That Birthday Feeling

Just as another year goes by, so does another birthday. I used to consider this to be one of the most exciting times of the year. Over the years, it has now become somewhat depressing to say the least. We only get older with each passing year, and while there is nothing we can do about that, we can live it up to the fullest extent. I turned twenty-five years old a couple days ago. That is kind of hard to imagine. Many of you would argue that that is hardly an age to fret about, but just the idea that I’m getting older every year, sends a whirlwind of emotions through me. It seemed like just yesterday, that I was living the carefree days of a child. However, I won’t get on my soapbox about that any longer, but I will say that I cannot think of a year that’s gone by when I haven’t relished in the festivities of my birthday. My family and friends are always so gracious in wishing me a ‘Happy Birthday’, that I should be so grateful. The parties and celebrations are always a reminder of how much the loved ones in my life care about me. It is such a wonderful feeling to feel so loved! Thanks to everyone for making me feel so special on my birthday!

A Few Birthday Photos

My Animal Friends

I have worked at my job now for three years, and since there is not always a lot of activity here at the office, I often find myself observing everything around me. Here at the mini storage, there are a combination of sights and sounds to engage my senses, even on the many quieted days I spend here. I don’t like to spend my time in front of the computer all day, so to occupy my time, I have included in my daily routine, a leisure walk on the property. Over the years, I have seen stray dogs and cats, and occasionally, I might even spot a few groundhogs (informal term for the lack thereof). But every day I see the usual birds in many varieties chirping their tunes to each other, and the horses and cows, grazing the pastures that surround the property grounds. You may be asking why I would take random photos of these animals, and my answer to that is simple. I find joy in the little things, and when I spend many lonely days here at work by myself, I find company in other ways. I seem to have made a few friends. The cows and horses featured in the photos above, like to walk up to the fence line for a visit every now and then. I have a passion for animals, and seeing them day to day has me reminiscing of my days on the farm as a young girl.

Major Discount Bargains!

Many of you may know that I love a good bargain, but it is rather, a secret obsession of mine. One look at a “reduced” price tag, and I get all giddy inside, grin from ear to ear, and tell myself I’m the luckiest girl in the world. Over the weekend I had an experience just the same. I have many favorite stores to shop, but Old Navy tops my list at #1. I browse the whole store, admire the new styles that have just arrived, but always find myself migrating to the clearance racks, where I can usually find a steal or two. That’s just what happened. I was actually looking for a few summer tops, when I came across a couple winter sweaters for just .97 cents! I couldn’t believe my eyes! My husband didn’t share the same excitement I did, but could see that it was in fact the best deal ever, and that I couldn’t pass that up. So, although I cannot wear these sweaters for several months, I will look forward to the opportunity when the weather becomes cold again…but I’m not wishing for that anytime soon. I’m going to enjoy this beautiful warm weather while it lasts.

Life Updates and More

Who knew that two and half months would go by before I would write my latest post? It seems I have some catching up to do. I used to think of myself as an avid blogger, but that doesn’t seem so true anymore these days. It is pouring rain outside, and as I listen to the roaring thunder, my mind has started to wander. I am elated at the thought of the additional free time I have gained over the last couple of weeks. The decision to work our business in Primerica on a very part-time basis has significantly reduced the amount of stress that has been weighing me down. As I take a break, I have reflected on the amazing opportunities that the company has allowed me to further my growth as an individual. I had taken the plunge with a great leap of faith to make a difference in my life, and more importantly, the lives of others. I’ve conquered my fear of public speaking to some degree in Business Expansion meetings, developed more confidence in myself, and acquired a few leadership qualities. Primerica is a company of Integrity and principles molded around the service to others and the quality of business. Since Primerica has set the standard with a system designed to succeed and fulfill the hopes and dreams of many who desire to have it, I shouldn’t say that we’re putting our business on the back-burner. However, I seem to be discovering more alleviation in other activities of which I have a greater passion for. I am letting the creative juices flow from my mind as I embrace the pleasures of writing and art. That is where my focus lies. Aside from business, I should update all of you on the other daily happenings in our lives. My husband is currently studying for a health insurance license for another company, and is excited to be working a regular schedule again. Oh, the mayhem of one company to another. Will it ever end? It’s the story of our lives. Other exciting news… we are seeking rabbits! We’re looking for a large, docile-type rabbit breed that can roam freely in the backyard, and can be cuddled and loved as many furry animals like to be. We recently planted about twenty-five strawberry plants, and our fruit trees are growing more proudly every day. We are enjoying the warmer weather, and our time outside in the yard. My husband has finally started working out with me every day, and even does stretching exercises with me after we run or play tennis. That is a big commitment coming from him. Also, I found my dream car the other day. I never thought I would want any kind of car, specifically, but when I saw the Subaru Tribeca, I was in love. In conclusion of this recent update, I have to share a quick story I find to be both humorous and a bit sad. This event took place at the families’ cabin in Donnelly, ID. My husband and I wanted to get away last weekend, and spend some quiet time up in the mountains. Nothing too exciting took place while we were there, since it was too cold outside to go on a hike and even too windy to start a campfire. We made the best of our trip there, so to create somewhat of an extra “rugged” camping experience, we decided to make tin-foil dinners. They can be made of a simple concoction of ingredients like ground hamburger, carrots, potatoes, and of course onions. As I was peeling and chopping the onion, my eyes began to burn and sting, producing tears of pain flowing down my cheeks. Now, I’ve always known that the enzyme properties that make up an onion will cause this physical reaction on a person, but this time it was worse than I’ve ever experienced. I couldn’t help but jokingly, think that the onion had hurt my feelings. I really didn’t expect to be sobbing over a splendid weekend away from the suffocating routine of daily conflicts and demanding responsibilities. Sure, I had dismantled it out of its perfect onion form, but really, what did I ever do to it?

