Happy New Years

Wishing you the best New Years ever.We're grateful for your support.

May you get your heart’s desire and more.

Go and conquer 2013!

Happy Holidays

We just wanted to wish you a beautiful holiday season.

Thank you for reading our blog and commenting on our posts. You brighten our days.

We're so grateful for you!

My ridiculous family party

The holiday season is filled with twinkling lights, food galore and presents. Not to mention uncles who drink beer and pray to Santa, aunts who are hyped up on substances and a grandmother that will stop at nothing to embarrass you.

I love the holiday season but the family interaction is enough to drive us mad. Yesterday was my family Christmas party. My Auntie is coming off of heroin and boy, is she a treat. She's trying so hard to stay away from substances that she's popping antihistamine’s left and right. So much that she drops one on the floor and my dog nearly ingests it.

Seriously, Auntie get a grip. A four pound dog hyped up on allergy tabs is the last thing we need over the holidays. Can only imagine what a pill would do to a little dog? She'd be pacing the floor, her head wouldn't stop moving and her eyes would be dilated.

Thank heavens my grandma saved the day. She swooped my dog up into her arms and yelled, "That's what she said."

If you're baffled, well then, so was I.

The room went quiet as we all tried to figure out why my grandma yelled, "That's what she said."

It then dawns on me that she has NO idea what that phrase means or how to use it. So the rest of the night my grandma wouldyell repeatedly, "That's what she said."

And how do you tell your grandma what the phrase means? You don't. You let the moment pass because she will forget what she's saying in less than an hour.

Seriously, when will the family parties end? On a brighter note, this holiday season has been filled with reconciliations, hope and joy. The holiday season can be stressful but it can also bring unexpected surprises that heal your heart.

Some holiday goodies to share with you

This is the time of holiday cheer and we have many reasons to celebrate.

One of our blogging friends has signed with an agent. Major congrats to Sara B. Larson on her incredible achievement. We're so excited for you and rooting you on all the way. Sara has taught me that determination, grit and perseverance can help you achieve your dream.http://sarablarson.blogspot.com/2012/11/traditional-picture.html

This holiday season is one filled baking. For a great baking book try our dear friend, Loraine Scott's recipes. http://www.amazon.com/Time-Bake-Cookies-Bars-ebook/dp/B007Z59I24/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354572438&sr=1-4&keywords=loraine+scott

If you are into baking bread here is another option written by our very own writing group members, Caleb Warnock and Melissa Richardson. http://www.amazon.com/Art-Baking-Natural-Yeast-Pancakes/dp/1462110487/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354572299&sr=1-1&keywords=caleb+warnock

This is one of my fave reads this year-ZOMBIES! If you need to decompress from the holiday stress, check out this novel by Candace Gleave. Warning, you will get hooked. http://www.amazon.com/Big-Game-Hunting-Zombie-Short/dp/1470098318/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354572469&sr=1-3&keywords=candace+gleave

Thank you for your support

It's Thanksgiving time which means I've made a mess out of my kitchen. This weekend I did a trial run of cooking a turkey. Yeah, that didn't work. The turkey caught on fire. I don't even know how that happens but it happens with me.

Let's just say, I have some free time on my hands after being kicked out of the kitchen. So, I started to think of all that I'm grateful for in this world. One of the things that I kept thinking of is YOU!

Thank you so much to every single person who reads this blog. Thank you for taking time out of your day to read our writings. You support us and we're so grateful.

Thank you for commenting on our posts. Your comments make us smile.

All of our blogging friends are incredibly talented. We're grateful to have your support.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends.

Don't give up on your dream

I have learned a valuable lesson-no matter what happens you cannot give up on your dream. Yes, this lesson seems obvious. It's even something that I blabber on and on about but sometimes stress makes you think stupid stuff.

This past week I had to take my yearly blood test. And just like every year before it's an afternoon filled with drama. Last year, the phlebotomist had a hard time finding a vein in my arm. Instead of waiting patiently like every other person I did something ridiculous. I took the needle from the medical professional and found my own vein. Yep, a bad girl past does have its advantages.

I must've caused quite a controversy because this year I saw a sign in the lab that read, "Under no circumstances are patients allowed to draw their own blood."

I couldn't stop giggling. Yep, guess I left my mark at the lab.

I dunno about you but I hate getting my blood drawn. Do you ever have something that no matter what effort you put in you cannot win? The dream seems hopeless and you want to quit.

For me the thing I haven't been able to succeed at is my blood work. For the past six years, I fail the test. My family has history of heart disease. I refuse to die of heart disease so I take drastic measures to pass my test. No matter what I do, I fail my blood test.

This year, I almost gave up. The night before the test I told Jameses, "I quit, I refuse to fast. Why even bother when I'm going to fail anyway."

He convinced me try just one more time.

Guess what-I passed my blood work. My heart and veins are heart disease free.

I had no idea that I was 12 hours away from passing one of the hardest challenges of my life.

Is there something that you want to give up on? You have a dream that no matter what you do it seems hopeless? My friends, try just one more time.

Who knows, you could be one step away from achieving your dream.

What are you fighting for?

Before I forget, our writing friend Scott is launching a new writing class. Here are the details if you're interested. http://www.sleye1stories.com/2012/10/new-weekly-writing-class-coming-to.html He also offers an online writing class which I'm a part of and love.

With that said, this week I've had to realize that there are some circumstances you cannot control in life. Someone very dear to me is losing his eyesight. He's not even thirty yet. I don't write this for sympathy, I'm just trying to understand it. This guy is tough; he was two belts away from a black belt. Yet, his retina is detaching. He had to give up his karate dream to fight for his eyesight.

All the while, I sit here and think about our own dreams. My friends, there are something’s that are out of our control. The only way through the trial is to keep moving and embrace a positive attitude.

We all have faced something freaky. I guess the trick is to learn from the freaky. Our struggles make us a fighter and this is something to be treasured.

My adventure into the world of gymnastics

When I was young I wanted to be a gymnast but that task is hard to achieve when you're 6'2. This weekend I got my wish. I went with my niece to her Halloween festival at the gym.

I could've been like every other adult who refused to jump on the trampoline but where's the fun in that?

My goal was simple; show my niece I was into her gymnastic dream. Everything she did, I followed suit. If she walked across the balance beam than I did the same. I might’ve been nervous but I’d have to summon the courage. She wanted me to be a full participant and I wouldn't disappoint.

As a result, I bonked my head on the balance beam. Seriously, who invented the balance beam? Because I wanna smack 'em. On top of that, I banged into the wall after trying the vault Plus, I got stuck in the foam filled pit.

The highlight of the night though was when I simply walked onto the floor exercise pad. I had no idea the floor was so bouncy. The minute I hopped on the floor I fell right off. I know I'm klutzy but couldn't even walk on the padding.

My niece couldn't stop laughing and I couldn't either because I had finally experienced a day in the life of a gymnast. Man, its hard stuff. Sure, I got to do a flip on the trampoline but I also had bruises galore.

 The whole night made me think about our dreams. No matter how many times we fall off or hurt ourselves we have to get up. On top of that, we have to enjoy life. Forget about looking like an idiot just go for your dream.

Don't listen to the naysayers- chase your dream

There are going to be a lot of variables when chasing your dream. One minute you're flying high from a victory and the next you experience the blow of failure. To seize your dream you're going to have to find your way through the devastating moments. You can't give up and you can't give in, so what do you do?

You flip the script. Granted, this is a sports term but it still has meaning in your life. Maybe you have been told that you're not smart enough, dedicated enough or you just don't have the chops to chase your dream. Don't listen to the naysayers, instead flip the script.

