Moving On

Any of you that know me, know I have a tendency to name things. Things that I'm attached to, things I interact with regularly. Things a part of my daily life. And I don't just name 'em, tend to become attached to 'em. Homes, vehicles, garmins (I know what you were thinking....shame on you!)

Anyway - I've had to make a tough decision. This week I had a major break-up. Not only did I break-up but I've already moved on.

That's right.....if that makes me fickle then so be it.

See, I've gotten rid of Lee - my garmin. I'm tired of going to those places no lady should be, I'm tired of the misdirection and the mocking sound of his voice. "Recalculating". Enough!!

So I put him aside. And found.....Brian. Brian, is bright (I can see the map without my glasses) and modern (latest technology). Sophisticated and intelligent (constant updates). So far he's taken me to the beach, and downtown - in such a relaxing and timely manner.

I'm very happy.

And while new is good, I'll have to admit that I'm gonna miss my old friend. His voice got me across the country, took me on many interesting rides. But there comes a time when you just have to move on.

Tricks and Treats

I cannot begin to tell you how many people lecture me about finding a balance in my work/life. They have the best of intentions, and they're not 100% wrong.

But they also just do not understand. I'm not hourly. And the amount of responsibility I carry can be overwhelming at times. Especially when dealing with deadlines and such.

I'm not complaining. Not at all. I love my job.

But......in order to make folks happy I have had to learn a few tricks. And to my great surprise, those tricks have turned into real treats for me.

For instance......I'm working from home a lot more. Oh, I still spend around 9-10 hours a day in the office or in the field. But....I'm also working from the apartment much more than I ever thought I would.

In the mornings....I make those difficult phone conversations in the privacy of my home. The walls are very thin in my office and this allows me to say what needs to be said as I need to say it. Plus....I can have a cigarette and pace without the sounds of traffic overwhelming the conversation.

I can also focus much better. I'm working on some detail heavy projects right now and I really need to focus on what I'm doing. Oh, my phone still rings, but I don't have people knocking or interrupting all the time. It's going much faster.

So my "trick" of still working but no one really seeing it has turned into a "treat" of relaxing and being comfortable and a LOT more productive.

To be honest - I'll take this over candy bars and carmel apples any day!

55

I'm learning to cope. Not accept, not excuse but cope.

Since moving to California, I had somehow "acquired" 55lbs. Never in my life did I ever think I would let that happen.

But I did. It's here. And it's lookin' like it doesn't want to "go gently into that dark night".

In other words, it's not coming off easily.

That makes for a few issues trying to be comfortable. Oh, I can still wear my clothes. The one advantage to being tall, is there just so many places for fat to go. But everything is tight. I don't like that. I believe that clothes should be effortless. No mess, no fuss. Pick the outfit out, put it on and forget it.

So I had to go shopping. I bought a couple of big girl pants. Then this weekend I bought a dress, a couple of skirts, shirts and a few jackets.

I will now be a very well dressed and stylish slightly overweight lady.

Huh....yippee. (not)

But - I do feel better. I look better. I'm not fiddling all day, I'm not uncomfortable at all. I can focus on my day rather than my clothes.

Now, please know everything I bought was either on sale (deep discount) so it's easily parted with or can be taken in beautifully.

I always have a plan.

So now that I'm comfortable and able to focus, I'm back on my weight watchers. I have arranged for the time to start working out again, and I'm cautiously optimistic that this may all work.

Meanwhile I'm comfortable. And I am not obsessed with how fat I look. In fact, I rarely think of it. I'm feisty and focused.

Right now, 55 is just a number on a sign on the side of the road.

And a goal. Cause you see......I can't do 55.

Stepping Out

Just wanted to let you know - in case you're actually paying attention over here (lol) that I will not be posting until Monday.

Ya see......my friend is in town.......and I have real live plans........and none of them include a computer!!

But I've still got so much to share so I'll be back on Monday!!

Have a great weekend. I'm planning on it!!!

Brief Note

In case there was any doubt in your mind.....I have 3 goals for this upcoming election.

1) Boxer - OUT

2) Meg Whitman - IN

3) Pelosi - OUT


Oh, there's a lot more I'd *like* to see happen, but if these three pan out?

Yeah......I'll be one happy Californian.**


**something I never EVER dreamed would ever be typed by my fingers.....

I'm starting to see a pattern....

So I had a great weekend last weekend. Seriously. Well, other than having to work Sunday night, but that almost doesn't even register on the "ruin my weekend" scale.

I forgot how much I like to have fun. That's just silly.

