Wednesday, October 20, 2010

When the issues of someone else's life have you tied in knots, it usually means it's time to start focusing on your own life.

Doesn't that feel better?   

Friday, October 8, 2010

To Britty...

A glimpse into our future. Thank you for dreaming it. Because of you, it is now within reach:

We will SWIM!
We will play...
We will silently watch...
We will hike...
We will feel our freedom...
We will talk lots...
We will bike...
We will laugh at the cardboard cut-out of a mountain!
We will protect and love our friends...
And we will laugh our asses off that we pulled this off!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

The Sedona Method - Hale Dwoskin

Please watch my video so I can win a 7-Day Retreat with Hale and The Sedona Method!! I will send you a *great* postcard from Sedona if I win. ;)



The Sedona Method

I'm happy with the opportunities that have come my way since listening to these CDs. :) I look forward to even more!

Friday, September 3, 2010

The Cove

My friends deserve to be free.



Perhaps I find the movie "The Cove" even more horrifying than people who eat fish and support the overfishing by their dollar votes, but this is surreal to me. How can we justify killing cetaceans and fish for food and also for entertainment? I love when a disgustingly cruel and unhealthy hidden truth is exposed. It's one thing to be ignorant. Once you know what is happening, however, how can you contribute? This idea has sparked nearly one and a half million people to protest against one unacceptable "tradition" that needs to evolve... the Taiji, Japan dolphin slaughter.

The movie, The Cove, creatively captured secret footage of the reality hidden to the public, even hidden to the public in Japan. I commend the "activists" who devote their time and talents to exposing the truth so we can find out more and more about what we will and will not support. I hesitate to label these people activists because the word may be laced with thoughts of controversy or 'over the top' behavior. I consider the people in this film to be human; to be connected.

"The Cove exposes the slaughter of more than 20,000 dolphins and porpoises off the coast of Japan every year, and how their meat, containing toxic levels of mercury, is sold as food in Japan and other parts of Asia, often labeled as whale meat. The majority of the world is not aware this is happening."


"Critical praise and audience awards worldwide have focused international attention on Taiji and the annual dolphin drives off the coast of Japan. On September 1, the six-month dolphin hunting season opened again, and fishermen in Taiji plan to take to the cove despite international pressure. Experts say education, awareness and persistence are needed to eventually turn the tide."

www.takepart.com/thecove

The movie trailer:




Change can occur by our own personal evolution. Change in the outside world will occur whether we are ready for it or not. We can deplete the oceans. We can pretend we are a higher species than the others. We can pretend to have all the answers and all the control in the world. The fundamental truths still remain and they do not cater to our egos and stories of hierarchy.

Our friends deserve to be free. Help find a better way than violence and speciesism. Please watch The Cove and support the efforts of others who risked their lives and freedom to show the world that awareness is the biggest step we can take in moving forward.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Good News!

In a previous post, I mentioned that a business mentor and person I admire very much had been diagnosed with cancer. Brian Tracy has been combating cancer all these months and I had been watching his website and listening out for updates. I was so pleased to read that he was doing well, but I still worried!

Last night I received an update from Brian's top coach, Jim Masters. Jim works side by side with Brian in his coaching programs, business seminars and in many teleconferences and webinars. I have been fortunate enough to be part of these events and to get to know Jim more and more. On a call the other night, Jim gave an update as to Brian's health. I was happy the news was from Jim directly and not posted on a blog somewhere! I felt better to hear it from Jim and he did say that Brian is doing well. !!!! He confirmed Brian's blog post about his recovery and how the cancer cells have been removed and how he has hardly missed a beat during his treatment. (Why am I not surprised?) I told you he is a survivor! :) :)

I'm so happy that he is doing well and is still working with us live on our business program. He is even hosting another live two and a half day workshop this month and I know he will be amazing.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

ASPCA

You know that great feeling you get when you see the furry friends of your family well taken care of and extremely happy?  Maybe you can feel the same knowing you helped some other babies who need it too!

I was happy to renew my membership to the ASPCA today and give some food to those homeless babies who are waiting to claim their new owners.  :)  Boots approved of this and wanted me to blog the link so you could consider donating too.  Check out their website for information and some freebies like a Pet Safety Pack to protect your loyal family members!  You can also obtain information on pet care or learn about how to fight animal cruelty in areas such as Equine Cruelty, Animals in Entertainment and the Exotic Pet Trade.  There's lots to learn and we cannot do better until we know better!

Help end animal cruelty by clicking the banner below.   Boots says so! 



