Enemy Quote

You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.
Winston Churchill

Pretty harsh quote, but interesting nonetheless.

Repeat!

Looks like I have to do a repeat. I MUST!

From last year, let me state my pet peeve:

It's rude not to spell it out! Why do people insist on shortening Christmas with an X then adding "mas." I don't even want to spell it out for this blog entry - that how uncouth I think it is!

Christmas is ABOUT Christ. CHRIST should not be removed from Christmas!!

Oh, and, Happy Holidays!!! :)

Shipped!

Ahh.... the email titles we love to see!

Dell Order Has Shipped

and:

B&H Photo Order Shipped

Within 7 days of each other, the two email titles above were sent to my little email inbox. I can't wait!!!!

Tiger

Got his tail caught... err, his, ya know.

Anyway, check out what my good friend Phil Capelle has been saying about Tiger:

• The Tiger Woods Scandal: Spraying to All Fields
• Tiger Woods Big Opportunity
• Woods Actions Put Sponsorships in Jeopardy
• The Tiger Woods Guessing Game
• Tiger Woods’ Shoddy Defense
• Tiger Woods Hits a New Low

All this talk lately of Tiger makes one look at this pic differently now, doesn't it?

The Internet Is So Smart

When I was in Martinique for work in June, I logged into Blogger real quick from my personal laptop and my blogger account came up in French! How wild! Take a gander:

Poor Adam

Poor Adam... kissed a guy onstage at an award ceremony and now Good Morning America canceled his morning show where he was gonna perform some songs.

Why do people really care that he kissed a guy? What gives! Break the barrier, Adam! You go girl! I mean, you go guy!

Happier

This is SO difficult for me to describe, but I will try. I have told about a half dozen friends about this and still do not know how to describe it, though.

Back in June, I was talking to a friend and I said, "all I wish was for him to be happy." I was speaking of one of my ex's. It then donned on me right then and there that I never wished that for myself. "Hmmm...." I reflected. I have said that before about my ex's, but this time it resonated (loudly!) that I could been thinking this way about myself.

I have actually said this my whole life to my Mom and about my Mom, "all I want is for you to be happy, Mom," but it never donned on me I could relate this to myself. Is that because I was already very happy? Or is it something we don't think about about ourselves?

I am a very happy person, do what I want to do, live life to the fullest, love my job, help others as much as much as I can, and appreciate my blessings, but yet, was I really doing extra things for myself that could make me even happier?

I can't begin to be able to describe the difference on this day - the day I wanted for ME to be happy.

This realization was truly eye opening. I have had goals in life and have achieved them; I have a great life (I think) and yet I still never said that about me (why would we say that about ourselves?).

Could I be even happier because of this profound moment?

Well, in addition to continuing to be happy and living life to the fullest, I thought of three things that I could work on/do that would make me even happier. While it's tough for me to fathom "happier," it is happening. An interesting result has occurred - I am having more fun because I'm happier about the success of these three things I am working on, which leads to me to truly being happier.

I still don't think I explained this well....

And if this blog post comes across as selfish, vain, arrogant, whatever, that is not my intention. This truly has been a wonderful realization for me, and I think also for those around me who have witnessed this important "transformation." Being happier is one thing, seeing happiness on a person is one thing, but smiling more and enjoying life is another.

Air Movies

Was on an 8 hour flight and was excited about the potential movies that would be shown. The first movie was okay - Imagine That with Eddie Murphy - then they showed some nbc sitcoms and finally another movie was shown! However, my excitement went to "OMG" when the "feature" second movie was the horrible Mall Cop. What a !@#$%^$#@ let down. :( One of the top 5 worst movies for me. :( Ironically, the first time I saw it was on an airplane earlier this year... ugh!

Loss For Words

A dear friend of mine lost his brother. I feel so bad for him. Another friends' Mom is not doing well; I feel so bad for her.

Sometimes, the loss for words are so deep, it's like a never-ending, empty water well.

I have lost someone I loved and cared for, so you'd think I'd know what to say... and maybe I do? But, to see others that I dearly care for go through loss..... is actually very tough for me to see them suffering, hurting, grieving. I feel so badly for what they are going through....

New Laws in Texas

Below is an article outlining some of the laws going in to effect on Sept 1, 2009 in Texas.

AUSTIN, TX --- A number of new traffic and vehicle laws in Texas go into effect Sept. 1, the Texas Department of Public Safety said, including selt belt requirements and cell phone restrictions. Here are some of the laws set to take effect in Texas:

