Day #78 - Thirty

Oh to be 30 again...I remember when I turned 30 years old thinking my life had not turned out like it was supposed to. When I was 15 years old I was babysitting a neighbor's kids on New Years Eve writing in my journal after the kids were put to bed, watching the ball drop in New York on TV. I wrote that I would be 26 in the year 2000. I would probably have 3 or 4 kids by then and would be a stay at home Mom and some other 15 year old would be babysitting my kids while my husband and I went out to party like it was 1999...

By the time I turned 30 I figured out life doesn't always turn out how I plan for it to. The year of 30 was a lot of "if only's, what if's, I should have's" and so on. If nothing else the year of 30 taught me to just "be". I don't mean not to have goals or make plans, but to "be" where I "am". It is ok that my life is different than I pictured it would be and it isn't wrong because it didn't turn out as planned; life has turned out pretty great.

Tonight all my siblings in town, their spouses, Mom and Dad met to celebrate Chuck's 30th Birthday. Travis and I were the first one's there, Mom & Dad picked up Chuck who was on time for once and the others had a babysitting crisis and they were 30 minutes late. Lot's of things accumulated to play back like a video in my mind - I will try to articulate it quickly and hope it makes sense:

* While we were waiting for the others to get there Dad mentioned for some reason that he has had a wonderful life - no regrets, just blessings.
* Chuck and I talked the other day about turning 30 and how he is not where he thought he would be
* Josie (big brother Jason's daughter) is the babysitter watching the younger cousin's - she is 15
* When we stood up to walk out of the restaurant in a big Dana hoard I thought of my Aunts and Uncles on the Strong side of the family and how they looked to me when they were young parents working their way into their 40's.

I'm not really sure where I am taking this post other then to say isn't the circle of life amazing and interesting and unexpected. The whole night was representative of a whole cycle to me.

I wish...I hope...I love...I Am...

CHUCK - 30 is GREAT - wherever you are in your life.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Where one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us." Alexander Graham Bell

Photos of the Party...low light and camera phone...Oh Well.

Day #77 - Glass Slipper

I already wrote a letter to my sister Melissa with just about the same information in it as this post, but since I just finished decorating for the Christmas Holiday I thought this was a good time to remember my Grandma Sybil Dana - My Dad's Mom.

Grandma had the most beautiful, feminine things. Lot's of nic nacs, doilies, dolls, fringed lamps, flowers on everything and pink, pink EVERYWHERE. She did have a flair for decorating in the Victorian Doll House style and everything was always clean and beautiful. At Christmas she always had a bunch of angels out and the most gorgeous tree with some fun and delicate ornaments and TONS of WHITE lights.

I remember the trees changed a bit over the years. They used to be flocked trees with pink and silver trim covering almost every available inch and then one year the tree was green with pink and silver trim, then it turned green with gold highlights, but there was ALWAYS pink...and long strings of pearls wrapping the tree.

After Grandma Sybil passed away they had a luncheon in her memory and decorated all the tables with her treasures. I wrote to my sister that I was itching to pocket a few of them and we were told at the end of lunch to pick one of the shoe ornaments that Grandma used to hang on her Christmas trees to take home with us. I picked one for me and my sisters Keri and Melissa, since they were not in town at the time. I wish now that I had taken pictures of all the shoes so I could post them, but here is mine.

I liked this photo because it is sort of GLOWY and other worldly - sort of like Grandma always seemed to me...always in her special universe. She was a very unique individual and I couldn't be more different then she was, but I love her and missed seeing her at Thanksgiving this year...So, even though my tree is red & gold w/colored lights, I promise to take good care of this glass slipper and think of Grandma Sybil each year as I place it there.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "When the student is ready, the teacher appears" sixth chakra adage...

Day #76 - Gutbuster Breakfasts

I love the big Holiday Weekend Breakfast. This was what Trav and I had for breakfast yesterday:

The picture looks kind of gross, but I found this HUGE bread - just french bread cut into thick slices - at Costco and now we indulge every few weeks in delicious french toast. I think breakfast is one of my favorite meals to eat and to cook. I do hate cleaning the pans after for some reason. It only takes a few minutes, but sometimes I won't clean it until the next day when I am sick of it taking up all my counter space or Travis will handle it while shaking his head at me.

The great thing about a big breakfast is I normally don't feel like eating again until dinner time...so even though I have overindulged a bit in the morning, it is like brunch so I don't need to feel bad about it.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Politeness serves a purpose...civility and kindness are moral imperatives." Jane Austen

Day #75 - Black Friday

I dislike shopping. The only time I really enjoy it is when I know what I want, can get it done quickly and have lots of money. Travis and I decided to take a drive out and about to check various stores and deals going on. Travis NEVER goes out on Black Friday, but for some reason he was curious this year.

It was weird...True, we got out around 11:00 a.m. so might have missed the big crowds, but it seemed really slow for shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I am curious if you noticed a difference this year. We did end up buying a roasting pan and a 3-in-one scanner for our home office, but nothing too special or expensive - both were actually 1/2 off.

