Hi Everyone.  Hope this finds you well on this last Sunday in September.   The sky is getting light as I start this blog today.   Gorgeous sunrise on the horizon.  The weather here has been gorgeous and almost summer like during the day - the evenings gorgeous enough to keep the windows open.   I hope it's lovely where you are as well. 

I have had a house full of women this past week as my BFF's sisters and another friend visit from Minnesota.  Lots of chatter and laughs.  The first night they were here, we went to my favorite Mexican restaurant and they loved it too!  They been been playing tourist and doing a lot of cooking - it's nice to have a bunch of people around the table for dinner.  The other day we went to the new casino in Baltimore (no big winners-LOL) and yesterday we were in downtown Washington.   They went on a White House tour and I sat in the park waiting for them.  I had a wonderful time enjoying my favorite past time - watching people - and reading.    I had a lovely discussion with Dessi a tourist from Australia.   It turns out she is on a short educational trip to Washington, NYC and Boston - three places I have knowledge about.   I made suggestions for what to see, where to eat and how to get the most out of her time.  I honestly remember thinking as she walked away - there were several empty benches yet she sat with me - things happen for a reason.    Did anything happen unexpectedly with you that had you thinking - things happen for a reason? 

The ladies had gone downtown a few different days to see sites, so yesterday was catching up on the few they had not seen.  I must admit for the first time I walked up the steps at the Lincoln Memorial and the view was spectacular.  It was an awesome experience.  We also walked along the Vietnam Memorial.  With the gorgeous day, people and volunteers were everywhere.   I must admit I do not go to downtown Washington enough, although there is so much to enjoy once you are there.  Perhaps now that the metro has arrived out my way I will make more effort.  Have you played tourist lately in your town?    Hope the pics I added to the blog appear. 

Spent a lovely evening this past week with my friends Diane and Gina.   Always fun catching up on families, business, work and hopes/dreams.  Of course I also got a great haircut out of the evening.  I have already made an appointment with Gina for November and talked about how I'm ready to change it up......watch out pink tips here I come!   I figure if I can handle my head being shaved a few years ago I can handle anything.  I'll post pics when done.   Have you been thinking about a change - what actions are you taking toward the change?   

I had a couple of great workouts this past week.   Frank does like to challenge me physically and mentally.  I have to admit on Friday when I finished I was worn out and my muscles were quivering - he wore me out.  He told me I would be sore this weekend and I can say I am definitely feeling some stiffness.  I told Frank it's his way to make sure I think about him over the weekend.  I did promise him that when I go to Massachusetts this coming week I would join a gym to keep up my strength work.  On Friday I actually leg pressed 380 pounds - 8 times.   I also did calf raises wearing a 25 pound weight on a belt about 150 times.  Who would have thought that I could do all that?   Definitely not me!  I did come right home and eat a banana.  Yes, for those that know me I eat a banana almost every day - still don't like them, but I know I need to eat them. 

My emotions this past week were pretty high.  I felt tears beneath the surface several times whether I was reading a poem or watching a show.   I know part of it is my mom and dad.  I may be in Virginia, but my thoughts are constantly in Massachusetts.   Still dealing with insurance companies and hospitals.  My mom turned 81 this past week and my niece posted a picture on Facebook of them together.   I looked at the picture and cried because I could see my mom's failing health in her eyes.   I feel in some ways I have already started the mourning process as we lose my mom to Alzheimers and other health issues.  I am trying to be realistic as to what happens next, but as you know when it's a family member it is definitely harder to be in my normal logical thinking mode.

Finished Reading:  "Soldier Girls - The Battle of Three Women at Home and At War" by Helen Thorpe.  This story is about three women who join the Indiana National Guard and their experiences both at home and in the war zones.  It's how these women become friends and what they go through together and apart. 

I think I will end it here for today.  The sun is up and it's time for me to get some other stuff done today.  I am leaving for Massachusetts this week so have lots to finish before I travel.  I hope you have a good week.   I am grateful for you taking the time to read my blog.  Take care of yourself.   Chat soon.  Marie

"In the end, it's not going to matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away."  shing xiong

"When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile."  Unknown

"I always knew looking back on the tears would make me laugh, but I never knew looking back on the laughs would make me cry."  Unknown

Referrals are always appreciated.

