So mom .. may or may not like me posting this picture-- but for me .... her being outside and getting some Vitamin D  is huge... and today we are Day 53.   Insane...

and while I REALLY tried to sit down and update so many times... one thing happened and then another, and then... it was like, can I just get in my bed and hug my pillow????

So let me start this out with a "YEAH HOORAY" and that is my mom was able to have "food" yesterday!

Well --- clear liquids, jello sprite, apple juice, and as I am doing the happy dance the first thing she says to me is... 

"have you tasted this coffee????" 

I think after 53 days, I would have drank toilet water,

 buttttt.... 

I am not in her hospital gown (as opposed to shoes....) and with everything she has been through I just say... "Yeah... it's a little weak for me!!"

Looking at mom right there.. she is truly... ONLY, an answer to prayer.

August 18th (Tyler's 23rd Birthday, and the day he (tyler) talked me into riding on his motorcycle with him to IHOP for breakfast--( and yes we wore helmets......) and yes... my hair... yes about helmet hair...

It was AWESOME! (the bike ride)

and now... 

October 15th ---- It's been LIFE CHANGING.

Tomorrow, we will be going to a rehab facility in Ocoee...

(and literally 26 mins from my house)

WHAT?!!

This will be the 4th facility in this time span..

I have had to ask for forgiveness at least 17 times each day driving on I4

Then Michigan, then Orange Ave... 

ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm 

I live in Lake County. SORRENTO

(the clampits. sanford and son)

EVERYONE drives wrong... not ME!

Soooo....

This new place is absolutely beautiful, and spending the day (ALLLLL day) looking at places...

This was the place that I could literally say... This is it, AND I can sleep at night...

I think mom is going to be okay..

This is a picture of my mom walking the halls where she is now... again FANTASTIC place and people.

I will be posting names numbers... 

(because you all have GOT to know these things!)

THIS is part and a HUGE part of healing...

The Nurses, the Occupational Therapist, the Physical Therapist...

They LOVE what they do... Truly..

and so...

right now...I am washing all my mom's clothes... getting rid of the smoke smell..

(and this is the bad thing.. SMOKING)

she smoked for 50+ years...  and she has and is paying for it.

BUT... the CRAZY thing in one hospital (no names) they pretty much diagnosed her with COPD

and since we have moved her--- she is walking, and breathing, not ONE cough!!! and NO oxygen at all.

in fact.. she is breathing on the SAME level as me..

This isn't because she has good genes

or good lungs etc.

My mom has smoked for 50 PLUS years!!!

Sooooo---- before I get into 2 more pages of writing... 

You all know...why she is doing as well as he is... (especially her breathing and healing)

She by SCIENCE.

Should not be here.....................but.

She is.

One Day at A Time, One minute at a time....

And so...I want to go ahead and end this, as I have lagged, but also have so much more to say..

The Journey.

Tonite... I for the first time in 11 years... was not able to be with my 

United In Praise Family.

and if you haven't heard our choir... please do this season...

Blessings Guaranteed!! 

www.unitedinpraise.com

I decided to update my blog during this time instead of crying like a little girl that I couldn't be there...

and so let me share just ONE of the songs ....

This is not our choir member, 

(Pat Sword sings this--- and KNOCKS it out of the PARK!  any park...)

but listen to it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQLlW_Bl4BA

it's pretty good..

like,

crazy good.

Until we Blog Again!

karen

Well it's probably been a week longer than I intended to update everyone.

 But It's Friday night, I made a great (lots of fat) dinner -- remember I am the stress eater, so plenty of food here if you want to stop by, grab a big plate and eat up... enough for an army here.

Mike and I decided we needed to alternate our days, and it's kinda a crazy to be home working and not trying to call a million times.

So.....

Three hospitals, in 37 days.

Been a little.. insane

The video you see, is when we were at Florida Hospital South  before moving mom to LTAC facility  (which by the way, Florida South was INCREDIBLY crazy good.... I seriously couldn't find anything bad to point out with them... truly a GREAT staff, and doctors)

But,  mom with everything she has been through,
 all doctors and surgeons say...

 " No can do... we won't do surgery... she is too weak, bacterial infection etc."

and it is true...

right now if my mom stood up for more than 5 minutes on her feet I would feel a victory.  But not yet.  Right now, its just about one minute enough to stand and get to the recliner.

So today, mom is now (third hospital) at a LTAC facility (Long Term Acute Care)  it is like a mini hospital.  They have doctors, and wound care specialist to take care of specialized cases.

It's been a lot of emotions with my mom...

frustration,
anger,
fatigue,
hope,
laughs,
intimacy,
and crazy questions..

" Karen, are feeding the dogs?"

 "Mom, what dogs?"

"Karen, why are you trying to make me feel like I am loosing my mind???
....you know what dogs, the two I have  ....." 

(pause, the look on her face... ummmm --- maybe I don't have dogs.)

She doesn't have dogs, or cats... did have A dog, but never plural .....

Another lesson...

BE STILL and KNOW that I am GOD.
or

BE STILL-- SHUT UP, and KNOW...
you are here, and it doesn't matter how many dogs she has or have not have.

it does't matter.


and then sitting in moms room, and hearing so much all day:

....he is getting his foot amputated in the morning,

.... this is her 7th surgery....... 

.....STAT room 3123!)  

and me thinking.. "did I get the phone bill paid??"

Kinda puts it all in prospective.

We have heard and seen it all, with my mom, and others... those loosing the battle, those arriving, the middle of the night noises ...

For me -- a new day every day!
Mike and I are now alternating days because our understanding is she could be there for 3-6 months.

I KNOW she can get through this... but I am not sure she does.

How does someone sitting in ....a hospital bed,
no food,
no exercise
and really no conversation other than Michael and I.
how do they do it?

I focus on that beautiful double rainbow!

....an arch of colors formed in the sky in certain circumstances, caused by the refraction and dispersion of the sun's light by rain or other water droplets in the atmosphere.

When I read that... I stopped..
and read it again...

CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES
and refraction (which that is a big word for me) So I looked it up,

 "The turning or bending of any wave, such as a light or sound wave, when it passes from one medium into another of different optical density...."

and so... for me the TURNING is the prayers... and the magnitude or BENDING is all of you and your prayers!

I feel them!  I embrace them.......
( I really do )


If you would like to send a card or a note, or anything to my momma ( I get tons of emails, texts and calls)
Surprise her......

I will read to her
I will play music for her
I will show her cards

Here is the address:

Select Specialty Hospital
Attn: Room 133
Virginia Kerr "Vickey"
5579 South Orange Ave
Edgewood, FL  32132

This is long enough....
Until we blog again... my friends.

It's time to Blog again...

I got this card from Rindy Fenlon, and it said...

 " The Rollercoaster of Life can sure take ya for some Crazy Wild Rides!  

but hang on!.. 

Cause Everything's gonna be ALL-RIGHT!!!"

I have that set on my desk so I look at it every time I sit at my desk (which hasn't been as often as normal) but nonetheless, I read it, and it's true.

Our rollercoaster has TRULY been a journey, and a  pretty intense ride, almost like a ride with a Scary movie all at the same time!

