First Winter Snow

Camp started last night and it was bad weather for many traveling in. We had our first Winter Snow for the year with lots of ice and cold weather! It was a blizzard yesterday like I have never seen here in the 13 winters I have been here so far! I took picturs before heading out to camp this morning, a litte bit has melted, but you get a good look at what its like here today. I love the snow...it is so pretty!

right side of backyard

very back of house looking at my bedroom window

left side of backyard

front of the house

Brian Tracy Quote of the Day

Before a person can achieve the kind of life he wants, he must think, act, walk, talk and conduct himself in all of his affairs as would the person he wishes to become.
-Zig Ziglar, Author

Brian Tracy Quote of the Day

Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach. It's the end you're after.
-Anthony Robbins, Motivational Speaker

Quotes

Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.
-Tom Landry, football coach

a text message

at 9pm tonight I received the following text message:
comingtotexasfortworthfridaythefourthninepmonthegreyhound


It took a minute for me to figure out the message since it came thru all as one word. The area code was 760, which is my parents, but it was not a phone number I had listed in my cell phone. I texted back: Who is this? I then got a call from that number, and it was Terry. He explained to me that Mom has had it with him and put him on the Greyhound Bus this morning at 11am out of Barstow, CA to come stay with me...and he was enroute, not really sure where he is, but on his way. Mom told him not to call me until he arrived here in Texas, but he texted instead because he felt bad and knew I would need to know. He told me not to call her, I told him he didn't need to worry about that, I was not!!! We talked a little bit as I struggled with anger towards her for trying yet again to control my life, for her not thinking that this might not be good timing for me (how did she know I was even home? 3weeks ago I was out of the country for a week.), let alone try to put the pieces of the story together and come up with a plan. He let me know that Mom expects him to stay here for 3-4 weeks as she needs a break and he did not have a return ticket bought back to CA. I have not heard from him in about 3months or so and he had not returned any of my voicemails, so I asked him what he has been up to. I told him I had heard from Grandma that he was back into drugs again (after having been clean for 2years) and had left home. He said yes, he had slipped and used once a month or two ago, but thats not what he wanted to do with his life. I informed him that I am still working my crazy work schedule with two jobs, so this is not good timing for me; there is no way I can have him here alone at the house for that length of time every day. I told him that I would have to check with some of the men and get input and call him back. He said he was sorry, knew this put me in a hard spot, if he couldn't stay with me and nobody else could have him, he would go to a shelter. My heart broke...I can't imagine such a life like that...but he is evidently used to that because he has done it many times before. I request all my friends to please pray for me and to please keep my brother in your prayers. Jeff will be coming up with a plan as to what we do from here, we have 24hrs. I haven't seen my brother in about 5years...I am looking forward to the time with anticipation and hopeful that I can be of an encouragement and strength to him to want to server our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

Brian Tracy Quote of the Day

Your goal should be out of reach, but not out of sight.
~Anita DeFrantz, Olympic rower

weekly devotion

Weekly Wisdom

Your outer life is your reputation with people, but your inner life is your reputation with God.

Day 1 - Arrival to Cancun Mexico

Preface:
Mid October I decide to get more information on the EntreLeadership event with Dave Ramsey that was to be held November 8-14th, 2009 in Cancun Mexico. After much research, consulting, interviews and information, I started making my plans. It was a bit complicated due to the fact that my California Birth Certificate was an Abstract Birth Certificate and therefore since it was not a certified copy, it would not be accepted by the Federal Government for a Passport to be issued. I had to get a Certified Copy ordered and rushed to me, so that I could move on to the next phase. Once I obtained that, I learned that since I was within the 4-6 week window of passport issuance, I had to wait until I was 14days out and visit the local office in Dallas Texas. In order to do this, you have to make and appointment and must present proof of travel (which means a purchased itinerary) or letter from your employer stating you were going on business. I didn't want to purchase a non-refundable airline ticket on an airline I had never previously flown on, until I had a passport in hand, but neither did I want to take the time off of work to drive to Dallas and get turned down and have to drive back, purchase a ticket and make another appointment with the Agency.. My boss wrote a letter and I purchased my airline ticket the day of my appointment to get my passport in Dallas, Monday, October 26th, 2009. I got it all in smooth order, so I then confirmed with Dave Ramsey's Team that I was going! What a moment!!!