I'm actually on a mission to make our home office more user friendly. I worked from home on Weds. and it was HORRIBLE. There is zero work space, the chair is super uncomfortable to sit in for longer then an hour and everything is hard to get at...I can't believe Travis has been working at this station for the last several months...This will be my gift to him. Now that I have the scanner thing, I just need to find a good office chair and set everything up. It will be sweet and much more conducive to productivity.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do something I can do." Helen Keller

Day #74 - A Day Of Thanks Giving

Just got home from Turkey dinner at Mom & Dad's house. It felt small this year - not the dinner. Dinner was HUGE, but we were missing Lance (in Cambodia), Jason (working), Grandma (passed away), Melissa and family (in Florida). I guess Dad was tender about Grandma this morning as this was the first big holiday without his Mom - it really did feel different. I do believe a good time was had by all.

We had a chance to talk about the 29 Day Giving Challenge and almost everyone participated in some way or other, even Chuck shared some giving stories with us. My two favorites - he paid for a ladies Taco Bell dinner at the drive thru after cutting her off to get in front of her and he keeps taking various neighbors garbage out when they leave it by their front door. I guess it is far away from the apartment so people just set it outside until they leave to take it down. Chuck will be the "Garbage Man" making garbage magically disappear...

Amy and Keri both shared some good stories and I think we all agree it is difficult to stay in the space of giving. We just go through our day and get to the end and realize...I may have missed an opportunity to make a difference today. The other thing that Amy pointed out about Keri...she seems to give service without thinking about it. She was telling Amy that she hadn't done any service for the challenge yet and Amy said "what about when you babysat for me? raked my leaves? shoveled my walks? cleaned Mom and Dad's windows?"...oh yeah.

Anyway, this wasn't meant to be hard and I really do think it made us all think about how little it takes to make a difference.

Diva Quote: "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anays Nin

I Am Grateful,
HB

I made Rolls - I neglected to get pictures of the Turkey, but it was a big one

Mel made Pies - Left the Chocolate Pie home, made a delicious Carmel Apple Cheese cake (Mom made the pumpkin I think) and Josie dropped the Apple Pie creating...

APPLE PILE

 Good job Josie Bear (with Mel and Seth)...

 Mom and Chuck

 Keri and Golden

 Amy and Elle

 My Hubby Travis

Mom and Dad



Day #73 - Snow Day

I am often amazed when I call companies back East to place a referral and they have bolted early due to ice and snow. I almost don't remember having a snow day. When I was young I remember HOPING for a snow day and very rarely getting one. I may remember leaving work early sometimes to avoid driving in direct commuter traffic during a snow storm, but very rarely an actual snow day.

Our office officially closed at 3:00 p.m. today in anticipation of a heavy blizzard commute. I thought it was so responsible and caring of management to pretty much insist on it. I left at 1:00 to get home well before I had to worry about driving up Parley's Canyon. Being stranded on an off ramp last fall due to a fatal accident on the way home was one too many times for me.

The accident was caused by a FedEx truck losing its breaks, careening down the mountain and crossing over to oncoming traffic crashing into and killing one person. I waited there, with hundreds of others not knowing why the freeway was closed, waiting for the road to open back up. The Eastbound Canyon was closed for several hours.

The only good part of that experience was when I hopped out of my car to see if I could figure out what was happening and there was a car full of young women and leaders who had been on their way to a retreat. They had 2 cars full of food - tacos and deserts. They started inviting people to join them for dinner. I admit I did eat a taco and thought about how this experience would turn into an interesting memory for those young girls...anticipation into tragedy into service. I finally decided to make my way down the mountain to visit my sister instead of spend hours waiting. Regardless, I did not want to risk a repeat today.

Several other businesses closed down after 1:00 this afternoon. The news made such a HUGE deal out of the blizzard conditions saying things like "total whiteout, zero visibility, life threatening conditions" that it was pretty difficult not to take it seriously.

It was interesting to be sitting in my house at 5:00 p.m. and not see any evidence of a storm other than some wind...It eventually did start up and the pictures on the news, as well as the commentary, made it seem like a good decision for all. I started to wonder if UDOT (Utah Department of Transportation), who seems to be very visible in the media right now in the good PR sense, fed the idea to the media. They were highlighted as saying less traffic has really helped their snow plows and created fewer incidents of slide offs and accidents.

I am just glad I have a job that does not flinch if I need to leave early to avoid bad weather even though I have the most awesome tires in the world...

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "To see what is right and not to do it is to lack courage or principle." Confucius

Gift: Picasa...Thanks M - now if I can just figure out how to use it...Here are a few photos in honor of snow day...

Day #72 - Spliced

I almost took the tip of my finger off on Sunday when I was attempting to make homemade scalloped hash browns for breakfast. I bought this mandala (sp?) thing from Avon not long ago and Travis thinks it is amazing. He uses it all the time and talked me into using it on Sunday. I grumbled about how it never works right for me and he just showed me how he uses it and left me to my own devices.