Today is Day 30 for my mother and her hospital trip. ( I know you are like me -- WHAT????)

 I would say in this time, that she has probably lost about 30 pounds
(not that she didn't need to loose weight - but not this way)

In this time, she has been through two MAJOR surgeries, the second being worse than the first (when we thought it would be easier) she has been on Life support, no solid food for over 30 days!

From someone like me that doesn't miss a meal, and when under stress, I WISH I was like those like my brother who can't eat-- me I eat ANYTHING that won't eat me first!!!

So I have pretty much "found" the weight he has lost.

But--- we have some additional things now to add to day 30,

We have now developed a bacterial infection, because of the same leak not being healed, and her feeding tube "backing up" as well.  We (my brother and I) got the news, or words...

 "I am basically concerned, 

I am not sure she is going to make it, and I am not sure there is anything else I can do....."  

THAT right there is up there with the 3:30am call that we got ...

"We need to put your mother on life support because she is about to go into cardiac arrest..."   

Helpless, and in no control...

After the words --- I am not sure I can do anything.... there must have been a force out there, because I was FLOODED with ---

"second opinion, or
 THAT IS NOT acceptable! 
 this is NOT cancer!!!, and your mother has come WAY too far to just lay in a bed and die...." 
 (and so many others) 
I even had one CRAZY friend say...what about Gorilla Glue!!???

can I tell you...

I needed this...

Even strong, motivated, encouragers, have a breaking point.

that day was mine.


But this is where, when you
 "Let go and let God" 

..... things happen.

I was exhausted (still am, but with JOY today)  SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many of you have texted me, sent me emails, sent me notes/cards, called me, made me go out to get away, even had my house cleaned (you know who you are girls)  and I had to just stop...

Be Still
and know...that I am God.

I think that came to me when I was out on my driveway this past week at 2am in the morning, laying out on my driveway staring at the moon and stars  (and hoping no spiders or bugs would crawl on me)  and just praying.

Lord.... 
I am a control freak.
I don't practice what I preach.
What I am doing, is not working....
I'm tired...
like... I am REALLY tired....
am I making right decisions?, wrong decisions?...

then I--- like most others ---I am ready for the answer...
 (you know squinting your eyes to see if it is the right answer)

....all I was hearing was crickets... and Sorrento back woods noises.

why? because I was trying to "hear" what I wanted...

so nothing..

next day.
with no sleep and basically going thru the motions... kinda -- numb
things started happening.

Name for a second opinion (thank you kent and michelle) came to us.
Preparing to tell surgeon we were wanting a second opinion, he came in and offered the idea of a specialist, and literally I gave him the name, he made the call and I was even able to talk to the recommended surgeon.
The new surgeon said, I will take this on.

then, it's "at this point we wait on a bed... will more than likely be tomorrow..."

I get a call that night at 1030pm
 bed available and we getting her ready to transport. 

Throw clothes on..
and my thoughts... hair, or brush my teeth...

sooooo my breath was fresh, but my hair... well... yeah... my hair. =)

Everything was PERFECT!  They were waiting on her... room ready, AND they have a 24/7 coffee machine!!

Today (this morning...)  Things took off like you can't believe.
Nurses INCREDIBLE,
Surgeons nurse practitioner comes in.. she and the nurse undo her dressing... and BAM
Ordered...

Infectious specialist doctor on board to get the proper antibiotics
Wound Doctor on board to instruct how to dress her infected incision.

and on and on and on...

for the first time in 30 days... I just sat.... just sat... and watched,
In Peace.


OH and for the first time...
My momma SLEPT!  She slepted and SNORED and SNORED LOUDER, and it was the most beautiful noise I have ever heard..

They even had to change out IV's in her arm -- and I wish I had taken a picture... with her snoring and her arm just hanging out...  I couldn't believe it.

So... (I have sooooo many more awesome stories...)  But where we are at...

#1   CLEAR UP bacterial infection - it's not just a little thing.. it's pretty big, like REALLY big
#2   Surgery (for the Third time)

yes... #3  and she is 70 years old.  poor health has over come everything you have read, and to have to go in "one more time"  

yes... I weep.  her pain... but she is a WARRIOR... I tell her that everyday...
She wants to live.  I know she does, or she would have been gone on the day I was getting her out of the shower ready for the paramedics on August 18th.


Check this picture out....

Why is it... when things like this happen you start looking though those photo albums...

because they CAPTURE those moments, we HOPE we will remember...

This is my mom.... (and of course my daddy - who died at 48) on their wedding day.
Look at her... is she not the most BEAUTIFUL girl ever?  that little panamanian crazy woman.

I think for me what I have learned in walking the halls of the hospital day after day after day after day,
 is this...

These OLDER AILING people... are this..

People.
They are someones mom/dad.
The are someones sister/brother.
A Grandma/or grandpa.

I have looked at myself in the mirror.. and know...
I am going to be 70 -- or 80 -- or 90
(shooting for 100)

but, for me ... I am here. and I have learned, we ALL need to be that caretaker of those you love...

We have got to take those steps, and like me FINALLY let go of the control, and let God provide... and he has indeed.

Every person in a situation like this, is STILL an encyclopedia of our lives.

They are one of those books...

Pray for this challenging week for  my brother and I, and the Panamanian Spunk in my mother--- gets through this!

Call that person you have been thinking about this week or Today... (you know someone popped into your mind)

 Go visit that one that you say
"dang... I REALLY meant to get by and see her or him... but things just got crazy"

make the time....

I have crocheted 2 blankets, and just finished a scarf, (and I haven't picked up a needle in years) because my mom hates cell phones and computers....(yes imagine me waiting on her to catnap and look at emails on my phone.. )
but after all of this stuff....and knowing I couldn't be on that phone 24/7

It kinda felt...

Good.

xoxox
Until We Blog Again!
karen

It's 1012pm

Today-- a great day (will have a much better blog tomorrow) but for now..

No Cancer!  Mom is in ICU... she is hurting-- after this surgery... BUT she is not on a ventilator, she is NOT on the heavy Pain Meds, ALL of her vitals are PERFECT!   and they have all her tubes in her stomach so we don't have to worry about her pulling her nose tubes out EVER!!

Today while exhausted - no sleep --- praying constantly...

GREAT GREAT day!

Your prayers.. your commands of healing... your blocking that crazy devil..

IT WORKS!!!

more tomorrow....
for now..
I am going to bed and collapsing...

love all of you... more than you know!

kk

Hey Everyone!


Well tomorrow is the day..
Mom will be going in for her second major surgery.  The details are this.

They will go back in, and see why the patch is still leaking.  They will be doing biopsy on the ulcerated area to see if it is cancerous.  (yup that word) and the reason it was originally tested is because it was a life and death situation to get her patched up asap.

So....

If there is cancer... then they remove that part of her stomach
If it is not, then they will re patch her.

She will be in ICU again and more than likely on a ventilator.

She is in better shape for this, than from the first.

Her surgery is mid morning... (whenever that is...)

I will keep everyone posted!

Well... nothing like letting a blog gather dust for this loooooong! 

