Being Gracious Getting it Back

I found out last Saturday that my graduation from school will be May 10th and I’m extremely excited to have completed this step in life and to see myself moving forward yet again into new and exciting territory. I interview tomorrow for the position of regional representative in the southeast for a super new product that does what it says it is going to and that performs above and beyond anything before. Therefore, I’m focused on the interview in the morning and I’m ready to get the marketing materials and business card in my hand to start signing new accounts.

I’d like to send out a huge thank you to the higher powers, the universe and my support system during this long process of change, and for the doors that are opening for me as a result. Without you and your involvement in my life and in working in and through me, I’d not be at this threshold and, therefore, I thank you with all my being that all of this is a direct result of putting it graciously out there and graciously getting it back.

Keeping the vibes going for the interviews and contacts I make in the next few months while working on graduation and state boards. By my birthday, I fully expect to have received the greatest birthday ever – a new exciting beginning and a new path on which to travel. The journey is lovely and the vistas are amazing when you visualize them, put the plan in motion, and watch the scenery as it passes knowing there are forks you can take and forks you shouldn’t and also in knowing that when the landscape unfolds before you in it’s full glory that you made the right choices.

Peace!

Growth

My motto for the week due to circumstances I am being forced into in less than desirable timing by someone with whom I live.

Where there is stress, change is coming. Where there is will, there is a way. Where there are friends, one will be just fine in his or her transitions, knowing that the effort, even though stressful, is a building block for something new and exciting. This is growth.

The Great Return

I’m tired. Oh so tired. I sit here fighting sleep even though I should be sleeping, bu I just haven’t had my time today online due to my return to school after a month and a half break, which started just before Thanksgiving. During that time, I’ve quit smoking, cut back on drinking, changing my skin, and changing my life. I’ve realized what things don’t work for me, but I’ve spent that time fighting it rather than listening to it and you know where it got me? Exactly where I was and frustrated. So, why fight it?

Today, I returned to school and it feels amazing to finally be doing something I love and knowing that it’s a career in which I will excel and one that I will enjoy most every day. I can’t express what a joy it is knowing that I’ve done a great job making someone feel positively different than when they arrived. My recommendations tell me I’m doing what I love and so do the faces of those with whom I work.

What a better day. Everything is going to work out just fine. I feel something great is coming. Whatever is thrown at me, I will handle with grace, dignity and thankfulness and I welcome joy and success for my future. I deserve it.

Take time out for yourself, and give someone a bit of yourself with a hug today. Say, “I see you!” That one little thing means so much to many.

Check out Free Hugs Campaign and get your hug on today.

Peace,

Kindred

A Weekend in Athens and Southern Living’s Coziest Inns Picks

This weekend, I decided on a whim and per John’s invitation to take a trip up to Athens, Georgia to visit Michael and Pat.  We left on Friday afternoon around 1:30 PM and made it to Athens within an hour and half.  Driving up to their home, it was just like the photos showed. Very cute, twenties style bungalow with river rock lining the drive and walk and a large, welcoming front porch complete with swing and rocking chairs.

We were welcomed by, Murphy and Stella, the loving dogs.  Pat came out to greet us as Michael got dressed to do the same.  After talking for a few moments, we made our way to the front porch where we conversed some more and then we all drove into the city of Athens, a city I had only visited briefly twenty years ago and never made it to downtown.  Let us simply say it was a very short trip and save that for another story.

We will visit downtown again today to adventure around, is bustling with life.  Being a rather large school—I think the largest student population in Georgia, there is much to see.  If I am correct, we will be busy most of the day today exploring.  Back to downtown—the shop on the tree-lined avenue, are as diverse as they are in number and cater to everyone.  We walked into a glorious store called Native American Gallery.  It mostly sold jewelry and upscale American Indian art, but the jewelry was amazing, especially the large coral and gold, and the turquoise and silver pieces.  Michael called them something; however, I cannot remember what he said.  If I had the money, I would purchase a few items just to display them when I have the space to do so.  You know, right along with shoes and handbags I would love to collect.  They have become my art.

