An Amazing Experience

Mom 2.0. Summit - Miami, FL
What is your main goal in life? Is it climbing Mount Everest? Courage Vision bigger than her fear 60% of girls don't like the way they look. Don't be paralyzed by self-doubt. What would you be glad you did even if you failed? Many women put on their “Good girl cape” and live life saying I’m going to make everyone happy. When you make a mistake its important to talk to yourself the way you would talk to someone you really love. This is a life lesson, you’re a good person and people make mistakes. What we all have in common is fear of failure. When you get to know people almost everyone has a heart breaking story. Nobody is as hard on each other as girls Mothers and friends. Everybody needs an esteem team, who’s yours?
This event was truly amazing from and people I met, inspirational stories, to the business opportunties. It has given me renewed energy for life! So thankful I have found my place.

Pap Sam

Alexander T. 'Sam' Parenti owned GC trucking company liked to bowl, and fish. He died at the age of 74 April 17, 2002. My Grandpa “Pap Sam” was born Oct. 6, 1927, in Clearfield Township, Butler County, to Enrico Parenti and Julia Parenti. A trucker for 50 years, he retired in 1997 as owner of Parenti and Sons Trucking Co. of Grove City. He belonged to Church of the Beloved Disciple in Grove City and was a former member of Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 1637, Mercer. He was an avid fisherman and bowler. He loved his special canine friends, "Foxy" and "Sheba." My Grandma’s maiden name was Patricia A. Morrow, whom he married more than 57 years ago, at the residence; four daughters, Rose Mary, wife of Harry Jones Jr.; and Dorothy Parenti, both Grove City; Patricia A. Parenti, Spring, Texas; and Valerie Flynn, Mercer; four sons, Alexander T. Parenti Jr. and his wife Joyce, Westland, Mich.; James T. Parenti, Grove City; Thomas R. Parenti and his wife Joyce, Diamond Bar, Calif.; and Michael J. Parenti, Meadville; three sisters, Teresa Nagy, Annabell Ekis and Dyane Parenti, all Boyers; 18 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Pap Sam had four brothers, John, Domenic, Sylvester and Tony Parenti; and two sisters, Mary Severina and Betty Jean Scarpine. He was an amazing man and I have written this blog post as a tribute for Father’s day. Thinking of all those who have lost their fathers.

Mothers Day 2011

What a day waking up tot Emily’s sweet smiling face, with a tray of yogurt and a cut up banana. She said I cut the banana myself Mom, Happy Mothers Day! She then turned on my videos as she knows how I love to watch music in the morning. Then crawled under the covers and cuddled up to me in bed. A few minutes later Jake came up and had a big brown Kroger bag, and said Happy Mudders day Mom, I made this for you. His face was beaming and his eyes were sparkling and of course he was jumping up and down. I asked where have you been hiding this and he said “under my bed Mom”. I opened the present to find a recipe book form Mrs. Wilkins Kindergarten class; each child had said what their favorite foods that Mom makes. Well Jacob’s favorite food that Mom makes is Domino’s pizza. Not a surprise since Dad does all the cooking, but I did ask don’t you like my peanut butter and jelly? No response, it made me chuckle. He also made me a towel with his hand print on it, and a card that he carefully colored the flowers and did not go out of the lines. It was perfect! While opening Jake’s gift Emily was in her room creating my gift, earlier that week I had found her present in the garbage can, put it on and then realized I ruined her mother day gift. Yes she hid her gift in the garbage can a gorgeous necklace and earrings. She hand made a Box, magnet, pin, and card with a letter B.
We then went for a walk, such a pretty morning, tulips dancing for us, Emily noticing every bird. We held hands the whole way around the block it was like we were in heaven birds chirping and the air smelled so sweet. Called my Mom and wished her a happy day told her about all the great creations I received, she sent a picture of Emily’s hot plate sitting on her stove. Went to church and it was music day at church. I absolutely loved it, got home and got ready to go to Lake O with Family. Got to lake O Mamma K upset, my hubby to the rescue. She was so mad at me for missing Niki’s party. Feel bad but I was not going to miss spending time with my Mom in order to go to her party. Decisions decisions. Had an awesome day on the lake with the kids. The girls did a fashion show for us, blared the radio and strutted up and down the dock with Grandmas old 70’s clothes on, very entertaining. Jake and I spent some time together sitting on the rocks, splashing our feet in the water. He is so full of joy, his cheeks and eyes filled up with joy as he tried to push my feet into the cold water. Mischievious little one, but all day he was such a sweetheart picking any flower he could find, and giving it to his Mudder. Then Michael made a delicious fish dinner for the whole family. I told him his Dad would be proud, I was proud of him he’s such a great person! I love him so much, the Moms sat on the deck while he cooked, it was a grand day.

