Random S.O.B.

I recently broke my yoga hiatus!  This past week I practiced twice,  and I'm already feeling a difference in myself.  From the first moment I began practicing, I fell in love.  I've learned that I am most vulnerable, yet bold, on my mat!  I mentally, physically, and spiritually challenge myself  there.  Every moment of my practice is dedicated to me appreciating the fact that I am always where I am supposed to be- even if I'm somewhere I don't want to be!  My favorite yoga instructor once quoted "Everywhere you go, there you are."  I practice at a yoga studio called Cleveland Yoga.  This is the only studio I've ever practiced at.  Feel free to check the studio out!  

www.clevelandyoga.com

Also...

This week, I will be practicing Tai Chi with a good friend of mine.  I'm trying to open myself up to new experiences! I'll try to post my experience in a future post!

Also...

My husband and I have been pre-approved for a mortgage, to purchase a new home!  I believe home ownership is the key to many stabilizing events in adulthood!  It's not for everyone, but its definitely for us!

And last...

The new albums of Kanye West, John Legend, and Ludacris have grown on me!

That's all folks!

My 12 Days of Christmas

There are 12 days left until Christmas.  Here's my version of the "Twelve Days of Christmas":

"On the ___ day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me..."

1. His son, who died for me

2. A husband and a daughter

3. Three good friends

4. A four year degree

5. Five wedding rings

6. Six counseling sessions 

7. Seven years since high school 

8. Eight first cousins

9. Nine in-laws my age  

10. Ten fingers typing 

11. Eleven years of working

12. Twelve years till freedom (My daughter becomes an adult)

Feel free to make your own version of the "Twelve Days of Christmas." The objective is to list the blessings given to you, matching the number of any one blessing with the numbered day of Christmas.  Also, only list blessings that were HONESTLY given to you!  Merry Christmas!

High School Musical Pt. 1

A few months back, I ran into some friends from high school whom I haven't spoken to since 10Th grade. They reminded me of how invaluable it is to maintain friendships from back then. I believe that friendships from those days are most honest, because these people know you from your most vulnerable days. As you meet people at later stages in life, its harder to trust them, because you most likely will not know as much about their pasts. Also, people find ways to cover up or neglect to disclose import pieces of their histories. An old friend once told me that his strongest ties are those from childhood, because those relationships are a little more innocent and true. Ever since that statement, I've taken note of those who occupy my friendship register. However, one has to wonder whether resurrecting a friendship from high school is beneficial. The friendship didn't last beyond high school for some reason. One thing that I've been grateful for is the ability to not get caught up in the dramas of "friendship." I'm hoping that I can maintain that ability, while furthering my friendship with these girls. In the event of any sign of "The Bold and the Beautiful" I'm taking a bow before closing the curtain. To be continued...

Wishful Black Friday

While thousands of Americans are out spending millions on what they consider to be great bargains, I am sitting at work wishing I could be amongst the excitement. I've come up with two explanations for why non- participation in the Black Friday extravaganza can be beneficial:

1. I'm not purchasing things I do not need just because they're on sale.

2. I'm at work earning money, instead of spending it.

Regretfully missing this time honored event, I remember two seasons past, when I stood outside Walmart from 9pm until 5am (in the snow) for a 64 inch flat screen TV priced at $500. That was my very first Black Friday experience. Doubtful family members laughed at me for doing so, yet, enjoyed many sporting events and television premieres watching it! Oh well, there's always next year...

Divine Inspiration here on Earth

My Thanksgiving day could not have began any better! First, I woke up! Unfortunately, many people were not blessed with this opportunity. I'm thankful that I'm alive, healthy, and have good friends and family to share this day with! I spent a very special morning with my husband, which was long overdue! We'd like to thank our cousins for keeping our little girl overnight! I watched this past week's DVR episodes of Oprah, while making homemade macaroni and cheese and sweet potato pie for this evening's dinner at my grandparent's house. What a beautiful and peaceful Thanksgiving morning!

One particular episode of Oprah peaked my interest and really gave me a reason to be thankful this holiday season. The episode was about four blue zones in the world that people live the longest. These people live to be 100 + years of age. The four blue zones are located in Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, CA; and Okinawa, Japan. Dan Buettner, the author of Blue Zone: lessons for living longer from the people who've lived the longest, was the special guest along with Dr. Oz for this episode. Dan Buettner spent seven years traveling around the world, researching where people live the longest and how. I learned that all of these people share similar lifestyles and ideologies. They live in remote areas, where life is less complex and living is easy. This really heightened my fascination for all that I've ever wanted out of life! I feel that their beliefs align with mine! Knowing this makes me extremely grateful!