Spring Fever on the Rise

Just as many of us awake from the slumber of hibernation, so to speak, the signs of spring will soon put a “spring” in our step. The longer days, warmer temperatures, and sweet scents of this upcoming season are sure to brighten even the happiest of folks. I don’t know about you, but I’ve longed for these days. I think winter has over stayed its welcome…just a little. What is it about this new phenomenon we call “Spring Fever”? I’ve never really understood why we are overcome by restlessness associated by the transition of winter to spring, as it is just another season. But, it has given me a sense of joy to look forward to. I have started putting together various plans for our flower beds, and have picked a soft shade of pink to paint our desk and dresser. So, I guess you can say that I’m feeling the symptoms of spring fever already. I’m ready to see color in many different varieties...only a few more weeks!

What would it be like?

It was a special night last night, as we geared up to listen to one of Primerica’s key note speakers, Gary Kornegay at another business expansion meeting that took place at the Doubletree Riverside Convention Center. This individual is a $700,000 dollar earner in the company, and by the end of the night, I believe we all wanted to idolize him just a little bit more. He was inspiring to me, as he shared his story. Gary was a man who grew up in South Central Los Angeles, with a father who was a pastor at one of the local churches, and a mother who became a school teacher. He is the second oldest boy of four sons, and all three of his brothers have all since been incarcerated in the state Penitentiary. Here is a man who wanted nothing more than to succeed, and become somebody special, with purpose. He talked about his non-formal education, and the fact that he had to re-take his last year in high school all over again, his $5.00/hr. job as an EMT, and the tiny home he and his wife lived in. Beginning his Primerica career in 1988, he has climbed up the financial ladder of success, making him one of the most successful leaders today. He has written a book called the Preacher’s Kid, addressing every aspect of his life including, gangs, God, drugs, and business. It tells of his journey toward success while overcoming the streets of Los Angeles. He helped us understand that although we are just average, ordinary people just like him, we can all do something great no matter how much education we’ve had, and regardless of our personal and financial background. We look forward to these big events, as they continue to motivate us in the right direction, pushing us closer to our goals and dreams.

Healthy Tidbits

I have recently acquired some simple, yet mind-altering advice that I feel would be beneficial at the start of this New Year. I say that it is simple because we’ve heard this information a dozen times, but it’s somewhat mind-altering, because you must train your brain to develop a routine centered on this life-saving advice. Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD specializes in heart replacement surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, complementary medicine, and healthcare policies. He is annually elected as one of the best physicians in the United States, and I would have to agree with the statement that he is “The Best and Brightest”, stated by Esquire. He is known as the health expert on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and when he makes his appearance on the show, he shares volumes of restored knowledge about the human body and our health in general. I have taken much of his advice and ran with it, taking every opportunity to get myself in the best shape of my life and remain a healthy person. For this New Year, Dr. Oz compiled a list of 10 ways to live healthier. 2009 is the year you should put yourself back on your to-do list.
The Ultimate Health Checklist:
Step 1: Find a Doctor and Schedule a Checkup
Step 2: Know the Five Ingredients to Avoid
Step 3: The Healthy Foods to Add to your Diet
Step 4: Take a Multivitamin Every Single Day
Step 5: Know your Numbers
Step 6: Find a Health Advocate
Step 7: Organize your Medical Records
Step 8: Get the Medical Tests you need
Step 9: Start Exercising
Step 10: Get Seven to Eight Hours of Sleep Each Night
As a guide, you may use the American Medical Association Doctor Finder, when looking for a physician. You should avoid eating foods with ingredients like High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar, “Enriched”, Trans Fat, and Saturated Fat. The foods you should add to your grocery list are anything with Antioxidants, Omega-3 Fats, Fiber, and Olive Oil. If you are a young, premenopausal woman, you should take a multivitamin that contains iron and no more than 5,000 units of vitamin A. If you are a postmenopausal woman or a man, you should take a multivitamin without iron and no more than 2,500 units of vitamin A. Know the numbers that pertain to your health such as, waist size, blood pressure, cholesterol, resting heart rate, blood sugar, vitamin D, c-reactive protein, and thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH. When you are under the care of a doctor, you should find a health advocate. That person may be your spouse, child, relative, or friend to help you understand the process and takes notes pertaining to your health. Get an updated copy of your medical file before you leave the doctor’s office, so you will have records of your medical history. Everyone should get an annual checkup, see their dentist every six months, and get an eye exam every two years. The other health tests will depend on your age and gender. Check out the Medical Work and Tests by Age. You should set a goal to get up to 10,000 steps a day, but start out walking at least 30 minutes a day, which will result in about 3,000 steps. Get your heart rate up, so you are sweating for at least 60 minutes a week. Stretch for at least 5 minutes every day, to increase flexibility, and perform strength training exercises such as, weight lifting or resistance training for at least 30 minutes a week. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night, will generate growth hormone that makes us stay beautiful and energized. Create a plan for a good night’s sleep. To achieve this, you should sleep in a cool, dark room, without any laptops or TV. You should add white noise, like a fan or sound machine, dress appropriately, establish a standard wake-up time, and get the best mattress.
Now that you have Dr. Oz’s 10-Step plan for 2009, it’s time to put it to the test! Let’s all get healthy together!
If you would like to learn more about the 10-Step plan, or about the famous doctor Oz, click this link: http://www.oprah.com/article/health/wellnessandprevention/oz_resources_bio/1