10 states in three weeks

I wrote this entry as I was heading from San Jose to Los Angeles, missed the tsunami, thank you God! I was a bit panicked this morning when I woke up and saw that on my Google page. Never been so literally scared could not think straight. Dad freaked me out saying I was in the water funnel and to possibly get a car and head for the mountains, Got to love him. Mike got mad at me because he said I was freaking out over nothing. I’ve been to many cities in so little time, Las Vegas, (the drive to Orlando, San Antonio, San Jose. Started February 13th and I am a bit wiser in many ways. First seeing the landscape of the country makes me wonder why I live in MI. Mike and I and the family belong somewhere else. With the beautiful landscape and variety you love. I met some great people, in the past month. IFA – were all trying to do the same make a living and have fun. I’ve had conversations with many different types of people. IFA and the team at Reach Local, various franchisees, for some reason Tastee Delight, Dunkin Donuts, A&W all seem to stick out. I work for a giant in the industry and am so lucky to be able to touch and impact so many business owners. We are ahead of so many marketing teams, we have talent overflowing. The drive to FL was interesting, sitting on the beach that one day was so nice, got a great tan, and drank margaritas with the family. I am so lucky to have such a great mother in law and two great kids and an awesome husband. What can I do for my husband who has been home for a month basically on his own. He needs a vacation a medal something for all his hard work. I wish I could take him with me on all these trips. The more people I meet the more I realize that he is someone special. Nothing I didn’t already know, that’s why I married him. His personality lends himself to be such a leader. I wish he could get out and overcome his anxiety as this is holds him back from so much. His strengths with people and the ability to properly assess the situation in seconds is a gift. Not to mention that he does not sugar coat anything. I met people from all over the world and has changed my perspective on life. Love taking care of his people. I will trust that loving kindness will souround me. I am blessed!

I See God through You

Emily is my reminder my peace in life that keeps me sane. I swear God speaks to me through her, sounds wierd but I believe its true. It seems that at the right moment she'll ask the greatest question or say the sweatest thing. Sunday on the way to church she recieited her bible verse perfectly. She rarely memorizes these so when she belted out "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." I literally felt that God was telling me to give my constant worry a rest. I have been exhausted by the constant arguing/worry between us. Everything we've been doing debating about is out of frustration. These times are hard Yeah there making us crazy. I heard a song today that fit where we are in life in our relationship and it brought tears to my eyes. For the First Time by The Scripts. "Life will bring you pain all by itself. Your responsibility is to create joy." ~Milton Erickson
Jake is our challenge a result of poor decisions, it sure does hurt when your child misbehaves so much. How could anyone want to give up on their kid and leave them to be a child of this universe alone with out guidance. I trust that things will work out along with major persistance and discipline.

