Busy Busy and Sleepy..........

I can't begin to tell you how frenetic my day was today. Tommorrow is going to be just as busy. I did fit in a facial for relaxation. It really really helped! I am headed to the land of Nod.........sweet dreams to all of you........

Where on earth?

Where on earth did my blog go ????? Thanks for all of your emails! I think the blog monster must have eaten it.

Energy

It is Sunday. I try to relax and meditate at some point on Sundays. After all, I am a believer; and He rested. After this past week, I thought this image was fitting. My friends are my energy. You are my "friends" too even though we meet in the blogosphere. Thank you for your friendship. P.S. The sun is out today! Yippee!

Think

I'm just sitting here with my morning tea thinking about your replies to my post yesterday. So many of you had thoughts about what you would do if you came in a windfall. None of you said, "I think I'll lay around the house and eat bonbons." You had some idea of a different profession -- something that involved your interests, your passion. And even though I say TGIF and darn it's Monday -- still deep down -- I am doing MY work. My job/my profession offers me all the things I crave -- helping, servicing, creative thinking, multi-dimensional tasking, strategy, interaction with lots of people, problem solving, flexibility, event planning and on and on. It dawned on me that I haven't quit because I love what I do. If I didn't do anything, I might not be forced to "walk the the tightrope" like I had to do Monday. That brings me to YOU. What are you waiting for? A windfall? Because the odds against that ......well, they are high. You need to go out and make it happen for yourself. Set a plan. Want to teach? In companies I've worked for, they offer a "Transition to Teaching" program. They finance your schooling to obtain certification. Some school districts are so desperate for teachers that you can work as an assistant or substitute while they get to know you. That's a way in. Want to open a restaurant? Do you have the business "know how" to do it? Why not go work in a restaurant? Be a cook, a chef. Learn from someone else who is doing it. Cut corners elsewhere. Go make your dream come true.

Happy Friday again!

Charlie Gibson on Good Morning America said, "Happy Friday." He went on to say that Happy Friday are two of the most redundant words in the English language. They are. I am so glad it's Friday, and I made it through this week!

Just a couple of things to update you on - the man I had to fire from my team this week did not lose his job. He is just off MY team and onto someone else's. And the senior lady I took dinner to? Well, she called me to thank me profusely and wanted to know where I had gotten her dinner because she bragged about it to her sister who wanted to get the same dinner. That was my blessing right there.

I am wearing this exact color right now although if this picture could talk, you would hear me croaking like a frog. I am awash in fluids.

Today is my payday from my "job." All the hard work that I did over the holidays - well, suffice it to say it paid off today. I knew it was coming. My attorney and accountant are a bit overwhelmed right now. Of course they love managing more money! I still am directionless as to what to do with my windfall. I seem to be splurging in small ways and donating in small ways as well. Maybe that's best?

This week when that group won the huge lottery, I shuddered when so many of them said they retired immediately. I still am so glad I did not do that. What do they plan on doing? All my friends basically still work. Do you tell people? (I haven't) And if you do tell, can you deal with wondering if your friends (especially new ones) like you for YOU or for the "rich" you? What about your family? Will they treat you differently when you are rich? Be nicer to you than they normally would be? Can you face the endless solicitations for money if you "come out?" And what about romantic relationships? How can you ever know for sure that someone loves you for YOU? OK, enough of that, as Scarlett said, "I'll think about that tommorrow." And today is FRIDAY, and that is GOOD ENOUGH for me!

