Must Read

So what on earth has kept me off the blog for so long? Easy to explain. Of course, as usual, it's been insanely busy out here, but there's something else. Something I want to share with you.

I'm sure you've seen at least on of the interviews with President "43" Bush. Personally, I've seen every single one of them. Every one. I knew I had missed him, but I didn't realize how much until he started this book tour.

And that's what I've been doing. Reading his book Decision Points. It's an amazing glimpse into what he was seeing, hearing and debating as he made some of the most important decisions during his Presidency.

It's a fantastic read. Now, I'll step up and admit I am a huge GW fan. Did I agree with everything he said or did while in office? No, I did not. But thanks to this book, I understand why he made so many of the decisions he did.

It's what I term a must read. For everyone. Even if you aren't the fan I am, I have no doubt you'll find it interesting, insightful, enlightening.

I downloaded it to my Kindle, but I'm still buying the hardback version. This is one for my library. This book reflects so much of what has defined me this past decade, defined America.

Read it. Then I'd love to know what you think.

Happy Birthday Marines

The Few, The Proud, The Marines.....God Bless 'Em All!!

I'm So Ashamed

Well, looks like I'm under the weather. And, as usual, looks like I simply do not have TIME to be under the weather.

It's really busy right now....

BUT, that being said, I needed to take a moment and make an official apology. On behalf of this state I live in. I don't now why or how, but California managed to completely blow it - again - during this past election.

Boxer? We reelected Boxer? How the hell that happened......I don't get it.

And Jerry Brown? WTH!?!? I am speechless on that one.

I said earlier that it is possible I could have been a Happy Californian. Well, I sure don't see that happening any time soon - not with election results like that.

I can only imagine how things are gonna be these next few years. And I want to go on the record telling America I'm sorry you'll be stuck digging us out of this mess.

'Cause we all know it's gonna happen. Sooner or later......

Because you need to see this....

I am slammin' busy. But....I need to take a moment and share a couple of pictures with you.

The first is three of my greatest loves - two of my nieces and Baby Blake. I do have to giggle at this one....he looks, so, so, so smushed in this shot.



Look how beautiful my girls are......

This next one is Mama and Baby Blake. His smile just makes me want to weep. I miss them so very much!

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.