Elated in 2010

So many blessings came our way in 2010, this may sound a bit cheesy but my heart overflows with happiness when I think back on all the adventures and great moments in 2010. To start my sister had her 1st son Liam, what a happy kid he is. My family and I experienced so much this year. We had a great vacation in Venice, FL during July 4th, it was such a beautiful place. The condo we had was a short walk from the ocean, Venice is a small town and not very commercialized so the beaches had so much wild life. We saw manatees, sharks, and swam with the dolphins it was awesome! We also made some great friends while we were there and went crabbin with them and the kids got along so well. Nightime crabbin for the first time was a halarious experience for us city folk. We got the condo in Venice through the MM auction. I am so blessed to be working for such a great company which has taken me so many places this year, and I know its only the begining of our journey with them. In March 2010 I presented in front of 200 people on the Grand Ol Opry Stage, as well as played the guitar on stage. Never thought I'd do this. I made some great friends while working at SBI, and was able to bring my friends the Warren bros to Convention. It was awesome to see Raquel and visit TN, after that I was known as the one who broght the Warren bros to convention which was a good thing. It was great to travel but a bit challenging to leave the family, I am so lucky for everything I have. After a few weeks on the road and a dealing with a depressed husband a physchic helped me realize how lucky I was. I have a great husband that is so loving and two beautiful kids we have so much fun together.
We got backstage passes to Tim McGraw, Lady Antebelum concert, doesn't get any better than that, and we took all the marketing girls. I am so lucky to have gone backstage it was an unforgetable night. Was able to have dinner with the Monks yet another unforgetable night.
I think this year was the most challenging for our marriage, but we've worked through it and feel we've grown stronger. Sandra has helped in many ways.
I wanted to try and reach out to my Dad this year by sending txt of great Quotes which was fun until I started getting insane txt bills. I did get to write my favorite quote on the Coffee House wall. "Create the grandest vision of your life because you become what you believe." So many great quotes still thinkin about starting a business featuring all these great quotes on poster, wall art, who knows we'll see where 2011 takes me. Speaking of 2011 my resolutions last year were to quit smoking and work out regularly. I am proud to say that I have quit and thanks to my sista Aimee I got a membership and go to the gym regularly. One thing I didn't do in 2010 is get together with Friends enough, maybe twice got together with the girls. Its great to make new friends at work and in the neighborhood, but sad to see some of my friendships drift. Thank Godness for neighbors late night talks with Nicole kept me sane. The last challenge in life was the loss of his job, after many nights wondering what I was going to do I have accepted it and found the silver lining. My hubby is now a stay at home Dad and life is much easier for me.
Mike and I had our 11 year anniversary, and went camping and canoeing on the Rifle. Good times we shared there on that river. I am looking forward to so many new adventures in 2011 with the family.

Choose to chance the rapids

I'll never reach my destination If I never try. I am blessed in many ways but challenges always arise, hubby lost his job last week.
I have faith that God will help my family through this stage in our life. Help me stay strong!

My Roots in PA

Year after year I come back to Pennsylvania it will never get old like strawberry wine. When I turned on my computer today the radio was blaring, now that’s a sign of a good weekend with my sisters. It started with a long drive to PA, catching up and enjoying the company of the newest edition to the family Liam. It always brings a smile to my face when I see the PA sign. Although it sure does tug on my heart thinking about all the fun summers we had there. It must be so different for Mom as she grew up there on the farm. When she sees the PA sign her eyes always well up. What a beautiful state especially in Fall, the colors are beautiful and the hills make one appreciate the colors even more.
I had a weekend that I will not forget. So many silly family quarks, like Mom and Aimee holding hands and Tracy and I “being so embarrassed”. We listened to all our wedding songs, laughed and cried. We all laughed at all the funny things that Mom says. We cried about Grandma and how much we miss her, but laughing about what a funny lady she was and amazing. I can still see her eyes sparkle, and she looked so pretty in pink. As a family we’ve been through so much and what a special group of people we are. Grandma was there with us that night laughing and crying, I really wish she was there for real!!
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. I hope that Mom can overcome this and get what she wants in life that new house with a gorgeous kitchen. A simple dream and she deserves it! It is never too late to become what you might have been.
Waking up to my sister looking at me reminded me of the younger years she always had that look on her face of being startled. She’s a careless mans careful daughter, what a great sentence in that song but true to all of us girls.
Such a fun trip we have to do it again and again, going to PA never gets old always something new to see. The Amish, the hills, the crazy houses with permanent garage sales on their front lawns covered up with tarp. The winery, yum, Volant, Moms farm house she grew up in and 348 S. Neshanock. All these places are so rich with history from the Jenny, Mariner, and Parenti family memories that will never fade. Summers in PA, I hope I can make simple memories like this for my kids. Being with my family reminds me of why I am who I am. I’d like to live in Pennsylvanian someday maybe own the house on S. Neshanock

