Morning coffee...

During a trip to Pier 1 a couple of weeks ago ( thanks to our wonderful friends and family who purchased gift cards as our wedding gift) I stumbled upon a coffee mug that said, "Think Big". As some one who cherishes motivational quotes and does daily affirmations, I thought how perfect is this.
Every time I look at this coffee mug, when I am drinking out of it, hand washing it and putting it away or taking it out, it reminds me to look at the bigger picture. To put life into perspective.

All the doom and gloom going on right now in the world (layoffs, cost of gas and food, foreclosures on homes). Plus E gone so much out of the week with his work schedule coupled with his commuting to his base in Chicago. We are starting to feel the pinch. My own questions about my career are starting to perk up. It is so easy to get so bogged down in the yuckiness of everything. This "think big" mug helps me see beyond what it is currently going on. To be the best I can be and to rise to the occasion. It gives me fire and determination.

Last new years, E and I made a promise to each other that at the beginning of the year, we would set both couple goals and individual goals. In order to keep us moving forward as a couple and as individuals. Over the weekend, I took a look at the goals we set as a couple and my own personal goals. My one of many personal goals, which the one I blogged about earlier in the year, is becoming a career/life coach. I still want to achieve this goal. I know in the last 6 months, I've pushed this on the backburner for one reason or another. However, over this last week, I've started to visualize this new venture. Which caused me seek out folks and information to help me get started. I don't know how long it will take me to achieve this goal. But I do have my daily dose of fire and determination to get me there.

Ode to my summer swap partner-Audrey

After a long day of work, I struggled through door,
Dropped my keys on table and my purse on the floor.
I saw on the kitchen table a big old box so sturdy and stable.
I squealed in delight and I knew what ever was in this package is what I definitely needed that night.
I grabbed my favorite pair of shears and ripped open the top.
I was so happy that my summer swap package...
was finally here.

Thank you Audrey for my summer package of joy.
Here are the pictures for the others to enjoy.



S-Sports Bottle
U-Ultra Protection Sunblock
M-Memory Holder
M-Milkbone treats for Poppy
E-Enjoyment for your summer days
R-Reversible Beach Towel



Love, love the pink sports bottle! This definitely comes in handy because I am trying to not drink bottled water anymore--plastic waste and stuff. Plus I love that it is pink because Eli won't use it when he goes on his bike rides.


How did you know my hubby has the most sun sensitive skin ever?? This is perfect and just the other week, E called me at work asking me if I knew where his 30+ sunblock was.


I have some great pictures from my recent trip to Chicago to put in here!!


We've got one happy Poppy on our hands :)


This ultra sized Frisbee is going to be a hit at our 4th July BBQ next weekend!



Something about a new beach towel that makes me very happy!!

Becoming a pack leader

This weekend while I was in Chicago, I discovered the Dog Whisperer.
I have always "heard" of this man and his amazing ability to calm the wildest of wild dog(s). This weekend, I was introduced. And I watched and watched his show. After watching it, I realized some things about how I was treating Poppy and how Poppy was treating me. I am carrying this over to my personal and professional life. The DW philosophy in how you work with canines in being the pack leader is thee following: A pack leader does not project emotional or nervous energy and neither should you. This is what the DW calls calm-assertive energy.

This makes totally sense to me in working with my dog and in my own life because people just like dogs like it when someone is in control. In terms of people, you don't want to "control" someone but be in control; have a say, make a decision, make a point, disagree if need be, but be in control of you. In a calm and quiet way. When you have control in a calm and quiet way everything falls into place and you gain respect. Respect in a positive, leadership, trustworthy and a nice kind of way.

I've already noticed a difference within myself in how I work my coworkers, my boss and my clients. I definitely noticed it tonight with Poppy. She and I had an amazing experience during our walk to the dog park and when I took her off the leash at the park.

I guess there is a reason they call the DW the Dr Phil of dogs. I just never paid that much attention to Dr Phil.

I remember why...

We haven't been married long nor have we really gone through knock down hard stuff nor do we have kids but tonight reminded me of why I fell in love with my husband.
After work, I met him out for a drink, dinner and then a live music show at the place where he does sound (his other job). I arrived at the bar and he had a glass of red wine waiting for me. We joked a bit about how his other girlfriend off and left because she knew I was coming and was so sweet to leave me her untouched glass of cabernet. After discussing whether or not a bbq place would be the perfect place for a first date, we decided even though we aren't on our first date we should head there for some yummy southern bbq. After we placed our order. We talked and laughed. Continued to laugh all through dinner. The laughter I experienced instantly brought me back to when we were first dating, living together and everything else we have been through. And of course, one of the many reasons why I fell in love with him.
I am sure me missing him so much when he is on his trips fueled this memory lane kick. However, it is sure nice to be reminded why you love someone so much.

A rose to share

Thank you so much Trish for the pink rose! I truly appreciate all the thoughts and encouragements regarding our venture into expanding our family. I will certainly keep you posted on our adventure. As of now, I have decided to wait.

I would like to honor a few more friends because their humor, sharing of their lives, and overall support they provide to me and everyone else is so precious!

Here are my nominees ( I kinda feel like I am at the Oscars! hee hee)

Queen Lindstifa
A great friend of mine from my Chicago days. Her humor will get you through ANYTHING!
I have had the great experience of Kansas city BBQ with her, many vino nights, and overall good blog reading and of course a great friend. I think each of you would enjoy her as much as I have over the course of our friendship.

Tracey
This is another friend of mine from my Chicago days. Such a wonderful gal she is. She just gave notice from her high profile position at an amazing interactive agency. She is embarking on another high profile position--raising her cute as all get out son, Owen. She is filled with "call it as it is humor". She has always been a person I can "talk at her head with" I encourage everyone to check out her blog. support, laugh, cry with her as you have with me, as she takes this amazing step.

KMT
I must admit, I have a soft spot for KMT. She and I have similar lives as it relates to our DH's. Both our husbands are pilots. I have appreciated her support so much as I've embarked on this adventure with E pursuing his dream. I know she is someone who will always be able to relate when it comes to having your husband be gone every week. :)


Give the Pink Rose Award to those who inspire you or need to be inspired, to those who have encouraged you or those who need encouragement.

Here's what to do:
1. On your blog, copy and paste the award, these rules, a link back to the person who selected you, and a link to this post: http://smartone.typepad.com/smartone/2008/05/pink-is-my-favo.html. You will find the story behind the Pink Rose Award and other graphics to choose from there.
2. Select as many award recipients as you would like, link to their blogs (if they have one), and explain why you have chosen them.
3. Let them know that you have selected them for an award by commenting on one of their posts.
4. If you are selected, pass it on by giving the Pink Rose Award to others.
5. If you find that someone you want to nominate has already been selected by someone else, you can still honor them by posting a comment on their award post stating your reasons for wishing to grant them the award.
6. You do not have to wait until someone nominates you to nominate someone else.

Summer Swap

I am excited! It is that time of year again to participate in the swaps of all swaps!
Can't wait to see who all is participating!!
Don't forget to post the swap button! We need to know who you are :)