Exhaustion

Put some blonde hair on this woman and you've got me. All the stress and preparation.....early mornings, late nights, no breaks......and I'm done in. My throat is getting scratchy and I refuse to get sick. I feel as though I could sleep for days. I had to remove someone from my team today. I hate like heck having to do that. He's not fired......consider it "group incapability." He's one of those - "it's not my job." I don't have room for that in my sphere. Plus our customer said, get him off. So he's gone. That's how I ended the day. Headed to a meeting, it got postphoned two hours when I was almost there. I was so mad I could have spit. But it's raining and to drive back home - no way. So I took dinner to a senior friend of mine. She's connected to my family in an odd sort of way. Frankly, she drives me crazy. I know; I'm awful aren't I? But I knew she needed food and drink - so I took it over. Bless her heart, she's over 70 and trying to look 40. It's a bit .....well....I won't say it. Poor thing was so lonely, she talked my ear off. And of course, today I had been on conference call after call today. She even followed me down the stairs still chatting as I had to leave. Traffic sucks in the rain. I have to go BACK to my customer's location tommorrow and I know I'll hear about the team member I had to replace. I am going to come home and crawl in the bed after that. I haven't checked my blackberry to see if I can REALLY do that but it is my PLAN. I can't wait for the weekend. I'm sooo ready. No plans, no work, no presentations. Thank you all for your support. I love you all.

Relief

RELIEF.......In one of my comments, David said, "You sound really stressed out." And I was. I couldn't get over it. I'm usually so good at presentations. I was so prepared. I don't know when I've been so nervous!

Nevertheless, I stood up in front of my team and my management and the words just flowed. I was ready. I hit the groove. I looked calm. I looked like I knew what I was doing. And even better, I realized I DID and DO know what I'm doing.

Let me tell you folks, I didn't stand there thinking, "I don't have to be up here; I'm Windfall Woman and I don't need this money." But I DID need to know I could do it. I DID need to know that I could triumph over my anxiety and fear. I DID need to know that I not only know what I'm doing but I am DAMN good at it. That's what all of us need sometimes - to test our mettle and know what we are really made of - and to know that we are all DAMN good at something. You are DAMN good at something. Celebrate it.

Sunday and Dreary

What a dreary Sunday! This kind of weather makes me sleepy. I wish I didn't have to go out. But I do have to. I'm ready for some sun.

Relaxation and Saturday

OK, I admit it. I freaked out yesterday, complete with heart palipitations, anxiety attack, etc. Alot of it is I am plain worn out. Yesterday, I said ENOUGH. I finished the majority of my presentation then put it down. I then made a spa appointment. That may have been the smartest thing I've done lately. Today I've gotten a gorgeous manicure with gel nails, lovely pedicure, facial, massage and the works. Oh, and I finished my presentation and the copies are at Kinko's. I'm turning in around 11 pm tonight for a good night's rest. Tommorrow is reserved for another trip to the ballet (a different one) and a good night's sleep. I'm very prepared for this presentation. Now I'm relaxed in preparation for it. Windfall moment of the day? 40% tips for the technicians because they fit me in at the last moment. And they were pleasant and nice and let me just be.......quiet. Sometimes that's all we need. Calm, peace and quiet. Peace out ........

Prep for Pres

Well, I found something interesting out! I went to google to look for a woman giving a presentation, and guess what? There was only ONE blonde woman in an image! Please no blonde jokes! Anyhow, this post will be short as I am giving a big presentation on Monday. Please keep good thoughts for me? I'm strangely nervous, and I've done this so many times! I'm sure I'll calm down.

Windfall moment of the day before yesterday? I found out that someone close to me was REALLY in a bad way financially. And I mean really. Frightened and scared. So what could I do? After my girls' luncheon, I took money by her place. She called me and offered half of it back. I told her to keep it. It's scary though. I remember those times. Maybe that's why my fear still kicks in sometimes. TGIF.

Ballet and Sleep

I'm still sleepy. I was up at 5:2o am after flopping into bed early last night. This morning I am headed to work at a special performance of the ballet offered just to children. These performances are always fun because of all the kids!

I'll be back home (working) by 1:30. You can count on that. Work is crazy (good crazy) right now.

The image is one of a sleeping ballerina dreaming. It's a bit backwards. I should be the one sleeping dreaming of the ballet. Close enough. Close enough for government work as my dad used to say.