Instructions for review responses

Instructions for review responses

Hello World

I have been caught up in this crazy life for the past year, trying to do everything will definitely make you lose your mind (wife, Mom, Career, Family, Friends). I needed a bit of direction to keep me from losing my mind. I decided to do something I hadn’t done in 15 years go see a psychic! So on Monday me and a friend of mine from work went to a great psychic in Ann Arbor, I felt like she new me and I told her absolutely nothing other than my name. Wow did she summarize where I am in life right now. I’ve explained it to Mike a few times as coming out of a huge dust cloud. The first few years of being a parent keeps you busy 24/7.
There’s a song that captures the basic feelings and direction of my life right now, it’s called Hello World by Lady Antebelum, a few of the lyrics are: Traffic crawls, cell phone calls. Talk radio screams at me Through my tinted window I see A little girl, rust red minivan She's got chocolate on her face Got little hands, And she waves at me Yeah, She smiles at me. Hello World How you been? Good to see you, my old friend Sometimes I feel, cold as steel Broken like I'm never gonna heal I see a light, a little hope In a little girl Hello world.

The song summarizes where I’ve been. Life ups and downs has pushed me to be self centered and focused on my career. I never wanted to be any of these things, at the end of the day what really matters is my family and friends. I am so lucky and have what most people want in life, a husband that loves me and two beautiful kids. The past year has forced me to focus on my career and me. It’s a tremendous responsibility to be the sole income provider for a family of four. So I failed to focus on my spouse, it was a hard year with loosing his job and a major depression. However, after a good conversation with a stranger my once caotic life seems to be simple and clear, what really matters most in life is my family. It sounds so silly that I lost sight of this. I am blessed to have a great job and I work with a great group of people however … Money isn’t everything. I can always find a job I am good at what I do. She said “you have two paths to choose from right now– family /Career. She said, “your job Is just too big for you right now”. You love your job but you travel is too much for your young family right now”. This is so true, I love the job and travel but it’s a lot to leave. The travel season is over, phew went to Nashville twice within one month. This is such a small amount of travel compared to most of those that I work with. Wow what great experiences I have had in my adventures in traveling, I have learned so much and seen amazing things. I do love seeing the world it just takes me away from the kids and it’s just not the right time now. The psychic said. “This job could take you to far places; however your husband does not like you to travel.“ Its really is tough on him as he works and has to take care of the kids on his own. I don’t know why a stranger’s word made things so clear.

It’s easy to get caught up in life/career and sometimes forget why your here. I truly love walking through thru my front door and being home with my husband, little girl, and little boy. It sounds great to be a stay at home Mom, but I wonder if I could do it and be satisfied???

The psychic described him perfectly in many ways. She said “He should own his own business, because he’s good at telling people what to do (no really). He should follow in his family’s footsteps and run his own business because it’s what he's good at”. I am going to try and convince him that we should start a business together. I said to him the other night, “let’s do something together that we both love.” You could fish and we could create an educational website/blog and make millions doing what we love. Someday we’ll do it.

I am so lucky to have experienced all the things I have over the past year, my career has taken me so many places, and I wish I could take my family with me. I am happy with what I have and am so happy to have been awakened by a stranger to remind me why I'm here to take care of my family. I must believe in myself and find peace with the place I am at in life. I am back to loving life and enjoying the little things all around me! Yeah.