To become a member and/or donate, click here:

I am the oracle of knowledge in helping animals in need!

Gotta stuff those private jokes in there... always.  :)  Ok, now go save 'em, you oracle of knowledge!!!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Trust the Process

You know that feeling gratitude is good.  You know that you perpetuate that which you are feeling and resonating.  So why can it be so difficult sometimes?!  ;) 

I was lucky enough to speak with author John Assaraf this week regarding this question I had.  I know what it's like to feel pure desire and total excitement for things.  I also know how the discrepancy from where you are at and where you want to be can be so drastic when you dream BIG...  so how do you stay in the mode of passion, excitement and energy during the transition?  John said that this is a common place to be and recognizing this as a transition is huge.  He mentioned taking the baby steps and kept saying this phrase to me:  "Trust the process."   Those words have been ringing through my mind all day long.

I used to believe you needed a crystal clear picture of the desired outcome to get to where you want to be.  If you have that, it can be a wonderful tool!  Without it, I felt a bit lost.  I do not know clearly which way I want to choose in one area of my life and it has made me feel that I am running in circles!  I am, however, taking steps to get to a better place each day...  so there is progression that is measurable and positive.  Rather than worry about the 5 year plan that is not totally clear yet, how about trusting the process?  Hmmm.  Great advice for me at this time and place where I am at!


Another idea that removes pressure from me and may help others is along the same lines as trusting the process:  you may not be able to figure out all the details of where you want to be, what you want to do, where you want to work, etc...  so instead, focus on the feelings you want to have.  The details will all fall into place once you do that.  So if you are not sure how much money you want to make specifically this year, how about focus on the feelings you want to have as a result of money.  If it's a feeling of success you want, then find out what will make you feel successful (or more successful?)  Success is never about the dollar amount anyhow.  What is success to you?  Define it alone because it is a very personalize idea and no one can tell you what it means to you.  So define it in a way where you *feel* success.

Another example of this is in envisioning a new home.  I have a dream of owning a custom log home.  I kept focusing on the home itself and took a step back to see why I wanted it.  What will that "give" me?  The answer was:  a feeling of safety, stability and the feeling of a welcoming and comfy place!  Log homes, to me, have that warm glow about them inside and are natural and "down to Earth" so to speak.  I never really had sat down to figure out why that was important to me.  Safety.  Stability.  Welcoming.  Comfortable.  Real.  Livable.  Breathable.  Everyone is welcome there and likes the feeling of it.  I associate them with a happy home full of laughing and support.  None of this has to do with an actual log home though, really.  So if I focus on those feelings instead of the "end result" of the home, I do believe the log home comes faster.  No resistance.  No dwelling on "lack" of log home!  Just perpetuating that which I want more of.  Then more of it comes in.  

Lastly on goals:  Clearly defined goals are energizing and can be a very fast way to get what you want!  Sometimes, however, they are not established or revealed yet.  I'm learning that this is ok.  In fact, in learning to trust the process and dig down beneath the specific goals you can discover what you really are after and WHY.   Once you tap into the "why..."  you can sit back and watch it all unfold.

Thank you to John for your time today  It was an honor to speak with you again!  **major gratitude**

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Her Healing Powers Scare Me

It's nearly time to have Britty's braces removed!!!!  Not only will she love her teeth, but I'll be loving one less monthly payment!  WOO!   The braces experience was not as painful as we've heard, according to Britty.  With the brackets she had, we had no breakages, no major pain and everything went according to schedule.  (She also did not eat popcorn, gum, or gummy candies, so that has lots to do with it!)  So one last big procedure before the braces are removed...  wisdom teeth extraction.  Uh-oh.

I love how you can see the brackets on each tooth in the X-ray:


Preparing for surgery and watching the heart monitor.  Why did they have me stay in the room for the first part?  I was more nervous than she was.  Drugging up your baby is such a horrible thing to witness.  I had to pace around the waiting room.  We do not like taking any medication, so this seemed severe to us!! 

My baby is done and just beginning to come around after being brought into the recovery room.  This was how I first saw her.  :(  With an insane amount of cotton wads in her mouth, she had no idea where she was and how she got there.  :(  She was shaking and out of it, and I felt so bad for her and began to feel very sorry for people who are addicted to drugs or take them to "feel better."  :(  It's incredibly scary and I am so glad that Britty is healthy to begin with.  Still...