Today, was the big day...Travels to Cancun Mexico for my very first time! I left the house a little after 7.30am with Jackie who kindly offered to take me to the airport. I made it through security with no issues and was the second traveler at the gate when the attendent informed us that due to the hurricane in the seas off of Cancun, our flight was delayed until 3.30pm...5.25 hours after it was supposed to have left! I didn't know what to do. I called Jackie to inform her of the delay, as we discussed my options, I decided to just hang at the airport. To have her come back for me (though she wasn't that far down the road) and then bring me back a few hours later, would cause a hassle for all involved and interrupt the plans others had to attend meeting and the chili cookoff out at Sam & Brenda's. It seemed to make more sense just to stay at the airport and if I didn't get to travel, then have someone come get me. I spent the time trying to nap as I was pretty tired, and then started my knitting & listened to my MP3 player. I got lunch at Fuddruckers, though it wasn't quite the same. We boarded about 2.45pm and were off right on the money at 3.30pm! The flight went well and I arrived in Cancun at 6pm, went thru customs with no issues, got my bag at baggage claim (I had carried on a second bag and my laptop in case the other bag didn't make it) and then the final gate check security where my bags got the "red light". They searched them and then let me on my way. I proceeded out thru the lobby and to the curb looking to find a black sign with the label: EntreLeadership in white on a black background/board. Here I was met by two of Dave Ramsey's team, Dave (video dude) and Matt (VP of Operations). I then learned there were 3 other couples on my flight who were attending the conference event also and we got acquainted with each other as we waited for the others to arrive and complete their process thru customs and baggage claim. We were loaded into a 16passanger van and taken on a 20minute fast scary drive in the dark to the Paradisus Riviera Cancun Resort, http://www.paradisus-riviera-cancun.com/. Upon arrival, the bell boys unloaded are luggage, we got checked in and then got our luggage tagged and we were taken to our rooms on a golf cart with it. They brought it into our room for us an pointed us in the general direction of where we were to go. I quickly took a quick peak of my room and unloaded all my hangups into the closet so the wrinkles could fall out. I wanted to shower and change clothes, but the event had started at 5.30pm and it was now a bit after 7pm and I just wanted to head that way so I didn't miss Dave's introductory speech. I left my room and headed the way I thought the bell boy had pointed...20minutes later, I found the banquet room! Everyone had eaten and Dave was just getting ready to get up on stage. I quickly went thru the buffet line and sat down at a table with some of the couples on my flight and three of Dave's team, Matt and Chris & Debbie.
Dave Ramsey's speech, EntreLeadership defined:
(a few of the nuggets I got out of the time)The leader builds the team. Think of an excellent leader, what would an excellent leader look like? If you are going to be a leader, this has to be you! Servant Leadership is the only kind of leadership that works.

After Dave's speech, our table was asked to come and answer a few questions on camera that would be displayed later the next day at the beginning of each lesson. I got to know those 3 couples a bit more and what they did while we all hung out in the hallway by the pool and took turns having the spotlight on us and answering the questions Chris Mefford posed to us. After that, I went to my room and called it a night...thoroughly exhausted from my day of travels and class was to begin at 8.30am the next day.

and yes, because I know you are asking this question...the photos on the above link to the resort are exactly what it looked like when I arrived!

Brian Tracy Leadership Success Email

The Three Primary Virtues
By Brian Tracy

Adam Smith, in his important book The Theory of Moral Sentiments, wrote that excellent people have three primary virtues: prudence, justice, and benevolence, in that order. Each of them is essential to the others and to the living of a full life in society.

Prudence
The virtue of prudence refers to your developing the habit of providing well for yourself, your family, your friends, your co-workers, and your company. This requires that you think intelligently and honestly about the very best course of action to maximize your opportunities and minimize possible danger and threats. The habit of prudence means you investigate every investment carefully, think ahead about what might happen if you were to take a particular course of action, and take intelligent steps to guard against setbacks and reversals of fortune. The most successful people are those who are prudent in the conduct in all of their personal and business affairs.

Justice is Blind
The second habit for you to develop is the habit of justice. This refers to your commitment to the establishment and maintenance of laws in society that protect the person and property of every individual. The American republic has endured for more than 200 years because it was carefully established by the founding fathers on the basis of law, not men. At every level of our society, specific laws are prescribed and laid down that are applicable to all people, regardless of wealth or station in life.

John Rawls, the Harvard philosopher and author of A Theory of Justice (Belknap Press, revised edition, 1999), once presented a question to his class that has been repeated often through the years.