But I did.   My daughter, Lauren, 5 years ago told me to create a blog for everything I write, people would love to read and respond... and I did (until I got busy) and so I have now blown off the dust and "re-blogging"  I am sure that is a word in our day and age. =)

So I am starting this blog again, because I have so many beautiful friends and family that are wanting to know what is going on with my mom, Vickey.   Because of the several groups I have, I really prayed and decided I needed to revisit the blog site, and leave our other groups as DYNAMIC as ever and let people just check in with the blog site... to see what is happenin!

But don't you worry with this blog, I have funnies, and promise to keep you updated on not just this ---but everything!  "a Blog"

and so......

The journey with my mother and her recent encounter with 911, ambulance, and hospital all started on August 18th (my sons 23 birthday) .  I will not be revisiting all of that (I will post that later.. because it will make you laugh) 

but for now.. 
today 
this second, 

I am here at home because today was my little breakdown day... one of those days that all of a sudden the dam breaks open and you are trying to swim to the side, and then someone tugs or grabs at your leg (you know that feeling and you start dog paddling with panic and hope you don't kick them off enough to drown them, but somehow they hold on)  yeah... that has been today!

Today is Day 18 in the hospital (12 of which was in Critical Care - life support and all)  and we (my brother and I, Mike) got the news today - Sept 4th --that there is still a leak in her stomach and will need surgery again.

The picture that you are seeing of my mom is probably the best picture EVER. 
(at my son's high school graduation --- which if you see her smiling IMAGINE my smile!! lol) 



She is 4'11 and a Panamanian (Panama) through and through. 

My dad called her the "Panamanian Devil, Mean as a snake,protect her family --- knows what is going on.. 
When you think she isn't listening--- SHE IS..
and doesn't take ANYTHING." 

It's ALL true.

Her STRENGTH in that little body of her's ----She has overcome so much already... including not having solid food now for 21 days.  (and yes I have warned the nurses if you give her BBQ sauce she may just eat your leg!)  

So... the news today, Surgery again.  

It will be this Friday, and it means she goes back to square one, and going under.... dealing with anesthesia and hoping her lungs can do this (she also has COPD -- not diagnosed, but everyone that has seen her is willing to lay a bet.  50+ years of smoking...... )   she had to be on a ventilator and couldn't do it on her own. 

Mom ignored pains she had been having for quite some time... it escalated and in one week it went from bad to HORRIBLE.  I got the call from her (as she is getting ready to get in the shower to make herself all clean--hair etc) and tells me... Karen come help me in the shower, and then we need to call 911.  WHAT???  

I was there the fastest I have ever been--- my brother is there, and yes got her out of the shower and dressed (only because I told her the paramedics were going to have to get her out of the shower naked!!)  and that night ---emergency surgery--- noted from the surgeon, the biggest "perforation"   he has ever seen.  He went in, irrigated her whole insides, and found the leak... an ulcer that pretty much burst.  (for longer than that day.. like a week )

In recovery because of her smoking(50 + years)... her lungs had problems recovering and we got that infamous 3am call...that they had to ventilate her because she was going into cardiac arrest.

So she was on a ventilator -- lifeless for 12 days.

So here we are... back to the above.... 
there is still a leak, and this Friday, my momma will be going in for surgery again.  

She is stronger, her insides are cleaner... but with meds... she looks at my brother and I like.... "do I really have to do this again?"

And so... while right now she doesn't know.. my brother and I are left to make the decision.  and I want to let you all know this... 

No matter what you have watched or heard, this is NOT anything you ever want to go thru.

Will you all pray with me?  

Not... Lord if it is your will-- (because this is not God's will)  I know this..  

Everything we go through is based on OUR decisions and facing the consequences or results --

God's will is she be healed... the Devil on the other hand will creep in our minds -- my mom's mind...and make us think otherwise... and so... my prayer is against the "itty bitty worthless devil" 
to get the HECK out of here...   it's kinda crazy... but true.  

I know God wants my momma healed and back to being "mrs. cravitz" of the neighborhood... but it's keeping Guard over the devil creeping in and having a field day...

More to come..
Love to all of you!!

Are you Passionate......

We are almost into February, and I hope everyone is sticking to those "attainable" goals I mentioned! I wanted to share a funny story with you all, that may have a little "motivation" to it. With my history of doing motivational speaking, I find myself ALWAYS listening to what people have to say, their stories, there struggles... words of wisdom, just words and "THEIR PERSONAL experiences!!"

Once upon a time I was on this FABULOUS cruise that I had earned thru my Creative Memories business and one evening one of my downlines husband shared with us a personal experience with us! And it went something like this....

One evening he and two of his buddy's are on their way home from a party, and in coming home they spot this lady walking down the road by herself. It wasn't a well lit road so they immediately felt compelled to stop and see if they could help her out, give her a ride etc. When they pulled over to assist her, she climbed into the back of the car with "Rich" and they began to drive her to a better lit place. After a few moments he says ... "Mam, you are going to need to let us know when we get to your road...."
It was pretty evident she had been celebrating and was a tad bit intoxicated by her swaying back and forth. After a few minutes had passed, she leaned over to Rich and says "thickly" "Your PASSSIIOOOONNNNNAATTTTTE" Flattered a little bit he says.. "Um well thank you for the compliment, but I am engaged to be married..."
A few minutes pass by and the lady leans over again and says... "YOUR PASSSIOOOONATTTEEEE....." His buddy's are crackin up and he is getting a little annoyed and says back to her.... "Lady... like I said, I appreciate what you're saying, but I am engaged, and rally not interested..." She AGAIN leans back in the seat and lets a few more minutes go by and one again, she leans in whispering a tad bit louder and a little more "THICKER"---- "YOUR PASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSIONNATTTTTTTE" So by this time the two friends are borderline on bursting out laughing, and Rich had finally had enough... and says "LOOK.. I have told you TWO times that I am NOT interested! I am engaged, and you just need to tell us what road we need to drop you off at!!" and with that the lady (a little irritated by his response says....) "This is what I have been trying to tell you... YOUR PASSSSSSSINNNG it!!!

True Story!!!
Now imagine the laughter of all of us listening to this.. and the only thing I could think was "What a GREAT Motivational TALK!!!"

So let me ask you again... "Are you Passionate about your goals? Your Business, your desires, your dreams? or... "Are you Passin' it??"

In Websters Dictionary the word Passionate means:
.....an object of affection or enthusiasm...

At some point we all loose that PASSION but the key is getting it back! Sometimes you let it go and you end up passing opportunity's. But with your business, with your dreams, with your goals, you need to know that you can ALWAYS turn your "vehicle" around.. Nothing out there except YOU makes you keep on going right past those opportunities.

So how do you FIND the passion?
1. First and foremost, you have to remember that personal reason. That life Goal that you originally set for yourself and decide if this is what you STILL want or is it something different? Life goals can and will change in our life, like degrees or majors in college. But we many times cling to that original life goal, and think that if we haven't met that goal, we can't make any others until this one is met. WRONG! Look at where you are right now, it's probably not the same as this time last year.

2. Don't take no personal! Your kids, husband boyfriend, girlfriend, wife mother, father will tell you no everyday. But it shouldn't cause us to give up on ANYTHING - nope if that was the case we would all be in trouble, and we may as well live in a box. Don't listen to their no's, these are your dreams, and no one can stop you from getting them but you.. let their no's be your fuel! and actually the best way to handle negativity is this.. "Don't ask them!"