Well...I was about 3 small potatoes into it and must not have been paying attention. I was just slicing along, not using the guard and...splice...now there is just this chunk of skin not quite staying put where it should on my pointing finger (isn't that the index finger?). It didn't really hurt as much as it grossed me out.

Now, I cannot type nearly as quickly as I did without the injury and it makes me realize how grateful I am for the full use of my hands. I know it is possible to get on without an index finger, but I would sure not enjoy learning how to make that happen.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference" Elie Wiesel

Gift: The weather forecast called for snow all day and night. I have been very nervous about my cars tires even though they are only just over a year old now. Every time I drive in weather I feel insecure as I feel the tires catch or slide over water. I kept thinking it had to be me and my overactive imagination. I was so nervous I asked Trav if he would drive my car during the storms and let me take the ancient all wheel drive all the time Subaru with tire tread to spare. He said "of course" and then offered to drive me to work and pick me up. I decided he didn't need to go that far.

Later in the morning he called to tell me my car didn't even make it up the small hill by our house and he had to wait until noon to try again once the sun had a chance to slush things up a bit. I have to admit I felt a bit vindicated that I was not making up some story about my tires. The gift (you can see several within this post, but this is the one I was focused on) is that Travis spent two hours today getting new tires put on my car. I would have bought the tires w/the 60K mile warranty (the cheapest ones), but he upgraded to an all weather 80K mile tire.

I could have handled this on my own, I'm a grown woman after all, but sometimes it is nice to be taken care of. I keep asking myself if Travis has been being extra thoughtful lately or if I am getting better at noticing his small and frequent acts of kindness. My message here is to pay attention to the goodness of your loved one(s)...and you will notice more and more of it.

Day #71 - My Shipoopie Journey At An End

I finally feel like the basement is repaired. It has been many weeks since the toilet incident, but I have not forgotten it or the journey following it. I have many photos to post and TRIED to figure out how to format them into 4 per square...but just could not get it done in a timely fashion. My friend at work keeps telling me where I can find the proper program online, but heck if I can ever remember the link. I will just post from beginning to end and try to be selective about it.

The BEGINNING: This delicious photo illustrates the disaster's beginning. I walked into this mess with the plumber on my heels. Sorry it is so gross. The sewage went out into the hall and into the two bedrooms.

THE CLEAN-UP: This has got to be the most thankless job out there...The remediation team was GREAT. I am so glad someone ELSE got to handle the worst job. I also got the GOOD NEWS that there were like 12 dead mice in the walls when they came off...lovely; called the exterminator the next day as well.

THE NEW AND IMPROVED: I am soooo glad this nightmare is over. It was expensive even WITH insurance, but I am so glad we had coverage. I got smart and put tile in the bathroom - who would want carpet in a bathroom? If you have carpet in your bathroom, I am sorry (I still have carpet in one of my bathrooms and I hate it), but really...what do you do if the toilet overflows?

It is so funny looking at the photo of the hallway I noticed the dry wall dust on the picture frame...whoops. I had to wipe down all the doors and moldings today there was so much dust left over from the dry wallers; looks like I missed a spot

I am so glad this project is at an end. I sincerely hope I do not have to experience something like this again.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "The things that happen to me day after day, the things that claim me day after day - these contain my essential tasks" Martin Buber

Day #70 - TV

FINALLY - we got a new TV. I know we don't NEED a TV and we did have a very big one that I hope I can find a photo of, but it started to break down. We called a TV repair man and they told us they don't have parts for the 12 year old Mitsubishi TV...We have dealt with White outs for about 5 months now and finally decided to move forward.

Today the Nerd Herd...I mean the Geek Squad, came out and installed our new humongous TV to the wall. If I had done this myself it would have taken about 10 hours - it only took this "geek" about 1.5 hours. It has already been a thrill to watch our shows on the big screen. I will try to take some photos tomorrow to share.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Day #69 - Good Night Nurse

I am so grateful our friend came out of his surgery ok. He has had some physical troubles for awhile and needed this particular surgery for a long time. I am just glad he finally got it and it turned out ok...so far so good. Today I truly just want to send my gratitude out there.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Day #67 - Mentholatum

Growing up in my Mom's house meant always knowing where to find snacks stashed in the treat drawer, counting on a homemade dinner on the table most nights, smelling that sweet scent every time you hugged her good night, knowing NOT to mess with her when she gritted her teeth sending you that look with a finger snap and point at your face for emphasis and always ALWAYS knowing there would be a jar of Mentholatum on the side table in the master bedroom (her side of the bed of course).

NOT A GREAT PICTURE...OH WELL.

All my life it seems I have used Mentholatum on my lips at night and sometimes on my nostrils if I was sporting a cold. I always thought Mentholatum was MADE to be used on the lips. I never looked until a few months ago when I was stocking up...Turns out it is a "Topical Analgesic"

Analgesic: A remedy that allays or relieves pain

Uses: Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains of muscles and joints

Directions: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily. If SWALLOWED get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away...

SWEET - I have been putting that stuff on my mouth for years...I'm not necessarily saying my mom mislead me in this ONE thing...but maybe she did. I still love it...it gives my lips that pumped up feeling and they are soft after use...Besides, Mom is still doing ok and she has been using it for years. Ah sweet menthol tingle...