Work your toukus off so that the naysayers can be left in the dust. Keep going, keep moving.

You're talented beyond measure, my friends and you deserve your dream. I'm rooting you on all the way.

An embarrassing run in with my ex-boyfriend

This weekend I've been dealing with some major dental surgery. As a result, I was drugged out of my mind on Lortab. I also happened to bump into my ex at the grocery story. Sadly, the Lortab is gone but the humiliation of what transpired next is still there.

Seriously, who wants to see their former flame while hyped up on Lortab? So, I did what any drugged person in pain would do-I went into hide mode.

I grabbed my friend Jameses and ducked into the Halloween section. I nabbed a pink wig ala Lady Gaga and ducked and turned around every corner. My ex went to the meat department. I ducked into the produce section. All the while my friend, Jameses kept shopping.

He nabbed some bananas and I did my best to stay out of sight, which is pretty hard when you're 6'2. Of course, I'm in spaz-mode so I didn't realize what Jameses is doing. I accidently barrel into my friend while he's holding some bananas. At that moment, I'm covered with smashed bananas. Not to mention, I'm wearing a pig wig.

Yep, nothing says I've gotten over you like a pink wig and smeared banana on your shirt.

To make matters worse, he sees me. We share in this awkward moment of the past colliding with the present. I haven't seen this guy for a decade and this is the moment we happen to meet again. I tell you what, life is tricky but it's also a rush, isn't it?

I pranked my sister- I'm gonna be a Princess at Disneyland

I have sister that is super anal. She plans for the Holidays a year in advance. Me? I try to take things as they come. I plan but I'm not anal. This week my sister, my niece and I went out for some sushi. My second grader niece loves sushi. Me? I'd rather have a burger but whatever.

Sushi seems like a normal thing but not with my sister. She combines all of her rolls of sushi in a ball and eats it. I'm mesmerized by how she can eat eel and tuna together.

Anyways, mid bite of her tennis ball sized sushi she asked me about my New Year’s resolution. It's only October. Seriously, are you really thinking of New Years right now? So, I did what any sister would do, I gave her crap.

I took a bite of my cream cheese avocado roll and said with all seriousness, "In January I'm quitting writing and I'm going to be a Princess at Disneyland."

My sister doesn't move. She stares at me so long I think that she's gone into a coma.

I start to ramble on and on about my options. I tell her my sister that I have dark hair like Belle and like to read, so that could be a perfect fit.

My niece is utterly rapt with this conversation but my sister is stunned.

So, I continue on with my prank. I take a sip of my lemon water and say, "Alice in Wonderland is out because I'd probably get so fed up with the Mad Hatter that I'd punch him. If all else fails, I have the assets to be Ariel but the sea shells might give me hives. I dunno what do you think?"

My sister hasn't touched her food in five minutes. She can't speak.

However, my niece is so into this conversation. She adjusts her sparkly headband and says with all seriousness, "Aunt Russo, Disneyland can't hire Princesses that are 8 feet tall."

"I'm not 8 feet tall, I'm 6'2," I said, with surprise.

Well, now I'm flabbergasted. I want to prank my sister and my niece has out smarted me.

I don't know what to say to my niece. The prank has died.

My niece continues to outsmart me. She chomps down on her lavender ice cream and says, "If you want you could be Goofy."

My sister starts laughing hysterically at the comment. I just sit there thinking, what age do we let our childhood die? My niece is in the second grade and already she knows that Disney has a height requirement for their costumes. Granted, she probably knows this because my sister is the ultimate buzz kill but c'mon.

My friends, I know there are some things that cannot happen. I would never be a Disney Princess because I haven't the patience for it. Even so, we cannot stop believing in the possibilities of life.

Um. Oops.

So, I'm sitting here cruising the 'net this morning, and I pop over to our blog and I think, "Man! When is someone going to put up a post today? I mean, what is with us? We're all stressed or something this week. No one is posting." And then I go about my day, you know, cleaning up breakfast, checking on my sick kid, making sure my other kid who doesn't have school today is doing his massive history project instead of sneaking in a bit of Calvin and Hobbes. I start thinking about what I'll throw together for dinner. But first we need a bit of lunch, for Pete's sake! And then I pass my computer on the way to check one more time on sick-dude, and I pause to look in on our blog, because I can't wait to read what one of my pal's has written.

Annnnd, there's nothing posted.

Huh. How odd. So I think, "I should go send a message to my Gnomies. I mean, maybe one of them is sick, or hurt, or depressed. Maybe they need some help. MAYBE THEY NEED A GNOME-INTERVENTION! *GASP!* I SHALL SAVE YOU, MAEGAN AND RUSSO! FEAR NOT! I . . . " 

Then I looked at the calendar.

ACK!

It's Friday.

That's . . . er . . .  my day to post.

*shades of embarrassment*

Soooo anyway. What were we talking about? OH YEAH. Embarrassing moments. Russo has a lot of them. Sure glad I don't.


(I actually have steady streams of embarrassing moments. I'm just far less willing to put them up here than Russo is. Three cheers for Russo!)

Embarrassing moment alert

One of the things I need to work on is my patience. I don’t know about you but sometimes we go full speed ahead and never slow down. Sometimes that's a good and other times, not so much.

Today I went to the store and bought hair dye. What was I thinking? I tore out the gloves and got to work on dying my hair jet black. There was no patience about my process. As a result, my hair looks ridiculous. I have streaks of brown and black.

As if that wasn't enough, I tore out the gloves from the box. Doesn't seem like a big deal but when I took off the gloves I had quite a surprise- the gloves had holes in them. So now, I have ugly hair and black spots all over my hands. The dye won't come out; I have scrubbed and rubbed my hands until they were sore. Of course, my amigo Jameses is lying on the floor laughing his toukus off at my idiocy.

My friends, the one thing that will help us achieve our dream is patience. We have to slow down and take in the process of writing, painting, or whatever it is we love.

Learn from the hard times and keep going

One of the things I keep hearing during the tennis US Open is that an athlete needs to have selective amnesia. The race to your dream is a draining and thrilling adventure. There will be highs and there will be lows but you as a dreamer need to have selective amnesia.

You have to learn from the rejection and move on. Sometimes this task is draining in and of itself. One thing remains-you're gifted beyond measure. If anyone can focus on the good and forget the bad moments it's you.

 Keep striving, keep working. I'm behind you all the way, my friends.

*We're thrilled to announce that the author Jennifer Beckstrand will be guest posting for us on Friday. So excited to here from her.

I got kicked out of a ballet studio

Life is all about being brave and conquering fears. You've probably heard your momma tell you to try new things. This is all well and good but lemme tell you, there are something’s that just shouldn't be tried. This weekend I went with my sister to a ballet class. What should've been a relaxing hour of stretching your limbs turned into an hour of chaos.

I'm 6'2 with long legs. I've never been graceful. Usually when I meet someone for the first time I make a great first impression by tripping over my own feet and collapsing to the floor. This time was no different.

I walked gingerly into the ballet studio. I was nervous as all get up to meet my teacher. The instant I meet her I scuffed my feet on the wooden floor and fell right on my butt.

The teacher gasped all dramatically about my lack of grace and said, "My dear, walking should not be a challenge."

Everything about this woman was pointy, her hips, her nose and her fingers had no soft cushions of flesh. She had a harsh attitude and worse of all; she was out to get me. She had us all line up on the bar.

I immediately pulled out my hand sanitizer and got things un-germified (If that's a word.)