Hi Everyone.  Hope this finds you well on this Sunday morning.  I can't believe it's the last weekend of summer - where did it go?  I am looking out my window this morning at a clear blue sky and the leaves on the tree next door are barely moving.  I think it's supposed to be warm today.   What a beautiful week we have had here in terms of weather.  Wonderful cool mornings and nights - windows open for fresh air.   Daytime the doors have been open with a wonderful cross breeze.  I could feel fall in the air.

My week was mainly peaceful and restful.  I got some paperwork done and some office work organized, but other than that worked out (got to have my butt kicked by Frank 3 times), pedicure complete, and caught up on some reading.   Of course, that means I ordered about a dozen more books that will be piled up for me to read at some point.  I have two shelves of books that I have not even started and yet I am still buying books.   Ah well, some day!  I don't know about you, but I have several books that I have started and need to put down for a while and then pick up again.  Most of these are either spiritual and/or self help/inspirational type books.  To me that means I am not ready for the message and need more time to digest.  What do you think?   Do read many books at the same time? 

I did go to a coaching dinner/seminar the other evening and had a wonderful time catching up with people.   The food was nothing to write home about, but the speakers were good and sitting with coaching colleagues is fantastic.   I have let coaching slide and I really need to focus more on it as I find so much joy in coaching.   What brings you joy? 

A new experience yesterday as friends and I went to the Bethesda Salt Cave.  If you've never been it's quite a calming experience unless you are a person that can not sit still and/or meditate for 45 minutes.   The room is encased in Himalayan salt crystals and the lights are dimmed.  They have zero-gravity chairs (no I was not upside down) and provide blankets and pillows.  No Electronics allowed and that alone was worth it.  I know I took a nap although I swear I listened the all the music.  The Salt Cave is supposed to be very therapeutic for several ailments.  I found it very relaxing although I did feel a slight headache when it was done.   I slept great last night so I'm not sure if it's because I did some extra exercising yesterday or the relaxation of the salt cave.  For those in the area if you want to know more about it here is a link:  http://bethesdasaltcave.com/

I finished reading:  "Daily Love - Growing Into Grace" by Mastin Kipp.  It's the story of how Mastin went from a 21 year old executive to drug addiction to unemployment to changing his life and being the founder of The Daily Love.com.   How he made mistakes along the way and grew spiritually.  Very honest portrayal of how he found love. Here is a link to the website if you are interested in knowing more:  http://thedailylove.com/

Where do you find peace/center/balance?  Do you exercise?  Meditate?  Yoga?  Walking?  Blogging?  I would love to hear what you do and how you came across it?  What are your experiences?   Do you listen to your mind and/or body when it needs to rest?  I did that this morning.  I woke up at my new normal time and thought I'm still tired and turned over and slept for another hour.  Then I was ready to get up.  I find myself trying to be much more aware of the people around me and what they are feeling, thinking and growing through.   I want to be there for those that need someone, but not intrusive. 

Happy Birthday to my mom as she turns 81 this week.  Her short term memory is almost gone.  She can't remember that my dad visits every day.  The other day she was surprised to see him.  She did remember that her cousin came to see her.  I sent her a card and will see her in less than two weeks.  Then she'll have a month of me visiting every day.   Of course, my trip gives me an excuse to keep an eye on dad. 

I must admit I was sitting in a chair the other day reading, watching TV and doing something on the computer when this thought flashed in my head:  Is this what my life is going to be like from now on?  I literally sat back in the chair and I felt my eyes open wide.  I then took a deep breath and thought enjoy it for a while, you need to be doing what you are doing.   You are good for now.    Well, imagine that conversation in my head - it was like a party in there - LOL!    Do you listen to those conversations in your head? 

I had a conversation yesterday with friends about what people are willing to put out in social media.  I am still shocked sometimes about people airing words/pictures/etc that may cause pain to others.  We all have skeletons in the closet, but do we really need the world to know?  Or another thought is that their own pain is so deep they just need to get it out.  I am hoping they are not doing it purposely t harm the other person.  Perhaps I am just more sensitive about trying not to hurt someone else that I cringe when I see certain things posted.  I am really trying to be sensitive to both sides, but phew its hard sometimes. 