Not being from the area and knowing anything about Athens, the party chose Amici Cafe, an Italian restaurant, where we could get wings, appetizers, pizza and pasta.  Two of us had wings, and the other two, had pizza a spinach calzone.  The dinner was excellent and we all left satisfied, however, if you order the wings, get the original. If you like them hot, get the original and ask them to add some heat. The original has a sauce where the XX is different and more of a rub than a sauce and tastes different altogether.

We returned home for some casual conversation and stories about old mutual acquaintances and television shows and how things had changed from when were young.  Big Valley, Wild Wild West,  Bonanza, Sid and Marty Croft Superstars, Wild Kingdom, The Muppets, Beverly Hillbillies, just to name a few, but  just before this conversation, I happened to pick up a magazine—one I hadn’t forgotten about completely, but one that I also had not sought to pick up in years, “Southern Living.”  The magazine today is much smaller than the one I remember and now about one quarter the size.  It is the January 2012 issue and while flipping through the pages, images of inns that were so completely comfortable began to draw me in—so much so that I immediately wanted to visit each one and therefore wanted to post it for future reference.

The article written by Paula Disbrow and photographed by Peter Frank Edwards, promises Inns that will not disappoint.  The first on the list is the Clifton Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia.  Disbrowe writes,

“Splurge on the romantic Carriage House ($395/night).  The inviting space has abundant natural light, a fireplace and a loft area that encourages a midday nap.  Children under 8 receive a complimentary turndown amenity—their own copy of Winnie the Pooh’s Bedtime Stories and a plush Pooh Bear toy—because just like Winnie’s home in the Hundred Acre Wood, the inn is also set on 100 acres.”

The Carriage House at Clifton Inn - Charlottesville, VA

There are selections here mentioned also on the inn’s menu that you will not want to miss.  You can visit the inn online at thecliftoninn.net for further details.

The Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend, Tennessee (dancingbearlodge.com) and the Old Edwards Inn and Spa (oldedwardsinn.com) in The Highlands, North Carolina are other retreats of which you will want to take note.

The Old Edwards Inn - Highlands, NC

Happy retreating!

Walls

When you hit a wall, climb it and leave it behind. You can always look back and remind yourself the wall was there, but look how much smaller it has gotten since. They are just walls–nothing more.

This is my personal quote for the day. I hit a wall last night with someone. We were dating and we had our ups and downs as many couples do. Over the past few months, I’ve reached my patience threshold. It got to the point where it was always something chaotic rather than mostly peaceful and enjoyable. Last night was the straw. I was the camel.

What happened was that our communication in the evening began escalating to uncomfortable levels. Not loud mind you, but a butting of heads, ideals, actions and words. I disappeared into the bedroom, the chaotic bedroom and he disappeared too for a minute. Long enough for me to fall asleep.

Then then at 9:30, the shop vac starts and I start. I woke with a jolt, a manner in which I don’t like waking. I prefer to be woken with gentleness, birds chirping, rain–peaceful noises. This couldn’t have been done earlier? This couldn’t have been done before I was asked to come visit? This couldn’t have been done before dinner? This couldn’t have been done before I was in bed asleep? When is this ever appropriate behavior–to come in and start a freaking shop vac at 9:30 at night in a bedroom with someone asleep?

So I made my anger known, the personal attacks started, I made a phone call to remove myself from the situation. And today, I woke after a great night’s sleep. I woke to the thought above. They are just walls. Walls put up to try and stop you. Don’t be afraid of walls–scale them. The become much smaller in hind sight.

Fight for DD

We found out that a friend from high school was faced with unexpected news of breast cancer. And with the help of friends and loved ones and a few anonymous people, we are working to help the family out with the daunting medical expenses that insurance does not cover. The family of six has enough on their plate so we are all pitching in to help where we can. If you want to read more about Deanna and her story, visit: http://www.giveforward.com/greenforpink?t=2 Green for Pink!

Help a sister out. Tee shirts are also available for $20 with the logo below designed by her best friend’s niece.

Many things are on my mind as of late: work, school, living situation, dating, my dog, my health and wellness, my money–my life in general. Tonight is a sleepless night. I fell asleep around ten o’clock(ish) and then woke again at midnight.

I took 2.5 mg of melatonin and I am still awake with the rain falling down steadily and it is 5:14 AM. Such is the last few weeks for me. Since before Christmas, I’ve been sleepless, restless, unsettled, anxious, and well, It just goes without saying that this break, has been too long! I’m ready to be back in school and finished, tested and licensed.

