather than conforming, I was open to following direction.  I must say that any time I have gone into a situation with an open-mind everything flows. Funny how when I just follow direction and leave the results up to God, things flow.

Here comes the lesson: when I do direct sales I have to be vulnerable...eeeek...even via email it is uncomfortable.  As part of our goal to become a new national area, I sent out an email to all my personal contacts.  I've surprisingly received a positive response and no one has been mean or rude in anyway.  I received one reply simply asking that I take her off any promotional emails.  She was very polite and the email was short and sweet.  I immediately went into a SHAME SPIRAL.  My armpits tingled, my skin felt clammy and I froze.  Suddenly, I realized what was happening, I was in shame.  There was no reason for it, but there I was.  I thought, what do I do.  I sat there at my desk and I said out loud fast...pain pain pain pain pain pain...until the sensations went away.  It is freaking amazing, I was able to recognize it and then address it.  I reminded myself, out loud that all she is saying is I don't want my email filled with promotional stuff for products I don't use.  She wasn't saying, I hate you and never talk to me again.

The tools I am learning from Brene' work!  If my journey with Mary Kay is just to make me a stronger, more confident women, then it is work every minute.  Never mind the 50% discount on products that I do truly love.  www.marykay.com/oneawesomebrenda.

Thank you Brene'!  I will always be grateful!! I AM ENOUGH!!  I am strong enough!  I am happy enough!  I have enough! I am lovable!!  I AM ENOUGH!!

The summer job that guaranteed my college degree

My least favorite job?  How about the job the ensured my completion of college!!

It was summer 1982 and I got a job working at the Jafra Cosmetics and Perfume factory in Westlake, California.  I thought, how hard can it be to work on a production line?!  I'm smart and athletic...outta my way!!

I was put on the line where the spray tops are put on the perfume bottles.  This is done buy hand...seriously...this skill is not in my wheelhouse.  I started by watching this woman pop these tops on  super fast...boink, boink, boink.  Then travel to the end where another lady puts them in a box.

I've got this!  No problem I am thinking.  This is not like on I love Lucy where you can eat the chocolate.  I do believe this job gave me my first panic attack ever.  I lasted exactly 4 hours.

While I was eating lunch with my coworkers, they were telling me how they had been doing this same job for 5 to 10 years.  I went to the manager and said this is not for me.  I finished out the summer in the shipping department filling orders.

I worked my way through school, while raising a family and it took until 2000 to finish but I did it.  Today I am finishing up my last two classes to sit for the CPA exam.

Thank you Jafra for lighting my path.

3 Fitness Tools

I am always looking for the latest fitness toy that I can use to see how much activity I do each day.  Honestly, this should not be a taxing job for any of them.  I have tried many, but I thought I would give my feedback on my most recent toys.

Activelink by Weight Watchers - This in theory is a great idea.  There are many that are using the USB thing to pug into your computer to transmit the data and track everything from your steps to your heart rate, sleeping patterns.  It works fine, but what I am not fond of is the fact that it only is good as long as you are willing to pay the fee for the site.  Also, USB ports don't like going through the laundry.

Nike+ Running App- This is an awesome tool.  I got it when I was training and doing half marathons. It is very cool.  This comes on your iPhone or you can get a chip and sensor for you iPod.  This not only tracks your workout, but will communicate with you as you listen to your music.  I found it motivating on the long runs especially.  The only thing I didn't like was when I used the elliptical it did not pick up any of the workout through the sensor.  However, I have found that the gym equipment at my apartment complex will automatically connect to your Nike+ and track your workout on the elliptical or treadmill.  There is not cost to view your workouts.  They have lots of other toys, but I have not played with them.

FitBug - This is my latest toy and I love it so far.  It is kind of a mix between the Activelink and Nike+.  This is an Orb that you can wear on your wrist, clip on your cloths or wear around your neck and it will track all your activity through the day and night.  It will automatically feed you information to an app on your phone.  You can track everything and there is no fee for the app.  This cool toy is $50 and comes in various colors.  I like it because I don't have to wear it on  a band around my arm and I don't need a monitor around my chest.  As far as cost and comfort this one wins hands down.

5 Ways to Keep Your Customers Coming Back

What is it that keeps you coming back to a business?  For me it is always these 5 thinngs:

1. Communication
2. Customer Service
3. Quality
4. Personal Touch
5. Price

I want to share with you one of my favorite Esty shops and examples of why I will continue to by from Christy, her shop is calligraphytzl.

About 3 months ago I was searching on-line for handmade journals with 100% cotton pages.  As you can imagine there were hundreds that came up.  There were many that I liked, but I was not willing to pay hundreds of dollars for one journal.  I came across Christy's site and loved the variety of journals and the price's are reasonable.  I regretted not getting pictures of the beautiful packaging and care that was taken with the first journal that I received.

I noticed the other day that I was coming close to filling the first journal I purchased.  I went out on her site and selected two more that I wanted.  Here is where she guaranteed that I will not only buy from her again, but I felt the desire to share with all of you my experience with Christy.

Communication:  The same evening that I placed my order I received a message from Christy explaining that the journals that I selected had been sold and she had not had the chance to remove them from her shop.  I could select any other journals with in a range of prices.  For me this was not a big deal, I selected two other journals.  I actually like the ones I received better than the originals.