She snagged my hand sanitizer and the class stretched and dipped in ways I never thought possible. I attempted to mimic these movements but I looked as graceful as a rooster in a tutu.

The more I made mistake after mistake, the more my teacher became instilled with the dream of making me graceful. If I moved the wrong way, she wacked my butt with a fly swatter. No joke, a fly swatter. Yeah, if we lived in a time period where human sacrifices where still allowed, I would have thrown this woman into the volcano pit. She was that menacing.

The more the hour went on the more I made this woman crazy. She kept plucking along and as it has it, I did walk a bit more gracefully. I became aware of my surroundings. I did a demi-dip (no, this isn't a real ballet term; I made it up to annoy her.)She half-smiled at my mediocre progress. The boney woman believed the fly swatter had gotten through to me. Bo,y was she wrong.

The last five minutes of the class I accidently ripped the ballet bar off the wall. I then tripped over the air and sprained my ankle.

I swear, I thought her head was going to inflate and explode. She turned her head and coughed all hoity-toity-like and said, "I would prefer never to see your face again."

My sister snorted out loud and laughed so hard tears rolled down her cheeks,

My eyes opened wide with her sentence as I said, "Fine by me."

We paid for the broken ballet bar and left the studio. We treked next door for some frozen yogurt. All the while, giggling at my lack of grace.

Yep, ballet is not for me but at least I tried something new, which is the message for today. Get out there and truly live, my friends. I'm rooting you on all the way!

I walked around the city with a gigantic branch in my hair

Ya'll know I have done some pretty stupid things in my past. I'm the gal who has fallen into a pond while on a hot date. I'm known to trip, say ridiculous things and so on. But never have I walked around the city with a large branch in my hair.

Okay, let me give you the details. This summer I took on one of my fears-college algebra. Get this, I passed the class but as a result I have gone ninety miles an hour. I didn't see friends, family and I didn't do anything fun. All I did was study. You know how it is-if you're going to face a fear you have to give it your all. Now, I'm trying to get back to the basics. I'm cooking (okay, more like I'm burning food but whatever) I'm seeing my Gnomies and just living life.

So this weekend I went on a shopping spree. I bought boots, skirts and darling lil English Fascinators. I walked around the outdoor mall with my friend Jameses. I must have been on cloud nine because I walked right into a tree. This is normal thing for me. I'm always tripping so I just rubbed my head to make sure I wasn't bleeding and then went on with my business.

I continued to walk around the mall and the more I walked around the more people started staring at me. I figured I must have been looking goooood. I had on my tennis skirt with my chucks. I even wore this funky lil headband. I kept shopping and all the while an old man stared at me with a confused look on his face. A child even grabbed his momma's skirt and his momma whispered, "It’s not polite to stare."

I shrugged my shoulders and just kept shopping. It wasn't until I got home that I realized I had been walking the streets of the city with a gigantic branch in my hair. I must have looked like I walked out of a jungle. The branch was thick and as long as two pencils put together. The branches had green leaves and everything.

Yep, someday's just aren't going to go the way you planned. Even so, live it up, my friends.

Setbacks and how to deal with them

My dear friends, there are always going to be setbacks in life. I'm learning it's just a part of the game. My brother told me a crazy fact and I thought it might inspire you on your journey toward your dream.  He said that Beethoven became deaf at the pinnacle of his inspiration.

I'll admit, I didn't really know much about Beethoven but anyone who can work through a setback like losing their hearing has my utter respect.

You may have your own setbacks in life but you need not worry. You are talented beyond measure. You have a gift that is going to touch people's lives.

Look those setbacks in the eye and keep going, keep working. The world is waiting for your creativity.

Adjust to the demands of your dream

One of the greatest lessons I've learned while taking college algebra is that you have to be willing to adjust to the different setbacks of your dream. My friends, we are all chasing something that is bigger than ourselves. Whether your dream is to play water polo, write or paint you have to learn that there will be times that you are not in the drivers seat of your dream.

For my math class I was at the mercy of everyone around me. I had to study when my tutor could study and I had to learn how to shut up and listen. All during the class I had to learn to adjust my life schedule (eat, sleep & write.) On top of that, I had to adjust to the setbacks because while you chase your dream you will have many setbacks.

You have a talent within you that nobody else can touch. You can achieve so much and all you have to do is learn to adjust to the many demands of your dream.

I vomited on my ex-boyfriend's shoes

There are many ways to handle bumping into your ex boyfriend or girlfriend. Some people brag about their lives and others try to kill them with kindness. Me? I have to vomit all over one of my ex-boyfriends.

Lemme give you the details, I just got done playing a wicked game of tennis. I played for 2 hours straight in the sweltering heat. Of course, who happens to be playing three courts down from me? My seriously hott ex who looks like Vin Diesel. I try to pretend like I don't see the bloke but my efforts are useless. He drops his racket mid serve and yells my name.

I can't look away from his intense brown eyes. They pull me in just as they did 10 years ago. My brain tells me to keep walking but of course, I don't . . . I can't. All I can do is watch his lips whisper my knick name.

By now, my 2 hour tennis game has caught up to me. I feel my stomach gurgle and my head feel dizzy. My body's begging me to sit down but of course, I don't listen. I rib my ex for his always-horrid taste in movies.

He laughs heartedly and by now, my body has shutdown. I teeter on my heels and vomit all over his shoes.

My Vin Diesel look-a-like ex widens his eyes in surprise as I collect myself. There is nothing to say at this moment. I am horrified, I can't hide in hole nor can I pretend like he doesn't exist. There is nothing to do but wait for his reaction. He busts a gut so much that tears are rolling down his cheek.

I'm trying hard to play it cool but how can you play it cool at a moment like this? My Vin Diesel look-a-like ex brushes my hair out of my face and says, "And to think, I was worried about your right hook."

Yep, life is gonna toss us some majorly ridiculous moments. The trick isn't just to endure them but to make them work for you. Laugh in the face of extreme embarrassment.

Take a moment and relax

*Before I forget, we are pleased to announce that we will be having a special guest post on Monday. I can't wait for Monday to get here!

Anyways, this week I have been stuck in the time warp that is college algebra. I don't know what month we are in or what day it is, all I know is I am at a 78 percent. I have been fighting and clawing to earn that grade.

The one thing I have learned from this math class is you must take time for yourself- rejuvenate your brain power. Athletes are known for pursuing other passions while they chase their dreams. So go and do whatever it is you love to do for a break. Take a yoga class, paint or just turn on the TV and veg for an hour.

Do whatever it is that rejuvenates you and do it pronto.

What you can learn from Maria Sharapova

This past weekend I watched an interview with Maria Sharapova, the tennis champion. The gal is incredible. She was at the top of her game and then had a major setback with a shoulder surgery. She had to fight like mad to reclaim her status as number one.
What can you learn from Maria Sharapova? Accept your losses. Sometimes you are going to be on top and the next moment you could have a major setback. Maria said that on her road to recovery she took the losses to become the best.

I had never thought of that concept- accept your setbacks because they make you stronger. The losses make you fight for your dream. They also teach you how to deal with roadblocks.

Welcome the losses and setbacks, because nothing can stop you from achieving your dream.

Our two year anniversary

Our two year anniversary of this blog is almost upon us. As I reflect on the past two years I realize I am a lucky girl. My dear friends, every single one of you have touched me somehow. I am amazed at your courage and the way you inspire people. Thank you for reading our writing. Thank you for being supportive. Thank you for being you!

I have two of the dearest friends a girl could ask for- Janiel and Maegan. I don't even know where to start. Janiel, you have taught me to find my strength. You have helped me find myself. You're funny as all get up and you are smart. You work this blog like it's nobody’s business and I just am grateful for you. You  can cook, you craft jewelry and you touch people's lives.