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "The purpose of life is a life of purpose." George Bernard Shaw

Gift...I went to lunch with a friend today - Terry. I loved spending time with her. She is so buoyant - this is the word I pick for her; throw her in the deep end and she will find a way to float no matter what. There are people that suck energy out of you and people that push energy into you, she is the latter. I am grateful I have been able to get to know her better over the last few years.

Day #66 - That 2nd and 52nd Chance...

What do I want to say tonight? I've got several things bouncing around in my head...I think I will go with the most fitting subject for the quote I picked for today:

Diva Quote: "Those who overcome themselves are strong" Lao Tzu

I don't quite get "why" we must be our own worst enemy...Do you? I enjoy exploring the things I am capable of achieving and in some things I feel competent and even excel at other things in my life, but I truly do not understand why some things come so hard. What Heather? What is so hard? For some reason dropping ONE POUND is harder for me then loudly singing a song in front of a room full of strangers and/or friends. I use this example because I know it is hard for at least one of you out there anyway...:)

Before this starts sounding too much like a WHOA IS ME post...I must say I am grateful for that next chance to try again. I am a firm believer that we never run out of 2nd chances. I try not to look back too often and think "what if" because I cannot go backwards, I can only go forward. I can only be in this moment RIGHT NOW...so my only choice is to try again. To set a goal. To be prepared and foreword thinking. To not get distracted by that BAD day and the temptation to derail myself...still not sure why I do that.

Here we go again...

I Am Grateful,
HB

Gift #1 - Reverse gifting...I keep noticing all the gifts I am receiving and want to focus on those instead of the other way for now. I had a heinous morning today - mostly caused by my own poor attitude and lack of patience. I am a pretty nice person, but I have ZERO patience in many ways and can be a real...well, Witch. Mostly I can work my way around to a shift, but for some reason today was not one of those days.

Travis called me to see if I wanted to go to lunch. I originally told him "No, I brought a lunch," but the next time he called I answered the phone with "what time you picking me up?" HA...Anyway, on my way down the elevator it stopped on floor 4 (brother) then again on floor 3 (sigh)...I have seen the guy that got on at 3 many times. He is often out on smoke breaks when I go too and from my car at various times of day. He actually made eye contact with me and I thought I smiled...he did a double take and REALLY looked at me.

I decided later I must have actually grimaced at him or something because he looked directly into my eyes, leaned forward slightly and said loudly "How you doin'?" I was actually forced into a shift...after blinking hard with surprise, I answered him with a joke of some sort; it was significant to me that he noticed "something" about me that prompted a voice in him that had never been there before. It wasn't mind blowing, but it was noticeable and it was a gift to me.

Day #65 - Snuggle In

Blankets...Tonight I got home and could not get warm. I think it was because I took a shower and did not dry my hair. When I came back down to sit with Travis I noticed he was using my current favorite blanket..."Hey!"...I quickly realized I should pick my battles and selected a different blanket to use. Bart decided to occupy my seat while I walked to the blanket basket and once we got adjusted the kitty made her way to serve as my lap blanket on the blanket like she does every night. All four of us were snug as a bug in a blanket...very cozy.

I got to thinking about the blankets that are often strewn around the family room and realized almost all of them have a story and a memory behind them. Here are a few of mine:

Here is my Blanket Basket...Yes, I know the Blankets should be
IN the Basket...but they are so much easier to get at like this...:)

This is a gift I gave to Travis years ago...He still uses it a lot.

My Friend Matt that moved to Boston gave Travis a shirt

and me this Blanket to Remember them by.

This blanket is very special - Grandma Barker made this for me after I married Travis. I often went to visit her, she was one of my favorite people, and told her how much I admired her crochet work. She made me this beautiful blanket. I have often thought I should save it, preserve it, but she meant for me to use it, so I do.

I made sure to remind Grandma Barker how much I loved the blanket she made me and how often I used it. I also told her Travis constantly tried to steal it from me and use it himself. She liked this story, which was totally true. As Grandma got older her fingers went crooked and she had a hard time using her hands. When Travis opened this Afghan one year for Christmas I almost started crying. The blanket is as crooked as her hands were toward the end of her life and this was her last Afghan...We are so blessed it came to us. Grandma Barker was just over 4' tall and had the heart of a giant - she passed away at 103 years old.

The Snuggy...Do you know how many people I had to ask for this thing? I dropped hints like mad at Travis (could he have missed them?), I bluntly asked for it from my Mom (blatantly ignored), and finally mentioned it to my Mother-in-law Joleen who came through with flying colors...FINALLY!! It reminded me of "The Christmas Story" I finally got what I most wanted from the most unlikely source. I know, I know, I could have bought it for myself...but what is the fun in that?

Aw...Sweet...What else can I say, even the dog likes a good snuggle in the blankets.



There are other blankets and other stories, but I think I made my point. Even blankets contain warm memories worth thinking about now and then.