Back at home after a wheel chair ride.  (Hey...  Britty was in a wheelchair before I was!)  Ice packs to reduce swelling.  Towel wrapped pillow for blood catching:

This photo was taken the SAME NIGHT as the surgery.  ???  How does she heal so fast??  This was without the pain killers too.  HARD CORE, Britty! 

Here are some tips for faster healing as I've seen with Britty: 

*  DO use the ice packs.  I know it feels horrible.  This will reduce the swelling though and will be so worth it.  20 minutes on/20 minutes off.  I know it's easy to skip, but do your best.

*  If you cannot drink, try filling a little squirt bottle with water or juice.  Britty had a tiny one near her so she could squirt it in her mouth without it pouring all out!  (numbness makes for lots of drooling!)  Plus, with wisdom teeth removal, they say not to use straws so a squirt bottle was a great help to us!

*  Before surgery, don't listen to other people's horror stories.  ;)  Not everyone has the same pain and recovery. 

*  Prepare beforehand:  Stock up on the foods your doctors says are ok.  Make some pudding or tapioca!  Get juices, waters, ginger ale, or have a variety ready.  We had a ton of water here, but Britty could not drink it because she said it tasted like blood!  eeew.  So we went for the juice and a ginger ale and watered that down.  Having a variety with help!

Good luck to you if you are having your wisdoms removed!  Neither of us had trouble with ours.  Just stay healthy going into any surgery and your body will do its best to kick into gear to heal quickly for you!
 

Monday, June 28, 2010

No Fighting in our House!

So we had to take it on the road.... 

Britty's editing of this made me laugh so much that my stomach hurts.  The last "swipe" gave me a bruise on my ear with her lion's paw unleashing.  I *thought* you said we were play-wrestling?! 

Just you wait until next time, my friend...  Now I see how you play.  **RRROOAAARRR!!!!**



As our karate teacher used to say, "Families that kick together stick together."  One of them may end up deaf from it though.  :)

Very funny video, Britty!  The rug burns and bruises were totally worth it!! 

Do You Journal?

I recently seemed to step back in time with an old ritual I used to feel incomplete without: journaling. Once upon a time, my journals consisted of regular college-ruled notebooks with nothing fancy about them. I preferred these to the tiny decorative ones from bookstores because with the amount that I wrote, I didn't want to be flipping pages constantly and filling up the journal overnight! Within the pages of the plain notebooks, I'd work out everything I needed to. I weighed out the pros and cons of situations. I was free to even sketch out my option of selling everything and moving to New York City in 1992. I wrote down the crazy thoughts, the fun ones, the dreams, and the day to day things that could have otherwise been mundane or ignored. I did not want to have a day without my 100% honest journal.

After a number of occasions where my journal was read and used against me, I noticed that when I picked it up to write, I held back. I censored more than usual and wondered things like, "What if (so and so) reads this?" I wrote as if it were to be read by someone else, and that was when the magic had died.

As the years went on, I found some places online to journal. Password protected. Safe. There was something less powerful in typing though than in writing by hand. I could not put in my little doodles, hearts, smiles or make the swear words large and dark with lighting bolts around them. Black text on the white background. Not as much fun and I barely went back to ever read them again.

With my recent time posting lots of info on my personal life on YouTube, CCOR, and Facebook, I began to see that I really had a lot more to say.   In some ways, censoring did happen there as well for me when I told a bit of my story for that day. What about all the rest of the day? What about my real story?
I began to become aware of posting things to the Internet. I see the benefit in that sometimes and have enjoyed the experiences I've had with that in the past. What I did though was replace my whole story for the brief Internet version. In doing this, I've missed so much of my story. I've missed journaling and being exactly as I am without censoring or trying to be "better."

I recently read about making a vision board (yeah - another one!)  This made me think of journaling because the lady talking about the vision board said, "Take it down when you have company. Even if they are friends, you do not want others' energies in your vision." O_O When you post your truth on the Internet for all to share, it can be great... but isn't it true that you will then get responses and ideas and others' energies? If you are looking for advice, this may be great. If you are looking to discover your own voice and desires, this is an inner job.  I tend to get distracted with others' energies because I am not too strong at blocking that out just yet! 

I have since opted to sit out a few of my online "meeting" places for awhile for the pleasure of doing some inner discovering. My journal is a brand new college-ruled notebook. I purchased a pretty pen that I use exclusively for this journal. It is a ritual once again and it is fearless and uncensored. It is not for debate. Not for advice. Not for uncovering what I "need to work on." It is my story 100% and is for my own peace and confidence... lightning bolts, hearts and all.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Soul Mate

A soul mate is someone to whom we feel profoundly connected, as though the communication and communing that take place between us were not the product of intentional efforts, but rather a divine grace. This kind of relationship is so important to the soul that many have said there is nothing more precious in life.