Maegan, you are kind and compassionate. You have so many talents and you are the only person I know who has traveled this globe over. I love hearing your adventures and you inspire me everyday to be brave. You look after animals, I never understood their lil quirks until I met you. Plus, you can make me laugh until I snort.

I adore you all and am grateful for your friendship.

What you can learn from Judy Garland

I have been watching a documentary about Judy Garland and the gal just fascinates me. They say she was such a genius because she could look deep within herself and find the truth of how she really felt. The darkness, joy and sadness didn't scare her. She found a way to express her emotions through her dream.

My friends, you have a talent that is yours alone. No one else can see the world like you do. Along with that, no one else can feel the emotions that life brings like you do. To be the best at your chosen field you have to be willing to feel the emotions that life brings and then express them. Express your joy, your pain and even your humor.

I'm rooting you on as you chase your dream!

You gotta fight for your dream

Today I learned a valuable lesson-put your money where your mouth is.
Every week I write a post to inspire you and myself as well. The business of chasing dreams can get draining from time to time. Each Wednesday that rolls around I tell you to never give up. Push through the exhaustion and hard times.

Well, yesterday I had the worst day. I am taking Intermediate Algebra and I am banging my head against the wall to get a 70%. The deadline to withdrawal from the class was yesterday and I seriously considered dropping the class.

And then I thought of you, yes you. My dear friends who inspire me every day. All of you are talented in so many ways and you fight for your dream. I can't give up on Algebra. I am going to stay in the class and slug it out. And I am going to do so because of you.

Thank you for inspiring me, for reading our blog and for being so incredible.

How to deal with road blocks when chasing your dream

It's no secret I adore sports, especially in the summer. This year we have Wimbledon, the Tour de France and the Olympics Games. I just read a quote from LoLo Jones, the track and field star, in US Magazine, "I use the downs to propel me for the ups. Hurdles aren't road blocks to me, they're opportunities."
At first I scoffed when reading this quote because sometimes the road blocks to our dream can be quite disheartening. However, they are beneficial. They strengthen your resolve.

Let's face it, our talent is something that will ebb and flow. One day you will be on top and the next you could be sinking. These plateaus are vital while chasing our dream because they remind us why we want our dream. We can't treat the rejections as anything more than an opportunity.

You're gonna go places my friends. Never forget your dream is gonna help people.

ACK! I FORGOT IT WAS FRIDAY! Plus: A Cool Irish Painting.

Oh. My. Heart. I totally thought today was Thursday. Even though I went to my writer's group yesterday, which only happens on the first Thursday. Even though I had my first Thursday lunch with a dear friend. Even though my huzz gets home from Canada/Boston/Vermont today which is a Friday.


Now see? This is what happens when we are over-scheduled. Or as Russo would say, Frazzled. In the best of times I can schedule two things at the same time, and never shall the conflict meet in my brain. Until I'm at one event and someone from the other event calls me and says, "Um. Are you coming?" And then I have chocolardiac arrest (because I am always eating chocolate) and wish I could splinch myself and be in two places at once.


Ah well. *sigh* Nothing for it except to apologize. And hurry up and write a blog post. And eat chocolate. 


WAIT! Also, here's a cool thing for you to look at--because when we are frazzled we need moments of peace, and this painting totally provides that. It's lovely. This was officially voted Ireland's favorite painting. It's by Frederic William Burton and is called "Meeting On The Turret Stairs." And I borrowed it from the PJ Lynch website which I hope is okay because I'm not claiming it's mine. (Mr. Lynch is an amazing illustrator and artist. You should go look at his work here.)

Gorgeous. *sigh* Now go read some summer romance.

And eat chocolate.

Bye!

What to do when you're frazzled

Let's be honest, this week I have been frazzled like no other. I am facing one of my biggest fears in life-college algebra. As a result, I have had to take 3 tests this week. On top of that, I am sick as a dog with a cold. What do you do when stresses piles up on you? Follow John McEnroe's advice-"Shrug it off."

Granted I would rather take Mr. McEnroe's other path to dealing with stress, stomp around and cuss but we don't always get what we want. No, we must deal with the stress and then shrug it off.

Stress is nothing when chasing your dream. Shrug off the stress, my friends.

PS-If you wanna smile, here's a famous McEnroe moment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekQ_Ja02gTY

Your dream is going to change lives

Leo Tolstoy once said, "The most powerful warriors are patience and time." When I read that quote a part of me wondered, what does that have to do with anything? And then I realized- you and I are chasing our dream. The only tools that are going to allow us to get better at our passion is patience and time.

The task of learning patience allows you to dig deep. You have to figure out how to press on when most people would have given up by now. Patience allows you to have a calm head when pursuing your dream. You are able to find what you need to improve your skill level.

Time is something that must be treasured when chasing your dream. The gift of time allows your budding talent room to grow.

You have a skill that is unlike any other person on this globe. Your dream is going to change lives and all you need is patience and time.

A bird flew into my back

Today I was going to write a motivational post on obstacles. Oh, I had this baby all planned out in my head and then I got into a head on collision with a bird.

No joke, a bird swooped off my balcony as I was getting out of my car. I didn't see the bird and the bird didn't see me. He flew low and then smashed beak first into my back.

The bird recovered and flew off into the sunrise as if nothing happened. Five minutes later, I am sitting here in my condo absolutely baffled. I don't know if this bird was stoned or what? He must've had quite a shock barreling into my back. And then it dawned on me, obstacles happen no matter what species you are and the only way to get through them is too do what that lil bird did- he flew again, no matter what.

No obstacle stood in his way-I vote we learn from that dear bird.

PS- I felt so horrible for the lil bird I went out and bought a huge bag of bird seed. The birds are eating good tonight!

Maegan is on Barsoom!

Hi all! So, I don't know if you've noticed, but Maegan has a slight crush on Barsoom and all things John Carter. Well, it so happens that she is on Barsoom right now! Or at least Disney's stand-in for it: Goblin Valley in Southern Utah. Where I've seen from her Facebook page that she also took in yesterday's solar eclipse. Cool, yeah?

 I don't know if our dear Maeg is back yet, but judging by the echo-y-ness of her spot on our blog today, I'd say she's not. So I thought I'd pop in and let y'all know whattup. I think we will require her to report and share pictures when she gets back. You with me on that?

In the meantime, thank you so much for reading and supporting our non-linear minds. You make our days brighter. I hope we can return the favor! Cheers!

I fell into a lake while on a date

It's a proven fact nature and I just don't mix. Squirrels attack me, birds poop on me and I always seem to fall into something. This weekend I went golfing and made an absolute fool of myself on a date. Sure, I wore my cute lil black skirt with an argyle hoodie but I also slipped on a rock and fell into a large pool of water.

Okay, here's the details, friends. My date was trying to go for a birdie (whatever that means) while I was running away from an ornery goose. I swear this goose had it in for me. He was hissing and arching his head back while I ran over the tiny hill for safety. And that's when I slipped on a rock and careened into the water.

It was bad enough that I had a gash on my arm but then I had to emerge from the water covered in mud and soaked like no other.

My date didn't finish his work on hole nine. No, he came looking for me-the swamp monster herself. The instant he laid his eyes on me, I knew we were in for a defining moment. The hott date with hair longer than mine could've easily made me feel embarrassed or said a wise crack to tear me down but he didn't. No, he simply smiled. His dimples were divine as he laughed hard, so hard that tears were rolling down his cheeks.