In the past couple of days I was in a conversation about the "F" word.   It has become almost commonplace to hear it in every day language and it is something again that makes me cringe.  Don't get wrong, when I am mad/angry I will spout it like a marine.  Then immediately think OOPS and apologize.   It seems to me lately that it just rolls off the tongue of the young and I think do you know what that means?  Do you know any other words?   I get completely turned off when I'm watching a movie and every other word is "F" this and "F" that or on TV when everything is bleeped.   I know it's just a word, but words especially this word I think can cause pain.   I think people sound completely uneducated and crude when using it for everything.  What do you think?  Am I cringing for nothing? 

I am going to finish here for today.   I hope you have a wonderful week.   Enjoy the weather while you can.  We have a house full of company this week so it will be fun around here.   Take care.  Chat soon.  Marie

"IT IS ONE THING TO BE GIFTED AND QUITE ANOTHER THING TO BE WORTHY OF ONE'S OWN GIFT."  Nadia Boulanger

"TO BE INTERESTED IN THE CHANGING SEASONS IS A HAPPIER STATE OF MIND THAN TO BE HOPELESSLY IN LOVE WITH SPRING."  George Santayana

"GOODNESS IS EASIER TO RECOGNIZE THAN TO DEFINE."  W. H. Auden

Referrals are always appreciated.

Hi Everyone.  Hope you are well today and had a good week.   What an absolutely gorgeous day out my window this morning.  The sky is a gorgeous blue with wispy white clouds.  I have the front and back doors open to take advantage of the fresh air.  The tree in my neighbor's yard looks very vibrant.  I can tell the earth is shifting toward the fall because of the shadows in the yard. 

My week went pretty well.  I was able to work out every day and saw my trainer Frank three times.  He is definitely trying to up my game and squeeze as much in as he can in a month.  I am doing things I never thought I would be able to do.  He is definitely working on my endurance, metabolism and breathing.   I never "sweat" and I don't mean "glow" as much as I do with Frank.  I feel stronger every time I go.  I also want to increase my time at Jazzercise as I love the music and truly enjoy the people at the center.  I picked up a new schedule yesterday so I can figure out the best times for me.  I truly enjoy working out in the morning so much more so than I did in the afternoon.   How are you taking care of yourself? 

I had the opportunity this past week to catch up with several people in my circle and it was great.  I went to a Red Hats dinner and it was so good to see these ladies and catch up after a long summer.  We ate outside by the lake on a lovely evening.  We were able to relax and take advantage of sitting and chatting as the restaurant was not crowded.   I had a breakfast meeting the other morning to discuss my  other business.  I was presented with the opportunity to grow; so with an open mind I listened to the proposal.  I provided some documentation as to what my other business does and contract/agreement information, etc.  I am open to the idea of expansion as long as the person that proposed it can assist when needed.  We had an excellent conversation so now we'll see if it happens.  If it's meant to be it will happen.   I had a wonderful lunch with a dear friend - I am so glad he had the time to get together.  He is the CEO of his own business that I have watched grow tremendously over the years.  I met him many years ago when he started in a different organization and we hit it off and have been friends since.  We had a nice leisurely lunch and we joked about me working for him at some point.   How do you keep connected to those in your circle?  

I finished reading:  "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides.  It's the multi-generational story of a Greek-American family.  The family dynamics and secrets that come along with the different generations reminds me that all families have skeletons.   It's starts in the 1920s and ends in the 1990s.  A very interesting book.  I came across it on the sharing book shelf at the hospital and it was on the Oprah Book Club at one point.   What are you reading? 

This past week I participated in a 5-day Gratitude Challenge via Facebook.  Thank you to my friend Gina for nominating me.   What I loved about this challenge is that it made me stop and think every day.  I had to be present in the moment to think about gratitude and my life.  I do some of this pretty regularly, but I loved the focus.   I am also partaking in a 30-day Reclaim the Sass exercise proctored by Jennifer Boykin  (http://www.lifeaftertampons.com/)  which also has great recommendations daily.  As a coach, I love the lessons I learn from both exercises.  They also provide ideas that I can use in my own practice.  What do you do to express Gratitude or stay in the moment? 