This morning I wake up to a the ringing phone. It was a dear friend of mine from Orlando. She's HERE! In Orange County! For 3 whole weeks!!!

Now, she's here for business but she has all of this coming weekend off. And guess what? So do I! Huh.....imagine that.

So, I'll be heading to San Clemente after work on Friday. Saturday will probably be the San Diego Zoo and Sunday? Who knows.....who cares?!?!? We will be together. 2 ladies that have been to hell and back - and a lot of that together.

We have a lot to catch up on, and a lot of memories to rehash. I can hardly wait.

Huh....that will make two pretty great weekends in a row........do you see what I see?

Mama Vi........she still has it!

Wanted to let everyone know that Mama Vi is doing well. She's still just as full of life as ever. She's just a little bored and lonely.

It's hard being so far away. I have to really work to remind myself that I need to call, that she wants to hear what's going on at work. In my life.

I called her Saturday morning from Vegas. She was so mad at me.....seems time had gotten away from me and I hadn't talked to her for about a week. Oops.

So I caught her up on my personnel issues, my travels and my plans. She was amazing.

Full of ideas and suggestions. Words of wisdom and advice. It was a fantastic conversation.

It really brought it home for me. I need to remember that she is the person responsible for who I am today, what I do. I learned this from her! And despite the fact that she may not be a spring chicken anymore, she is still the best resource I have, the strongest support system.

She is.....Mama Vi. One of the most amazing women I've ever met.

Oh - and she said to tell everyone "Hi!"

Livin' The Dream

I love that my employer is now "into" social media. It gives me the freedom to talk about some amazing things we have going on.

And, IMHO, the Pepsi Dream Machine is pretty damned amazing. It's not just about recycling. No....it does a lot more than that.

By utilizing the Pepsi Dream Machine you are not just helping the environment, you're giving our wounded military heroes an opportunity to start a new life. You give them hope. You make their dreams come true.

That's right - a portion of the money made from this process goes to EVB - a program that trains Veterans how to start their own business.

I know not everyone has facebook - but here's the link to their page, in case you do...

And if you don't, or you're too busy to click over, here's an ad from YouTube. Meanwhile - spread the word. Talk about this. It's easy, it's smart, it's a GOOD THING!!!!

I won't kid you - the environmental benefits are a side note to me. Yeah, it's good to recycle. But my main excitement comes from knowing I'm doing SOMETHING for our Veterans.

Let There Be Light

Wow. It's been a while....again, hasn't it? But man oh man oh man has it been eventful. Let me tell you.......

I went up to Chicago and got to sneak in a quick visit with Mama Vi and the family. Cuz even flew up to Chicago and met up with me at the airport. We got that drive back and forth for some quality time that was much needed by both of us. Shopping - with people - cooking, laughing. All very much needed by this weary woman.

Then, not home 2 weeks and I had a quick trip to Palm Springs. It was business but I found a new place I want to run away too. The best part? The quiet. I got to spend a few minutes, sitting on my private balcony, drinking coffee and grabbing a smoke with the sun shining on my face. It was AMAZING.

A couple of huge wins at work then an overnite trip to Vegas to help out Cooking with the Troops at BlogWorld Expo. Spent time with some amazing folks and really started to realize myself. I laughed. I drank. I shared my passion for our Military - and my company as it happens.

I was thrilled to see PepsiCo was a major sponsor for this event. Went over to the booth, talked to the young lady working and let her know how much I'd love to help with this project. Got a few irons in the fire, so we'll see where that leads.

All in all, it's been a pretty great month. And....as if that's not enough, a dear friend will be in Orange County for about 3 weeks so we'll get some quality time together.

So, let's see - time with family, time working and focusing on Soldier's Angels and CWWT, a chance to laugh and enjoy the company of some amazing folks. All Good. All needed so very much.

And it's really made me realize something. I found my passion again. Passion for something other than hitting plan or keeping the trucks on the road. Passion for the stand my employer is making in this world - a passion I can share freely. Passion for our Military and those who support them. My friends and family.....my HEAVENS how I've missed them.

I even made a few connections that will help me do more in this world to fight domestic violence.

Talk about a reawakening.

Long time over due. Long time. I feel alive. I couldn't sleep last night for all I want to say. And Do. And share.

It's amazing. And wonderful. And exciting. I have all these ideas - and really can't wait to share them all with you..........

I think I've finally had a REAL live break thru. And after 21 months of "I hate it here" and another 9 months of "I need a job" I may actually be back to my old self - but this time with new things to say!!!