I Am Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: "We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee." Marian Wright Edelman

Gift #21 - I am sorry to say I did not consciously create an opportunity to give today. Looking back I can count something as my gift, but I do not think that falls within the spirit of the Giving Challenge and I have fudged on that before. I think I will feel better if I start over tomorrow...If at first you don't succeed...

Day #64 - Siblings In-Law

Today Trav and I met my brother Jason and his wife Melanie for breakfast. They had taken a room over night to celebrate Mel's Birthday. We haven't had the chance to hang out with those two for quite some time and it was good to have some one on one time with them.

I have always enjoyed Mel. She is down to earth and easy going and only really makes a fuss when it is really important to her. Most of the time she just tries to keep the peace and I have always appreciated that about her. Plus my brother really loves her - and that is the best part of all. It was fun to reconnect a little bit today with both of them. It occurs to me now that I should have taken a picture...dang it.

I have found myself lucky in my siblings choice of mates. We are, for the most part, a pretty accepting group, but I am very glad all my in-laws are easy to love. I'm sitting here thinking of them all and how different they are, but how much I really do like them. We have fun when we are together and, even though we are a rough teasing family, we care. That matters.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is." Albert Einstein

Gift #20 - I cleaned and changed the sheets. Yes, this is an ordinary chore that I do every week or so, but today I had all but decided NOT to do it this week, then I remembered how Travis has done so many nice things for me lately and how much he LOVES new sheets on the bed, so I did it even though I didn't want to.

Day #62 & 63 - Three Day Weekends

I know I neglected to post yesterday, but the day was full and at midnight when my friend left (Debi is in town) I was too tired to write my days post. This morning I left early to get my hair done (Kim is also in town) and then we were invited to Turkey dinner with Debi's family. It is sort of funny, but we end up going almost every year to various family functions and they no longer seem too surprised to see us there. It reminds me of DDB (Dana Desert Bar) when Aunt Diane and Uncle Jim would have the same friends show up weekly until we expected to see them there - Trav and I seem to be those friends at Debi's family functions.

I got to take Friday off and spend the day with my friend. We ate lunch with two of her kids and then picked up her grandkids to bribe them with Pace's Ice Cream Sundaes. After that I kidnapped her up to my house where we hung out and talked and watched part of Tommy Boy with Travis and Deb's husband Mike until they left at midnight.

It is so great to be able to take time off work and not worry about who is manning the station. If I had a complaint, it is that Sheryle doubts herself and her abilities to hold down the fort. I have been working with her for years and have every confidence in her. I wish she could see herself as I see her in this one thing. She is capable, she knows what to do and she is one of those "helpful" people. I guess I mean, if she doesn't know how to help, she finds out. I am grateful Sheryle is able to cover for me.

I have to also thank Travis for "de-hairing" me today. I was in such a rush to leave so I wouldn't be late this morning that I neglected to realize my black shirt was covered in cat hair...whoops. He walked into the kitchen, where I was rinsing my plate of eggs he had made me for breakfast, and said,"No wife of mine is going out of the house looking like this." He made me stop and put my hands on the counter while he rolled me down with the tape thingy, back, front, sides. What a guy!!

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it." Author Unknown

Gift #18 - Remember how I bought that journal for myself? Well, I have a friend that has been concerning me lately with her depressed comments on facebook. I know she is going through a very difficult time and I worry that she cannot get past the bad stuff that is happening in her life. I know she needs to shift her focus so I got her a journal. I asked her to write just ONE THING she is grateful for each day. I also encouraged her to write down "why" she is grateful for it. I am hopeful that as she remembers the good things, her days will begin to look up.

Gift #19 - I was told dinner today would be at 3:00 p.m. Well, when my Mom says dinner is at 3:00 p.m. I can pretty much guarantee dinner will be on the table at 3...Travis and I were the first guests to arrive (no Debi was not even there) and no one else even got there until 4:00 - dinner was actually served at 5:00 p.m. In the meantime, I did my best to help in the kitchen and whatever else needed doing.

Day #61 - Lazy Mornings

This morning I called my office and told them I would be there at noon. Travis and I slept until 8:00, sat in the hot tub and then went to breakfast. After that we took a drive through the back of Park City so Trav could show me where our nephew moved to.

When we were in the hot tub I told Travis this was what I was grateful for today - spending my favorite time of day with him just being together, enjoying a nice warm soak on a crisp clear morning. Travis told me it was also my gift for the day - taking time off to spend with him. I think that was the sweetest thing he has said for a long time and it meant a lot to me that he would view our time together as a gift. Sometimes I truly feel like the luckiest person in the world.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: Since my sister likes the quotes I will continue finding the good ones to post. I am reading a book "Invisible Acts of Power" by Caroline Myss - one of my favorite authors. There are lots of good quotes in this book like - "Happiness is the accumulation of good" a teaching of Buddha

Gift #17 - Taking time off to spend the morning with my husband Travis. I obviously already wrote about this above, but what this gift pointed out to me, and is obviously one of the the main points of the whole giving exercise, is how giving is also about receiving. We are all pieces of a whole, as I give, I also receive. What a brilliant irony.