- Thomas Moore



Friday, June 18, 2010

You Matter Very Much

Quoted from the blog of Jamie Tworkowski, founder of To Write Love on Her Arms - a nonprofit organization to help suffers of depression, addiction, self-injury and suicidal thoughts/attempts.

"I hope you know you're not the only one who feels the way you feel. You are not the only one who struggles.

You are not the only one with questions. You are not crazy. You deserve to be heard, to be known. You deserve love. 



You deserve love.

You deserve a place that feels like home. You deserve some hands to hold. Hands to pull you past the broken moments, hands to catch you when you fall. Eyes to see you. To say you're there, that you exist, that you change a room, that your presence is significant. Ears to hear you - hear your stories, hear you laugh. Ears to hear your questions and to say they matter. 

You are not alone today. You matter very much. 

Peace to you.
jamie"



Monday, June 14, 2010

OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK AUDITION VIDEO

Please vote for my friend, Lilou.   The Oprah Winfrey Network is holding auditions for a "Host Your Own TV Show."  Lilou Mace is the perfect one for the job!  She is a known author, founder of the CoCreating Your Realities Network (a group of about 6,000 people from all over the world dedicated to improving themselves and the world, one person at a time!)  Lilou is an inspirational speaker and holds interviews with the top leaders in the field of spirituality and self improvement such as Deepak Chopra and Debbie Ford.  She is a force in this industry and her dedication and love for what she does is infectious.  We love her and HOPE she wins this TV show opportunity.  Please vote for Lilou and help her win a tv show that will do more than entertain...  it will change your life for the better.



 -------->>>>>> Click here to VOTE!!!!  http://bit.ly/9dFRzF

Lots of luck to you Lilou...  not that you need it.  ;)

Thursday, June 10, 2010

The Power of Acceptance - Debbie Ford

I was reading The 21-Day Consiousness Cleanse by Debbie Ford tonight and wanted to share this part with you and say:  stay healthy, stay happy, and accept what you cannot change:

"You must accept all that you are, all that you've been, and all that you will be in the future.

You have to accept that life is full of ambiguities, contrasts, and paradoxes, and that there will always be challenges for you to overcome.  You have to accept that every challenge is really an opportunity that is meant to help you grow, to evolve, to open up, and to reclaim wisdom."

Just a reminder to you to accept the things you cannot change.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Loving this Prince!


"The purity of a person's heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals"
~ Anonymous

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Focus On Health - The Beginning!

I have exciting news! Jamie and I just launched our new blog called "Focus On Health" and I wanted to share it here and ask you to come check it out! This will be a nutrition/fitness/weight loss blog with tips on how to live a physically healthier lifestyle. I love having my blog here, Time for a Change, as a more spiritual one, but most people ask Jamie and I how we've lost weight and kept it off, what we eat, what we do, how our skin is so soft, etc... so we wanted to collaborate and share tips and resources and ideas. We are not doctors, nutritionists, or experts but we do know that we've done something right! We want to learn even more through our research and through YOU. :)

Here is the link and our first blog post:


Please come join us and follow us here or on Facebook's networked blogs! Thank you!


2 minute intro video for Focus on Health:

Sunday, May 23, 2010

In the Raw!

How is your 101 Things in 1001 Days list going? :) Check my previous blog post to give yourself something to think about that is fun and challenging! I am getting lots done on my list and one of them is to eat more raw foods! It has been nice to focus on this more and have more energy through some very long work days.

I recently received a package in the mail of supplies for this raw food adventure. This included 3 recipe books and a mandoline slicer. The slicer is perfect for preparing foods the right width for a dehydrator. (Boot's tail is in the photo!) :)


This is the first time I have worked with a dehydrator, and so far I am impressed! Using my recipe books, mandoline and dehydrator, I prepped some food including the best zucchini!! The zucchini was marinated and then dehydrated. This made them kind of like little potato chips (but no grease!) and the spices included cumin and cayenne... mmm. These were great to take with me while I was away this weekend, but tonight I used them in my dinner. Excuse the camera phone photo, but this dinner took me about 5 minutes to make and even less to clean up from! I whipped up a cheeze sauce in the Vitamix using cashews, a yellow pepper and many herbs from the garden (oregano, parsley, basil...) I wasn't sure what to put this sauce on, so I sliced up a tomato and placed the zucchini slices around it. Adding the sauce and some raw sesame seeds were the final steps:


lots of people don't like raw tomatoes, so I suppose you could use any veggie with a cheese sauce like this. (it was really garlicy and so good!) I am happy to have the new books since the only difficult thing for me with raw foods is that I just don't know what to make sometimes. The next recipe I will make is ravioli... I cannot wait to try it!