Imagine that you could write the laws and create the circumstances of your society. You are given the power to prescribe the economic, social and political relationships that would exist in your country throughout your lifetime. There is only one limitation on your power. You would set up this structure without knowing into what sort of family or situation you would be born. You would not know in advance what sort of physical condition you might be born with. Whatever system of laws and customs you decided upon, you would then be required to live by them for the rest of your life. What kind of structure would you design in this situation?

The answer to this question is the very essence of the concept of justice. The statue of justice, holding the balances and scales in her hand, is blind folded. True justice is therefore applicable to all people who live under a certain system, irrespective of their background. When you make the habit of justice an organizing virtue for your own character, you will insist that, whatever the relative power of the parties, everyone be treated fairly and justly in the resolution of any difficulty or dispute.

The habit of prudence is essential for personal success. The habit of justice is essential for the creation of a society within which a person can pursue his or her own best interests with the greatest of possibilities. The rule is that you should never want or demand anything from anyone else that you are not perfectly willing to accept for yourself.

Benevolence
The third quality you must develop is the habit of benevolence. This is one of the hallmark characteristics of the truly superior person. Aristotle referred to it as one of the eight essential virtues, that of "generosity." Most people are psychologically and emotionally structured in such a way that they are only truly happy and satisfied when they feel they are doing something that serves and benefits other people. When you give freely and generously of yourself to others, whether it is to members of your family or to members of the public, you feel more valuable and happier inside. When you dedicate yourself to serving your customers with the very best quality product or service of which you are capable, not only do you feel a deep sense of personal satisfaction, but you also put yourself on the side of the angels when it comes to personal and business success. You remember the principle: "The more you give of yourself to others with no expectation of return, the more good things there are that will come back to you from the most unexpected sources."

The regular practice of prudence, justice, and benevolence leads naturally to feelings and actions of kindness, compassion, and tolerance toward other people. You become more open minded and flexible. You develop greater patience and understanding. You are less judgmental or demanding of others. You become a better and finer person.

Action Exercise
Imagine yourself to be a person of complete honesty and impeccable integrity. Is there any behavior of yours that you would change?

Quotes

A man of character finds a special attractiveness in difficulty, since it is only by coming to grips with difficulty that he can realize his potentialities.
- Charles De Gaulle

Happy Birthday Glenn!

Some of you know that I am a fan of a couple of authors, one being: Glenn Shepard. I get his weekly email newsletter called Work Is Not for Sissies. I gave all my coworkers his book How to Be the Employee Your Company Can't Live Without, at our year end party in 2008, because I benefited from it in some areas that I needed tweaking along with basic reminders about why and how it is important to serve your boss and work with the team to accomplish the goal, making the company money. Well today is his birthday...this is what I sent him in special thanks for his work:

Go here to ready his full post on his birthday.

Real Simple Daily Thought

The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.
―Ben Stein

Brian Tracy Quote of the Day

To try and fail is at least to learn. To fail to try is to suffer the loss of what might have been.
- Benjamin Franklin, statesman

October 2009 Adult Verse Night

Deuteronomy 31:6 — Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not ... for it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.

3rd Quarter Progress on 2009 Resolutions

I received my third quarter email from Glenn Shepard on where I am with my 2009 Goals & Resolutions. This is what I submitted to him on where I stand on the goals I set for the year (review blog entry for 1/1/2009 for goals set):

1. Met this goal at 100% July 2009.
2. 10% progress made. Reading any material I can come accross online & books to help me get new methods to achieve this goal to organize, cull, declutter, condense, minimize, etc.
3. 0% progress
4. 25% progress made. Still reading and learning with a desire to excel and be more productive
5. 25% progress made.


THANK you yet again Glenn for your encouragement!

book ~ simplify your life

Brooke let me borrow this book from her and I want to post my highlights from it, sort of a book report on it (so that I can remind myself later after I have returned it to her)


Simplify Your Life
by Elaine St. James

Let your boat of life be light, packed with only what you need - a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends worth the name, someone to love and some to love you, enough to eat and enough to wear, and a little more than enough to drink, for thirst is a dangerous thing.
-Jerome Klapka Jerome

Like many others (the author writes), I had bought into the Bigger is Better and the More is Better Yet philosophies of the 1980s. We gradually began to realize that, rather than contributing to our lives, many of these things complicated them far more than we'd been willing to admit. We'd always known the Joneses weren't worth keeping up with, but we finally had to face the fact that the only thing we'd ever gotten from a power lunch was indigestion. The time had come for us to get off the fast track.