Day #60 - Flannel Pajamas

Today pretty much blew big time. When I got home it was apparent my husbands day blew just as bad. As we started to bicker I realized the thing I wanted more then biting my husbands head off, kicking the dog and throwing the cat across the room was to wrap my big hair in a bun and change into my flannel pajamas for the night. Last years flannels had a whole in them and I recently purchased 2 new pairs and LOVE them!!

I wish I could tell you changing put me in a beautiful mood and my husband cheered up from my effervescent and infectious personality of charm and happiness, but really it just allowed me to sulk in pure comfort. Tonight that was enough. Plus, Trav and I kissed and made up before bedtime and Bart (the dog) and Echo (the cat) both snuggled with us on the couch. No permanent damage done by my overactive imagination.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Gift #16 - Self Care Gift - Today I went to Barnes & Noble to pick out a leather journal. This journal will not have a specific purpose, but will be my "write anything you fell like writing" journal. It is definitely time for a special journal and I bought it just for me.

Day #59 - Working On It

Today I find myself extremely grateful for my job. I stayed up late last night putting together a presentation that I had to deliver first thing this morning. I was so worried about it and it turned out to be no big deal. Sometimes between the politics at that place and the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing I get very frustrated and feel like I am just spinning my wheels, getting NO WHERE. Then I got back to the office and an announcement was waiting about how 5 people had been let go company wide and I heard there may be more coming and I realized...I have it pretty good.

What a horrible time to lose a job - right at the Holidays. There is one person I am particularly sad about. Angie was the person that helped me figure out my Halloween costume this year. I admired her all black outfit w/postage stamp on her chest last year (Black Mail) and asked for her assistance this year. She is very creative and will often still be at the office when I leave at night working away. It makes me wonder "why her and not someone else"?

It is times like today that I remember why I started this blog in the first place - be grateful for where I am at and what I have everyday. Things change so fast. Unexpected events occur and suddenly yesterday's problems become inconsequential.

I am so glad I get to spin my wheels and shake hands daily with the right AND the left. Maybe someday they will meet in the middle and realize their agenda's are the same and maybe they won't, but as long as I get to participate...

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote (apropos for today's blog for sure): "Things do not change; we change" Henry David Thoreau

Gift #15 - One of the "rules" for the 29-day giving challenge is if you miss a day, you start over. I sat here just now thinking I would have to start at Gift #1 again tomorrow, but I just thought of the gift I will prepare tonight to mail out tomorrow. I have been meaning to for quite some time and just have not MADE time to get it together. Giving is not a hard thing to do. The part that is hard is being mindful of giving - I find it truly difficult to stay in that space of noticing opportunities and taking advantage of them to make a difference. I also need to get out of my own way and surrender my personal agenda. My agenda is not "what's in it for me" as much as "what do I expect the outcome to be". I am a super control freak, so this is SUPER difficult for me...how does the saying go? Let Go and Let God? ...working on it.

Day #58 - Winter Prep

I was SOOOOO productive today and got all my Winter preparations completed including staining the mail box. I thought the time had past that I could get that particular chore done, but today was beautiful and I thought "what the heck might as well try to protect the box for winter". We also put away the patio furniture, organized the storage room, drained the fountain, removed the hoses from the exterior faucets and took down all the bird feeders. SCHWEW. I know it is not the most Sunday like activities, but it is scheduled to snow starting tomorrow and several days this week. Soon we will have many days off work due to the Holidays packed into November and December...a lovely time of year.

I also got my November centerpiece arranged:

At Least the Cat Seems to Like It

I Am Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote (even though I am not doing the cleanse anymore I still like the quotes): "To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything be more fun?" Katherine Graham

Gift #14 - I was planning to make Dinner for my sister Amy and her family, but Travis ended up not feeling well and we had to cancel. I did make lunch and we shared it with our friend Steve - he came up to mountain bike with Travis and I sent him home with Amy's White Bean Chicken Chili recipe for his wife and my good friend Jen. I did not intend to count that as my gift today, but I did send the recipe knowing my friend would enjoy the dish (at least hoping).

Day #57 - The End of the Beginning

I have reached the end of the road on my cleanse today. I did 5 of the 7 days of the Diva Cleanse which I feel good about. I could have done the full 7, but decided I would start doing the shakes in the morning during the week and maybe even do the veggie lunch thing at work as well. I actually had soup for dinner tonight with Travis and it was delicious. I also had a little cutie orange and plan to incorporate more raw foods with each meal.

I have discovered the BEST fruit combo EVER - Fresh Raspberries with Little Cutie Oranges (clementine). That's it - they are soooo goood together. It is the perfect desert - sweet and tart.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try." Beverly Sills

Gift #13 - I went to my cousin Chelsea's baby shower today. It was fun to see the Aunts on the Strong side of the family and get all the latest family news. I offered to help with the gifts and was asked to write down the "who" and "what" of it all. I liked doing this because I got to see all the cute baby stuff up close and personal. There were several darling stuffed animals, don't see many of those at baby showers for some reason, super cute clothes and the sweetest gift was from Aunt Stacy (C's Mom) who said "I've waited 25 years to give this to you" and I swear I saw a little tear in her eye - it was a hand crocheted pastel multi-colored shawl with a hood and yellow ties at the throat and a matching blanket and bootie set. One of Stacy's good friends made it for Chelsea when she was born and Stacy saved it all these years to give to Chelsea's first baby. Aw Sweet.