Dear Mom

I wanted to share with you a priceless moment I had with Emily last night. When she got home she was so excited to share this with me this letter she wrote during school.
After I read it (of course tears filled my eyes)I told her we could do art lessons again, and that I was never too busy for her. I hugged her and she asked, "What is it like being a Mom?" I told her it’s a love like no other. That I always felt incomplete until I had her and Jake. We had quite a long conversation after that it was such a priceless letter that I will hold onto forever.

Adventures of 2009

I must say this year has been full of so many memorable moments. It all started the second week of January. Mike came home and said he was let go from his job. Perfect timing I had just opened my Business in November and Christmas had just passed. My jaw dropped and the adventure began. We went from two full time jobs to nothing. There was nothing else for me to do but to go out and find a full time job and put the business on hold. So the next day I put my resume online. A few days later I got a call from SBI. After three interviews I was offered an opportunity of a lifetime the Interactive Marketing Manager position at SBI. I then had to make one of the hardest decision to leave Ideal after 13 years. I knew it was time for me to go and I wish I could have done it differently. The timing was not the best however I had to look out for my family and SBI had so much more to offer. I took the chance and left my comfort zone and started a new career at SBI. Ideal marketing was like my baby I had grown and evolved the department so much over 13 years. It was tough to tell my brother I was going to leave after everything he did for me. Like I said I wish I could have done it under different circumstances. However it was in our best interest to take this opportunity. My Dad helped me rational things out and said you understand your going to battle and you must look at all your options. It took a lot out of me emotionally to adventure out into a completely new work world and leave all my friends. It was time for me to move onto the next chapter in life:)
I started at SBI in March and what a great choice it was. The first few months involved many experiences I will never forget. We launched two new websites which were thousands of pages and involved hundreds of business owners. I had the opportunity to be the project manager and lead the whole new website initiative. During this time I traveled to Minneapolis, Charlotte, Atlantic city, Hollywood, and last Las Vegas. It was in Las Vegas that we had the opportunity to train all the business owners how to use the new website. Through all of my travels with SBI I met many great people and learned so much about myself and those that I would be working with for the months to come. It was so much fun to travel and see how others lived. Through my travels I was able to experience so much and see a variety of lifestyles. It made me appreciate my simple life that I had here in Michigan, it all looked so different when I came back from CA. We do have it good, and I love green grass and the suburbs. I could never have done all this if it weren’t for my hubby at home taking care of the family. I am so lucky to have him. We’ve been through more than I can even explain. He went through a terrible depression, something I hope no one I know has to go through. He was even diagnosed with Skin cancer it was an unbelievable year. I often thought why is all this happening? We had lost our jobs, found new and then skin cancer… He had surgery and was given the clear and told everything should be O.K. So the next few months he was able to enjoy the summer. He struggled with depression and I went to work every day knowing how tough it was on him to stay home. Gosh it was tough and it took its toll on our relationship. When the one you love does not love themselves its hard to keep a strong relationship.
Then Emily had a seizure on her 7th birthday I mean come on. I knew it was all for a reason, but I could not help but question why? She is O.K. and we all have worked past it, and of course learned from it. Life can be over in a minute and an experience like this brings everything into perspective. I am so blessed to have such a talented, beautiful in every way daughter. I know she was sent here like an angel. Everything she says seems to be so grown up. She is the strongest person I know and the kindest heart that fills so many with love and joy. My daughter is truly an amazing little angel and so full of life and music. She often sings the “The Climb” by Myley Cyrus out her bedroom window and it echos through the neighborhood (it sounds so beautiful). It warms my heart to hear her sing, and play my guitar. She’s got a gift for music; I wonder where it will take her?
Through all of this he kept looking for a job, and took one with Tim Hortons which did not last long. Then RS offered him a job the same day that he quit with TH. I thank my lucky stars when this happened. Now 4 months later he has made it through depression put on a few pounds from all that chocolate and is back to his normal self.
We’ve all grown so much from this year and I feel so blessed. This year has tried all of our strength and faith. However through it all I knew that we would make it and that the future would hold many more happy days. I am so thankful for all my friends who listened to me gripe and supported me through 2009. I might have lost it without the love and support. Today the last day of 2009 I count my blessings and envision a much smoother 2010.