I could probably continue to write about this ALL day, but this is a blog, and not a novel...

Make new Life Goals, or keep the same ones if it's what you are PASSIONATE about. Don't let opportunities PASS you by.. here's the thing I like (no, I LOVE to tell people) " If YOU DON'T... Somebody else will" It's a simple as that....

Be a Passionate Dreamer, Goal setter!
Passion brings on Vision! See whats out there - Passion is VERY contagious, those that see it WANT IT! So I challenge you to find that passion in what you want, and CATCH IT!!!

Until we Blog Again!

Aim to be GREAT In 2008

Well I know it's been awhile since I have blogged (October to be exact...) but I am BACK! I have no rhyme or reason for this particular blog other than... AIM TO BE GREAT in 2008! Already in 2008 we have started a Fit Club -- and if you haven't heard, email me at KKH81@aol.com, and I will send you the details.. and this is participating in a Walk/Run 5K EACH month in 2008.

Guess how many we have for January??? 23!!!!

And this MORE than EXCITES Me!!! To think that something so innocent as Me and a friend "Jay Thompson" to commit to doing one 5K together each month, and then taking it a step further with lets get EVERYONE involved... This is AWESOME! and I can't wait to see you all there!

Just like with Running or Walking, or even your homelife, or work.. your goal needs to boil down to this....

It's not about finishing FIRST, but FINISHING!!!

For us, it's not about who can cross the finish line and get the medal, it's "HOW MANY will do it, and be ready for the next one????"

"Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, this time more wisely...."

Or how about this one...

"The Greater the difficulty, the more glory In overcoming it.."

Whatever it is that you want to do.. both little and big... YOU CAN do it, if your mind, body and soul are on the same page!

What's your monthly goal... like my dream books, it's about YOUR Goals, not the goals you have for your kids, grandkids, downline, friends, etc.... THAT is easy-- setting goals for them.. but what about you...

I don't want to hear -- I want to loose 10, 20 or 30 pounds.. that's too easy...instead.. set your goals to get you there..

I don't want to hear, I want to move up in my position at work... that's too easy...
instead set your goals to get you there...

Follow me?

So let me ask you again! What's YOUR Goal to be GREAT in 2008...
Because you know what???


YOU ARE!!

Are you Tired??

How many of you heare have TOO many things going on with too little hours in the day?

And at the end of the day how many of you are just TIRED!?

- Tired of being in charge of everything…
- Tired of being the family planner
- Tired of being overworked (and sometimes underpaid)
- Tired of not getting all your tasks done at the end of the day?

Let me show you just a typical 7 day week, 168 hours and what the average is that we do in that time….

6% Spiritual
8 % Recreation (this is with planned activities – family friends etc)
15% Miscellaneous (this is your errand running, grocery shopping, etc)
30% Sleep
29% Work (which is 48 hours)
12% Family (this is planned time together)

Can you rearrange your % to make time for YOU? I know you laugh, and we women RIDDLE ourselves with guilt, it's not our job to have fun, it's our job to keep the household together, to make sure EVEYRONE else has time-- right???

In Isaiah 40: 29 – 31 it says:

He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. 30) Even youths will become exhausted and young men will give up. 31) But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will Fly high on wings like eagles. They will run an don't grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

When you become TIRED many times you loose sight of your dreams or your goals—so if you’re sick and tired of being Sick and Tired it’s time to make some changes.

Gail Devers quotes:

Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe!”

Let’s Talk about “TIRED”

T = TREAT yourself and TRY something new!
I= IMAGINE more for yourself then where you are right now.
R= REST, RELAX AND REVISIT the things you use to LOVE to do!
E= EXERCISE – not only your body but your brain too!
D= DREAM AGAIN!

“Life is full of BEAUTY. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams!” ~Ashley Smith

Don’t let TIRED take away your Spark, your goals or your dreams…

Hoping all of you are doing awesome! I have changed and added a new "YouTube" video, and yes I am addicted, but this is a commercial some of you may or may not have seen - I see this, and it just makes me smile and giggle--- I know many of you have friends just like this.. ENJOY!

Until we Blog Again!
karen

Do you know the symptoms....

Hey Everyone!

It's been nearly over a week, and I am in from Dallas, after spending sometime with a wonderful friend Tammy Futterman. Some of you may know, some of you may not, the turn of events that had happened to her in loosing her 19 year old daughter "Rachel" to Bacterial Meningitis. To see the effects "Before and After" another Creative Memories Consultant and great friend Barbara Burnes summed it all perfectly... what a parent goes thru, and this may even be painful to read for some.. but in it she completely captured EVERYTHING that happened - being able to document things I never could have, and I am thankful for that.

This is forever etched in my mind....

Tyler has had his shot, and Lauren will be getting hers on Monday.. I encourage to read this, let it touch you, and then take care of those you love. Even today in the news there was a scare at UCF, and since the death of Rachel, two other families have lost loved ones to this. Statistics say that 300 a year die from this.. that is almost one person a day!!

I welcome all of you to comment on this.. I will answer questions I know.. and direct those I don't. This should be mandatory in Colleges--and somehow we should take steps towards this. Tammy also learned that in state prisons, it is mandatory, no questions asked that each prison mate get this vaccination... Unbelievable...

It was about a week ago that I watched one of my best friends and her husband bury their 19 year old daughter Rachel Futterman. Rachel Futterman was a happy, feisty, energetic, athletically gifted student at the University of South Florida.

Last Saturday night, at 11:30 pm, I received a phone call from my dear friend Karen Hohman. Good news never arrives in late night phone calls.My heart was beating fast before I even said the words hello.In a whispered voice, Karen said, "Barb, it's Rachel Futterman. She's in a coma at University Hospital in Tampa. She's got bacterial meningitis. It doesn't look good. She's not showing any brain activity. Tammy's hysterical."

By the next morning, Karen and I were in Tampa holding vigil by Rachel's bedside. Along with 3 other "sister" CM Consultants, the 5 of us watched as Tammy, Joel, Robert, and Jaime endured 2 agony filled days watching their daughter and sister survive on life support.

It's every parent's worst nightmare.And Tammy and Joel are no exception. They adored their daughter Rachel. Call them helicopter parents if you will, for that's what they were. Like any of you reading this, Tammy and Joel raised Rachel with all the love and pictures and involvement and attention that they knew possible. Rachel was their oldest, their only girl.. When it came time for Rachel to receive her "college" Menactra vaccine, Rachel's MD didn't carry it. Unlike Pediatricians, Internal Medicine and Family Practioners don't always stock these vaccines. In order for Rachel to get this vaccine, she'd have to go to the public health department or to the clinic on USF's campus.

Too much legwork for a silly vaccine. Haven't we all said something like that before. The "extra" legwork just becomes a wee bit too much. Sign the waiver.Like she's actually gonna get meningitis anyways.Fast forward a year and a half.