Day #56 - Hit the Road Zack...

Today my nephew (Trav's side) moved out of our basement studio apartment. I am grateful that he is taking on his own place and will have a more personal outlook and experience a chance for complete accountability.

This guy is GREAT - I love him. He is nice, funny, sweet and fun to be around. One night in winter he snow plowed my drive way after a 3.5 ft. snow fall when Trav was laid up after shoulder surgery. I was so grateful to him for that. I hadn't even really used the snow blower yet and was pretty intimidated. It was such a relief to have him there to help me and I didn't even ask.

He has been working in a kitchen while he has lived here and one night he and his roommate made us a great dinner - pork chops stuffed with cheese and all kinds of goodness, served with honey glazed asparagus. VERY GOOD and pretty impressive. Whenever we would have him over for dinner he would call it "family dinner" and for some reason that always made me feel all warm and happy.

There have been some challenges having him here and it was disturbing to worry about someone like I would my own kid; wanting to treat/react to a situation the RIGHT way and not knowing what that way was. Trying to give him his space as a renter while at the same time offering a plethora of unsolicited advice. Sometimes I would get so frustrated I would just throw my hands up and say "whatever" like a teenager. I solute you parents out there - I can see it is a tough gig.

All-in-all, I am grateful for the experience to have gotten to know my nephew better. I'm sure we will have many more family dinners in the future. So - here's to moving on to bigger and better things!!

Best Wishes Zack!!

I Am Grateful,
HB

Not the greatest picture, but what a nice guy, right?

Diva Quote: "It is never too late to become what you might have been." George Eliot

Gift #12 - I had planned to get a card and write an encouraging message to one of my transferee's who had a rough day today. I have been having 2nd thoughts...what if she finds it patronizing or embarrassing? I truly want to be supportive and friendly. I had just now decided I would write a thank you note to the RS President instead - it is easy and she would appreciate a thank you for the treats she dropped by on Halloween, but as I type this, I have decided to do both. This is about instinct and stepping left - right? I hope (really pray) Karen receives my note in the spirit it is intended; that she will find comfort knowing someone was thinking about her.

Day #55 - Zee Pain, Zee Pain

All of a sudden the palm of my hand is KILLING me. It started last night - I had a hard time gripping the flash light with my right hand taking Bart to do his evening business and I had a hard time holding the knife to cut my tomatoes. Today it was worse and for the life of me I could not figure out what I had done.

Travis suggested I was arm walking (swinging my arms enthusiastically while walking) and hit something with my hand...NOPE - that has actually happened before (many times unfortunately) and that injury always occurs on the back of the hand, not the palm. All day I have been trying to figure it out.

This afternoon when I got back to the office after being in meetings, I sat down to file some appraisals that came in and WHALA it was the TWO HOLE PUNCH that I used all afternoon yesterday. My palm hits exactly at the spot to push the punch through the paper. I had a lot of thick stacks to punch through  yesterday and must have bruised my hand.

SCHWEW - I told Sheryle I started to think it was gout of the hand (she told me too much lemon juice gave her husband gout of the big toe - this after I consumed 3 glasses of hot lemon water that day); I told Travis it must be some side effect of the Diva cleanse or maybe...GASP...cancer of the hand!!!

Mystery SOLVED!! I LOVE THAT...

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote of the Day: "Growth demands a temporary surrender of security." Gail Sheehy

Gift #11 - Sort of an interesting "give" day - I did something nice for Travis this morning and he said "is this your gift for today?" I wasn't sure if I should be offended or not so decided not to count it. I took some people to lunch, but that doesn't really count because I will get reimbursed for it. After work I got approached by ANOTHER person who was left behind by a friend and had to take the bus home to Utah County...I thought momentarily of offering a ride, just to see what he did, but remembered to be generous and gave him $5 instead. Then tonight I folded my Nephews laundry (just sheets and towels) so he wouldn't need to worry about it since he is moving out of our studio apartment.

I have started to notice reciprocal good karma coming our way. I told Travis he should stop making fun of me and start giving himself and see what happens. Why not? Nothing to lose!! I truly believe the more good energy you push out, the more room for the good stuff to come in.

Day #54 - COLOR

WOW, PRETTY...

Maybe I got carried away with the fruit and vegetable purchases. I guess 'they' do say "don't go to the store hungry". Look how beautiful it is - all those colors. Then I decided to arrange them like Melissa always does with her coupon buys and it made me smile and feel cheerful looking at all that goodness and beauty. AND it made me hungry. I just wonder if I can really eat all that over the next few weeks before it goes "bye, bye".