• HB 537 requires all occupants of a vehicle, no matter their age, to be secured by a safety belt, no matter where they are seated in the vehicle; changes the definition of a passenger vehicle to include a passenger van designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers including the driver; removes the current exemption for third-party Medicaid transportation provisions regarding the use of child passenger safety seats; and prohibits a motorcycle operator from carrying a passenger under the age of five, unless the child is seated in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle.
• SB 61 amends the existing statute regarding child passenger safety seats. The bill requires that any child younger than eight years of age be restrained in an approved child passenger safety seat unless the child is at least 4 feet, 9 inches in height. The fine is no more than $25 for a first offense and $250 for a second offense. The law also creates a new court cost for conviction of an offense under this section to be collected and used by TxDOT to buy safety seats for low-income families. The law becomes effective on Sept. 1, 2009, but tickets for this offense cannot be issued until June 1, 2010. Police officers are allowed to issue a warning before that date.
• HB 55 makes it illegal to use a wireless communication device in a school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used. Cities or counties wanting to enforce this law must post a sign at the beginning of each school zone to inform drivers that using a wireless communications device is prohibited and the operator is subject to a fine. It is a defense to prosecution if the operator was making an emergency call.
• HB 2730 increases the penalties for driving while intoxicated with a child passenger by adding an automatic driver license suspension period for first-time offenders and an increased suspension period for repeat offenders. The driver license re-instatement fee for completing an education program will rise from $50 to $100. The law closes a loophole so a person who commits an offense as a minor cannot circumvent the driver license penalty if the person turns 21 before their court date.
• HB 2730 allows a new Texas resident to operate a vehicle without a Texas license for 90 days instead of the current 30. (This provision went into effect on June 19, 2009.)
• HB 2012 creates two new punishment enhancements: a Class B misdemeanor if a person drives with a suspended license and without insurance; and a class A misdemeanor if the person driving without insurance or a valid driver license has an accident and someone is seriously injured or dies as a result of that accident.
• SB 129 authorizes neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) to be operated on roads with a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less. The bill authorizes driver license holders to operate NEVs without having a motorcycle endorsement, clarifies that drivers and passengers in such vehicles are not required to wear helmets and specifies that enclosed three-wheeled vehicles as described in the bill are authorized to operate in preferential lanes.
• HB 2730 requires that all applicants under the age of 18 take the driving skills exam to receive a driver license. The law also requires that a provisional driver license (under 18) or instruction permit expire on an individual's 18th birthday, removes the requirement that a provisional driver license or instruction permit be renewed annually and increases the fee for those licenses from $5 to $15. It also extends the current phase-two restrictions for holders of a graduated driver license from six months to 1 year. These restrictions include limited night driving, prohibited use of wireless communication devices and a limited number of passengers.
• HB 339 increases the total hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction a teen receives from 14 to 34 after TEA develops criteria for curriculum. (Goes into effect May 1, 2010.)
• SB 1317 creates a six-hour driver education course required for driver license applicants 18 years of age or older. It also mandates that applicants 25 or under must submit to an approved driver education course. (Goes into effect March 1, 2010.)
• SB 328 gives DPS the power to suspend a minor's driver license if he or she fails a breath or blood alcohol test while operating a watercraft. Chapter 524 of the Transportation Code also clearly defines the suspension period for an individual who was under the age of 21 at the time when the offense of boating under the influence or driving under the influence of alcohol occurred. The law also increases the reinstatement fee for a license suspended under sections 49.04-49.08, Penal Code from $50 to $100.
• HB 2730 increases the driver license sanction from a one-year CDL license disqualification to a lifetime disqualification if a person uses a motor vehicle to transport, conceal or harbor an alien. If a child is engaged in conduct involving a severe form of trafficking persons, a judge at a juvenile hearing is required to order the juvenile's driver license or permit to be suspended.
• HB 2730 prohibits DPS from issuing a driver license or identification card to a person who has not established a domicile in Texas. The law specifies that an applicant may receive a driver license at a post office box only if the applicant's residence address has also been provided, with some exceptions.
• HB 1282 makes it a Class B misdemeanor to steal a driver license, commercial driver license or personal identification.
• HB 2730 increases the fine for a parking violation at the state Capitol from $10 to $25, and increases the late fee from $2 to $5.
• SB 589 requires that window installers place a vehicle equipment safety compliance label on a windshield, side or rear window stating that the window tinting complies with the appropriate provisions of the Transportation Code. Failing to place the required label on the vehicle could now lead to a $1,000 fine for the window installer.

Why Did They Say That?

This is so true, and also reminds me of my other blog article from another leadership seminar. The one below is from Dr. Tom Holloway:

People never become defensive about what you're saying.

People become defensive because of why they think you're saying it.

Grattitude

"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present... We experience heaven on earth." - Sarah Breathnach

Pizza and the 'Boys

Pappa Johns Pizza has an AWESOME deal.

Cowboys Toppings for Touchdowns:

Every Monday and Tuesday, Pappa Johns has a Dallas Cowboys Special: Get a Large Cheese Pizza for only $7.99 plus a FREE Topping for every Touchdown scored in the previous weekend's game.

Last night there were 2 TDs against Carolina and therefore 2 TD's = 2 free toppings. One Monday after a pre-season game, Mom and I were able to get 4 free toppings on her pizza for only $7.99. :)

About Time...

It dawned on me the other day that I have not been setting my alarm clock, and yet it's been okay!

My Mom was in the hospital for 32 days and every day I did not set an alarm clock (unless of course she had an early morning procedure). Otherwise, because I wasn't going in to work or because I would see her before going to work, I just didn't set my alarm.

After she was home, I still didn't set my alarm. My hours at work are 9am to 6pm. My body normally wakes itself up between 730am and 830am every day - no matter what time I go to sleep the night before.