This past week I also experienced the sadness and emotions that come along with September 11th.  The smallest things brought my emotions to the surface.  I definitely cried a few times and felt an almost overwhelming sadness.  I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing on September 11th.  I can remember the emotions - shock and fear - that stayed with me for quite a few days.  There are few days in my life that I remember with such clarity.  I did what I advise coaching clients in many cases:  its ok to acknowledge and wallow in the sadness for the day and then focus on moving forward the next day.    For those of you that remember, how were you feeling?  May I coach you with the feelings and energies? 

Monday is picture taking day for me as I start the process for a new headshot for this website.  I want to project confidence and happiness at where I am in life.  I want the picture to be real and professional so  no special makeup and no special hairstyles - I may look at these pictures and change my mind, but for now it will be me as I am.  Stay tuned to see what comes out of the session.   I have faith in the photographer as she did my picture for LinkedIn.   Don't get me wrong I loved the picture I used for this website, but it's been quite a few years and I feel like a completely different person so time to try something new.  I am not a person that loves to be in pictures and mainly wants to either be the picture taker or stay in the back.  How would you feel if you had to take a picture on Monday?  What would you like to have represented? 

I am going to end it here today.  I hope you have a good week.  Take care of yourself.   Chat soon.  Marie

The following poem is by Mark Nepo from his book:  "Reduced to Joy"

BEHIND THE THUNDER
I KEEP LOOKING FOR ONE MORE TEACHER,
ONLY TO FIND THAT FISH LEARN FROM WATER
AND BIRDS LEARN FROM SKY.

IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT THE SEA,
IT HELPS TO BE AT SEA.
IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT COMPASSION,
IT HELPS TO BE IN LOVE.
IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT HEALING,
IT HELPS TO KNOW OF SUFFERING.

THE STRONG LIVE IN THE STORM
WITHOUT WORSHIPPING THE STORM. 


"The best way out is always through.” ~Robert Frost

Referrals are always appreciated!
 

Hi Everyone.  Hope this finds you well this first Sunday in September.  I am back in Sterling, Virginia today writing from my home office and looking out the window.  Out my window this morning I see a sky of blue with white clouds floating by as well as my neighbors yard and tree.  My neighbor is balancing a computer in one hand and trying to get the hose moved with the other, so I am having a little laugh up here.   It is a gorgeous morning with the touch of fall after a few days of heat, humidity and thunderstorms. 

I have been home for a week and I must say it took a little adjusting.   Sleeping in my own bed was not as comfortable as I expected.  I also think hot flashes at 3 or 4 in the morning are ridiculous!   I have been settling back into my life a little more each day.   It feels great to drive my own car again!  I spent time each day catching up on paperwork for my other business as it was two months out of date.  I also went to the gym five times - worked out with the trainer three times and have the sore muscles to prove it.   Had a great time Saturday morning taking two Jazzercise classes and catching up with a couple of people.  Although I miss my morning walks it feels good to work on my strength training. 

I had a great time catching up with friends this week.   I missed hanging out and talking with my friends more than I realized.   I even got to have my initiation lunch with the "retired chicks."  Don't get me wrong I loved spending time with my sister and family when we could, but hanging out with friends is a different energy. When I was in Massachusetts I did not get a chance to see any of my friends and now I realize I was a bit lonely.   Of course I had so much going on that I did not even realize I was lonely.   I definitely have to make sure when I am in Massachusetts in October to make some time for friends and fun.  I also took the time this past week for a massage, a haircut, a chiropractor and an acupuncturist visit.

I am torn today and trying to decide if we are doing the right thing for my mom.  Saturday morning she fell out of bed at the hospital.  She was not physically hurt although I'm sure over the next few days bruises will appear.  My thoughts all day were about:  Why did this happen?  Is she safe?  Should we take her home?  Should we hire people to help us take care of her at home?  Should I change my life and live in Massachusetts for a while? (Then I feel guilty that I made this sound like it's all about me when it's not.)    I even reached out to an organization called, "A Place For Mom" to see if perhaps there are other options - waiting for a call back.  Believe me in my head I know we are doing the right thing for her and her doctor is associated with this place, but in my heart I just hurt and want to take her home and protect her.   I'm sure she felt the same way about my sister and I growing up - just keep us home and protect us. 