He took off his shoes and waded his feet. He then scooped up a heap of mud and coated his arms with the mud. All the while, he smiled down at me and said, "Guess we're in this adventure together."

He took my hand, helped me out of the water and we drove in our cart to the clubhouse to clean off. The air whipped around my face as I realized my date coated his skin in mud so I wouldn't feel like an idiot when I walked into the clubhouse looking horrid.

Sometimes, life is going to give you an embarrassing moment and other times, people are going to surprise you and do something kind. And if you're lucky, you'll get both wrapped up into one delish moment.

PS- Check out the view we had on one of our last holes while golfing. Stunning, huh?

Train like an athlete for your dream

I love this time of year because it's sports all the way. First there's my beloved Wimbledon and the Tour de France, not to mention the Olympics. Athletes endure hours of training a day. You are no different than an athlete because you train.

According to Dominique Moceanu (Olympic gymnast), training is all about trying something new. She said it best in her book, "It's why you go to the gym . . . to explore possibilities." Granted your dream might not require a gym (in my case, that's a blessing-can you imagine me on a balance beam?) but you get the point.

Whether you’re a writer, painter, dancer or whatever, your dream requires you to train. Take chances, explore new worlds and have courage. You are on the road to your dream. It’s a bumpy and thrilling ride. One minute you can be frustrated as all get up and the next you can flying high over a new achievement.

Train like no other and know this, my friend, your dream is gonna change lives.

Embrace the Pressure

According to Tennis magazine if you're going to be the best at your chosen field you are going to have to embrace the pressure. The article also states that pressure is just another word for responsibility.
Let's face it, athletes battle each and every day with the pressure to achieve their dream. A few years ago, an American athlete named John Isner played an 11 hour match against a French player named Nicolas Mahut. Would you battle 11 hours for your dream?

We have to embrace the pressure and carry on. For example, I'm a hood girl, I come from nothing. My pressure is the fact that I know my family needs me to continue striving for this dream. I have to accept that pressure or let them down. What is your pressure? The responsibility on your shoulders that just won't let you quit.

Tennis magazine said it best, "Look in the mirror and say, I ...am...better...than...this... and actually do something about it."

Tell It Like It Is. PLEASE.

I really appreciate doctors. I do. I appreciate all the time they've spent learning about the human body, the history of medicine, every possible thing that could be wrong with us, and how to treat it. I appreciate everything technicians and nurses learn and do as well. I couldn't complain about anything.
Well, maybe one thing.


Last week I had myself a little health scare. Lovely symptoms that sounded an awful lot like uterine cancer. I'm sure by now you know I'm the type of person who handles news like that calmly. Collectedly. And with what could probably be described as a massive "body-attack." The whole me was shaking like a leaf and generally having an emotional seizure. But I kept it largely inside. I have kids. The minute I rocked their little worlds by saying I might have a health issue, all of their eyes went round like dinner plates, their mouths became tiny  o's, they stopped blinking, and I realized I was going to have to be Captain Positive.


Which would have been a lot easier if my medical side-kicks had been a bit more cooperative. I'll tell you what I mean.


I'm lying on the exam table (GUY ALERT: I'M GOING TO SAY THINGS LIKE "PELVIC" AND "ULTRASOUND." YOU MAY WANT TO AVERT YOUR EYES AND COMMENCE DOING  MANLY THINGS LIKE BULL RIDING) for the pelvic ultrasound (SKEET SHOOTING, BEAR HUNTING), when the technician starts saying things like, "Oh my. Hmmm. I can't quite tell . . . well that's interesting. Sure are a lot of them."


"Wait. Them? What them? A lot of what thems?"
"Oh, I'm afraid I can't say anything. See that sign?" (Points to sign by door which says "Our Technicians Are not Allowed To Say Anything To you Because You Might Sue Us If They Get It Wrong. The Radiologist Will Read Your Results and Relay Them To Your Doctor By The Next Equinox. So Stop Asking.")
"Oh. Okaaaay. But I wouldn't sue. That's not what I'm like."
"Hmmm. I'd better measure that."
"What?! Measure WHAT?"
"And that's hardly there at all. Unusual."
"WHAT'S UNUSUAL?"
"Sign."(Pointing)


And finally at the end of it all: "Well, that's it. Our radiologist will wait four days to tell your doctor what he finds, then after your doctor has finished golfing he'll call you. Probably. You can gather your things. Don't forget your adrenal glands. They've rolled under the table there. Bye."


Then there's the wait. Four days, including a weekend during which I must spend the entire time smiling like a lunatic to reassure my children, while on the inside I am picking out the flowers for my funeral and deciding which hors d'oeuvres to start with after the eulogy.


Monday rolls around and I never hear from the doctor. So I call. And the conversation goes like this:


"Hello. This is Janiel Miller. I'm calling for the results of my pelvic ultrasound (BOWIE KNIFE. THE HURT LOCKER)"
"Oh I'm sorry Mrs. Miller. The doctor isn't in today. You'll have to call back tomorrow."
"Oh. Okay. Can you tell me anything?"
"Well, it looks like you have multiple subserosal fibroid growths located on the myometrium, and we can't rule out the possibility of leiomyosarcoma, but on the other hand many of these can be benign. Okay? We'll have the doctor call you."
"Wait! I didn't understand that."
*Nurse emits sigh then repeats entire paragraph word for word.* "So, we'll have the doctor call you, okay?"
"Um, no. It's not okay. I know that was in English and everything but I have no idea what you just said."
*Speaking slowly like I am a four year-old alien with learning disabilities* "We'll evaluate your particular symptoms against these results and let you know. Goodbye now."


Oh, well. That was so much better.


Needless to say by the next morning my smile was fixed, my eyes glassy, my kids were looking at me nervously as I waved them off to school, and I had moved on to the post-funeral luncheon menu.


So imagine my shock when I finally got a call that afternoon and a perky nurse announced: "Well, Mrs. Miller. The doctor says that your uterus (BRAZILLIAN STREET FIGHTING) looks fantastic! The endometrial lining (HOCKEY) looks terrific, and those pesky little fibroids are nothing to worry about and will probably disappear during menopause (PORSCHE 911 PLUS A CAMERO). Have a nice day!"


Well YOU HAVE A FREAKING NICE DAY TOO, LADY!  Me? I'm going to go fall face-first into a vat of pineapple-coconut frozen yogurt and day-dream about being the medical profession's broker. The next time the economy tanks and they want to know how their money is doing? I'll just smile, say "Oh my. How strange." Then I'll point to a sign on my wall.


Sheesh.

I totally tripped while at the symphony

This weekend I attended the symphony. Most people enjoy a night out on the town with zero issues. Me? Well, not so much. Oh, I dressed up in my sequin gown with a lacy fascinator. You know the fancy smancy hats that guests wore at the Royal wedding. The only difference is I bought mine half off from a drunk guy at the mall.

Anyway, back to my embarrassing moment. The glass door to the Symphony Hall is opened and I stroll in gracefully. Granted in my head I am thinking repeatedly, "Don't trip. Don't trip. Don't trip," and sure enough, what do I do? I trip and not just some teeter of your feet and then catch your balance. Oh, no, when I trip, I make sure to make my presence known. And when your 6'2 and collapsing to the floor it's quite a spectacle.

All I remember is placing my hand on the railing to walk up the large stair case, I stepped on my gown and that's when trouble ensued. I collapsed on the stairs. No joke, my body was as straight as a surf board. My date is trying not to laugh but seriously, I look absolutely ridiculous. I pull myself up quickly and laugh heartedly.