I did decide to try a new green thing...Wheat Grass:

I am going to add it to my smoothy in the morning for breakfast. I heard it is packed full of delicious vitamins. Yummy. I have felt pretty good on this thing so far. The only hard part is the late afternoon. That is when I start to get sleepy and yawn a lot, but other than that, I am doing pretty good. I get hungry, but not starving; I sometimes have a headache, but not a migraine; I feel tired, but not weak. The only other weird thing that has happened a few times is I have felt an electrical charge in my upper back and once in my arms...I keep thinking I am imagining it, but it feels interesting if a little weird. Hopefully one of you out there doesn't recognize that as a sure sign of an impending stroke or heart attack!!

I don't mind eating just raw food. I wouldn't want to do it forever, but the fruit and veggies are pretty good by themselves. I want to incorporate MANY more fruits and vegetables into my diet. It does feel good to know what I am putting in my mouth is healthy.

This is the metaphorical me (Aries Ram) climbing out of the bad food choices I have made over my lifetime...Yes, those are my leftover sprouts that I just could not finish eating at dinner:

I promise I will figure out how to combine and mash my photos up...Again, look how lovely those colors are. I am so glad there are so many beautiful colors to look at in this world.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Today's Diva Quote: "If you're going through hell, keep going" Winston Churchill

Gift #10 - I bought Travis some Summer Sausage (it's a bigun) at Costco today. He hates it when I do these cleanses, but he is very supportive of my efforts, so I thought I would get him something to snack on. Then on the way home I had to stop and get some tomatoes and he asked me to pick up some ice cream...his favorite, which of course I did. Both items I can easily resist while on the Diva cleanse.



Day #53 - Happy Water

Today I started the raw food "7 Day Diva Detox" that Melissa told me about. I will get lots of apples, which I love, and will eat lots of raw vegetables. I am going to try to make some "green smoothies" and hope my blender will do the job even though it is no vita mix...

There are a few things I liked about the literature of this cleanse - It is very uplifting and positive. One of the "to do" items is to "Honor Where You're At". This is not always easy for me, but I believe it is important. I've written often about being in the moment and that is hard to do when I look constantly to the future or think longingly of the past. I don't wallow in misery or anything, but I do have moments and I am determined to honor where I am at this week and celebrate my efforts to clean things up.

Another thing I like are the motivational messages they provide for each day of the cleanse. I tried to make an effort to remember this throughout the day. Today's message was: 

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do" Eleanor Roosevelt

The last thing that I appreciated was the water theory...I cannot think of the name of the scientist or the experiment, but a study has shown that water takes on the energy of words. If you say nice things to water and freeze it it turns into beautiful crystals, if you say mean or bad words to it it freezes in jagged points. This Diva Cleanse says to write "Healthy and Happy" on the water bottles. I have been trying to whisper nice words to my water before I drink it...maybe it is weird, but what do I have to lose...besides a gagillion pounds.

No caffeine today has left me with a headache and I had a VERY hard time staying awake this afternoon; I yawned at least twice every time I talked to someone on the phone - a tad embarrassing. Just thinking about yawning made me yawn again!! The paperwork says the first 3 days are the hardest...1 down 2 to go...

I Am Grateful,
HB

Gift #10 - I have this transferee that calls me 3 times per day, everyday. I try really hard to make sure the transferee's have my time when they need it, but most of the time I don't understand why she is calling. Today she called me to tell me she didn't need me to call her. I said "oh, ok" and then there was an awkward silence, so I made a conscious effort to talk to her about things NOT relating to the move because I THINK that is what she needed. It is a tough time to move and it is hard on these families and sometimes the stay at home spouse gets left behind. I pray that I can make a tiny difference to them.

Day #52 - How About Lunch?

I love surprise lunch invites. Mostly it is Travis that calls me up and asks what my plans are. I almost never have the time and always end up taking it anyway. I always feel better spending a little time out of work with Travis.

Today Mom was coming up to a Dr's appointment and called me. I was just in the middle of nodding off during this years Code of Ethics Training for my work and it jolted me just in time to keep my head from hitting the desk...close one. Side note: the training isn't even that boring, it is just COMMON SENSE and the voices are very soothing. Anyway, Mom and Dad invited me to join them for lunch with brother Chuck.

It is always fun to spend a little time with Chuck. He is doing really well, working and going to school to be a Respiratory Therapist with a minor in Business. I'm proud of him for going back to school. It is something I have thought about doing as well, but the timing and money, etc. always get in the way. Someday I am sure I will get around to it...

We usually get around to talking about everyone in the family at one time or another, Dad got to talking politics of course and Mom gave me a few clues on her funniest X-mas gifts this year. Sounds like good times ahead.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Day #10 - Since I am a day behind on blogging and gifting I am using yesterday's gift as today's - last night we only had 2 sets of trick-or-treater's come by all night. I called my neighbor to see if she had been getting any at her house and she told me they ate all their candy on Saturday. Trav and I grabbed up a purple 97 cent pumpkin I had left over from work and stuffed some candy in it and took it over to them to use, just-in-case. We had a nice relaxing night at home, but were disappointed at the lack of tricksters out there this weekend.