With the craziness in my life lately I have not completed my resume.  When I was thinking about it this morning the first thought that popped in my head was FEAR!  yes Fear!  I have not applied for a job in over 32 years so what the heck am I doing now?  Of course much of the focus will be on my HR work, but I want to bring forward the coaching work as I have a company interested in hiring me as a coach.  Am I afraid to really be out there as a coach?  Hmmm...something for me to ponder today.   I love coaching so I don't understand why fear pops up, but perhaps it is because I want coaching to take a lead in my life and not be on the side any longer.   WOW that just came out!    Something for me to work on over the next few weeks.    What are you fearful of?  May I work with you to move forward?   

I spent the week catching up on mail and magazines.   I do love to read!  Finding the time to spend a few minutes reading is a fabulous moment in the day.  I read magazines, newspapers, books, blogs, etc.  I was standing in a line the other day and the women beside me said what is the book that is peaking out of your purse.  I told her and we had a little discussion about it while in line.   I love the imagination I can use in a book!  Keep on reading.  I have several books piled up to read so don't be surprised if you see me with a book in my hand or my purse.   What are you reading? 

I want to express gratitude to my BFF for keeping my other business running while I was out of town.  I also want to express gratitude to all those in my life.  I have needed your encouragement and energy over the past several months and you provided.   I have always said people come into our lives for a reason and when it's time to move on they do.  I must say most of my friends have been with me a long time so I am grateful that we all still like, need and enjoy each other and assist each other as needed.

I have missed several birthdays and celebrations recently so a big shout out to all of you - you know who you are.   We will all see each other to celebrate at some point.   

I am going to end it here today as I want to get ready for FOOTBALL!   I hope you have a wonderful week.  Take care.  Chat soon.  Marie

The following inspirational thoughts came from (copy the url provided):  
www.motivateus.com/thoughts-of-the-day.htm

"Be thankful for the sound of birds chirping in the morning, it means that you are alive."
Written in 2014 by Betty Oliver --- Barbados

"Acts of kindness should not be measured by how much is given to help others, but by how much care is put into thinking of others enough to give."
Written in 2014 by Jesse Marie Kavumpurath --- Connecticut

"Just like waves in the ocean come and go, no challenge is permanent. Problems will come and go too. We must enjoy the Challenges just like we enjoy the Waves."
Written in 2014 by RVM --- India

Referrals are always appreciated. 

Hi Everyone.  I hope this finds you well and you had a good week.   I am writing to you from Plymouth where I am still hanging out.  It's another gorgeous day here with beautiful blue skies.  I was going to head back to Virginia last Tuesday, but then decided to stay.  Short story is that as I was walking Monday morning I said to God, show me a sign whether I should stay or go.  Truly not thinking that I would get any type of sign and I would head home on Tuesday.  As I walked in the door half hour later, my father met me saying the hospital had called and my mother had taken a fall.   I immediately thought, I guess that's my sign to stay, I hear you loud and clear God.  My mom was not hurt, but it does enable me to spend more time organizing things and time with dad. 

I must admit there were a few times this past week where I thought, my dad makes me look like I have the patience of a saint.  He does not hear or see well and when he wants something he wants it yesterday.  He went into the bank by himself (told me to wait in the car), next thing I know he comes out huffing and puffing and I realized that there were papers to be filled out and he expected to tell the manager what he wanted.  He was very upset.  Told me we would go in the morning and hopefully that woman would not be working.  I just kept my mouth shut and let him rant.  The next morning we went in the bank together and got everything done within 10 minutes and in an orderly fashion.  Yes, the manager was working  I quietly apologized to her for the day before and explained about my father's hearing and vision.  She walked him to the teller to get the appropriate papers done.