Thanks for reading. If you have a favorite raw food recipe, I'd love to hear it! Post it here on on Facebook please! :)

Sunday, May 16, 2010

1001 Day Project

101 Things to Do in 1001 Days!  (Thank you to Mimi for the inspiration!)

Inspires you to set and achieve your personal goals in life.

The Challenge:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days. 

I think I love numbers and lists too much!  When I read about the 101 things to do in 1001 days, I squealed.  I HAD to do it too!  Lol!  :)  I love this stuff and knowing me, I will do them all and more...  so this is good for me to write out!

If you want to do it too - start now!  It's very fun and I'd love some company with some of my goals. 

Here are mine!

  1. make meditation a daily habit
  2. eat more raw vegan foods
  3. exercise regularly (no half-assed stuff!)
  4. hire a business coach
  5. keep vlogging daily on vegancandi every day no matter how shitty I look or feel!
  6. implement my database and CRM at work
  7. get a new tattoo (hopefully with a friend!)
  8. write in my gratitude journal every day
  9. keep in contact with my true friends regularly
  10. play a game every night with Britty (CLAMS!)
  11. finish reading ALL the books in my room!
  12. make lunch for a friend
  13. travel out of the country again!
  14. make the NYC trip happen and make it awesome!
  15. get a pedicure
  16. donate ALL the old clothes in the basement!
  17. rock climb on the kiddie wall  (come on, it's damn scary to me!)
  18. proudly wear my red animal print bikini on the beach! 
  19. use my new dehydrator for LOTS of vegan raw foods
  20. keep writing letters to my future husband to give on my wedding night!  <3
  21. visit more professionals in my industry for my work blog
  22. focus on GREAT couples that I see
  23. drink more tea
  24. help strangers more - take time to notice them and offer help
  25. get to bed by midnight and wake up by 8 am every day
  26. take my multi-vitamin and calcium every day!
  27. keep an eye on inspirational people
  28. play my violin again
  29. take one day off per week and DO NOT WORK! 
  30. pull my favorite recipes together to make one book of the "greats!"
  31. dance more!
  32. watch Moulin Rouge again!  (always brings me great luck!)
  33. keep growing my container garden!  (omg, I love it!)
  34. see the lawyer about the business plan
  35. take a walk in the rain at night
  36. do my strip aerobics workout!  (without falling!)  ;)
  37. eat more oils for soft skin!  (mmm, coconut oil!)
  38. buy those sandals I've been staring at online
  39. invest in a few great, classic pieces of clothing to build the wardrobe
  40. wear more dresses and skirts again!
  41. burn more incense sticks
  42. floss my teeth every day (ugh!)
  43. skip the coffee and drink more water
  44. pack my own food for work even on weekends
  45. fill the bird feeders and stop teasing the cute birds out there
  46. finish translating a song in sign language and do a vlog of it!
  47. have a picnic with Britty
  48. finish planning my 40th birthday party and make it happen!
  49. get married to my perfect man that Britty loves too!
  50. go skinny dipping
  51. buy a hot tub
  52. own a log home
  53. make a space in my new yard for a memorial for Minnie and BJ
  54. look for the good in everyone
  55. limit how much complaining I hear from others
  56. have a romantic candle lit dinner
  57. live my life out loud 100%
  58. get a facial
  59. be spoiled by my man
  60. visit my grandma and grandpa and auntie at the cemetery
  61. go to the Farm Sanctuary
  62. help mom clean her house more
  63. watch LOST Season 5 and 6
  64. watch last season of Xena with Britty!  Yi Yi Yi!!
  65. host a dinner party for friends or for my man and his family
  66. make a sexy video for or *with* someone 
  67. blog here regularly
  68. stop playing Jewels on the Droid for one week
  69. add weight lifting to exercise routine
  70. do Tibetan Rites every day again!
  71. convert old VHS movies of us to DVD
  72. go to VegFests in Boston and where ever I can!
  73. make a new female friend
  74. see a nutritionist
  75. have a New Year's kiss that is with someone I love
  76. buy new funky glasses
  77. learn to give a great massage!!  (take a class!)
  78. find BJ's breeder and thank her for such a beautiful, healthy boy she gave us
  79. go to a sporting event
  80. take a train ride
  81. buy a lotto ticket
  82. do my yoga pose and photograph it
  83. buy another new car (Britty needs one too!)
  84. have my Tiffany ring set without going broke!
  85. be debt free!
  86. be pampered at a beach resort
  87. meet Brian Tracy again
  88. create a time capsule with Britty
  89. clean out my fridge completely!  100%  Empty it out!!
  90. Get more shelves up in my storage room and organize it
  91. have a slumber party in Britty's room :)
  92. Have a double date with Britty and her BF and mine.  (Awkward?  LOL!)
  93. Build a snowman but never just ONE anymore!
  94. go snorkeling
  95. become an Aunt.  (jk Debbie!  lol!!)  How about to your new dog?
  96. have a girls' night out
  97. take lots of bubble baths with candles all around
  98. stay in hotels more and jump on the beds
  99. look into Peace Corps again
  100. revise this list to make it even more challenging as I check off these things!
  101. laugh lots
I am mostly scared of the rock climbing on the kiddie wall!  hee hee!  I have to do it though since I wrote it! :)