Lucky Me

Today I feel lucky. Someone said the definition of luck is when hard work and opportunity meet. Gosh I've been working my butt off and oftentimes wonder why, but it always comes back to me. My Mom always told me that you get what you give and it hasn't been until the past few years that I really get it (The Wheel Goes Around). The more I give of myself in life the more I receive. I am not just talking materials things, I am talking Mind, body and soul and overall enjoyment in life. I no longer find myself worrying so much since I left my old place and I realize that theres so much I have not seen in life. I can't wait to live.
Behind me is infinite power. Before me is endless possibility and around me is boundless opportunity. Why should I fear. I believe I have found my place in life and I am so blessed to be surrounded by such great talented people. I never know where the day is going to take me. So I now focus on the positives in life and give to those I love. Why would anyone want it any other way. Worry is a waste of your imagination and today I feel lucky.

The Secret

My little girl told me that she believes that God is watching us from the moon. One day Emily came up to me and said do you know that there's a man on the moon, you know the face on the moon. We'll she said that is God and he shines on us night. She is a special kid with a great imagination. I am so grateful everyday for what I have been given. We've had a crazy summer full of lots of drama. It was a challenge for my hubby to stay home with the kids while I went off to work everyday. I sometimes thought he was going to loose it. Then he was told he had skin cancer another scary moment. Then Emily has a seizure on her 7th birthday, the poor little thing. I read the book the Secret a few months ago and it has helped me through these trying months. A positive attitude is so important in life and keeping this in mind while my family went through some serious ups and downs has really helped me. Also of course there were a few songs that helped me through these past few months. One that I just love is Daughtry "No Surprise" I sat watching TV one morning crying as I heard this song and watched the video for the first time. The part that I shared with my hubby was if I could see the future and how this plays out I bet its better than where we are now, but after going through this I think its easier to see the reason why. I kept reminding him through this all that he would be a stronger man after going through this. So now I have him reading the secret and he is loving it! He actually talks about being on the same wave length and how lucky he is that he got a job in this economy. He's been such a different person, we have our moments but every little bit helps. Attitude is everything, thoughts become reality. So think big!

She works hard for her money!

Arrived last night from NC, so glad to be home. Now 8AM Monday morning I am back to work. This was my second trip with the new company and it has been a great experience. She works hard for her money kinda fits how I am feeling. My career has given me the opportunity to challenge myself in many areas. Yesterday I presented for the first time in front of an audience! I reviewed the new website and was a bit nervous due to not knowing what I would be presenting until that morning. No preparation = nerves and uncertainty. This was truely baptism by fire. I definately am not experience enough to wing a presentation. I did alright, but I want to do great! Like many of my colleagues who have been presenting for over 10 years. I am a true rookie. A personal goal of mine is to be able to present. I need to reherse my presentation at this point atleast until I have a few under my belt. I wish it were easier but its just so foreign to me at this point. Ughh lots to learn but I am working hard to grow professionally everyday.
It was interesting to talk to my fellow women colleagues. They to are mothers trying to juggle career and motherhood. It was so refreshing to hear that they to have to force themselves to not work when they get home. I have no problem getting home and focusing on the kids however work is always on my mind. Just knowing that I am not alone made me feel better. What a great group of people I work with they're very inspiring and I see myself developing some great relationships and growing tremendously both mind, body and soul. Still working towards finding my place, now I am really starting to think about retirement in AZ somewhere in the mountains where I can just sit back and enjoy the scenery while painting.