My walks this past week have been fantastic.  Beautiful skies in the morning as the sun was rising.  My highest day was just under seven miles in under two hours.  I miss my walking partner and the conversations which would help with the time factor.   I have noticed this past week that there are benches set up in different spots along the path, almost an invite to rest or sit down.  They almost look like perfect meditation or prayer areas. I was letting my mind wander on Saturday morning and creating all types of stories and poems about the benches - nothing that I would print, but fun stuff in my mind.  I have taken some pictures which will be part of the blog.  Perhaps when you look at the pictures thoughts of peacefulness will come into your mind as well.    What brings you peace?  What do you think of the pictures?    If you do not see the slideshow - here is a link to the blog site: http://beaconcoaching.weebly.com/blog

My mom has good days and bad days which means my dad has good days and bad days which means I have good days and bad days.  It is definitely an emotional roller coaster for me.  I realize that whatever my mother does in the moment she will probably not remember in the next moment.  I sometimes see glimpses of my mom, but have gotten used to (quicker than I thought I would) to being whomever she wants me to be.  I think once my mom is settled in memory care with a set schedule and activities it will also help my dad.  I have made some progress with him as he has agreed that he should not be driving and that we can give one car away.  Of course there will still be pick up truck here, but he agreed that I can arrange for rides for him.  That's a start! 

Finished reading "The Fault In Our Stars" by John Green.   I know it was a movie that I did not see.  The book was very good.  Lots of emotion so I shed a few tears.  I was able to catch up on some magazines (Thanks BFF for sending them) and a murder mystery.   I also pick up a couple of local newspapers per week to catch up on the local news.  What are you reading? 

My sister, kids and I went for dinner in Plymouth Harbor the other evening.  We had some terrific thunder storms late afternoon and then it cleared up beautifully.  We saw a rainbow as we walked around and stood on the bridge for a while.  We then went to Cupcake Charlies and it was fabulous!  (Not as good as my former bosses company, but good.) I had the peanut butter pleasure and they blended it with twisted (choco/vanilla) ice cream...OMG!!!!   We each got a different flavor (hostess with the mostess; chocolate overload; orange dreamsicle; and chocolate raspberry surprise) cupcake and each one was wonderful.  I brought my dad a lemon drop and he thought it was wonderful.  They have other treats and they ship as well - that's an interesting process.  Their website is:  http://www.cupcakecharlies.com/cupcakemenu.html.  We had such a fun evening so we are looking to determine what we will do this upcoming week.   What are you doing that's fun? 

I have been reviewing lots of memories in the past couple of weeks.   As I was walking yesterday and seeing people that I normally do not see during the week, I thought of my childhood and weekenders.  Weekenders in my youth were fathers that worked in the city during the week and appeared at the beach for family weekends.   My parents would rent a cottage during the summer in Wareham for a couple of weeks or a month.  My dad would take a vacation from his main job and work a 2nd or 3rd job during this time frame.  He would come to the cottage in Wareham either late Friday night or early Saturday morning.  On Saturday mornings he would stop at Angelo's and come home with hot steaming plain donuts that were out of this world!  I remember the box would still be hot and the little plastic window on the top would have a whole poked in to let the steam escape.  Of course, that grocery store does not exist any more and the cottage has become a year round house, but you can't take away the memories of that time.  Why does it seem so many memories are wrapped around food?  What happy memories do you have and is food involved? 

As most of you know I am not a grocery shopper, but I have to admit I have been going to the store a couple of times per week.  Still not having fun and I end up walking all over the place as the layout in this store does not make sense to me.  Yesterday I made chili and marinated chicken wings - I was in the grocery store on Friday for an hour trying to find all that I needed. The family just left and I must admit there was only one small container of chili leftover.  I guess that means I was successful.  We had a fun time and they seemed to enjoy everything.  My dad apparently really enjoys my chili...we'll see how his stomach holds up later.    There are many times during the week that my dad makes me feel like I don't do things well so to see him really enjoy dinner was great.   I have not made lasagna in years although I used to make sauce pretty regularly.  Perhaps in the next couple of weeks I'll tackle that again.  Do you have something special you like to make and share? 

In the last couple of weeks I have been slowing down my other business.  I think it was needed as I have not had time to focus on much lately.   I appreciate my BFF and others that have been helped me these past few months with my business or it would have gone astray.  Now it is more manageable and when I return to VA I can get moving on the right path.   I must admit I have been a work work work type person for over 30 years.  These past five weeks have been unbelievable in the way my priorities have shifted and what has become more important to me.   I still wake up around 4 or so, but turn over and go back to sleep until about 6 when I get up immediately and start walking to get the blood moving and embrace dawn. 