For more info on 101 things to accomplish in 1001 days, here is the link below and good luck!  You can do it if you can imagine it!

http://dayzeroproject.com/

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

A Pair of Boots



Meet Boots!


Boots was abandoned by his previous owner and we discovered him at the Sterling Animal Shelter. Britty totally surprised me by taking me to shelters for Mother's Day!  When we saw Boots, we knew he was the one and here is why:


A few years ago, we met a beautiful stray kitty named Boots!  We wanted to adopt him, but the property owners decided they wanted to "keep" him after we fell in love.  When we relocated, we missed Boots a lot and wished we had stolen him!  Sadly, Boots was kept outside despite living on a busy street and was hit by a car and killed.  We miss him terribly and wish we had stolen him, looking back.  We regret leaving him to careless owners and have always felt bad about his unfortunate lack of proper care.   He was a wonderful boy and we will always miss him.

On Mother's Day, Britty pooled her money with some friends and took me to animal shelters to find a new kitty.  I had said I wanted one, but was going to wait until my future family members all approved of having another pet!  I guess Britty didn't want to wait knowing that a new kitty would make me very happy!  So off we went to shelter hop!

The shelters were full of beautiful homeless cats and dogs (oh, and birds too!)  It was very sad to see these babies in cages waiting (and hoping) to be chosen and loved.   To know that lots of them would be put to sleep if not chosen was particularly tough.  For the cats, I did find a beautiful girl that I nearly took home.  She reminded me of our Minnie kitty.   I felt so bad for her!  I wished more people knew of her and all the animals here that were found homeless or dumped off at the shelters.  Some were respectfully released by their owners for good reason, so don't get me wrong, I am not purposefully being judgmental.  I do wonder though how anyone could get rid of their pet?  I would never.  Ever.  EVER.

We went onto the our final stop, the Sterling Animal Shelter.  I immediately saw a cat that grabbed my attention and made me stare is disbelief.  It was a cat who looked just like our BOOTS!!  I really got scared as I walked up to his cage and saw the tag on it and it read:  Name:  Boots.  Seriously.  Seriously?!?!?!?  He looked like him, acted like him, and it was a little spooky!!  It took me about a second to look at Britty and say, "Yep."  She knew too.  Boots was back in our lives!

Original Boots on left.                     Our New Boots on right.

Our baby on his first day home:

His flinging around the room for mice on a rope is the best!!!

To my original Boots, I am so sorry that I did not fight for you or steal you. You'd be alive today and loved by us had I caused trouble back then. I wish I had. All I can do is give this new little boy a great home and take care of him as we would have taken care of you. We miss you, baby Boots. Thank you for coming back into our lives somehow and giving us a chance to love you again in the only way we can now.

You can save a life!

If considering a new pet, PLEASE adopt from a shelter. These animals need a home and they are beautiful and loving and deserve YOU! Take the time to look around, educate yourself and find the right one for you. They are out there waiting for you right now.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms out there! Even if your babies are furry friends, I hope you celebrate being the best mom you can be!

No matter their age, remember to always see the best in your children and be excited by them! You have lots to learn from them!