I wonder how many other people do not set their alarms or use an alarm clock?

Obviously, if I need to be at work earlier than normal, have a morning appointment, need to catch an early morning flight, or have to get up for a pool tournament, I will set my alarm clock to be sure I wake up in time - just in case.

But right now, I don't set my alarm clock. Why do I find that so odd?

Movie Withdrawals

I hadn't seen a movie at the movie theatre in a while. Not like me at all. I love taking a few hours away from the real world to eat good nachos and watch a movie on a Saturday morning. Maybe I'll get to see one this weekend, but I admit there isn't a lot of real good movies to see right now anyway...

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Comments/phrases from Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Daily Calendar:

• One of the most effective ways to create a happier, less stressed, and far more balanced life is to remember that there is far more to life than winning and losing.
• Excessive thinking about the perceived inequities in your relationship will frustrate you and stress you out.
• One of the ultimate tests of being human is to be able to wish someone else well - even when you may be hurt. If you can do this, you''ll experience the magic of the healing power of love.

You can never tell...

When my Mom was in the hospital for 32 days, it was a very trying time for both of us.

During the first week at the cold, beige hospital, the cardiologist gave her an echo cardiogram. They bring in this big, stupid machine and it takes pics and scans as they rub her skin all around her heart. I held her hand because at times it was very painful to her, and it seemed to last about 30 minutes or so. It was uncomfortable for her the whole time.

The next day we find out the results of that particular heart test (she would have several other heart tests/procedures). The echo cardiogram showed Mom had two leaky valves. :(

Luckily, the two dysfunctional leaky valves were still working about 60% and the doc said there was no need for a surgical procedure to fix them, nor medicine to take for them.

As I drove to see her at the hospital the next morning, I remembered I had a screwdriver in my middle console. I searched and prodded through the crap in the middle console of my SUV, trying to navigate the steering wheel, and finally found the screwdriver at the bottom of the console as I was driving. My purse was on the passenger side seat and I put the screwdriver inside it.

As I walked through the hallways, navigating through the hospital to get to Mom's ICU area, I wondered how my Mom would react to the screwdriver. Would she think it was funny or would she be upset? She was in ICU at this point and so things were not going so well for her. Would she take it as rude? I decided to still risk it, all the while wondering if someone happened to stop me and check my persons, they would see I was bringing a weapon into the hospital! lol.

I came into her room slowly, and she was awake watching something on the few channels they had and then gave her a big hug and kiss and said my hellos and asked how her morning was going so far. She shared with me what she had for breakfast and commented on her nurse that she liked. I then sat down in the chair in the room and scooted it near her bed and I held her hand. I looked into her sleepy eyes and said seriously, "I brought something for you."

She perked up a little bit, curious to what I brought. Was it another book or a magazine, I bet she wondered. I then took the screwdriver out dramatically with a "voila" type ninja move and she just looked at it. I then said, "well, I brought the screwdriver in to help fix your leaky valves."

I waited for the "WTH" mood or the laugh and luckily, she laughed! Whew! She thought it was hysterical and we both laughed as I added, "well, I don't want my Mom to go around town with two leaky valves for crying out loud."

Two Year Anniversary

It's been two years today that my Dad passed away. I miss him and hope I am making him proud the way I am trying to take care of Mom for us.

When I see the moon, it reminds me of my Dad. Here is his watching over me on a trip just last month:


And here is my favorite photo of him and I:


Not sure he ever saw this pic, though. I took it with my work phone so not sure I was able to show it to him. I just recently enlarged it and printed it and it's hanging in my house right when I walk in.

I Love You and Miss You all the time.
Thank you for listening to me and for being there for me and Mom still.
Love always,
Smallperson Bailey the 1st

Window Washer Surprise

Thank goodness for my new little camera that I can grab from my purse quickly, or else I wouldn't be able to share this surprise from Monday:

Um, yea, my office is on the TENTH floor!!

Dove Sayings

Dove Chocolate prints messages on their wrappers. Instead of having the wrappers I want to keep with great sayings all over my desk, I will add them to my blog instead:

From Dove Chocolate wrappers:

• Take time to reflect on the beauty that surrounds you!
  
• Girlfriends prefer you listen, not give advice.
• Make it happen, every day.
• Learn to let go.
• Life is about creating yourself.
  
• Inhale. Exhale. Smile.
• Don't let anger rent a room in your head.
• Remember, everyone has story.
• Be still, breathe, know - you are fine.
• Be downright silly every once in a while.
  
• Living well and being happy is the best revenge.
  
• Never let others' opinions change the way you feel about yourself.
  
• Be who you are - originals are much more valuable.
• You are SO worth it!
  
• Do what feels right
  
• Life is precious and an opportunity for you to make every moment count.
• Live in the present.
• Failure is.... only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.
• Learn something from everyone you meet.
• Make a list of your dreams.
• Make "someday" today.
• Your presence is often the best present.
• Do not look back and ask why, look forward and ask, why not?
• Don't think about it so much.
• Be a good listener to your friends.
• Keep believing in yourself and your special dreams.
• Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can.