It's Rachel's sophomore year at USF. She couldn't be happier. She's living in the Delta Gamma house with her sorority sisters. Life is FANTASTIC!And out of no where, when you'd least expect it, heathy, full of life, Rachel begins to feel sick.

headaches

vomiting

achey

bright lights hurt her eyes

lethargic

She missed classes on Friday. Sleeps most of the day.It's the flu. Gotta sleep it off. Try to keep Advil down. It should pass soon. Rachel's roommate is attentive and checks on Rachel between classes.Hours pass.Friday night comes and Rachel isn't improvingHeadaches persist. Lethargic. Achy joints.

Man, this is a bad case of the flu.Maybe a good night sleep will get rid of this once and for all.Rachel and her roommate go to bed. During the night, the bacterial meningitis worsened by the minute in Rachel's beautiful body. By 6am the following morning, Amber awoke to Rachel having a grand mal seizure.911 was called and Rachel was brought in to the hospital.

Rachel never opened her beautiful eyes again.

In the hospital on the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, I saw our Rachel attched to life support, with more IV bags and beeping monitors than I knew possible. I watched in grief as my precious friend Tammy stroked her daughter's hair, and kiss her hand. Amid Tammy's wailing of tears, she'd laugh at Rachel's choice of fingernail polish, or comment on how much all this touching and petting would have made Rachel crazy. Tammy wanted one last chance to lie in bed next to her daughter and so we arranged it.. asking the nurses to move Rachel to one side of the bed, so Tammy could snuggle with "her baby girl" one final time. While laying by Rachel's side, Tammy pushed her face up against Rachel's and breathed in every last scent she could. She kissed her ear, her cheek, her forehead, and sang to her daughter one final lullaby..

"Oh do you know the muffin man?"

She pressed her hand to Rachel's heart and cried, "I don't want it to ever stop beating."Although I know this depth of grief is possible, I never thought I'd see it in my lifetime. Not like this..Not with someone as healthy at Rachel.Not this fast.How could this nightmare be happening?On Monday afternoon, we were all told that we had one last chance to kiss Rachel goodbye. One by one, we left Rachel's bedside, comforting each other as the doors closed behind us. Tammy and Joel remained alone the room with their daughter. This was their time for a final goodbye.

The pain in their hearts was an unparalleled, unbearable pain. I have no doubt. Silence fills the space between all of us waiting outside ICU Unit.Minutes pass.Quietly, the doors to the Peds ICU Unit open wide. Rachel was being wheeled down to surgery by the special team from the Organ Donor Program. Tammy and Joel walked at the front of the bed, escorting Rachel as far as they could, until they could be with her no longer. The "team," along with Tammy and Joel entered into the elevator and were gone. 7 anxious people across the country had been notified and were awaiting their chance at new life, thanks to Rachel Futterman. Rachel's brother Robert wanted to escort his sister down to surgery and missed the silent procession. He came to me and said, "Where are my parents?".. Quickly, I brought Robert down the elevator to meet his parents, and as the elevator doors opened, I heard Tammy crying as she called out to the team taking Rachel away, "Take care of my baby girl. Take care of my baby!" I could hear her sobs as I took the elevator back up.

Minutes later, Tammy, Joel and Robert took a silent elevator ride back up to the Peds ICU unit, alone. Tammy was walking, folded into her husbands arms as he practically carried her each step away from their daughter. Though Rachel showed no brain activity during the 2 days they were with her, it was still Rachel lying before them.. looking like Rachel, the the hands and heart and hair and face and feet of sweet Rachel.And now.forever..She was gone..If there's any good that comes from Rachel's death, it'd be this..

Get your kids vaccinate with Menactra. College kids are at a much higher risk of contracting meningitis than younger children, although younger kids can develop bacterial meningitis as well.Rachel died of Neisseria, one of the strains of bacterial meningitis that would have been covered by Menactra. Just today, my 14 year old received his Menactra vaccine.Log on to one of the many meningitis websites. LEARN of the signs and symptoms of meningitis. Knowledge is power.

http://psu.dailyjolt.com/usg_health_article_2_--_meningitis_.html

My kids call me Debbie Downer, for I'm always alerting them to health issues, potentil weather alerts, or safety precautions. I don't care. I'll burden them with any information I can if it saves their lives, or someone elses. And there's always the chance that my words are falling on deaf ears. Who knows. I'll keep talking.Another young Maryland college student died from this very same bacterial infection. He died on Tuesday, the 25th, the day of Rachel's funeral. All of us CM "sisters" that were holding vigil by Rachel's bedside were confident that our kids had received the Menactra vaccine. 2 of us were surpsied to learn that we were wrong. Our college kids, living in dorms had not been vacinated.There are so many issues and events that are out of our control when it comes to our kids, especially our college kids. But this is an issue you can control. Ask your friends if their kids have been vaccinated. Make sure your kids are vaccinated. My oldest 2 college kids received the vaccine called mennimune and it only has a 3 - 5 year window of coverage. You can bet they'll be getting Menactra in the very near future. My Bobby Jerome just received his Menactra yesterday.

To you Rachel Futterman, I shall always remember you. You were full of life and passion, energy and spunk. It was a gift to have known you. A part of you will live with me forever.And to my precious friends Tammy and Joel, your daughter's death will not be in vane. I promise. Know I love you both. Barbara

Have You Ever heard of a Flat Iron?

I thought that would get your attention, and trust me, I am going somewhere with this...

A Flat Iron... I have to tell you, growing up, my hair, well lets just say It was a cruel joke played upon me to have such coarse, thick and not humidity friendly hair (which is not the type of hair to have in the state of Florida) I can remember, working on my hair, blow-drying it until I could get it straight (because the body in my hair, was NAPPY and not flattering) after getting it perfect JUST the way I wanted it... I would walk out the door and BAM, the hair had a mind of its own. Back in a pony tail it would go.

So a few years ago... while at a modeling show of my daughters, Michelle a beautiful black model is standing there with hair as SLICK AS SLICK can be.. Now remember I grew up in the days of Big Afros, (both whites AND blacks had them) and I just had to know.. HOW?????? did you get your hair that STRAIGHT..

Soooooooooo I did what Karen Hohman would do, and I just asked....

"Michelle I have to ask, how in the WORLD do you get your hair so straight and pretty, because I KNOW it is NOT naturally straight!

She says...(and I quote)

"Girl please... haven't you ever hear of a Flat Iron?"

Visualize my puzzled look... as I say out loud... "FLAT IRON?"

She just shakes her head and laughs...

"Yessss, a FLAT IRON...."

She begins to tell me where to get it, HOW to use it (giggling at my excitement over this concept)and amazed that I have NEVER heard of it!!

She tells me, and it's not just us black girls, don't you think for a minute those girls on the show "Friends" don't use it!

You know WHAT? I was so excited that I may have straight hair that lasts more than 20 minutes, I didn't care if they were purple or pink people, I was going to get one. (okay so here is the moral of this story)

Michelle thought I was absolutely CRAZY that I hadn't ever heard of a FLAT IRON! Everyone has of of a Flat Iron...

"Karen, where have you been living???? under a rock?"

We people who own our own businesses, or in sales, or whatever it is that you do as you are reading this-- you can probably relate to this very thing.

"You have never heard of Scrapbooking?