An old woman clutches her son's hand said, "You all right, Dearie?"

All I can do is smooth out my gown and say, "And to think, that was one of my more graceful falls."

Yep, tripping is practically my super hero power. I'm down for the count and before someone even notices what happened I am back up and ready for an adventure.

Someday's are going to be a mash up of utter beauty and horrid moments but I am learning that those moments rejuvenate the mind.

Ps- this story reminded me of the time that I tripped at a boutique while shopping with Janiel and Maegan. I knocked over some display in the process. I wonder if they remember that day. Anyways, that's a story for another day.

Ways to improve your discipline

Athletes are known for their discipline. Every thought they have when in training is centered around one idea-how will this affect me in the morning.

You are no different from an athlete when you pursue your dream. The idea of discipline sounds overwhelming but did you know that there is one way to strengthen your discipline? Watch you posture.

I know, I was baffled when I read this idea in Success magazine. Your mind is something that needs to be exercised daily. The act of constantly checking your posture strengthens your mental muscles. In the words of Success magazine, "You're paying attention to yourself, giving yourself something to watch out for and regulate."

Another way athletes manage their discipline is to have a short term memory. You can't focus on the moments that you failed. Learn from the mistakes and then keep going full steam ahead.

You're dream is right around the corner and it's waiting for you. Keep working hard hard, my friends.

Stay positive no matter what

According to Tennis magazine, "Recovery takes longer than you expect. Progress isn't linear, it accelerates and stalls."

Recovery is something we all go through, some of us recover from injuries and heartache. Others recover from the scarring that life can bring. No matter who are, you have faced something freaky. Can I just say you are incredible? Everything you face strengthens your resolve.

Progress means opening your eyes and figuring out what you really need. It's the ability to carry on with patience and confidence. To progress means that you encourage yourself. You stay positive, no matter what obstacle is ahead of you. Remember this dream of yours is going to change lives.

In-Laws and Dork Dogs And What It All Means

Note: If you are a relative of mine on my husband's side, please avert your eyes. Maybe find something else to read. And remember, I love you.


So. My husband's family has a problem with dogs. The family home was a farm, which meant there were always ten batrillion canines running around. And for as long as I have known these lovely people, every. single. one. of the dogs. has had brain-damage.


Oh, not technically. Like, not on paper. No veterinarian has ever handed my in-laws a piece of paper that said, "This dog is clinically brainless." But I tell you, that piece of paper has been there in spirit.


For example: the hub's fam had a dog that used to run headlong into walls and hit with such force that it would change directions. On purpose. This is, in fact, how the dog turned corners. The same dog would get so excited when it barked that it would begin choking: "Bark! Bark! Bar--cough, choke--ark! Bark! Bark!--gag, cough, choke--" etc.


Then there was the little beastie that, every time it stood up from lying next to you, left body parts behind. Not. Kidding. Ew.


There was the Pomeranian who thought my shoe laces were possessed and attacked them venomously every time I was near. The Spaniel that decided my husband was the alpha-male and peed on his shoes every time we came to visit. And the ginormoid Dalmatian that knocked furniture, cars, and often my mother-in-law over with its tail.


The best part of it all is this: my mo-in-law now owns a Shelty. It's a little thing that used to be a show dog and has demonstrated tremendous air-headedness on many occasions (enough that my oldest son once said to me, "What do you expect, mom? She's a model.") (Bwa! Points for wittiness!) Little doggie generally gets in the way, barks her guts out, runs and hides from strangers, and does nothing to protect her owner.


This drives MIL crazy. She complains. Wishes her dog were better. And generally has given me the feeling that she does not like this animal.


So here is the best part (yeah, all that stuff before wasn't it. This is it): The other night during a storm my mother-in-law's little doglette got out of the yard. It was 45 minutes before my MIL noticed her missing. I expected some eye-rolling. Maybe some snarky commenting. But apparently I know nothing about dogs and dog-owners. Because for all of her kvetching about the little pet, my mother-in-law turned out to be attached to the thing. She was very distressed. Rallied the troops. Family spent over an hour driving around in the dark looking for the dear creature. There were dangerous roads and the dog could have been anywhere, or even no longer anywhere at all.


Finally, after much searching, Tia was found trembling in a stranger's driveway. My mother-in-law got the little fur ball to come with her and soon had her snug and safe at home. Then she called and shakily told me the story and how grateful she was that she had found her little friend.


And frankly, I was too. Turns out little dog-face means a lot to that good woman. It brings to mind the saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." And more serious, the idea that we don't really appreciate what we have until it's gone.


So, maybe here's what I'm taking from this: When something frustrates or annoys us, maybe it's a sign that we should look a little closer at it. See if we can find some good. If we succeed, how much better life will be. If we don't--if we can't find anything redeeming at all in whatever it is--at least we'll know. And we can move on to something better.


I like that.


But I'm not getting a dog.

Kerri Strug and determination

I've been reading a biography on Kerri Strug, the gymnast that landed her vault with one leg and led the US Olympic team to gold. She states, "Just when you believe your dreams have been shattered, everything can come together and you are vaulted into a world where dreams come true."

I believe Miss Strug is right. The moment you think everything revolving around your dream is lost is the moment where your dream will come together. The road blocks are there not to discourage you but to make you work even harder.

My friends, you have a beautiful future ahead of your self. Stop for a minute and see just how remarkable you are- I mean, you have continued on when most people would have given up. I say you deserve a treat, go nab some ice cream or whatever makes you smile and then get back to work. I believe in you.

I got kicked out of a restaurant

Apparently I have torn my meniscus, basically it's the tendon that structurally supports the knee. Let me tell you, it burns like no other. I got the stupid injury because I tripped while on a date.

On last Saturday Janiel and Maegan went to a writing conference. Me? No, I got to spend the afternoon with Dr. Look-at-you-chest. I swear this guy smelled like cinnamon and vomit.

Anyways, the afternoon stunk so my friend Jameses took me to late dinner at a fish and chip resteraunt. I can't say the name of the place because we got kicked out.

My friend Jameses had a divine day of dealing with my knee all on an empty stomach. So when the wait service took forever Jameses went postal. We sat at the restaurant for quite sometime without drinks and etc. I suggested we leave and just hit some fast food dive but no, Jameses wasn't having that.

He watched platter and platter arrive at every other table but ours. Most people would walk away but not Jameses. He eyed a platter that went to a nearby table. The meal was cooked in some tinfoil wrapping. The customer set the wrapping to the edge of the table and Jameses went to work.

Jameses leaned over to a man, who we will call Mr. Burp-N-Slurp because seriously that's how he ate, and said, "You using the foil?"

Mr. Burp-N-Slurp didn't even respond, he handed Jameses the foil and trouble ensued.

Jameses wasted not a minute and grabbed my hand sanitizer. He then smoothed out the foil and began writing with the hand sanitizer. His letters were bold and they read out, "SERVICE NOW."

He then took his lighter and lit the sanitizer on fire.

At the moment I didn't think anything of the alcohol in the sanitizer but when the words went a captivating light blue I realized I was watching a mini-fire at my table.

I started to bust a gut, tears were rolling down my eyes as Mr. Burp-N-Slurp cheered at the fire. The manager came zooming down the eisle, his brows were so furrowed they looked like a unibrow. It dawned on me, we were so getting kicked out of the restaurant and sure enough that was our fate.

It's been almost a week since Jameses sent his message to the wait staff and I still can't stop giggling. I mean, seriously, who lights hand sanitizer on fire to send a message? Only my deranged Jameses and I love him for it.