Tired and Post Valentine's Day

Man, I am so tired. What a long day! My Valentine's Day was interesting and capped off with my receiving a mystery dozen red roses signed Guess Who? Guess Who? They came via ProFlowers and Fedex! One of my girlfriends found out she is not only pregnant but she is expecting TWIN GIRLS! Very very excited. Her husband almost fainted she said. I'm headed for sleepy land.

Happy Valentine's Day

I'LL STILL LOVE YOU MORE (Trisha Yearwood)

Video Code provided by VideoCodeZone.Com

To all those I've loved in the past and in the present. Happy Valentine's Day! .....WFW

Pre Valentine's Day

I was unsure what I would write about about today. Don't know why. I guess when it's the day before Valentine's Day, you think about it. I saw this picture of a broken heart Hard Rock pin. I collect Hard Rock pins. Whenever I go to a new city, I buy one. I happened across this image and it got be thinking.

If you're stressing over VDay tommorrow or don't have a special person, this post is for you. Remember VD is just a DAY. You're not a loser if you don't have a special one. You may just be selective. You may just be taking a break. You may be in a place in your life where you don't need or don't want anyone. That's ok. Be your OWN Valentine tommorrow. Buy yourself some candy, flowers or a card. Eat something decadent. Pamper yourself. Love yourself. Because that's the greatest love of all.

Something for you...

Because I can't really give you anything except my words and feelings, I saw this picture this morning and wanted to offer this virtual flower to you. No, it's not Valentine's Day yet. It may not be your birthday or anniversary, but I want you to have it. Thank you for being my friend.

Pondering Valentine's Day.........

I am lucky to have a good many friends in my life. (And I count my blogosphere ones as well!) As we approach Valentine's Day, so many are frought with anxiety. It's amazing how many people "settle" in their relationships. This video is, of course, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Not only are they both physically "beautiful" people, but they are such an extraordinary couple. Did you know that she was engaged to someone else when they went on tour? She was his opening act. During the course of the tour, they fell in love. She broke her engagement. You know the rest. This is their latest video. Even though the song is said, you can see the love in their eyes. True love is an incredible windfall.......

A Coke and a Smile

Thirsty? This picture makes ME thirsty. Last night I realized at the LAST moment that I had to volunteer at the ballet last night! It was crazy. I hate being late. HATE IT. Anyhow, I went rushing in and everyone was just lovely. It was fine. I finally slipped up right at the end of intermission to get a drink. I was standing there waiting, and a lady said, "What can I get for $1?" "Nothing," says the concession guy. "Not even a soda?" she said. He shook his head no. Her friend had gotten something. I got my coke and saw a perfect windfall moment. I handed her a couple of dollars (no one could see me) and said, "Go get a drink." She looked a little stunned and said, "God bless you." I told her, "I would hope someone would do the same for me." And I would hope so. It doesn't take millions of dollars to help. Sometimes just a coca-cola will do it.

Tuesday, February 7th - Windfall Moments

OK.......so I'm sure you're wondering what Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon are doing here. It all started late yesterday. I began feeling a strange feeling for me. Tentacles of depression began creeping over me. "This can't be happening to me!" I thought. Maybe I'm let down from the excitement of the weekend? And this is me -- I don't get depressed. Still, the cloud approached. I could those tentacles of hopeless reaching out for me -- scary, frightening. I thought of cancelling my business appointments for today. I was really scared then. I've never done that before. Somehow I wrestled myself in the shower, got dressed and drove to my appointment. I also called my friend Barney. He was genuinely concerned - something I needed. He insisted on taking me out to dinner tonight. After my customer meetings, I had a very depressing voicemail from my boss. I had been able to buoy my spirits during my meetings but crashed again after the voicemail. I had a hair appointment. My hairdresser has known me a long time. I told her how I was feeling, and she said she had just emerged from the same thing after suffering for two days. It made me feel better knowing that she had survived. My favorite shampoo lady brought me my favorite drink in the world -- an ice cold coca cola. Then she gave me the most fantastic shampoo complete with an incredible head and neck massage. I told my hairdresser I wanted something new. One thing I like about her is that she loves my hair long. So, I had seen this picture of Reese's hair style above. She cut it like this and I have to say -- it looks pretty darned good and sexy to boot! My hairdresser said I ought to go out. So I let Barney take me out. We had a great time. I feel better. The cloud is almost gone. So my hairdresser - Diedre - and my friend Barney - they are the windfall moment givers today. P.S. Joaquin is looking darned good here, isn't he?