I think I have rambled on long enough today.   I hope you have a good week.  If there is something you want me to talk about in a future blog, just let me know.   Take care.  Chat soon.  Marie

"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours."­   - Wayne Dyer  

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."­   - Epictetus

“In dealing with those who are undergoing great suffering, if you feel “burnout” setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself. The point is to have a long-term perspective.”   - Dalai Lama

Referrals are always appreciated.

Hi Everyone. Just had to drop a line to catch you up on this phenomenal week.  I RETIRED from my day job on Tuesday.   I walked around the building saying my good byes and shared some stories and laughs with many of the people I have worked with off and on for many years.  I knew I could not get to everyone, but I made a good faith effort.   I stopped in one young ladies' office and she looked at me and burst into tears.  I was so surprised.  She said I know this is good for you, but not for us.   I did get choked up and assured her that she would be ok as she is really good at her job.

I left the building at 10:30 and my co-workers accompanied me to my car and carried the last of my bags.    Do you think they wanted to be sure I left?  (LOL!!)  It was actually so nice of them to do that as I know so many people that have just walked themselves out the door.  I felt like I left on a high that would be hard to come down from.  

I must admit as I drove away I did not look back.  I pulled over down the street and texted a few people to let them know I was done and drove immediately to the gym.  I figured a good workout would help with the energy levels.   Then I headed off to work at my other business.  

Turned out to be a day to meet new people and make some new connections for my other business which I had not really thought about.   I guess in a few weeks I'll have to decide if I want to grow my other business - a decision I had not thought I would be thinking about this year.

I had a wonderful dinner Tuesday night with several long time friends to celebrate my retirement.  It was fun to see my first boss and his family including his grandson.  As well as dear friends that have been in my life for a long time.  It was a wonderful evening. 

My big news for the week:  I went to an adventure park and completed an obstacle course and two zip lines.  Yes for someone afraid of heights I gathered my courage and did it.   I will admit I was nervous and scared, but before each obstacle I took a deep breath and did it.  I paid close attention in the safety briefing and followed each step (you know me I follow the rules).   There were five levels and to be honest I only completed the first level, but I'm good with that.   I even tried helping a young person that was having a really hard time and could not move forward.  She finally turned around and went back and I did think to myself, nope, I won't do that!   I have to admit I am so PROUD of myself for completing the one section.  My 15 year old buddy Brock completed four of the five segments - he definitely made me proud.   I was exhausted when we got home and did end up taking a nap.  I think the heat wore me out (no worries I drank lots of water).    We completed horseback riding today.  So I am having fun and kicking back.  Learning to stay in bed later than 4:00 am...that's the hard part. 

I had a few epiphanies this past week as I really thought about how far I have come not just professionally, but personally/physically.  You will see from the slideshow below that I have gome from red hair to white hair and extremely heavy to a bit healthier.  If you roll over the picture you will see a caption regarding timeframe.

It has taken me two days to put this blog together as I did not want to get too mushy, but wanted to acknowledge a major life transition for me.  I have no regrets in my life, sure a few things I would have done differently now that I have the wisdom to look back.  My career was one hell of a ride and I met lots of people along the way many of which will continue into the future with me! 

Also, heard some very positive comments on the new website - thank you so much for signing up and noticing the changes.   Thank you to Thomas who designed and plotted and listened to me when I was confused and wanted to get it right.  

Take care.   Hope you enjoy this blog - I'm sure it was all over the place.  Chat soon.  Marie

Hi Everyone!  Hope this finds you well today.  Welcome to the new Website and blog - new picture will come in August timeframe.   I am doing great.  A bit tired after a very hectic week (explanation below).  I am looking out my window at a sparkling clean white fence and the green colors of summer.   My week was full of emotional highs and lows and fun! 