I’m so friggin’ tired now. Sleep is needed. Thank goodness. Hopefully my mind will shut off.

Still Hungry – Sheesh!

It’s 11 PM and I’m still hungry. I have been all day. I eat more than anyone I know AND folks dislike that part of me and voice it readily. I eat constantly–about six times a day and snack all day in between meals. I choose to eat healthier meals, rather than a load of crap. I care for things like fresh veggies, soups, stews, snacks of cheeses and crackers, pickles and salads and sauteed foods. I’m not big on too much bread or pasta, but do love them from time to time. Sandwiches I don’t eat as much of as i used to, but I love them on multi-grain breads stacked with loads of veggies and only smaller portions of meats and cheese. I like my flavors to compliment and blend, not to over power.

Now don’t get me wrong. I love my fried wings with my own sauce of a stick of butter and hot sauce with pepper flakes of a few different peppers and vinegar thrown in, steaks, burgers, tater tots, grilled cheeses, french onion dips with kettle chips, and ice cream and the like, but only seldom do I crave these things. Mostly I crave veggies, fresh grass juices and leafy greens along with sprouts galore.

So, while i’m sitting here already wanting more after finishing a bowl of stew an hour ago (right after I had a piece of whole grain toast with butter, peanut butter and molasses drizzled on top), I’m wondering if this is due to my having quit smoking over the holidays.

We’ll see how I fare in the weight gain department over the next few months while I finish school. Something tells me I’m going to be too busy to eat Thur-Sat at school for 10 hours a day. But for now, I’m still feeling hungry and it’s driving me crazy tonight. I can’t get full enough.  What in the world!

Just an Entry – Nothing Special

Well, I’ve done it. I’ve quit smoking and have no desire to purchase another pack. Since before Christmas, I’ve been sick with this cold I caught from L and D up in Marietta, and well, I’ve been pretty much sleeping since then with few exceptions. Today is one of them and I’ve had energy all day. I’m not sure why other than taking that vitamin last evening, and also eating pretty healthy last night and today, considering. I had one pack of smokes on New Year’s eve and then they were gone on New Year’s day so that doesn’t count, but as of now, I’m three days without smoking and haven’t had a single craving, But I can’t win tonight for doing anything I want so I’m going to put this down and write later.

Resolutions for 2012 and Better Living

I sit here thinking of the many and varied things in my life that need changing and the hopes and dreams for 2012 lingering overhead and I am at the point where putting into action a few things that must be accomplished in order for me to be where I wish in the next year.

First and foremost, is school. After taking a leave of absence from school for two months, I’ve had time to do many things, but have not. I’ve dallied and I’ve procrastinated and will do so most likely through the new year. Then it’s time to buckle down and start working on things I’ve put off. I must review my schoolwork and continuing education and work on completing my business plan. The school has moved and from the other students I hear it’s a joke, however, it’s my education and it is paid for and therefore, I must complete it with an open mind and positive attitude. The plan of mine was good. I took the two months so that I wouldn’t have to deal with everyone in my class at the new location and I would have the rooms to myself to do with what I needed in order to gain the experience needed to be successful in my chosen career.

Other things–job. Finding another job to support me while I finish school as the little money I make each week working part-time in my retail job is not enough to carry me through and get my own place. My roommate needs his space and he’s being very helpful, but I still desire my own place. I need a place to call my own, a little sanctuary.

The new year for me will include the following:

• Eat healthier
• Get a kayak and kayak tent
• Camp more; spend more time in nature
• Find the perfect spa/resort for me to do my work
• Work on setting up my own business and work towards goal of building my own spa/home in N. Ga, TN, SC, or NC.
• Write more
• Begin Yoga
• Stop smoking and drinking altogether
• Be kinder to/easier on self
• Be more considerate of others and promote healthy loving relationships (not that I’ m not already, but there is always room for improvement.)
• Change my hang-out habbits to other things more fruitful and fulfilling
• Save more money for rainy days and weekend trips!
• Save for a new vehicle
• Correct the few issues on credit to set up for purchase of property on which to build spa/home
• Work on finding the ONE.

All this said and done, well, I must be off to help get the dinner going. Peace and good tidings!