Yesterday, I stayed home from work because my cough/bronchitis was worse; probably due to being out in the cold Saturday night and all the partying. Sunday I felt like complete . I used the old family remedy of a mustard plaster on my chest (a natural inflammatory and draws junk out of the body) and fell asleep with it on. Not a good thing. It burned my chest and looked and feel like I've got a lovely sunburn. Ooops.

Now, to the buzz. Yesterday morning I was drifting in/out of sleep between coughs and blowing my nose when I kept hearing a buzzing/vibrating sound coming from my pillow or in close proximity of my pillow. I thought my phone was vibrating but I checked that and it was on "ring" and showed no signs of vibrating. NO, it wasn't the G-Whiz, there were breaks between buzzes; it wasn't constant and no fun was being had *snicker* .

I figured it would stop eventually, whatever it was, and I went to sleep. Later when I woke up, I figured out what it was. It was ME that was buzzing - or a better word would be wheezing. It's a good thing the doc gave me an inhaler; two puffs and the wheezing pretty much stopped.

I managed to drag my to Management class last night. Not out of dedication but because I *thought* we were supposed to work on a case study and there is no way I could make up the work. BUT we got half way through the class and he told us the case study will be Wednesday night. That was my cue to leave; I warned him that I may be leaving early.

This morning, I still feel like but feeling more like I belong among the living so I'm going to work this afternoon to video tape the Presentation Skills Workshop. That is dedication... or stupidity... have not decided which. It is fun to video tape, actually, so perhaps it's that.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and have a great day today!

Mom's surprise party went off without a hitch; my sister Kathy brought Mom and Dad to the restaurant and she kept calling me because she was trying to find a way to stall; Mom was ready to go at 5:30 and they weren't supposed to leave until 5:55. I had my Aunt Linda to call to keep her at the house a bit longer. They arrived about 6:10, with some of the guests but it still didn't quite hit her what was happening. Then she walked in and saw everyone in the dining room. Here is a video - it's a bit wacky - sorry, too much commotion! But you see the look of surprise on her face and the instant tears.



Mom hit me twice in the arm; once for being "sly" and planning it and the second time for all the signs I made. Hey - I thought "70 and Still HOT" was great but I think it was "Older than Dirt" that bothered her.

There were 64 people who ate and 3 couples that came for a few minutes but couldn't stay for dinner. Two of them were Howard & Annette, my cat Ashley's parents first (they gave her to me because they moved to Turkey for two years) as well as my best friend Carol's parents; they were my second set of parents.


Patti and I decided it would be too hard to video tape everyone saying something to Mom since there were so many, so I brought a book/journal for everyone to write in. My project for yesterday was printing photos out to glue in the book next to each entry. I think it turned out great, but I discovered a few that didn't get to write in it. Next time they come by, I'll have them write in it next to their photos.

I sat with my nephews Adam and Travis, and Travis' fiance' Sara. We had some laughs but luckily no one heard what were were saying because everyone was laughing and having a great time. Then came cake time...and more tears.



After the cake was inhaled and people were starting to leave, Mom gave me a hug and said, through tears, "This is the best birthday I've ever had." That got to me but I held it together and told her she deserved it. Even after we got home, she kept saying, "I can't believe it." How awesome of a feeling that we could all do this for Mom. Dad had a great time too and I made sure he knew the party was for him as well since he wouldn't let us give him a party on his 70th birthday. We will have another big party this August; it will be my parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary.

For more photos, you can go to my Flickr.

I went through my comments tonight on my Flickr page and discovered that I was asked to add this photo to a group (QEMD "Finch") and won an award (Shield of Excellence) for this in the last week!



I took this photo last September and it's Mount Nebo in Utah; and the King's Peak is the highest peak in the Wasatch Mountains. It is truly a stunning mountain, in fact, the whole Nebo Loop was incredible. The photo I posted on Wednesday was Payson Lake which isn't far from Mount Nebo. I definitely want to go back this summer and take more time to explore.

Here is a video of the entire mountain as I was standing on the ledge to view it. It was quite a drop down as I tried to show (I didn't get very close to the edge).



Have a great weekend, everyone!

Check out my new loafin' slippers that match my loafin' Pooh PJs.  This is what I wore all day yesterday while home tending to my coughing- up-a- lung cough.  I worked on my homework and snoozed most of the day between coughing fits.  The doc gave me an inhaler for the bronchitis and he told me to take the Robitussin DM.  *pooey*

Today will still involve some loafin' (and more homework boo- hiss- boo) but I am also going to work on my mom's surprise party centerpieces.  Her friends are taking her out tonight and she asked me to keep an eye on Dad.  Perfect.  My lovely SIL Patti will come over and help me assemble them.  