You have never heard of Zumba??
You have never heard of an Elliptical machine?
You have never heard of Dr Oz?

and better yet, you have NEVER heard of the TAKE HOME CHEF??????

You have GOT to be kidding me... how can you possibly not heard of these things?

Well I know there are "FLAT IRON" People like me, who haven't heard the wonderful concept of "organizing your pictures?, or a FUN way to Exercise... etc etc

But the twist is this... rather than giggling about their Flat Iron experience, we need to REJOICE that they found us! Be just as excited as we were when we discovered something new!

All because of that flat iron.. I myself, look forward to ALWAYS sharing something new, and enjoying the excitement one goes thru and seeing or learning something then never knew existed!! "Man, if I had this thing when I was in High School, I would have been da'bomb!!" (okay so wishful thinking here...)

Don't assume people know these things you have learned---There is a big world of MANY things... Don't keep them to yourselves, share what you know!!

Until we Blog Again!

Karen

One Little Smile....

Forrest Gump talks about life being like a box of chocolates, well have you seen "Dove Promises?" I know many of you already have, but as I ate one, I didn't realize the sayings that were inside!! So of course I was so intrigued by what was going to be in each one, I ate SIX of them in a row! (You know I had to see what they said, and what kind of inspriation it could add to my day and my hips....

The first one said...

"One little smile can fill the room with Sunshine..."

So true, so true, have you ever noticed that smiles ARE contagious? We should do this with our businesses, at work, at school, and even on the phone... It's amazing how you get the smile in return, AND people will gravitate toward you just by your smile and excitement. Watching my daughter dancing years ago in her Hip Hop Class, she had this young cute "thang" of a teacher 'bout 100 years younger than me...and even though I am there to watch Lauren, I can't help but watch him because he ALWAYS has this grin on his face and having the best time dancing with the kids and there I catch myself bobbin' my head and smiling right along!

Start Spreading an infectious smile!!

The second one I read /ate said:
"There is only one pretty child and every mother has it!"

Oh, I have caught myself thinkin (in my head of course) oh yeah her baby is probably the third cutest child I have ever seen (with my two being the first two) hehehe in my business, it's ALL ABOUT CAPTURING the moments... and instill in those babies, it's just as important to be pretty on the INSIDE as much as the outside..

The third one I frantically opened up and it said:

"Whatever you give you will find countless ways back to you..."

BINGO! especially when I am at my classes and and where they are now, compared to when I started my business and most importantly the good that I have received from all of them. Thru my business I have more friends than I can or EVER imagined - Give anyone and everybody, what you want back...

And this fourth one would go along with what I just said:

"Friendship is the gold thread that ties hearts together."

Our gold thread is our memories as well.

On the fifth and yummy chocolate candy (and still not feeling guilty abit, while the kids just shake their heads that I am getting excited over chocolate sayings!)

"Promises are made to be kept...."

Commitment came to mind immediately. My commitment to my family, my business, my friends, my customers, I want them all to know that I am in it for the long haul, thru the ups and the downs and "all arounds." I want all those associated with me to feel that "promise" of being there for them is a confidence they can always hold.

And the Last chocolate I ate, said this (and I Loved it!)

"Climb High, Climb Far: your goal the sky, your aim the Stars!"

Isn't that awesome??

All of you are stars! Never ever give on what your goals are. So what if you didn't get that goal when you exactly wanted, you crept a little bit farther up than where you were! Don't let someone else snatch your dreams from you. They are YOURS. Sitting back watching someone else climb and thinking "you KNOW I had a goal like that once..." Don't you EVER give up...EVER! Just keep climbing - so much to see, so much to achieve, and opportunities for EVERYONE!

Go buy yourself a bag of Dove Promises.. I Justify my cravings thru what I have learned thru the sayings!!!

Until we Blog Again!

karen

I'm in HEAVEN!

Hey Everyone!!
Guess what you are going to have to hear and see pictures about my little
"Abbie-girl" for the next several days!
Her real name is Abbiegail, but you know hohmy and her nick names.. she is my ABBIE GIRL!

I am in HEAVEN!

Here she is out on "Grand Lab's" Dock! "
This bread was supposed to be for the fish, but she decided it was better for her!

Now for you "newbies" let me get you caught up

Abbie is the granddaughter (who is 2 1/2) of Larry and Karen Beard or "KB" as you have heard probably a million times since you have been a part of the choir!
OH!
and also the daughter of Jared and Jamie I guess that counts huh?

Well, for some reason, I was BLESSED to have this youngun from today until Sunday, and I can't stop smiling... So much she is doing...saying talking like CRAZY!!!! and well, she calls me
"k-Hoh" oh my goodness... she is sleeping like an angel right now, so I wanted to get online and share with you all just a few things..

One -- Rev and Sharon are movin and groovin.. got to take Abbie to see "Pop Pop and Sharon" before they headed out! Sharon got some GREAT shots while we were there...

I still can't believe they are movin up there.. shew.. but they promised there is a room for "hohmy" probably something they may regret saying they would do for me.. but we will see!

"Rev, Abbie and the moving Truck...."

Rev. & Sharon Shook
P. O. Box 507
Glenville, NC 28736

I took Abbie to Chic Fil A, and while I REFUSE to be "grandma..." I choose to be AUNT K-hoh... we sat and talked, she played, and I met lots of people in the playground, which led me to lots of things that "little ones" do now! so I have my list !!!

We looked at pictures when we here at the house, and ALL the babies were "Baby Joie!!!" Which is Tiffany Crow Kendricks (who has sang in the choir with us...) new baby and her new cousin! -- and YES she will be getting some Joie lovin.....

I have a responsibility so it seems.... as Jamie says,
"Well Karen, we are working on Potty Training, could you have this done by the time we get back?"

Precious Jesus...
Well I got 3 Pee Pee's on the Potty, Two Poo's Poo's which were not!
LORD help the girl!!!!!!

Lauren was SOOOOOO hard, and my Tyler, Piece of cake, all I had to do was throw Froot Loops in the toilet and tell him to aim for RED! So we will see!

As Jamie gave me my brief To do list, cause can I tell you ... the girl is SO easy going! The one thing she left me is her "Blessings Every Day" Book, said it's short and please be sure to read this to her before she goes to bed...

So, it's like the Read a bible in a Day thing... but shorter...
and guess what????
YOU all get to do it with me!!!!
****
September 19th

More than a Conqueror
"In All things.. we are more than Conquerors through him who loved us."
Romans 8:37

Do you know what it means to "conquer" something? It means to win out --- not just by a little, but by a lot. Once you've conquered something, it can never beat you again....
(Read that line one more time... I did...)
The Bible says that God helps us conquer everything we go thru in life.

(Read this...)
HARD times might not go away, but they CAN'T BEAT US!
They can't make us lose out on the great things.

God Promised Us.....

With God on my side, I can conquer all.
Nothing on earth can make me fall....
****


Okay so...
Until Tommorows Blessings Every day!
Take that one with you to sleep!

Until we Sing Again!
"Aunt K-hoh giving some LOVE!!!!!"

(sharon took this shot.. isn't it awesome, and YES abbie has some CURLS!!!!)

Until we Blog Again!