New begining in this big world

I am just a small part of this big huge world. I woke up today and looked at the moon and it made me feel so little. I am happy in my little place. I absolutely love my recent change in career and new location in Ann Arbor, MI. For the past 14 years mornings were a bit different when working in Detroit. My drive down Michigan Ave. to the heart of Mexican Town was always filled with interesting people, bums, and prostitutes. Seeing these things made me realize everyday how lucky I am to live the good quality of life that I live (I've worked damn hard to get where I am). So today as I drove the opposite way down Michigan Avenue toward Ann Arbor I see the complete opposite as I once saw in Detroit. It is so refreshing to see people riding their bikes to work, and others walking their dogs. I wish and imagine that someday all of us will live a good quality of life; I wish there were no dark side to life, no evil, no littering, no drugs, and no bad people.

It's About the Climb

Just heard a great song and I absolutely love it, and can relate to it. I've been at SBI for two weeks now and I am truely enjoying every moment. However there's still challenges both here and at home. Somedays "my faith is shaking but I Got to keep trying Got to keep my head held high."

There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you going to have to lose,
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb

The struggles I’m facing,
The chances I’m taking
Sometimes they knock me down but
I've got to keep pushing on,

Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
As the song sings it’s about the climb.

Paradise and New Beginings

Just another day in paradise here at the house. The kids are so funny; Jake with his big healed socks. He says the funniest things like today he said he loves the way girls smell. I ask God every night for another day in paradise, cause there’s no place I’d rather be than here with my family. Most of the time. Mike and I have grown from this experience, were such a good team. I love him so much we realize now how important it is to support each other not compete with one another. We’ve always been in competition.
I realize I have been selfish in many ways over the years. After a little tough love and some reading from Dale Carnegie I think I have come to realize that life is not all about me. Jake is telling me to turn off the computer, that it is time for my work to be done. These past few days I’ve been wrapping up all the projects I had going for my business. Ugh….. My work is never done. Can’t wait to start the new job, what a great group of people I will be working with. I look forward to meeting new people and having all new experiences.

Today

I've been caught sideways, trying to pickup pieces of my soul. This past month has been like carrying around the past in a hundred pound sack. Today I'm gonna keep on walking.....this was my motivation...
I'm gonna hold my head up high and leave it all behind.....
Today I'm gonna stand out in the rain and wash it all away.
Let it go. Oh yeah!
I 'm gonna keep on walking hold my head up high got no more tears to cry. Today was the day I accepted the job, I feel I've been forgiven and can start living again. No hard feelings, I just have to move on. Thanks Tim McGraw for yet another great song.

Tie Off Before Climbing that Tree

Today I took Emily to school, something I won't be able to do for a while. Yes I teared up when I was walking away, not feeling sorry for myself just a bit sad. I must trudge on and up. So I met with my Dad this morning at Borders, he didn't want gifts for his birthday so I gave him my valuable time. We talked initially about plumbing, learned more than I wanted to know about a toilet. Anyways I asked for his advice on what to possibly do in my career road ahead. Do I play it safe and stay in my comfort zone or venture out and take yet another chance to get closer to my goal.
He is a philosopher and is so great at putting together analogies to make life seem so simple. He used the scenario of me climbing the tree when I was younger and how high I would climb. Then he said if it were me climbing that tree and so much was at stake I would tie myself off. You have to have a plan and a rope to tie off just in case the worst were to happen. Something to catch you if you fall, cause you never know life could be over in a second.
Then he said are you ready to go to war? Are you prepared? If you make a choice to leave your allies be ready to fight. Are you ready to fight a battle that will probably last longer than you expect? So I have to ask myself that question am I prepared. Do I want to hunker down find myself a nice whole and get myself big fat and wait until this crazy economy/storm blows over.
Today I will complete all of my work for my web business. Next week I go back to work full time. Oh joy, yes I am happy and feel very grateful for the opportunity .
The last thing my Dad said is remember this life is a game and no one gets out alive, so don't take it so serious. Negotiate until you get what you want, and have fun. Soudns a bit harsh, but it has helped me think a little clearer on the choices I will have to make in the next few weeks.