Everything is good to go for Mom's surprise party Saturday night.  I've got it all arranged and with the help of my siblings, it should go smoothly.  I am estimating 55 guests in all so it should be a fun party.  She doesn't act like she's suspecting anything. 

I asked her a few days ago if she would like to go out to eat for her birthday because Susie, Kathy, Dad, Elyssa, and I wanted to take her out.  Then I told her *The Ploy* that we will meet all the other family at my brother's house where we'll have the cake and ice cream.  She asked, "Can't anyone else go to dinner?" (in a sad voice) and I said, "No, no one can meet until 7:30."  She said a very pathetic "Oh, OK..." and sighed.  I kept a straight face and said, "We'll still have fun."  *evil grin*   

Happy 70th Birthday, Mom!  (pictured with four of her great-grandchildren)

1.  It's been a strange week; feeling in a funk and not feeling well.  Work has been crazy and so has life, basically.  I know part of my funk is the toll that having classes each night; it's harder for me than having two late nights with two classes back to back.  Gee whiz, is it March 8 yet?

2. Next term's schedule is out already and I am taking Senior Seminar in Management (my last Management requirement WOOHOO) and an elective, Introduction to Language.  I was happy when I saw my English and Art teacher, Carol Ann is teaching it. Both classes are M&W, back to back.  YAY, good schedule.  Gee whiz, six more classes.  

3.  Gee whiz, my management teacher, who I was scared to have as a teacher, is actually pretty cool.  BUT we'll see about his tests.  I took a test last night on "systems thinking" and I hope I did well on it. 

On Monday night, we had a good class and he was really funny.  The subject of Wal-Mart came up; and he said, "Wal-Mart does to the community what a bull does to a cow.  They "service" us."  He slipped a sentence later and said, "screw."  We were cracking up. 

When we were talking about the tests for the term, he told us to make sure we had a thumb drive to bring in for the final.  He said we'll be taking it on laptops and it's "closed book and closed notes," but it doesn't say anything about thumb drives.  He is giving is a lot of good information; better than what is in the textbook, actually.  He claims there is a lot of "good poop" in the text book... which is a matter of personal interpretation.  I think I'm going to enjoy his class this term and next term.  It won't be easy; there is a lot of work, but having a good instructor makes a lot of difference.  I have been fortunate not to have any instructor that I haven't liked.  Gee whiz, how lucky is that?

4.  I received a HUGE package in the mail on Monday; it was my Christmas gift from Vickie.  As I opened the box, I knew how much fun she had in gathering all the fun and wonderful gifts.  I must admit, I was scared when I saw a package of four "D" batteries... "Gee whiz," I thought, "Perhaps I shouldn't have threatened to send her a G-Whiz for a joke so much."  But as I dug into the prezzies more, I discovered the batteries were for a massaging frog... The Horny Toad that is green and vibrates when I squeeze him; gotta love that.  She gave me a beautiful bracelet, a CD, a puzzle, and a jar of 365 inspirational sayings to read one each day.  There were packages of black licorice, Lemonheads, lemon drops, Smarties, and Fireballs.

There was a tin full of Lifesavers, toothpicks, cotton balls, gold thread, bubble gum, suckers, candy bars, and Starbursts that went along with a friend poem. Tuesday night, I received a package from my favorite catalog, The Pyramid Collection, but I couldn't remember ordering anything. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the box and there was a dream fairy from Vickie too. Gee whiz, I'm spoiled! Thank you, Vickie! I love having Christmas stretched out!

5. I had the worst nylon day yesterday; I went through two pair before leaving in pair #3, then went through pair #4 within the first hour at work. Since #4 was my only spare pair, I had one other alternative, a pair of knee highs. No runs in those but the tops kept rolling down. I think the Nylon Gods and Universe were trying to tell me something, but did they have to do it to brand new nylons? Gee whiz.

6. Last but by far the least, today is a special day. Someone is having a birthday. Who is the birthday boy? Here are some clues: Dr. Uranus Rectum Phulovit, scamster buster extraordinare.

Phew... do you smell that?









Could it be? Another scamster buster in drag?











Do you give up?
It's our very own Skunk Feathers (pictured left). Happy birthday, Skunk!