Customer Service:  She then asked me if I would like one of the journals personalized with my name.  Of course I said YES!!.  I thanked her and was excited to have my new journals on their way.

Quality & Personal Touch:  My package arrived today and here are examples of why I buy from Christy.  Christy included, not only the personalized journal, but also a personalized bookmark.  I hadn't mentioned to her that I secretly wanted one and was so thrilled to see that she had included one just for me.

The packaging is almost as beautiful at the bookmark itself.

She always includes a hand written  thank you note with your purchase.

My gift!  Thank you Christy!  I love it!

My journals are packaged like Fort Knox to ensure my journals are not damaged.

Each is in it's own box wrapped with care.

Wrapped in tissue paper.

I so love this journal!  The writing on the front is my name.  (I'm taking her word for it.)

The inside is just as beautiful and the perfect size to take with me when I travel.

These journals cost between $21.50 and $28.50 each.  For the quality and care that is taken, they are worth every penny.

Be sure to stop by her shop and check out all of her wares.  Thank you Christy for the Bookmark.

Tell me about your favorite place to shop and why!!

8 workouts in 8 weeks

There's nothing like a family emergency to get a girl motivated.  My 53 year brother had a heart attack last night.  I have been told by my doctor more than once that regular exercise is a must with our family history of heart attacks, strokes, gastrointestinal issues and ulcers.

I lost 15 pounds last year and have kept it off, but exercise had nothing to do with it.  I am one who tends to be all in or all out.  I am going to try to do this in a reasonable way.  I must say that my brother's heart attack is a shot across the bow.

The following are only a few of the workout videos I have in my library.  I do not plan on doing these all the way through and perfectly, but I do plan on trying each of these over the next 8 weeks.  I am going to alternate a workout with walking 3 to 5 days each week.

My blog is going to be my way of being accountable.

1. First we have American Power Yoga which the beginner workout basically kicked my butt.  I am just going to start with 20 minutes of the 90 minute workout.

2. Next  up is scary woman.  I will do 20 minutes of her work out to start.

3.  This will be my before bed stretching.  This I CAN do.  It is a good wind-down before bed.

4.  Turbo Jam by Beach Body is a blast and WILL kick your butt, but is not as painful as the first two.  It might not seem as bad because they make it fun.

5.  Ball workout.  I have two balls that serve as extra seating...lol.  I am going to mix in some strength workouts to the others.

6.  Next is the Bender Ball for my lower back.

7.  Sculpting bar on the days I walk to mix in strength.

8. P90X...completely insane purchase, but I can do what I can of the various workouts, starting with yoga.

I won't be doing all of these each week, but alternating workouts on each of these each week.

Wish me luck!!!

5 Signs of a Heart Attack in Women

Today I received a call during my morning "Coffee with God". It was my sister-in-law calling to tell me my 53 year old brother had a heart attack and is in the hospital. I let her talk and in the process she told me that he had chest pains off and on, come and go over the past year. Since, the pain would go away he did nothing.


Here is information for the American Heart Association: American Heart Association www.Heart.org

"Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
1. Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
2. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
4. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Heart Attack Signs in Women
1. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
2. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
4. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
5. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away. "






Call 9-1-1 right away. Seconds matter in these situations.






I was trained a week ago and certified in CPR. If you have not been trained in a long time, things are different now. Please consider taking a course so you know what to do.

10 Things blogging has taught me

These are the 10 things I have learned in the last 2 months of blogging:


1. Spending time reading and commenting on other peoples blogs is important to growing your own blog.  I have work to do in this area, since I have limited time and I spend that trying to write posts.

2. My ego CAN handle not being an instant success.  My ego thinks the world revolves around me.  This is just another example that it doesn't and I'm ok with that.

3. I think I am really funny, but it doesn't translate into the blog.

4.  It takes a lot of time maintain a blog.

5.  It is a great creative outlet.

6.  Just like everything else it takes time to build an audience.

7.  Tribe?  I have never been easy to define.

8.   I need to get out more.

9.  I value my down time.  I have to take a break and try not to stress about my blog.  My intent was just to have fun.

10.  There is a reason I am an accountant and not a writer.

Raining Flowers

What do I see first thing every morning? & What is my favorite purchase to date?

This post answers both those questions.

How many of you enjoy going into to random antique shops just to see what their current finds are?  This is something I have been doing only recently, the last year or so.

There is the tiny shop packed with furniture, letters, lamps, anything you might want.  The first time I walked in she had 3 branches hanging for the ceiling with paper flowers in varying shades of red to pink handing from them.  The flowers were on wires and all tangled up and some had been stepped on.  I couldn't stop looking at them.

I walked around the shop for 30 minutes and couldn't stop thinking what I could do with them.  The shop owner came up and said she had those in the corner on the floor and had just hung them up this morning.  She purchased them from a display they were changing out at the store Free People, a boho style shop.

I had to buy them as a set.  I picked them up for $60.  When I got home I untangled everything got all the flowers on one branch and hung it over my bedroom window.  I get so much joy whenever I see it. Worth every penny.

The remaining 2 branches are wrapped in white lights and light up my patio during my meditation each day.

What do you have in your home that gives you joy every time you see it?