Last year I made a list of my top five priorities in life. The list went as follows:

1. Spirituality- Believing in a power greater than me gives me self gratification
2. Health-My quality of life is greater when I have physical, mental, and emotional wellness
3. Family & Friends-Having good people to share my life with is very important
4. Purposes in Life-Having a sense of purpose strengthens my self fulfillment
5. My Legacy- When I'm no longer alive, I want the worst thing I've done to speak for me; and if I've lived a quality life, my worst thing should be considered great for others!

The people who live long and healthy lives have a purpose in life, which is why many of them do not retire. They don't allow their age to dictate what they should be doing in life. They have a strong sense of faith. They put family first, because time spent with family and friends is highly valued. Most importantly, they will leave a great legacy for all whom they've shared their lives with. I'm very grateful to have learned about these individuals, because they remind me of my priorities and of the peaceful simplicity that one should strive for each day! I hope to live a long, healthy life, if not, a short, high quality life!

I Think I Love My Husband

My husband and I are in a comfortable place.  Not a perfect place.  Just comfortable.  Even though we've grown together, we still live separately.  Over the years, we've struggled with being one while maintaining his and her identities.  Well actually, I've struggled trying not to make everything a "we" factor.  I've grown to realize that the "we" factor is a symptom of my desire to be sweet on my husband, hoping he'll treat me the same.  When I say sweet, I mean lovey /dovey, touchy/ feely, PDA (Public and Private Display of Affection). 

I've always been sweet on those I love.  I still call my mother and grandparents at night.  I randomly call family members  just to say "I love you."  I kiss my little girl at least a million times a day (and that's never enough kisses).  I talk to each of my close friends at least three times a week.  When I go to work, I round the entire office to say good morning to each of my co-workers.  I even tell God I love him every morning, while taking a shower!  Everyone whom I'm sweet on, definitely feels the love and reciprocates it back.  Everyone except my husband. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but he is a special case. 

My husband has never been one to show public affection.  He's sweet and thoughtful, but not a hands on type of man.  He's not spontaneous, and when he tries to be, I'm usually in a routine mood.  Back when we were dating I thought it was  cute that he didn't like to hold hands.  I assumed it was part of his bashfulness.  In my mind I thought "maybe I'll be the one to change that part of him."  WRONG!  I feel in love with the fact that he rarely made the first moves.  "Maybe he's nervous," my mind convinced me.  WRONG AGAIN!  I even thought his inability to plan quality time made my heart skip.  What the hell was I thinking?  He thought any time we were around each other was quality time.  Most importantly, I found it intriguing that we were polar opposites.  We both thought that it would be horrible dating someone who was interested in the exact same things as us!  Whoever created the quote "opposites attract" needs to be exiled.  Quite the opposites, we've learned this may be the origin of a permanent marriage hurdle. 

At 23, I often wonder what my life would have been like, had I not settled down so early.  Would my husband have grown into his sweetness?  Would he have learned that I need affection?  Or, would We have not committed to a life together?  I'm not sure how things would have turned out, but I'm sure that  marriage was the best decision for us!  I try not to wonder what a marriage with Miki Phifer would be like.  I just wonder what a marriage with a lot of affection and similarities in interests would be like.  Maybe my husband is affectionate, just not in the way I want him to be.  Maybe we do have more similarities than I think.  Could it be that we're in a comfortable place, causing the things in this very post to exist?

  I think I love my husband.  Wait, I know I love my husband!

Entrepreneur Unleashed

As mentioned in S.O.B. Wednesday, I recently launched a home based business  as an agent for a multi-level marketing organization.  After deliberate research, I learned that this company has a definite need for its services, less than two percent market penetration (which means I'm on the front end of this business trend), accredited business participation with the Better Business Bureau (neglecting to have unresolved customer complaints), a listing with NYSE, and has created financial independence for over half of its agents.  Because I'm on the front end of the business trend, when the market is saturated I will be in a position to retire from my day job!  That is, with much hard work and consistency. 

In operation since Tuesday, I've already attended two business meetings,  have three business prospects, and will be launching my e-service (website) this week.  I'm feeling extremely optimistic about this opportunity! An extreme skeptic when introduced to this business , my husband gave his fully conditional support!  "When the money starts rolling in, I'll believe the business' legitimacy." I'm not  mad at him.  Most people need to see to believe.  However, I have a conditional acceptance of his support.  "When the money starts rolling in, we're investing it!"  

Believing all that this organization stands for, I first purchased its services.  After being approached by a well established agent, who also happens to work for the same governmental organization as myself, I decided to at least learn about the opportunity before dismissing it.  I'm glad I learned!  I will be able to accomplish three  goals: 1) debt elimination  2)  financial and time freedom  and 3) the ability to help others.  This is not a get rich quick opportunity!  It is an avenue toward the destination of enjoying a greater quality of life! 

If you're interested in learning about the services I provide and a potentially lucrative business opportunity, feel free to post a comment regarding your interest!  Most people fear change, and neglect to recognize an opportunity because of their preconceived notions.  Don't allow that fear to keep you in the rat race!