Somewhere...

I finally captured a good picture of a rainbow. We have received quite a bit of rain in the last few weeks. We have also received 3 roof bids and 2 paint bids. This photo reminds me of all the beautiful nights we get to spend outdoors and makes me feel, even with all the money and work to do on this high maintenance house, a sense of gratitude and peace.

Yesterday I was so excited that my sister Melissa, visiting from Florida, had agreed to come down to my new office (yes, I moved again) to assist me with decorating and getting organized. I pictured us doing a bit of carefree shopping, hanging things on the bare walls in a way that actually looks good (thanks to her) and then going out to dinner and having a one on one sister time chat.

Instead, Melissa showed up and had to wait for 30 minutes while I wrapped up some business, we went shopping where I ended up drenched in sweat (man was I HOT), and in between I called my friend back, because she had uncharacteristically sent me two urgent messages, to find out her daughter's baby (she was 26 weeks pregnant) had died in the womb and they had taken her to a hospital near my office so she could deliver him. She ended up getting sent home and will not go back to try again until this weekend - it would be so hard to have that unfinished when the end is known. My friend asked me to go be with her until she could get there from CO or to at least check in on her. Needless to say my sister and I rescheduled.

Just this past weekend I had attended a baby shower for this dear friend. You can picture the excitement, the gifts, the pictures and all the plans that were discussed. Now imagine going to your normal appointment to find out the bad news. Shocked and devastated are only minor words to describe this experience. I cannot even imagine what she must be going through.

I thought it was interesting to note my original and immediate reaction to the news was white hot anger...at who? I don't know, just at the situation I think. I have been thinking these last 24 hours about where there might be a silver lining in the situation. I am sure I can and have come up with a few, but I have decided that sometimes there does not need to be a silver lining. Maybe this can just be a sad loss and things like a beautiful rainbow can just bring a moment of peace after the storm.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: “That's the thing about pain, it demands to be felt” -- John Green

Three Blind Mice...See How They Run?

Whenever I get a new car or drive a car I am unfamiliar with I always try to be more aware of the blind spots; really do a good wide neck craning to make sure there is no stray, road colored car there that I might have missed, prior to changing lanes. I do this because there are natural blind spots I am unfamiliar with - the windows are a different shape or size, they may be bigger or smaller or have tinting I am not used to.

I am on year four of driving my current car and I have become accustomed to its natural blind spots, but the other day I almost got in a wreck except for a smooth moving car who, luckily, had a lane to move to when I almost side swiped him in my unawareness of his presence and over-reliance on my mirrors. Queue "apologetic wave..."

It made me think about a question our new...not sure what his title is...but he is organizing all of us from the bottom up and will be a decision maker for our company moving forward. His name is Les and he is giving us weekly lessons in smart business practices - I have started to call them "Lesisms". A few weeks ago he asked all the staff if we know where our personal blind spots are...

One of the examples he used was how parents always want to believe the best about their children even when the proof is blatantly clear they have made an error, the parent always wants to believe it is a mistake or there is some other explanation for the incorrect action. I remember an after school special called "Not My Kid" about a high school girl that got addicted to drugs - I don't know why, but I never forgot that show.

I am not sure I can actually name my blind spots, but I'm pretty sure Travis could point some out. I'm pretty sure I may not want to know what they are...that probably isn't true, but perhaps I really DON'T want to know and maybe that is one of my blind spots. How DO we figure out where we need to do a bit more neck craning in certain areas of our lives?

• Listening - people will tell us in both blunt and subtle ways what we need to hear if we just listen for it. If I have several people telling me the same thing, even in multiple ways, I should probably take a good look over my shoulder and then change lanes. 
• Asking the "right" people - Travis would never want to hurt me, but I know a few people that want to see me fail. Who would be the better person to ask about my personal blind spots?
• Reading - Les is very big on reading. Not only do we have our book of the month to get through, he gave us a reading assignment for 2 other books. Les believes he has learned more about business, communication and relationships by reading books than he ever learned in school. Reading broadens our minds and makes us ask questions. 
• Education - Learning for me comes in many different varieties, but the important thing is to keep learning from experiences, mistakes, reading, observing, etc. These things may also open your eyes to your own blind spots as new information comes into your sphere. 

After reviewing my last several days I feel these may be some of my own blinds spots:

Blind spot #1: Today I kept getting mad because I couldn't get off the phone long enough to get any of my "tasks" done. I think I may have a slight blind spot when it comes to "righteous" anger. Perhaps I feel I am more busy than you are and therefore my time is more valuable or the explanation is not worth the time it will take to review more than once. This is something I must work on and certainly I need to stop sighing so loudly. 