Britty and Candi 1995

To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself.
~ Josh Billings

Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home.
~ Phyllis Diller

Your children will see what you're all about by what you live rather than what you say.
~ Dr. Wayne Dyer

Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means.
~ Albert Einstein


The best training any parent can give a child is to train the child to train himself.
~ A. P. Gouthey

Thank you to Britty for showing me how to give, be loyal, be open, and to trust.  I thought parenting was all about telling kids what to do and showing them, guiding them, and protecting them.  I had no idea until I met you, Britty!!  I am very proud of you, just like I was then in that photo above.  :)

Happy Mother's Day!  

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Already a Survivor


At first, I was very sad to hear that this incredible man in the photo above was diagnosed with cancer.  From Brian Tracy's blog he says, "The doctors have discovered that I have a cancerous tumor in my throat that is fairly well along in development."  As he described chemotherapy and altering his schedule to accommodate "survival," I noticed that even Brian's "bad" news is stated in a way to be helpful and inspirational to others.

He says on his blog, "Cancer can be a metaphor for any unexpected setback or reversal in life, especially in the areas of money, business, career and marriage.  In each case, when your situation abruptly changes for the worse, you go through a process of shock and denial, followed by depression and self-pity, which is then followed by acceptance and resurgence.

Perhaps the most important four words in the English language, words that are always true for all people at all times are, “This too shall pass."

I was surprised to find myself smiling at anything within these blog posts of his, yet his words below summarize Brian for me and make me look up to him in business and in his personal life as well:

"I choose to see this as a “learning experience.” Maybe I’ll develop a speech or seminar to share what I’ve learned, and the parallels with the ups and down of normal life. "  :)

He has the mind set of survival and he has already won, no matter what the future holds for him.

Wishing you a quick recovery, Brian.  I look forward to meeting you again as soon as possible

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Finally!!!!

My test drive... I just knew. :)


This is near the beginning of my Season 2 of my 100 Day Challenge. My Season 1 set a foundation of asking, believing and then receiving. One of my "wants" was to have a very specific car. I had no idea of how that could possibly happen. I'm happy to say that I just picked up my new baby today. This is the exact car I cut photos out of and pasted in my Vision Book and Mind Movies. Who knew? I guess a better question would be, why don't we always just know?

So today, I am feeling overwhelmingly grateful. As I looked through my vision book from Season 1, not only did I see that I have the perfect car for me now, but also many of the other items and feelings I put in that book are now no longer fantasies... they are my life. I am happy to share this with people who are either experiencing the same OR are figuring out how to fine tune their lives by investigating things like Universal Laws and beliefs, etc... We are all in such a good, good place! :)

My gratitude list is longer than usual today, but I am so happy for all that has happened, for all I have done, and for just **knowing.** This is not about my current dream car. This is about knowing that we are far more powerful than we know. Even in times of perceived crisis, we are taken care of.


Today I am grateful for this and more:


The ability to purchase what I want when I want it.

The freedom to be selective and NEVER settle for less.

The feeling that I deserve all of these good things and MORE.

The awareness that I am creating this life.

The knowingness of when to let go.

The rewards I receive for being true to myself.

My f*ing cool new car!!!!!!!!!!

Off to create more now. Thank you to my friends and "teachers" and those who appear to be trouble, but end up being the ones I learn most from. We are in the perfect place to realize how powerful and perfect we are. (and always have been.) Let's enjoy the ride together!!!


Monday, March 22, 2010

Happy 15th Birthday, Britty!!!


Each year I enjoy Britty's birthday even more. To watch her change in so many ways is a privilege and I am so happy for her strong and positive outlook on life. This photo kind of sums her up for me and I LOVE it:


We were lucky enough to go to the Boston Opera House for the Lion King!! Playing on her birthday! (just for her!)


The show was great and the songs and sets were everything we heard they were and more. Here we are exploring the Opera House before the show:


Hanging out in the hotel was fun too, and here's a photo of Britty waking early at about 1 pm. (just kidding Britty!)


<3 you! Happy Birthday Baby!!

Friday, March 12, 2010

A Commitment to Improve

With my recent desire to change up my business, I discovered a seminar that had the potential to spark excitement in me again and also set the direction for a new business venture! After watching a Brian Tracy webinar, I heard of his "One Year Total Business Makeover" seminar in California and jumped at the chance to go. Winning a VIP pass (no such thing as luck!) allowed me to spend even more time with Brian himself and other self-made million and billionaires. I loved observing and enjoyed meeting people such as John Assaraf who I knew from the movie, The Secret. Aside from Brian Tracy, John's information and personality really struck a chord with me and I have since been working hard on business and personal growth and enjoying every second of it.

I was happy that my video testimonial of the seminar was used on Brian's blog. :) I was asked to do this quick clip with coaxing from Brian Traichel, who was amazingly helpful!