Skunk is an incredible writer and one of the funniest guys I've had the pleasure of meeting. I met him last year while I was in Denver; at the Blogger Meet.

He is Monica, Vickie, and my "Charlie" and we are his "Angels;" call us Skunk's Angels (quit laughing, we're serious). Our motto is "Live Together, Die Together. Why? Because he's going to kill us when he reads our posts.

Gee whiz, please go over and wish him a very happy birthday!

The third Yahoo! IM Slumber Party was a lot of fun.  The first to join were Andrea, Vickie, Big Orange Michael, Poet, and Teresa.  Vickie disappeared all of the sudden and we had no idea where... then about an hour later, she came back and admitted that her husband whisked her away for a quicky! GO VICKIE! It was a little more than a quicky since she was gone for an hour, but I digress.

Deni IM'd me from her phone while she was at work; we wished she could have joined us. We missed the bratty one and her *evil grins*. We attemped to play Truth or Dare but we had other things to talk about. Poet needed to go early and we were sorry to see her go. I hope we didn't bore her with all the football and baseball talk. You know, we love our bats, balls, and sexy men.

Michael was the next to go; I think we wore him out. He left us wanting more though...

Susan from Australia joined in for a few minutes and got to talk to another Michael on our headsets; what a cutie (Teresa's son). Susan disappeared shortly after; perhaps she got a better offer? *snicker*

The lovely Hula and Monica joined us next and we all talked about cats, dogs, men, men, gee-whiz, Andrea's Fish man, and more men. Then Poopie joined us and we talked about men some more. We had a lot of laughs and my sides were hurting from laughing so much.

Hula was soon beckoned by her husband so she left, then was followed by Monica and Poopie. Teresa had to go to pack for her business trip that was early Sunday morning. Vickie claimed she was tired but we have no idea why she would be tired...

Andrea and I were the last to leave. Andrea was a first timer for the slumber party and I hope she - and everyone else had a great time. Thanks for joining in, everyone!!

I want to look into your eyes
And never look away.
I want to hold your hand
And never let go.
I want to feel your sweet kiss
And never stop kissing.
I want to feel your embrace
And never part ways.
I want to feel safe in your arms
And never leave.
I want to walk beside you
And never feel lost.
I want to hear your voice
And never stop listening.
I want to hear your laughter
And never stop.
I want to ease your pain
And never have it return.
I want to share your passion
And keep it burning bright.
I want to see your smile
And hope it’s just for me.
I want to feel your soft touch
And always touch you.
I want to give you my heart
And always have yours.
I want to tell you my dreams
And know they’re coming true –
With you, my dream of dreams.

KJR
May 3, 2006

It's almost time for the Slumber Party!  So far, I have Raggedy, Vickie, Miss Cellania, and Susan (from Australia) on my *list*. Big Orange Michael is a strong maybe. Who else is going to join in the fun??

Note to Raggedy: I need your Yahoo ID so I can add you, either leave it in the comments or email me.

The party will start around 9:00pm Eastern, 8:00 Central, 7:00 Mountain, and 6:00 Pacific time tomorrow night (Saturday). Get comfy and grab your favorite beverage and snack and be prepared for some laughs. Are we going to do drive by commenting again or are we up for some truth or dare? Too bad we're in different cities; it would be fun to toilet paper someone LOL

Speaking of slumber parties, a friend at work is selling the adult fun Slumber Parties and talked me into booking a party on Feb 9. I asked my cool SIL Patti if I can have it at her house and she actually said YES. I get a percentage of what is sold at the party... gee whiz... what shall I get? *snortle* If anyone wants to order anything, let me know. She can send it anywhere in the US. Remember, Valentine's Day is coming and they have gifts for men and couples too.

This week has flown by; one week down and seven left of this term. So far I've got a ton of Auditing homework and will need to do a lot of reading for next week. My Operations Management class is OK; the teacher is a bit strange but I better get used to it since I will have him next term too for the highest level management class. I have to write a paper but need to think on it some more. We have a test already on Wednesday on "Systems Thinking," which is the base for all his classes.

My friend Marilyn that was in all my math, Economics, and Business Law classes is in my class. I was so excited when she emailed me Wednesday. She's such a hoot. Another fellow student, Shelly, from my Accounting classes is in it too and she, Marilyn, and me have formed a group for the class projects. How sweet it will be not to have any slackers in the bunch.

I'm going to dig in and start my homework today. I stayed up late last night and cleaned so I could get a fresh start. I better get started.

Remember to leave a comment if you're interested in joining in the fun tomorrow night! Have a great weekend, everyone!