The goal of a simplified program is three goals:
#1 things in my/our lives (home, car, clothes, diets, finances) to be small enough and few enough and simple enough that they can be taken care of yourself/ourselves
#2 free yourself/ourselves from the commitments, the people, and the obligations that kept me/us from having time to do the things I/we really want to do, not felt I/we should do.
#3 want my/our life to be consistent with the desire to live in harmony with the environment.

Remember: One person's simplicity is another's complexity. The secret to happiness is not getting more but in wanting less.

#1 Reduce the clutter in your life:
If you haven't used it in one year or more, get rid of it. The idea is not to deny yourself the things you want, but to free yourself from the things you don't want.

#3 Use "Speed Cleaning" to clean your house:
(read Speed Cleaning by Jeff Campbell and the Clean Team)

#13 Keep Your Plants Outdoors:
It's time we realize that the photographs in the home-and-garden magazines don't necessarily reflect reality. They made having indoor plants look so easy, when they're anything but. Consider a window box (if you don't have a yard or patio to enjoy), visit your botanical garden, at the very least, don't replace it when t dies.

#22 Build a Simple Wardrobe:
Men already have simple wardrobes. First, pick a simple, classic style that looks good on you, and then stick with it. Forever. Second, build combinations of outfits that work as a uniform...two or three of the same similar style but in different, muted shades...each item should go with every other item. It is possible to create a simple, functional, feminine wardrobe by following the same principles men follow when it comes to fashion. (Didn't care for third point don't wear jewelry, don't carry a purse and wear only one heel height).

#23 Reduce Your go-Go Entertainment:
Most people come to realize the best things in life are free, and that doing less can mean having more - more serenity, more happiness, more peace of mind. Make a list of the things you and your family really love to do. And then arrange your life so that each day you have time to do as many of the things you like to do as possible.

#30 Don't Answer the Phone Just Because It's Ringing:
Just because it's convenient for someone to call you at this particular time does not necessarily mean it's convenient for you to answer.

#37 Take a Vacation at Home

#39 Live on Half of What You Earn, and Save the Other Half:
We've become a nation of spenders rather than savers. We spend far more than we need to on stuff we don't really require. Start by cutting back 10-15%, gradually building up to 50% over a year or two. Living simply is not a matter of living cheaply or of feeling deprived. On the contrary, it's an opportunity to get in touch with what is really important in your life, and to reach a level of moderation that will create not only a feeling of contentment and security, but also a sense of being in control.

#40 Rethink Your Buying Habits:
Designate one shopping day. Do I/we really need this? Will it just be one more thing to end up in the back of the closet? Delay the major purchases. See how long you can live without it. Try to come up with a creative solution rather than a buying solution to a perceived need.

#52 Do What You Really Want to Do:
Figure out what it is you want to do, and then arrange life so you an do it. It will be worth whatever complications you have to g through to get there, and it will definitely simplify your life in the long run.

#54 Work Less and Enjoy It More:
Cut back on your workday by 10%. Build time into your schedule for interruptions that are unavoidable time robbers in today's business world (phone calls, unplanned meetings, searching for misplaced papers). You will find you get more out of your workday.

#55 Stop the Busy Work:
Prioritize before you start work, and then don't do anything unless it's on your list, a lot of busy work will just evaporate.

#57 Simplify Your Eating Habits:
Healthy and nutritious diet.

#63 Beware Exercise Equipment, Fire Your Personal Trainer and Go Take a Walk:
Every day the expensive equipment or health club membership goes unused, the guilt level rises, which only increase the stress in our lives.We've become so addicted to compulsive, competitive behavior, that we've extended it to exercise, which, theoretically, we do for relaxation, and to improve and maintain our health. Now is the perfect time to get off it and go take a walk.

#67 Create Your Own Rituals:
The type of ritual I am referring to here is any special thing you can do on a regular basis that you look forward to, and that you think about with a happy heart. It's possible that you have been working so hard and moving so fast that you haven't taken the time to incorporate some personalized moments into your day.

#68 Learn to Laugh:
As children, we laugh naturally, but we gradually loose that skill as we become adults. Laughter reduces stress, relieves tension, and soothes the angry heart. Just imagine how much simpler your life would be if you learned to respond to stressful situations with laughter rather than with frustration, or anger or resentment.