Lessons I learned from Clement

Hey Everyone...
Today I went to Lakeview Terrace to get a tour, and have lunch with Clement.
It seems the last year of my life has been a little "nutsy--topsy turvy" but nonetheless good.

I received an email like I occasionally do from Clement checking to see "how I am -- and he is thinking bout me etc..." Well this time I said-- "How bout we do lunch?" and in turn he said "He was DELIGHTED!"

Most of you know Clement -- but some of you don't---
Clement is someone that should give us all HOPE! He is 94 years old, and doing better than me! Sang with the choir for several seasons, until we just got too long as far as time.. so now he is our #1 Fan..

Still driving all over, (including his Golf Cart which we road around to see the sights there) EVERYONE knows Clement, and you know what, he knows EVERYONE there..
He never misses a name
"Hey Clement.... Hey Mr. Kirk!"
and ALWAYS ---

"Hey Sandy, or Sue or Jessica, gosh he introduced me to so many people..." and again he knew all their names, and I started to think, how WONDERFULLY important this is...

It just made me smile.

Lunch was wonderful - the food is GREAT BTW with Lamb, Peas, Carrots,Roll, and a cup of Mint!
I "think" I had Bread Pudding.. but not for certain -- whatever it was it was wonderful, and he had Sweet potato pie....
It was so wonderful to just sit relax and enjoy.. I learned EVEN more about Clement!
I know you all know he is the "dancer - including Tap Dancing, but did you know he can PAINT!!??
and I am not talking "Paint by numbers... I mean sho nuff PAINT!
Check this out...

This is a self portrait of he and his wife, who by the way passed away 22 years ago.. he showed me another picture, and she was quite the "looker..."

I was amazed, I asked him when he learned, he said..
"Oh awhile ago, I stopped 5 years ago because it was just too expensive "

and his Shy cat of 12 years, even came out to pay me a visit.. and are you ready for this????
This cat is like a dog...
Clement says....
"Lay down..... (with his soft voice) and the cat laid down!

I just started CRACKIN UP!!! NO WAY!!! Cat's don't do that!!!
and he says.. watch this...

"Roll over!" and the cat starts rolling over! (I am laughing here...was laughing there, and got Clement laughing about it too!)

But I have to tell you something even more amazing, and I promise to bring this to a close...
As we sat and ate lunch... he grins at me and says...

"What did you think about the Birthday Card I sent you?"

I said -- Awww Clement, it made my Day!
He says.. well good I wanted you to know I was thinking about you, and getting your attention, I know it was funny to send a birthday card for no reason...

I sat there for a split second, and said...

"Clement... the card arrived day before my birthday...."
He said..

"What????" What do you mean?

I just started laughing... I said...
"CLEMENT--- you sent me a birthday card, and it arrived the day before my birthday (which was a Saturday)"

He just laughed.. said.. "Really???"
He had NO idea!!! when my birthday was.. he was just wanting to send something "random" to get my attention! He said...

When is your birthday? I said August 5th.. he said..
"I won't ever forget it!"

It's amazing how the Lord works sometimes..
Was a GREAT day! and something we all need to do---
Just take time...
Slow down...Learn Peoples name! Visit someone... Learn something new about them,
and most of all --- "Do random things that can turn out to be Blessings beyond measure!!"

Until we Blog Again!

"We can do anything we want......"

....As long as we stick to it long enough!

~Helen Keller

You know its so funny to get ready (you and the kids) for the first day of school! In preparation, the kids are not thrilled about giving up summer, but as we go to the School Open Houses, start to write down the list of things they are going to need in their classes, you know, folders, pencils, highlighters, pens, protractor, and boxes of tissues (why the need for 3 boxes for the first day I will never know) Then you begin to see a little glitter of excitement in the kids eyes. Off we go to get to school supplies, of course for THEM it is totally cool because they are running into their friends that they haven't seen in 3 months and we --- well, we are bumping carts -- politely smiling and thinking "WHY IN THE WORLD DO THEY SCHEDULE OPEN HOUSES ON FRIDAYS!!!" hehehe But we manage and get the supplies, with the right colored folders, and 1" binders, 14 boxes of pencils (because each class had it written down) and of course don't forget the brand NEW glue sticks! (You already have 27 of them here from the previous years, but you know they GOTTA be new!!!) My focus is to get to that Expedition as quickly as possible, while Lauren and Tyler are jabbering 90 to nothing about how they are going to organize their NEW school supplies... ans as I was driving home I began to think "THAT'S IT!" NEW!! We all need NEW!! To get motivated, to get excited, to get the sparkle back-- NEW!

So today (after a looong nite of -- "KIDS!!!! it's 9pm you better get to sleep!! ---- KIDS, 7am is going to be here soon... KIDS!! --- If I have to come upstairs, you are going to wish (wellll you get the idea) They were READY! Dressed, breakfast eaten, backpacks ready, all organized, hair washed, and brushed and even no reminders on BRUSHING their teeth! BUT of course they spent all week to decide what NEW outfit they were going to wear! and they were looking GOOD! I decided right then, we ALL need NEW! No matter what and in my situation it was attacking my office and setting up a NEW system, moving the desk and my over sized chairs to new positions. Putting my rolodex and other desk items in a NEW spot. Filing my paperwork in a NEW filing system (that I bought in the middle of the summer thinking this would be perfect) and VIOLA! It's all NEW and I am ready to go!

Sometimes we need to make some changes that give us that new feeling that gives us that EXCITEMENT we need to get "Re-motivated" and it can be something as simple as changing what you are looking at day in and day out to something "New..." Think of it this way, you may have to try and remember where you filed somethings, but in the long run, you will sit back take a look --- smile and feel like you are ready to jump on the opportunities this business you are running, or this life you are running (which is a HUGE business in itself) are waiting to give each and every one of us! Sure... we will get back into our routine, much like the newness of the first day of school, but the point is that it gets you going again! It gets you back in the saddle, and back in some sort of schedule mode....

What's the newest thing you have done?

Until we Blog Again!

Karen

This is ADDICTING!

Well whether you have been to my Blog site before or not, there are changes DAILY as I am learning the things that I can add on to it! For Instance.. have you all ever heard of YOUTUBE? another my children have introduced me to! And I admit, it is ADDICTING! But so is this Blog, I can see for me this is going to be WAY too much fun.. I have so many stories to share, FUNNY, motivating, some may even have some tears!

Take the time to navigate through and see all the things I have added (and I am sure it's not done yet! like me, a work in progress) I even have a poll! Lets see what the results are!

I also want to say the videos from YOUTUBE that I have requested are "Things that entertain me.. Bloopers, Kids, and Gospel Choirs! I do not hand pick these videos, so if something comes up that you go "OH MY GOOOTNESSS" forgive me! I have tested it, and so far so good, but you nevvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvver know!

Send the link to you friends and family! I promise it will be a good "entertainment" blog!

Another Blog Coming soon! Thank you for your patience - pretty soon it will be close to perfect! The picture you see is United in Praise! Some of you have seen us some may not - I will keep you posted! THAT is a Blog in itself!

Until We Blog Again!

Hohmy

Good Grief the HUMIDITY!