Click here to read about this awesome business seminar and to see my video testimonial of this great experience in California!

Brian Tracy San Diego Business Seminar - March 2010

Never stop learning.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

My Baby

Dedicated to all of our babies... please see the ending too. xxx

Friday, February 26, 2010

Love... 100%

B.J.
November 28, 1996 - February 26, 2010

We miss you.  We love you always.
I hope you know how important you are to us and always will be.
Thank you for making us the luckiest.

 
 

Thursday, February 18, 2010

About Me

Do you really want to know?  I think I say it all in my blog, but this page with more info will be coming soon.

Thank you for stopping by here!!!  I love my visitors! <3

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The Wisdom of a Broken Heart

This may seem like a strange post for near Valentine's Day, but it's for those who seem to dislike the "holiday" because of not having the love you want in your life or because of feeling broken-hearted and lonely. I recently read a line similar to this from Abraham-Hicks:

I do not want to be loved, I just want to love.

You may see people desperately searching to get love and validation and they search any and everywhere for that feeling. If they just turned that inward, a peace comes and then they may experience the ability to now give. Here is where I believe the healing begins. The feeling of a broken heart can be one of the worst and inescapable feelings that can be hard to heal from when you do not look at it face on and just allow it. I loved the idea of the book, Wisdom of a Broken Heart by the wonderful Susan Piver. Her Buddhist beliefs provide a healing undertone for the book and will be invaluable to those experiencing the pain of "lost" love.

Here, Susan talk about the book:



Coincidentally, I received this email today from the Universe. (yeah, we are best friends...)

All endings, Candi, are happy endings.

If you even believe in endings.

Whah!!
The Universe


If you need time to heal from something, take the time you need and make sure to appreciate the journey.  All of it.  No matter your love life details and desires, as Valentine's Day approaches, just remember that no one can ever take away your ability to love.  Keep on giving and giving and giving. 

Lots of love to you. <3 <3 <3 <3

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Will Smith

I LOVE this compilation of interviews and found myself laughing at what Will says about "being realistic!" It's the fastest road to mediocrity... so why aim to be realistic? Also, why have a plan B? It only distracts from plan A and puts in your mind that your first plan "may" fail. Why have failure in your mind at all?

Check out the video below! :)

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Day 50 of 100 Day Challenge




WOW! I can't believe this challenge is only half way through and I have gained SO much already! I'm feeling great and I can't wait for the next 50 days!!

Within the 50 days, I have already accomplished a lot of what I was looking for. I was looking to eat better and have done so with an ease and with forgiveness, which makes the journey fun! I am already at my goal weight and see how I can maintain it now. (not through muscle loss or water loss!) It's releasing the extra weight that I do not need! This path includes LOTS of raw foods and I love them all. A green drink each day (at LEAST one) is now a must or else I feel incomplete! I make a lot of fresh juices, smoothies, salads, eat fruits, nuts, seeds, oils, supplements like chia seeds, acai berries, maca powder... and if I do eat cooked foods, they are steamed veggies, quinoa, hummus, and some other proteins that are not wheat/flour based. (Steering clear of breads and things like that!) It is SO good and I feel a million times better eating this way! If I do have "junk", I just quickly get back on track and it's no problem at all. (Still have to have my Buddha Hut "chicken!")

Exercise is now a regular part of my day. I feel awesome spending at least 30 minutes per day on planned exercise. Whether it's a fast walk on the treadmill or a DVD such as Turbo-Jam or Tammi Lee's abs, it's a great feeling when finished! Combined with group yoga class, I am just beginning a well-rounded fitness plan that I enjoy!

I was looking to also bring in more love in my life at the beginning of this 100 day challenge. I wanted this through great friends, more time with Britty and the pets, and also well - you know! I'm happy to say that I have experienced all I wanted to and MORE. Now, I can begin to create more and fine-tune what I am looking for even more so! :) How fun!

So with the 100 day challenge, I've had sad days, "stuck" days, and also some of the greatest days I have ever had. :) On the whole, I just cannot believe how life changes when you choose to be 100% responsible for EVERY aspect of it! I've also learned to shed the old ways of thinking that no longer serve me. I am not worried about what other people think. I am not worried about pleasing everyone, because I cannot. I am not worried about the labels people called me in the past - that is over-with! It is not part of my present and certainly not part of my future! As my good friend Chris sang to me, "I can see clearly now the rain is gone..." That about sums up the 100 Day Challenge for me. :) 50 more days to go.