Monday's Windfall Moment

Today's moment is not something I did. My Girl Scout troop decorated empty white bags with markers and crayons for a charity here that delivers food to shut-ins for example, the elderly, AIDS patients, mainly terminal cases. They were not allowed to use any religious symbols nor to say "Get Well Soon."

I watched as these girls - who had 500 bags to try to finish - colored their hearts out. They finished 325. They came up with sayings like, "Have a doggone good day" complete with dog bones and dogs. And "everyone's royalty." And "You are Special to Someone." Honestly, I had to turn my head away several times looking at these bags decorated with so much love.

There was one scout in particular - I've written about her before - Belle. She was very upset that they did not finish all of the bags. She asked me if she could take some home to finish. She was the only one who did this. Her mother told me that she colored and colored all afternoon. Finally, she broke down and cried last night from frustration at not finishing and her pictures not being perfect. That effort is a windfall moment.

Girl Scouts

Hi y'all. I am trying hard not to be frustrated with blogger. I'm sorry for all the trouble y'all have been having.

Here's Saturday's and Sundays "windfall" moment. Actually, it was alot more than a moment. You know I'm a Girl Scout leader. On Saturday at 5pm, I had my seven Girl Scouts over armed with blowup mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, stuffed animals, cell phones, etc.

I kinda went all out. I went to Target and bought this gorgeous hot pink tablecloth and paper plates (square with tropical designs) for dinner and lime green plastic table covers with yellow plates and lime and lemon designed napkins. I stopped at Fresh Market for hot pink roses for the table with the hot pink and a bowl of white roses for the lime green/yellow lemon covering.

I bought two huge trays of sandwiches from Subway -- ham and turkey and the other platter with cheese. Subway was generous enough to give me separate containers of mayo, mustard, tomatoes and lettuce. I also got chocolate covered pretzels drizzled with red stripes and topped off with an angel food cake for dessert.

First we did an exercise for their "Uniquely Me" charm, then dinner! After dinner, I had them set up their sleeping area while I cleared everything off the dining room table. They took 500 white paper bags for Project Open Hand (delivers food to the terminally ill, shut ins, AIDS patients, etc.) The girls in an hour and half decorated 350 bags!

Then they watched Bewitched until about midnight. This morning I cooked mounds of pancakes, bacon, and served strawberries on the lemon/lime table. Their parents were all prompt.

After they left, I put on a roast for cook for Super Bowl dinner. It is sooo easy. One cheap roast accompanied by a bottle of barbeque sauce and one can of coca cola. All in the crockpot - 8 hours. It is falling apart, tender.......yummy! Goes great on a hoagie roll! Smells delicious while it's cooking. ........I've cooked alot today! I'm so proud of my girls.

Girl Scouts Tonight!!!!!

My Girl Scout troop almost disbanded. Suddenly, one popped up -- Miss Belle and said, "I want to go on. I don't want to stop." So, I thought it would be the two of us. Then another. Suddenly, I had seven! We are doing a very laid back version called Studio 2B. They wear and earn charms for a charm bracelet. I am hoping to keep these "Sweet Seven" all the way through high school. Girls need mentors. Girls need each other. It's alot of work for the leader though. Sometimes I have to really remind myself how important it is. I have lots of work ahead of me. I'm a bit stressed.

(**Note...this post didn't make it on time either.)