How to get through a rough day

Let's face it, some days are just not going to go the way you want when chasing a dream. In those moments, you have to dig deep. Olympic athletes have a phrase for this, it's called staying strong.

You have to be determined to grind it out, work harder than you did yesterday. My tennis coach says it best, "Focus, do not let up for a second."

He's right, on the days where you want to bang your head against the wall out of frustration. You must take a deep breath and focus on the task at hand. Sometimes the process of learning requires you to slow down and not push yourself so hard.

You can do this, you can achieve your dream but first you must stay strong, my friends.

I tripped in front of Barnes & Noble

Challenge of the Month: Adventures in the month of March

There are many ways to make a brilliant first impression-shake someones hand firmly or wink at a hottie. Unfortunately, when you are 6'2, all legs, sometimes you can do neither of those things.

I went shopping with a dark haired man who seriously left me breathless. He took me to Toys R US on our date. No joke, we roamed the store shooting dart guns at each other and laughing until we snorted. We snuck comic books into a plastic fort and ate licorice. It was the most random date I have been on and I couldn't get enough of the bloke.

We then high tailed it to Barnes and Noble. I should've been looking at the curb but nooo, I had to glance up and smile at his insanely long hair. Before I had a second to think, I tripped over the curb. My date tried to break my fall but his efforts were useless.

My knees buckled and I all-out collapsed to the ground. As if that wasn't enough, my body somehow slide on the ice like I was gliding into first base.

The word mortified couldn't even describe my emotions. I mean, customers couldn't come out of the store because my body was blocking the entryway.

All I could do was erupt with laughter. His smile was devilish as he helped me stand up. I brushed the injury off because let's face it, I always trip but my date was an EMT. He somehow convinced the store to grab their first aid kit.
He then whisked me to a chair and rolled up my leggings to inspect the knee.

I sat there staring at the dark haired hottie while he applied antibiotics and band aids to my super-sick open wound. His fingers moved fluently and he even blew on my knee. At that moment, I couldn't stop smiling at him. I noticed the way that his tongue poked at his cheek when nervous.

He didn't make me feel like a fool. No, he kissed me on the forehead and helped me stand.

My knee stung like no other but my heart seemed free.

Yep, it's official-I adore March.

Dealing with life's little surprises

Do you ever have those weeks where life just takes you by surprise? This has been that kind of week for me, two young people from my past have died. Granted, I haven't spoken to either of them for years but their passing has really made me stop to think about life and the dreams we chase.

You realize that some people come into your life randomly. They sit a spell with you and then they are gone but that doesn't mean they didn't influence you. Losing them changes how you exist. You notice life, you see the beauty in rain and the smell of pine trees.

On this day, I sit at this computer and listen to the wind. It sounds like someone is screaming outside. My condo shakes as my cat Lux stretches out on my suitcase. I begin to think about why we chase the dreams we do.

Why do you pursue your dreams? I write about death because it can't seem to escape me. Sometimes the things we pursue help fill a need. Yes, chasing our dream can be exhausting. However, in the tough moments in life your dream can help you cope and that's a beautiful thing. Cherish your talent, my friend. You have something beautiful within you.

PS- Next week I will post a short story, so sorry for the delay.

Famous people who were told they wouldn't succeed

Some of the very best dreamers have been told they will never achieve their dream. According to US Weekly, Lea Michele from Glee was told "You're not pretty enough. Get a nose job."

Have you been told you cannot achieve what you desire? Well, you are in good company.

Salma Hayek was harshly informed that "she should go back to Mexico, settle down and have kids."

Where would these people be if they listened to the naysayers? My friends, you have an incredible amount of talent. I am in awe of every single one of you. You can do whatever you set your mind to, sounds cliche but it's true.

And if you need one more example of this look to January Jones of Mad Men. She was told by her boyfriend "I don't think you're going to be good at this."

Let me say, you CAN do this. Your dream is waiting for you. Keep working, keep growing. We're behind you all the way.

How bad do you want your dream?

My friends, I don't know about you but the road to your dream can be a crazy-thrilling ride. One minute you are on a high from a well-deserved victory and the next, you are questioning every move you make.

It's official, going for dream means a sacrifice, whether that be a sacrifice of sleep, TV or etc. Sometimes you have to sacrifice your routine. You have to step into the unknown.

The other day I went to nab some sushi with Jameses, we tried everything from eel rolls (Yep, you read this right, eel) to an insanely good sweet potato roll. For some reason I was having a stressful morning. I vented about everything from lack of sleep, my latest college course and the novel that just won't leave me alone.

Jameses listened patiently. Sure, he stuffed his mouth with food while I rambled on and on but he listened nonetheless.

After five minutes, he stared me straight in the eye and he said, "How bad do you want your dream?"

I stopped my venting and nervously fidgeted with my silver chunky retro necklace. "Badly, why?"

He took a sip of lemon water, nearly chocked on a seed and said, "Stress means squat. Not when you want something bad enough."

His sentence has been on my mind all weekend. There are certain demands on your shoulders when you go for heart's desire. We all feel the stress of our dream but as Jameses said, the stress is nothing. Not when your hunger outweighs the demands. Focus on that thought because a beautiful life is around the bend.

Frustration nudges you closer to your dream

My friends, chasing a dream can be exhausting. Sometimes you have good days and sometimes you have horrid moments. It's all a part of the struggle to achieve your hearts desire.

I hate admitting this but today was a bad day. You know the kind where you are so frustrated you just push aside the computer, put your head down on the table and try not to cry. I almost texted Janiel and Maegan because they are great in a time of story angst. However, my cat Lux vomited on my brand new plaid chucks so I was otherwise preoccupied, blasted cat.

I am slowly learning that the moments where you get overwhelmed by the demands on your shoulders is when a breakthrough is around the corner.

Yes, there are going to be days of struggle but accept the moments of frustration. They push you to work harder. The feeling of being overwhelmed nudges you closer to your dream and that is something beautiful.

I got into a bar scuffle

Before I forget, a good blogging friend, Norma Beishir is celebrating the re-release of her 2008 novel, Chasing the Wind. The gal has talent in spades. I cannot wait to buy the novel on Amazon and thought I would pass along the info to you all.

As you all know, the past few months have left me sick as a dog. I spent December and January in my velvet covers on my round bed hacking up a lung. Thankfully, those days are long gone. I finally feel up to par and as a result, I have gone on quite a partying bender, sans any substances, of course.

It all started with karaoke night and my 2012 mantra-live like this is your last year on Earth.
My friends, this mantra may be the death of me. This weekend I went with Jameses and crew, I wore my black lacy cardigan with leggings and chic motorcycle boots.

I loathe karaoke, I don't see the point in singing off key with strangers making out in the dark corners but hey, this is about doing something new and exciting, right?

Unfortunately, I don't do exciting well. No, catastrophe follows me around every bend. So, nestled in a tiny basement bar, Jameses and crew take turns in karaoking their little hearts out.

I hold my hand sanitizer in my palm and keep staring at this huge 6 foot 6 man who cannot peel his eyes off my friend. This chick is so short I could even throw her across the room but she's a spitfire.

So, this bulky 6 foot 6 man approaches Spitfire Girl. He comes on to my friend, he grabs her arm and yanks her close to him. Spitfire girl pushes him back. There's not a security guard in sight. No one around me knows what to do, they are watching this creepy guy force Spitfire Girl to walk to his side of the bar.

My new motorcycle boots must have inspired me to go crazy on his butt because I run after him and leap on his back. I am still mortified that I did this, I leaped on this humongous man's back and refused to get off until he let her go.