This man, James Tupper, who plays "Jack" on the tv show Men in Trees, has that sexay quality that explodes out of the tv and into my bedroom.  Something about this guy, gee whiz, is just.  Oh. 

Now, I love everything about the tv show, except when his ex decided to stay in town and he let Marin go.  It better work out better and hotter later on is all I'm saying.  (do you hear that, writers?)

Look at those eyes and that smile... gee whiz...

 

Mmmm, Yes, I could do with learning to fly fish if he was my teacher...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not to mention playing a game of kissing in the closet.  Gee-whiz...

 

 

 

 

 

A place to write about my dreams.

Thank you again, Hula; I will treasure it always, just as I treasure YOU!

Hold on to the precious gifts,
Sent from Him above.
Hold on to those you love,
Who lifts your spirits.

Hold on to the friends,
Who you hold dear in your heart.
Hold on to the laughter,
And let go of the tears.

Hold on to their heart,
And keep it close to yours,
Hold on gently, not too tight,
As yours, their heart needs to soar.

Hold on to the bonds you share,
For they are all too rare.
Hold on to the understanding,
And strive to forgive.

Hold on to the good times,
And let go of the bad.
Let go of the regrets,
Set them free and don’t look back.

Hold on to a bright future,
Focus on letting go of the past.
Hold His hand in yours, and
Hold on for dear life.

KJR
July 27, 2006

His eyes, I cannot look away,
When they’re looking into mine.

His smile, that special smile, just for me,
Makes me want him, only him.

His laughter, echoes in mine,
Sharing a secret that is just ours.

His scent, as I inhale deeply,
That brings sweet memories.

His touch, the slightest touch,
Spreads heat and passion through me.

His lips, on mine and on me,
Starts a fire that needs to be fed.

His taste, what I crave,
And can never get enough.

His embrace, tight yet gentle,
I never want him to let go.

His love, ignites my love,
For him and only him.

Forever.

KJR
September 7, 2006

I love long weekends. Here it is Saturday night and I have two more days to my weekend. W00T! This morning I was a good student *cough cough* and got up relatively early and read the first two chapters of each of my two textbooks to get me through this week. I decided I deserved a two-hour nap after all that reading and good behavior. Did I mention I stayed in my PJs all day? There aren't any rules that say I have to be dressed to read.

Then I pottered around and decided to look at CafePress.com because I saw on a website that someone created a calendar out of photos. I meandered to the website and saw how easy it was. I had a store set up and a calendar made in 25 minutes. Voila. Then I found all sorts of other goodies I could sell. Here is my store and it's also located on the sidebar. I like easy projects like that.

The rest of the evening, I took some photos and uploaded them to my Flickr page for the January "26 Things" project I'm working on. It's been a fun way I can practice different subjects and let out a little bit of creative energy. Thanks again, Shirl for inviting me to do this.

My plan for tomorrow is to actually watch an entire movie that I have not seen yet. This is something I've tried to do since Christmas and haven't been able to. Of course, PJs are required as always. I may go for three PJ days in a row (note: I DO shower and change PJs and do not sleep in the same PJs I lounge in LOL), I wonder if I'd throw off the natural balance of the universe if I did. Hmmm. I'm willing to risk it.

Enjoy your weekend!

This may be hard for some to understand, but my cat Ashley, who passed away last June is still around. It's the strangest, yet most wonderful, feeling to all of the sudden see her out of the corner of my eye. I'm not the only one who does either. I don't feel her on my legs as I did after she first died, but I still feel her presence when I am a little down and missing her (like now).

There are some times when I'm in the shower, the shower curtain will blow in just like someone opened the door - just as she used to. No door opens, no furnace turns on, it's like a little *woosh* with a zap of cold air because she always liked to hear me squeal. During my time away from blogging last month, I decided it was time to sit in our recliner, which I didn't do since she died. I couldn't bring myself to sit there until then, it didn't feel right. The chair holds so many great memories such as fighting for control over the chair. As I stood by the chair, memories came flooding back. She used to sit on the top of the chair and when I sat down in the chair, she would whip me in the face with her tail. I would laugh and reach back to pet her, then next thing I knew, she would climb down on my lap. It was our special time together; a time to snuggle, and take naps. But, when I got up from chair for a potty break, she'd take over. She was quite possessive of my lap, she got quite upset when I had a book or a project I was working on in her way.