Friday's Windfall Moment - Dora

A friend of our family has a four year old daughter. She has contracted leukemia. Luckily, she has the least aggressive form of it. Still, she is having all sorts of painful procedures, taking yucky medicine including steriods which have caused unfortunate weight gain. Her beautiful hair is all coming out. I heard she wanted to go to "Dora the Explorer" when she comes to our city. It's expensive. I've "found" three tickets for her mom and dad to take her. They don't know yet. They are front row seats! I can't wait for FedEx to deliver them.

(**Note: this post disappeared inexplicably several times!)

Headaches and Birthdays

I've had one of my headaches today. I call it "a working migraine." Which of course means that I can still work (barely) and I can still function (barely). I woke up with it. I am fairly nauseated as well and extremely thirsty so I've been drinking water and stuff. My company still got more than nine hours out of me. To top it off, I had errands I had to run IN THE RAIN. Which makes traffic SUCK. Tonight one of my best girlfriends dragged me out to IHOP (International House of Pancakes). I felt so sick I was regretting being there. She remarked, "Oh, it's our waitress' birthday today." I was like how do you know that? And she said, "How could you miss that button with the ribbons and curliques off of it?" Well, I didn't see how either after I saw her again. Turns out she was "closing" tonight. Oh God, how I remembered THAT! (I was a waitress in high school. Closing sucks.) Anyhow, we wished her a Happy Birthday and I thought....this.....is.....a......perfect......windfall.......moment. So, I checked my bag. My artistic friend drew a little card, and I put down $40. I was hoping to get away before she saw it. Unfortunately, I misfired on the unlock key and I could see her in the restaurant. You should have seen her FACE. She took off RUNNING right out of the IHOP waving her arms at us. She was screaming THANK YOU THANK YOU and smiling. Now, that's the best headache medicine in the world.

Taking "Bling" to the Next Leve?????

I had to read an article entitled "Taking Bling to the Next Level?" I mean, don't YOU want YOUR bling to the next level?

Pow!....you buy a new 2007 Escalade and you've done it.

According to the powers that be, the Escalade is "continuing a long-standing tradition as the everyday vehicle of choice among the Hollywood set and wannabes everywhere, the Escalade has also been embraced in hip-hop culture since its 1997 debut as the vehicular equivalent of a massive gold neckchain and medallion."

Ummm......I don't wear medallions. They look weird on me.

And, "despite changes to improve aerodynamics, including a more steeply raked windshield, this is still a large, rectangular and imposing-looking vehicle." Hmm....I do like the idea of driving an imposing vehicle. I just had one of those, and sometimes I got a rather sadistic kick out of watching people get out of my way. Only rarely did I enjoy this.

The colors come in Ebony or two-tone Cocoa-on-Cashmere. Wow, Cocoa-on-Cashmere sounds yummy doesn't it? I mean, I almost want to EAT or WEAR this car. Forget driving it!

The engine is so high powered that it "enables tire-smoking launches and strong pulling power on the highway, yet gets better fuel economy than before." Now, I CAN be a fan of tire-smoking launches, but you can keep the strong pulling power. I mean, if you're gonna drive a bling bling vehicle like this, are you really gonna drag a U-Haul behind ya?

And get this, "ot lacking in the latest gizmos, the Escalade comes standard with such items as a power lift-gate, rain-sensing wipers with heated washers, rear-parking-assist proximity alerts and a remote-starting feature. Noteworthy options include a Dolby Digital Surround audio system, adaptive headlamps that pivot in conjunction with steering-wheel input to illuminate the road around curves, and a rearview video camera that can alert the driver to the presence of people or objects behind the vehicle." Now, my family and friends easily provide me with proximity alerts! I don't need a camera or sensors for that. I just ask 'em to get out and tell me before I hit something. Don't ya think this car will be talking to you alot?

And I'm ok with rain-sening wipers but heated washers? Heated washers? Are they kidding?

I see a movie with Steve Martin or Chris Rock starring in it. Driving the bling bling vehicle.
Maybe a remake of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?????

Have a great HUMP day!