Getting up to run one morning, the first words out of my mouth was:

"Good GRIEF the humidity!!!" Do you know it's 75 degrees out here????

and the next words out of my running partners mouth was

"At least it isn't 80 degrees...."

Don't you just hate when they say that?????

Sometimes we gear ourselves to say things over and over, day after day, because it is a habit. I feel SURE that I have complained about something each morning before running, too hot, too cold, roads have pot holes , there is a funky smell....so much that it just "pops" out! and sometimes it takes some smart alec running partner to make you aware of it...

What "pops" out of your mouth in certain circumstances? Chances are you don't realize it because it has become a habit. I am sure that my running partner had had just bout enough of my (I will call it) "unconscious complaining..." and really if it was THAT bad, I wouldn't be getting up EVERY single morning, 5 days a week at 545am. So I basically told him "Thank you and to Shut Up because I hadn't had my coffee!!

People listen to us day in and day out in our business, in our lives, even at the grocery store, whether it is you co-workers, customers, friends family or your pet dog... Take a day and "listen to yourself: and give yourself an Unconscious Checkup, you may or may not surprise yourself.

Rather than agreeing with your mom that yeah it really does sound like you had a poopie day.. or your son or your daughter, husband or wife.. try something different like.. I hate that for you, so what's your next plan? She or he doesn't need company "wallowing in self-pity"... they need a rescuer to get them out of the mud!

Remember all day EVERY day, you and your attitude is contagious. Somebody is either going to get infected by your negative words or your positive words. So we need to make a conscious effort to "listen to our responses!" I use to tell the kids when they were little as they jumped out of the van and headed into another day of learning... "Remember you will effect the first three peoples days by the way you say hello or your attitude!!! Make it gooooooooooooooooooood! (and off they were running...)

I think tomorrow morning I will say:

"You know! It's such an AWESOME morning, if it was ANY better I may just tee tee all over myself!" Wonder how he will respond then! =)

Make it your BEST Day yet!

hohmy

"I've made lots of money in the business by making the audience my only boss."

~Dino Di Laurentis

Let go of the things you think YOU can only do!

Welcome to my Blog! "Until we Blog Again.." where you all can be you just like I am --- me! It wasn't even until this past week that I learned what a "Blog" or "Bloggers" were! My first thinking was "BLoated jOGGER?" I have been that a time or two.. but Lauren "baby girl" set me straight and was actually the one that sent me an email with "You need to start a Blog" in the subject line! So I began to research and learn and she is right! I do! and I did!

Most of you here visiting are family, friends, customers, choir members and maybe peeps I haven't even met yet! I love to write, I love to motivate as well as commiserate -- which could frustrate, but don't worry I love to CELEBRATE too! I look forward to comments, and other posts and would love for you all to share as well!

I just got done painting the whole inside of my home, after 4 years of living here, it's TIME! and so can you say BOLD! From WHITE walls to Sage Green (actually the name was BULLFROG) and a Terracotta Orange! and you know what? I LOVE it!!! Thank you Debbie O - this chica calls me and says, Karen, I have the day off and I am all yours... and truly she came in totally took charge, and we got it done! Thanks Shug, and Cheryl too for being a part of this.. we literally got this done in ONE day! and so now looking at the house, I am already wondering where I am going to put the Christmas Tree! and speaking of Christmas Tree, it's going to be here before you know it-- yes the HOLIDAYS! For the past several years I have let my kids do all the decorating (of course at 17 and 19) it's harder to pin them down - but as tradition has it, I do the lights and the do the decorating! I recall the first year of letting them do the tree, I found that I was standing right over them--- "no, "....oops, nope, I always put that ornament toward the TOP because it is heavy, or be sure and keep the hand made ones towards the middle, Lauren here are all yours, Tyler here are all yours... blah blah blah ....." All at once I see that the kids are gravitating toward the couch and I am humming and decorating, then I realize, that are watching me... hmmmmmmmmmmm "Hey Kids, I tell you what... I am going to get the decorations for the fireplace, and you two finish okay?" Both of them grin and you could tell they "KNEW" they better make it quick, and well by the time I get out from the hall closet trying to refrain from "UGLY" words as "things' are popping on my head, stepping over and on other "things" you know those things... boxes, vacuum, football gear, old hats, wreaths from other seasons and bags of just stuff etc. and by the time I came out triumphant that I FOUND the right box the kids were just about done, and Oh my Goodness!!! It was beautiful! THIS was a lesson for me and something I have done since that time.......

Let go of the things you think you can only do!!!

If you are bogged down with paperwork, WHO can you get to organize and help you to get things in order? Don't worry about being embarrassed just get it in control! What is it EVERY month that you absolutely DREAD? Is it getting your closets organized? Is it cooking? Is it CLEANING after cooking? lol Well "DELEGATE the THINGS YOU HATE!"

Honestly, there are people who love to do what you can't stand, and this would be a good time to utilize them. Can you trade them for things you CAN do and LOVE to do? While she organizes your closet, you can do what?

BUT BUT BUT!!!!

Let me add this.....
If you go this route in getting someone to help you to get your life in control, then "DON'T" fill the gaps with other work! Take advantage of the time that you have so desired to have! Let's get Rid of the Guilt!

Sit down and read that last chapter of your book!

Go outside and sit on your swing with lemonade, coffee or a glass of wine!

Make this YOUR Time! I admit fighting that guilt is a BIG challenge -- it really is, and I battle that everyday.. I am thinking that this was something each of us were BORN with, and it is a chore to make ourselves do it. But Like everything else, it is discipline! Don't get aggravated at everyone else who IS overcoming this and enjoying "their" time.

Pick up that "half completed" project---whatever it is! Cross stitching, writing that book, painting that hallway, working on your scrapbooks....

Blow the dust off your walking or running shoes! Even if it means getting up an hour earlier in teh morning! I have done this for the past 8 1/2 years and it truly is worth every minute (even though I LITERALLY am praying for RAIN every morning before getting up!

Pick up the phone and call one of your friends, mother, mother in law, (whoever!) and go to lunch, breakfast or dinner! "Just pick up the phone!"

Sometimes we catch ourselves waiting on the perfect day to start... "Is there a perfect day???"

It's like waiting on the RIGHT time to get married or have a baby! Or start a business, or write that book, or mow the GRASS! I know that you have looked back and thought, "If I had started that diet when I "originally" thought I would be 30 pounds lighter!!! Can I get an AMEN? Maybe I will start tommorrow, now let me go get milk and some oreos, and start strategizing!!

START TODAY! Don't think you have to have a map to do the things that you want to do... because I can tell you already, THIS is the time consumer for most of us! When you make out your "to Do List" (which I try to do every night) make a time slot for YOU! 10 minutes, 15 minutes, One Hour!

Break that YOU time in --- a little at a time if you have to. If you don't slot that time, don't hold your breath on your family, kids and friends to encourage you too, because GUESS WHAT? THEY love having ALL of your time! (and this is a good thing!) They are not in control of your schedule, you are. Here is a good quote I read recently and a great way to end my first LONG post.....

"I finally figured out the only reason to be alive is to ENJOY it!"

~Rita Mae Brown

Until we Blog Again! Hohmy