My day job takes the top honor this week.  My office pulled off the "gotcha" of the century when they hosted a surprise retirement party for me.   You can tell there was a lot of preparation put into this as there were so many people involved including other offices to keep me occupied or out of the building while planning was going on.   My office planned a flashmob yes a flashmob to the song Happy because I always jump up and start singing and dancing to this song to make everyone laugh.   I was invited to a meeting where the participants all sat in such a way that I had to keep my back to the glass door and not see what was going on.  I must admit the meeting was about a project I was working on so I thought it was real.  Then someone came in about 1/2 way through and I truly did think, but did not say it out loud:  "Who the hell is this person and why is she so late?"  They provided a decent answer to the unasked questions - see they know me so well!   Ten minutes later, my boss ran into the meeting with a person carrying a boom box and a photographer, the woman I did not know jumped up and led the participants in the dance.  Everyone was dancing!  I must admit tears popped immediately into my eyes when I realized what was happening.  That started a basic conga line and as I danced along there were people lined up all throughout the office.   I saw people that I currently work with and a few from past offices as well as my BFF and the retired ladies lunch bunch (I will be a member next week).  Everyone was holding smiley face fans and then I realized that on the other side was my ID picture from 1983 (about a year after I started).  

I found out on those days I left a little early, my colleagues were collaborating on crafts (fans as well as visors with smiley faces on them) and practicing the choreography that this lovely woman (zumba instructor) had put together.   We danced and walked around for 20 minutes while they put together the last of the major surprises, which was some people from far away places came in over video to also be part of the flashmob.  They also held my picture and smiley faces.  Two the people I had actually hired over 10 years ago so it was so good to see them and one knew me from a prior project. I can't believe so many people were involved and I did not know it was happening.  They LOVED getting this accomplished in secret.

My boss loves to event plan and cater so she was in her element.  Her sister whom I also know came all the way in to deliver some of the food and help with set up.   You should have seen the over 250 mini cupcakes with mini marshmallows on the top with hand drawn smiley faces.  When I looked at the layout I realized that the yellow icing cupcakes spelled out my name.  The staff told me after how this was organized almost down to the minute so I would not know.  I almost blew it myself when I walked back into office to grab a pen for a meeting and everyone was standing up and froze.  I was so intent on the meeting that I did not even register at that moment that they were all looking at me and holding their breath.  The photographer remarked that we had set the bar for retirement parties as he had never seen one with so much fun!   Believe me the song Happy has so many meanings for me.

I spent Friday night and Saturday at a Jazzercise Taping in Washington, DC.  I have never seen so many people gathered in one place wearing spandex in my life (including myself).  There were close to 2000 people - mostly women and the energy was unreal.   I worked out between both days for close to six hours.  I was definitely tired by the end of the day yesterday.  I am a little stiff today, but slowly stretching everything out.  The funny part of this was I went with my friend D who arranged the hotel.   We got there, checked in and went to the room - only one king size bed.   She was devastated and called the desk, but of course nothing available so I said no big deal, big bed,  we'll be fine.  I told her the rumors would fly that we were sleeping together and we just laughed.   All-in-all we had a great time - exhausting but fun.   I realize again that since the weight loss I have a lot more energy and stamina than I ever did in the past.   Have you ever been to one of these events. 

The low part of my emotional week concerns my mom.  Her health is not improving and she is not gaining her strength back.   It's hard on my dad as well as he wants to take care of her at home and currently she is still in the hospital.  It's hard on my sister as she works and has kids that also need her attention and now our dad wants her attention as well.   I'll be visiting soon so I am hoping to see where I can help. 

I did not finish any books this past week - still reading three so hopefully I will finish one soon so I can let you know about it.  Any recommendations? 

I have a 15 year old visiting for a week so we have lots of interesting events planned.  I'll write you about the experiences in a future posting.

I am going to end it here as I have been putting this together for hours and I feel like I'm not engaging enough for you today.   Take care.  Chat soon.  Marie


"Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning."   - Maya Angelou  

"Life is without meaning. You bring the meaning to it. The meaning of life is whatever you ascribe it to be. Being alive is the meaning."   - ­Joseph Campbell

Trust yourself, then you will know how to live."  - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"Trust in what you love, continue to do it, and it will take you where you need to go." - Natalie Goldberg

Referrals are always appreciated.