#70 Learn to Meditate:
Medication is an effective way to maintain a simple life. Learning to meditate is not easy, nor are the results necessarily immediate. But both the physical and psychological benefits of a sustained meditation program are well known and well documented. They include a much greater ability to deal with the everyday problems we all face, and a calmness and serenity that result from few other disciplines. Most people also find that meditation produces more energy, more restful sleep, an increased ability to concentrate, and an overall feeling of well-being. Learning to mediate will give you a new understanding of your life, and will help you get clear on exactly how you want to live it.

#72 Clean Up Your Relationships:
Get out of a relationship that isn't working.

#73 Just Be Yourself:
Have you ever stopped to think about how much energy you spend - and how much you complicate your life - by pretending to be someone other than who you are? A good exercise is to sit down and go through all the major areas of your life and decide how each would be different if the only person you had to impress was you. How often we are untrue to ourselves because of the pressures of others.

#74 Trust Your Intuition:
All of us come equipped with a still, small voice inside. Unfortunately, our life-styles have become so fast-paced and hectic that many of us have forgotten how to listen to it. Learning to trust it will help keep your life in balance.

#76 Stop Trying to Change People:
We can't change other people. They change when they are good and ready. Most often what people really want is a supportive ear.

#77 Spend One Day a Month in Solitude:
Spending time away from the constant barrage of pressure we face can get us back in touch with what is real, and can help to alleviate the tensions of everyday life.

#81 Do One Thing at a Time:
Do we really get more done by trying to do everything at once? Maybe. Does it really matter? Probably not. Are we happier at this frenetic pace? Most definitely not. Start with a list, a list of things that really matter. Cut the list in half, then pick the most important thing and do it. Then, and only then, go down the list, doing each thing, one at a time. As much as possible, allow no distractions, no interruptions. You can learn to do one thing at a time, better, and happier doing it.

#82 Do Nothing:
It sounds so easy. Start with an hour. The idea is to just be with whatever is going on in your head without having to do anything about it. You'll be amazed at the clarity it will bring to your life.

#84 Just Say No
My weekdays are devoted, for the most part, to my work, and, unavoidably, there are deadlines and obligations I have to meet. But my evenings and weekends are my own. Simply say no. Thank you, no.
(read: When I Say No, I Feel Guilty by Manuel J Smith)

#85 If You Can't Say No, Prevaricate:
"Thanks, but I've got plans for Saturday night."

#87 Learn to Reinterpret the Past:
Constantly reliving past events only complicates your life. Reinterpreting them as positive steps forward, and then moving on, will keep things simple.

#88 Change Your Expectations

#89 Review Your Life Regularly To Keep it Simple:
Maintaining simple life requires a certain amount of vigilance. It is not realistic to go through the steps to simplify your life and then think it will automatically stay simple. Old habits die hard. It's your choice to resist the fast track, whatever or however.

#99 Get Rid of All the Extras:
In no time at all, having extra sets of things can get very complicated.

song ~ not forgotten

Not Forgotten by Twila Paris

When you think your dream is dying
He has not forgotten you
When your body aches from tryin'
He has not forgotten you

When you worry for tomorrow
Even though the sky is blue
See the sun is shining
He has not forgotten you

When July feels like December
He has not forgotten you
When it's painful to remember
He has not forgotten you

When it seems you can not win
And there is not much left to lose
He has got a plan
And He has not forgotten you

He is faithful
He is with you
He is listening
He is love

If your tired flesh has squandered
What your spirit would have saved
And your aimless feet have wandered
Far from all you truly crave

Turn and run toward your Father
Do not wait another day
See His arms are open
And He is calling out your name

And hope will spring eternal
In the homes of those who know
That loving arms will follow
Every where we go

And even in the darkness
His promises are true
Keep this in your heart
He has not... forgotten..... you.

Quotes

The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.
- M. Scott Peck

Handbook for 2009

(this was sent to me by one of my friends and I thought it had some good points to reflect on)

HANDBOOK 2009

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.


Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/Her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.


Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.


Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything...
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.


Last but not the least:
40. Please forward this to everyone you care about.
(so I put it on my blog for all of you to read)

Brian Tracy Quote of the Day

It's the little things that make the big things possible. Only close attention to the fine details of any operation makes the operation first class.

- J. Willard Marriot

rain, rain, rain

We are so in need of rain and this is good, but when it rains this much, this long, this hard, the runoff ends up in my pool and this is what I woke up to this morning:








A closeup of the nasty water.