Blind spot #2: I LOVE being sarcastic and joking around, but I wonder if sometimes sarcasm can be hurtful and unintentionally cruel. I need to work on this. 

Blind spot #3: I tend to be a know it all, hard to believe "I know"...enough said. 

I know it is important to recognize our own distressing short comings so we do not hurt others intentionally or otherwise. I am determined to be more patient and kind tomorrow. 

I Am Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: "Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." -- Albert Einstein

That Blows Chunks!

Travis and I were taking the long way home from the grocery store the other day and as we drove past the library I did a double take..."TRAVIS, turn around, I'm sorry but you have GOT to see this." He did what I asked and as we came back by the library he looked on in astonishment to see a car high centered over some rocks in the library parking lot.

Oh MAN!! That really does blow. Here is the sorry truth of the matter...Travis looked at me and said, "That seems like something you would do." Gee Thanks! The only problem is I was thinking the same thing. Truthfully though, I think I am actually a pretty good driver even though I lose my temper easy enough. We probably all think we are good drivers.

I'm trying to think back at any less than brilliant things I have done while behind the wheel...I backed into a pole in a parking garage a year or so ago. I closed the garage door while the hatch was open and scratched it. Travis actually backed out of the garage before the door was open all the way and broke out the red reverse light at the top of the hatch within 1 week after I got the car fixed, so he is not perfect. I remember coming home all upset from the grocery store complaining about how irresponsible and rude people are who break things on your car and don't at least leave a note - at which time he confessed to the incident.

Several days ago I was driving home from work and there was a Semi that had caught on fire. Just yesterday I passed ANOTHER vehicle on fire - this time a camper. It is times like these that I wonder what happened? What went down? How could this have been avoided? I will never know if the gentleman driving the car above was on the phone, had bad eyesight or was just not paying attention, but I'm glad it wasn't me this time.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quotes: "Never take a solemn oath. People think you mean it." Norman Douglas

Magpie High

The other day Travis was telling me about the aggressive Magpies that were surrounding Bart when he was trying to discretely do his business in the yard. He said he got so mad that they were getting so close to him and making all kinds of noise so he had to go down to the yard and run them off. I told Travis that they did the same thing to my brother's cat that was in the yard slinking around a week or two ago. I couldn't believe the daring of those birds and it put me in mind of the terrifying yet thrilling Alfred Hitchcock movie.

When we had this conversation we were sitting on the deck after a long day of work and it hit me that they must have been protecting a nest or something. Just as I told Travis this I happened to look over the railing and there, right on the ground, was a baby magpie...WHAT? We both got up and looked more closely at it. The darling little thing was just sitting there and then would stumble around a bit.

I am always quite astonished and awed by nature. I can't help it. We continued to watch over the little guy for a few hours and saw the parents come around to feed it now and then. Eventually it stumbled into some tall weeds and we went in for the night. Poor Bart didn't even have a clue there was a tasty little morsel out there (I don't think he would really hurt it, but you never know).

Just last night my sister Keri, her husband Golden and daughter Seerie, came up to share some ribs Travis cooked up for us (so good) and we were telling them the story about the baby magpie and Keri looks over the railing and says "OH, there it is" then "OH, there are two of them"...sure enough there were two of them hanging out this time.

This morning I went out to water my flowers and we saw yet another one out front...how many are there? Who knows, but I took a photo of the one I saw today:

Not the sharpest photos, but you can see how cute they are. I just looked up some information on the magpie to find out more about them. Here is what I copied from the site (I thought it was interesting):

"Pairs form during the fall and winter, and some will mate for life. The pair will engage in a lengthy courtship centered around the male providing food for the female. Both the male and the female will help build the nest, which takes approximately six weeks. The nests of black-billed magpies are sturdy domed structures that are often used in later years by mammals or other birds. The nest consists of a mud anchor in which twigs and sticks are inserted to create a dome-like structure. Then, a mud bowl is constructed atop the mud anchor and lined with grass. The number of eggs incubated varies greatly (between one and nine). The female sits on the eggs for the approximately eighteen day incubation period. The male provides food for the female while she is sitting on the nest. Young are born without down, and their eyes will remain closed for the first week. Both parents feed the young until the young leave the nest at about three to four weeks of age. The young are still dependent on their parents for food for up to two months after leaving the nest."

I am glad to know they didn't just fall out of their nest, but that this seems to be a normal thing for them to wonder around for a bit after they leave as semi-independent 4 week olds. Once everyone seems to have moved on I plan to go nest hunting - it has to be somewhere close by and I bet it is pretty cool. Maybe by then Bart will be able to do his business with some dignity again. 