I decided to suck it up, wipe the tears away, and get in the chair. I sat there, sobbing silently, when I pulled a blanket over me. That was the cue - always - to when she was to jump up on my lap. Next thing I knew, I could feel her on my lap; the heat was intense, even hotter than she used to be. It was amazing. I sat there, tears streaming down my cheeks but a big smile on my face. She was there. I fell asleep with the comfort of her warmth on my lap. Too bad reality hit when I woke up and I had to get up and go potty. I could almost hear her groan like she used to and I laughed through teary eyes. I didn't want it to end either but I felt relieved that I was able to work through one more stage of my grief.

I feel myself moving on and it feels like the right thing to do. I know she wants me to be happy, just as I want for her. I decided I will get another cat (most likely two sisters) after I graduate this fall. I don't feel it would be fair to get them until I can spend more time with them. The bond that Ashley and I shared for 13 years doesn't go away; she's my guardian angel and always will be. Rest in peace, Asher. I love you bunches.

1. Sexy gastro PA Nate told me Tuesday that, "You're as close to remission of ulcerative colitis that anyone can get." It's only taken four years but I'm blessed that it only took that long. I just need to keep doing what I'm doing for diet and meds and hopefully everything will stay good. Gee whiz, Nate was quite impressed with the book I took to read while waiting for him; my Productions & Operations Management text book. He cringed, actually. He knows just how I feel.

2. No more boot as of yesterday; I have permission from my podiatrist to wear some loose shoes; preferably my Crocs. Gee whiz, even in the snow?! Two pair of socks should help.

3. Gee whiz, we're supposed to get snow today. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! Lots of snow, PLEASE.

4. The four weeks of time off from school are coming to a close. *sniffle* Gee whiz, it went too quickly. I have two really touch classes this term, besides what I mentioned in Gee Whiz #1, I have Auditing which is the last/highest Accounting class for my bachelors. If I disappear, you'll know where I am... in the depths of non-gee-whiz-type -ville.

5. It amazes me that I can be such a light sleeper to wake up when the power goes off at night (meaning my TV goes out) but can sleep through three alarm clocks in the morning. I didn't wake up until 8:30am on Tuesday. Gee whiz, oops!

6. Gee whiz, I never thought I'd use the word "floater" to describe a holiday. Apparently, my company has a new policy that we get two floating holidays a year; one in the first six months and one in the second. Fortunately, Monday is not a floater but an actual holiday; President's Day is the floater. *snortle* Sometimes I crack myself up by the silliest things.

7. Plans for Mom's birthday are coming along. I found a fun idea for center pieces (made with old photos) and my wonderful sister-in-law is going shopping with me tomorrow night to see what else we can find to *torture* Mom. I found some fun sayings on the internet too, such as, "70 and still hot" that I will make as little signs or play with Flickr Toys and make some magazine covers and movie posters with the sayings on them. Gee whiz, this is going to be so much fun and my goal is to get everyone concentrating on this big day of hers in hopes that a milestone of mine will go unpunished for paybacks of past milestone birthday torture that I've inflicted.

8. I am looking forward to 10am tomorrow; I'm redeeming my massage gift certificate that my sis Kathy gave me for Christmas. All I can say is, "Gee whiz... I'm going to LOVE it."

9. For anyone that has read my blog for years, you may remember me talking about a coworker named Greg. Now, Greg was a really nice guy and I worked with him for 12 years. He did get on my nerves quite often by asking me to do nit-picky and strange things (work-related). Last year, he and my favorite boss, Timster, were laid off. Greg is back now working at my corporoate office and I'm happy for him. It's great not to have to work directly with him. Now, for what makes me say gee whiz, he asked me last week if I remembered the song that I had on CD that he heard on the "easy listening" radio station he adored. I had to laugh because I was listening to "Monster Ballads" which is a collection of 80's big hair bands. The song he asked about was, "I'll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)" by Steelheart. So, last week, Greg asked me if I still remembered that song he liked and asked if he could borrow my CD. It strikes me funny that someone who was never into rock music all of the sudden likes a 80's metal ballad... or maybe it's just him that strikes me as funny. He is one of those guys who is intelligent but lacks common sense. I'd play a prank on him; usually the old "KFC" phone trick, telling him to all Colonel Sanders and gave him a KFC phone number. He'd come back and say, "You have given me a number for Kentucky Fried Chicken, not Colonel Sander's. *snortle* Ummm, yeah... get it... KFC, Colonel Sanders?! "Ohhh... you're playing a joke on me." Yes, that would be correct. Bless his heart.