He then throws me off his back like I'm a lil mouse (which is hard to do, I am 6 foot 2). I gash my forearm on loose pipe. I should have walked away after Spitfire Girl was safe but noooo, something inside me snapped and I yelled, "There's no way I am getting hepatitis because you're a creep."

The 6 foot 6 guy just stares at me in surprise. Jameses and crew burst out laughing because I am not freaked out by 6 foot 6 man. Instead I am worried that I am going to get hepatitis. The tension has faded.

The 6 foot 6 man begins laughing. Yep, everyone is laughing-the tears gushing out of their eyes, lungs burning kind of laughing. All because I am a wacked-out-germ-fearing-kind of gal.

Everyone goes back to what they were doing. For the next hour, I got ribbed for jumping on a humongus man's back. I can't stop smiling and laughing. The only way to get them to shut up is to do the thing I loathe most-sing karaoke.

I walk up to the stage, gulp down the fear and grab the microphone. I tap my black boots against the floor and sing along with Sir Mix-A-Lot, "I like big butts and I cannot lie . . . "

A Valentine's Story

February Challenge of the Month: A Valentine's Short Story

Warning: This story might just be true but I'll never say for sure

My ex-boyfriend used to call me his hood-girl. I loathed the phrase. Every time he uttered the words I was reminded of my lot in life, which must be why he didn't last long. No one wants to be reminded of what is lacking in their lives.

Whether the ex stuck around or not, he had a point. You cannot escape your past. I am and always will be the daughter of a loon. My parents divorced when I was eight. As a teenager, my father would pick me and brother's up for dinner. I always wanted to go to Denny's to see the hott server. Instead, my father would cook up a vat of SpagettiO's and we would eat in the parking lot of Albertson's. The chill of the snow was nothing compared to the chill in his station wagon.

I am what the ex said, a hood-girl.

There is a certain pride that comes when dealing with poverty. The more you struggle, the more you gain in confidence. You know that the worst will never faze you because the worst has already happened. And so, you venture out in the world ready for anything.

I can handle gunfire and death threats. I can even handle the hunger of wanting something more but I cannot handle him-- Zack. The obnoxiously hot guy who lives on the hill. His mansion is nestled between two large oak trees that have been around almost as much as his families money.

Zack wakes up in the morning and gazes out the window only to see a man-made waterfall and hundreds of tulips planted by his gardener. I wake up to the scenery of a brick wall and green trash cans. Our daily panorama is completely different but that doesn't matter. When we are together all we see is each other.

Every year we struggle with the same debate-how to handle Valentine's Day.

Zack was raised where the man brings flowers to their lover. I was raised where flowers are what you lay on the caskets of the dead.

A fancy dinner dance is out of the question because he can jig-it-out to all sorts of complicated dances, I cannot. I accidentally stamp on his feet with no rhythm whatsoever.

And so, we are caught in the middle of a tug of war between the privileged and the poor. Neither of us can understand the other. I am completely okay with not celebrating Valentine's day but Zack won't have it. Every year his family hosts a massive soiree at his mansion. After a week of constant debating, I nearly give up on the bloke. Strangely, Cupid throws a miracle our way. Zack begins to see the world through my eyes.

Valentine's Day could have been a nightmare but he saw things differently. He picked me up in his Cadillac. I tugged at my navy blue boots, wishing they were Prada, not Payless. I am nervous as all get up, until I see the pot of beef ravioli sitting between us. We pull into the local market, I smile up at him, realizing he has sacrificed more than his dignity to sit here with me.

The passerby's walk swiftly to get their groceries. They don't even notice us through the tinted windows. This is what I am used to, this is my world.

Zack hands me plate and dishes out a serving of ravioli. He smiles in a sexily sly sort of way and says, "I got you flowers and you didn't even know it."

"I don't smell any flowers," I said.

Zack ran his hands through his long brown hair, "They are in the ravioli-rose hip sauce, a family recipe."

There are no words to say as I munched on the divine dinner. We come from two different worlds, his Sunday dinner's are a formal affair. Mine are spent hoping that my drug addict Uncle doesn't burp mid-prayer.

I guess you can mesh two different worlds together.

I learned a valuable lesson that night with Zack. Your history doesn't define you. It mold's you into the person you are today. Cherish your past, so that you can cherish others.

Live in the moment, Nastia Liukin

Nastia Liukin, Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, once said in Vogue Magazine, "When you're out there, you're not thinking about the big picture. You just have to live in the moment and enjoy it."

My friends, we are chasing a dream and the pursuit can be exhausting. Not just on our minds but also on our bodies. I am starting to think the way to really flourish is to learn from Miss Liukin-live in the moment.

Enjoy the ups but even more than that, cherish the downs. Yes, the moments of victory make the process seem worthwhile but the hard times are what strengthens our resolve. Enjoy the moment because something beautiful awaits you.

Laurie Anne Gibson & fighting for your dream

Lemme be honest, 2012 has not gone my way yet. For the past three weeks, I have been in a NyQuil induced haze. Yep, being sick is no fun at all but resting does have its advantages when chasing a dream.

It allows you some time to regroup and refocus. After battling sickness, you see things more clearly, like what is important and what needs to go. You cherish your health, you fight for it.
And that fighting spirit is your most important tool when chasing a dream.

Laurie Anne Gibson, former choreographer for Lady Gaga said it best, "To me, dance is a fight. It's about passion, heart and the ability to find hope in the smallest crack. The freedom to be who you born to be."

What to do when fear holds you back

Dominique Moceanu, an American gymnast, once said, "If you feel fear, you will not be able to achieve your best." I dunno know about you but fear hits me at the oddest times. When it comes to my own dream, one minute I am fine and the next, I am a basket of nerves.

My dear friends, we cannot afford to allow fear to squeeze a way into our lives. This dream is yours for a reason. You know what motivates you and you also know what holds you back. The only way you are going to achieve your dream is to hold tight to what drives you forward.

Yes, fear can be ever-present when chasing your hearts desire. Do not fear the unknown. The fact of the matter is-you are stronger than your fear. Never forget that truth.

World peace and Ugg boots

January Challenge: Fantasy goals for 2012

I'll be the first to admit, I don't really do New Years resolutions. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that my goal in seventh grade was to smooch Tom Cruise and well, that never happened.

Now, before you cringe lemme note that this wasn't the crazy-pants Tom Cruise of our day and age. Do you remember when Mr. Cruise was in Top Gun and he seemed normal and HOTT? I know, 'tis but a distant memory. Anyways, on to my fantasy goal.

For 2012, I would like to become Pippa and Kate Middleton's long lost sister. Yep, wouldn't the Royals gasp when I came dressed to Buckingham Palace in my leather leggings and studded Ugg boots?

I would like the Queen to note my wacked out sense of style and say, "Ugg boots for all."

After a scrumptious supper of pork and cupcakes, Prince William, Prince Harry and I would then go on a massive shopping trip. The goal? Snag the whole world some studded Ugg boots. No one and I mean no one, would be left out.

Ugg boots would be delivered to the likes of evil doers, basketball players, civilians and military personal. And then something strange would happen- the world would become peaceful. All because of a pair of Ugg boots.

Yep, that's my goal for 2012. Make the world peaceful with the help of the Royal family and shoes.

But if I can't bring about world peace, maybe I will take a 6 month hiatus from life and become a Navy Seal. Surrounded by HOTT men, guns and mud. I'm so there.

Happy New Year!

Maegan, Janiel and I hope every one of you have a thrilling New Year. 2012, baby!

Something beautiful awaits you this year, can you see it? Your dream is just on the horizon and it's waiting for you.