I Am Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: "Excuse me, I have to use the toilet. Actually, I have to use the telephone, but I'm too embarrassed to say so." Another great Dorothy Parker quote

My Darling Dad

How is it I didn't manage to take ONE photo of my Father today? Very disappointing. Travis and I joined the siblings that could be there to have dinner with the parents today. Mom made Dad's favorite - hamburger patties cooked in a mushroom gravy served over potatoes. Everything was delicious, including Mel's amazing roles.

After dinner Dad took the grand kids and Amy and I on a trip around the yard, which I thoroughly enjoyed, other than I felt like I was roasting and my newly washed hair was sopping wet with my own dirty sweat by the time we were finished. My Dad is just so enterprising. He was teaching us about the Law of the Harvest - plant a seed, nourish it and it will grow. This principle or law can be related to many things, but my Dad seemed super pleased with the abundance of the harvest that is possible from only one small seed. I am pleased for both my parents, they seem to really be living in that house lately - making it their own over the time they have been there.

Yesterday, Travis and I were home relaxing when we noticed there was some water leaking out from the dishwasher. Travis pulled it out a bit and water just started to spurt everywhere. I was freaking out yelling "more towels, get more towels". Travis tried to turn the water off under the sink, I ran across the street to the neighbor's house, he wasn't home. I ran back to the dishwasher and it was just pouring out water everywhere. My mind was a blank, I didn't know what to do, I could only think how much damage was  being done to our home with every minute that clicked by...

I called my Dad. Even though I KNEW he was no where nearby that he could help me, I just HAD to call him to find out what I needed to do. Mom answered, "Mom, I need Dad" she proceeded to tell me he was across the street helping the neighbors move into their home and said she would run over to get him. ACK - I remembered in that moment that Mom has Vertigo and was just praying she wouldn't fall over in her hustle to help me. Dad got on the line and by then I was pretty hysterical - not kidding, sobbing with big gulping pants, unable to take a deep breath - that is how dramatic it was. Dad was saying, "shut off the main water line" just as Travis had done it already.

This lovely experience just made me realize how much I still need my parents in my life. I love them both so much. I don't have any new photos to post, but here are a few I like:

Dad can be serious, but he has an amazing sense of humor as well. I LOVE YOU DAD! Thanks for everything!

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: : "When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years" -- Mark Twain 

Photos Just for Fun

FINALLY - with the help of my wonderful husband I was able to save my photos off my phone. Here is the sibling photo I wanted to post at Easter, etc.

Fun Family

THE Drakes

Too cute! Growing up so fast. 

Spring riding - my hot husband!

I know, GROSS, but how else do those legs get smoother than mine? 

Nice tan line!

I just wanted to post a few photos this evening to celebrate my new victory; I hope I am able to duplicate it again.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "I don't know much about being a millionaire, but I'll bet I'd be darling at it." Dorothy Parker

Pricing Strategy

There is a price to be paid for everything. I was reviewing some notes in my journal today and came across a snippet in reference to success and the desire that must be present in order to achieve a life vision...

"Success comes when the fear of failing to achieve your dream is greater than the fear of the cost that must be paid"

I am not a big proponent of "fear" in general, but I understand this to mean, a) there must be a dream or purposeful goal present for there to even be a purpose and b) it has to hold enough personal meaning to create that feeling of a quest or a mission.

Today I saw the winner of the national spelling bee on the news. I don't know how old he is, but they asked him how he managed to win this time after all the spelling bees he has been in. Apparently over the last 3 years or so he lost on a word with a German origin, so he spent lots of time studying German origin words and he ended up winning on one this year. I think that kid was on a quest to accomplish a goal that had a lot of personal meaning. I can't imagine caring about something THAT much that I would want to spend the kind of time and energy it would take to accomplish that goal.

I keep trying to come up with my BIG dream. What matters so much to me that I can direct my energy and focus to that ONE thing that will make personal sacrifice worth while? Frankly, I am still working on it.

There is another note in my book that says, "design a future for yourself or others will design it for you." I have felt this to be true throughout my life - decisions and directions being handled for me, while I don't care enough or feel enough conviction to redirect myself in a different way.

Don't get me wrong, I have a blessed life and I am not complaining and, for the most part, I don't have a ton of regrets (maybe some); I guess I am saying there is just as high a cost associated with indecision as there is with sacrificing to achieve a dream - they just LOOK different.

At my company they often talk about pricing strategy when selling a home. Generally speaking, if your home is not getting showings and you don't have an offer in the first 2 to 3 weeks (the market is hot in Utah right now), your home is most likely overpriced and will require a price change to create interest and activity.

I think it is the same in life - if the price is too high there must be a reduction in the cost to achieve the ultimate goals and/or the dream or goal MUST be meaningful enough to endure the cost that will be paid to achieve it. For me, the trick is figuring out what that ultimate dream looks like...the sky's the limit.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there." Yogi Berra