There is some sneakiness afoot in my family.  Sunday night, my Aunt Linda and her family stopped by to see my parents.  Linda mentioned that it was Mom's 70th birthday on January 27.  Now, I knew she was turning 70 but it hit me, this is her 70th birthday.  Yesterday, that spurred some thought and after calling my siblings and discussing it, we've planned a surprise party for her. 

 I will tell Mom that Susie, Kathy, Dad, my niece E, and me want to take her to dinner at the diner (where Susie works and our favorite place to eat) then all of the family will meet at my brother's house for cake and ice cream.  We are going to the diner, but all my siblings and their families as well.  I called her oldest sister Lou Jean and she was already working on surprising Mom by coming down from Idaho if she's feeling well (she's been ill) enough. Her sister Linda and her husband will come and hopefully most of their kids too.  Then, just as I was thinking about Mom's youngest sister, Jan, she called.  I told her what we are planning and she said she'd be there.  She lives in Sacramento and actually was here for this past weekend.  She got a $400 Delta voucher for taking a later flight so she's using that to fly here again.

I'm getting excited about the whole thing.  I still have a couple more people to invite and then try to think of something creative for decorations.  I want to us photos that I've scanned in but need some other ideas.  To make this event really special, my brother and nephew will video tape everyone telling our favorite memory or why we love Mom so much, then make it into a movie for her.  I know she'll cry but they will be tears of joy. 

Passions come in many different venues; one can be passionate about their hobbies, such as photography, writing, sculpting, drawing, painting, and sports/outdoor activities.  Passion can be what you feel for another person or cause.  

When I started this blog, I felt the need to explore my passions; learn more about myself and my passions.  I am feeling a little lost with not getting out much to take photos as I did when the flowers were blooming or the fall leaves were falling.  I love snow and winter but not having snow it's been quite dismal.  I was lucky enough to catch a few sunrises and sunsets but for the most part, I miss being out and taking photos.  

I am still learning as I stumble along with this new-found passion of mine and I enjoy every minute of it.  I can be Little Miss Stress Monster one minute then after I get out and take some photos, I'm Little Miss Cool Cucumber (get your mind out of the gutter *snicker*).  

My writing has become a passion too but I have also been frustrated due to lack of time, energy, and ideas.  I wanted to get a lot of writing done during the last month while out of school but that hasn't happened.  I'm trying not to be too hard on myself (I am a tough self-task master) because I get inspiration as I need it and I have been working on other little projects.  I have to face it; there is not enough hours in the day to do all I want. 

I saw my mom's sisters and my cousins yesterday at a family gathering after my cousin's baby was blessed.  This is the first I've seen anyone since giving them all the poem of my grandparents and I got the biggest hugs and they all told me how special they were.  It warmed my heart, especially when I saw the my grandma's poem framed, matted and hung on my cousin's kitchen wall.  I told everyone that Grandma likes to nudge me and I truly believe she helps me write.  They all agreed that they sense her help in what I wrote.  

Another passion of mine is about the love I have in my heart for my friends and family.  A deep vein of this passion is held for the man I have not met yet; the one I who I will fall deeply in love with and spend my life with.  I'm a hopeless romantic when it comes to love even though I have never been truly in love.  

I don't feel sorry for myself, never having what others have, because I know that I have not been truly ready for love.  I don't feel as if I need to be on the "hunt" for love, at least not in this point of my life.  Where I am right now, is where I need to be.  I am earning my degree, working on my passions, discovering and meeting myself for what feels like the first time.

I wrote some poems about passions and love and I have to admit I was scared and ashamed of acknowledging the poems were mine.  I posted two a while back on Vickie's site under a pen name.  Lately, I pondered the reasons why I did not want let others know I wrote those poems.  The first things that came to mind was, who will people think I am writing about?  Would they really believe this was all in my heart for someone I have not met?  Then it hit me.  I am always saying, "it doesn't matter what others think," yet here I was, worried about it.  It was silly.  Then I thought more and discovered that I was not ready to share this part of myself and my passions but now I am.

That thought was the main driver behind my new website, needing to open up and not be ashamed of my passions because my passions are a part of me; I should not hide them.  

In the weeks to come, I will be sharing these poems and admit they are mine.  I am also *toying* with the idea of having "Mojo Mondays," to give everyone a dose of passion on a Monday, when we all need a boost.  Your assignment is to think what your passions are and indulge in at least one or two this week.  Dig deep down inside and release that powerful energy... you'll smile all day and people will wonder what you're up to.