One Word 2010

One of the many blogs that I have enjoyed following is Ali Edwards (check her out here). One of her post this week talked about picking one little word to focus on for the New Year with the challenge being finding ways to incorporate that word into your everyday life. After reading her post a word immediately popped to mind – simplicity


Sim-plic-i-ty

Noun

• The state, quality, or an instance of being simple

• Freedom from complexity

• Absence of luxury, pretentiousness

• Freedom from deceit or guile; sincerity

• Absence of complication

Synonyms: ease, effortlessness, minimalism, unfussiness, straightforwardness; candor; openness; modesty; integrity


For me 2010 is about going back to the basics, going back to a time when things were less complicated. Over the Christmas holiday I received word that my sister’s godfather had passed. I was devastated by the news as his death was unexpected. As I was sharing the news of my loss with a friend, I started to tell her stories about my childhood memories of him and the nickname of “Mean Mary Jean” that he had given me when I was a little girl; suddenly I was flooded with good memories of days past when life for me was just simple.

Through the course of the week I found myself reflecting on days when you knew your neighbors name, when the adults in the neighborhood knew every kid on the block and always watched out for them as if they were their own.

A time when there were no computers, emails, IM, Blackberry, cell phones, Facebook, and Twitter used to communicate with friends/family. No during those days you either had to go visit them, call them on the phone or actually write a letter.

There were no X-box, Wii, or Playstation to entertain us; we had board games, kick ball, tag, hopscotch, Barbie dolls and riding bikes. Back to a time when adolescent obesity was not an epidemic because children were outside running, jumping, riding bikes and just playing all day long.

A time where cartoons only came on Saturday mornings and then after that you were outside playing with your friends; there was no such thing as staying inside and watching TV all day long. Going back to a time where there were no DVR’s, TiVo, and On Demand to entertain you all day.

When you could actually listen to the radio and hear music that was suitable for all ages.

A time of simplicity.

What happened? How did things get so complicated?

My goal for this year is to focus on the simple things in life – spending quality time with my family, playing board games together, going for a walk, bike riding, flying kites, and having picnics in the park or better yet in our back yard. I want to focus on spending more time at the table talking and less time in front of the television. Spending less time texting and emailing friends and family and more time visiting them, talking to them on the phone and maybe even write a letter or two.

2010 is also about living a simplistic life. It’s not about having the most stuff, but surrounding myself with items that serve a purpose, items that are functional and practical. It’s also about getting healthy – going back to the basics, fruits, vegetables and whole grains; staying away from fast foods and processed foods.

This year is about removing those things and people that make my life difficult/complex and surrounding myself with those people/things that bring me happiness and joy.

It’s about looking at life from the stand point of the glass being half full…

Simplicity…

Thankful - 11/17

Today I am thankful for being blessed with new friendships that are meant to last a lifetime.

Thankful - 11/16

Today I am thankful for my AM Starbucks Peppermint Mocha that gave me the extra boost I needed.

Thankful - 11/15

Today I am thankful for that quite time that I so love when the house is still and I can be with my thoughts.

Thankful

Today, I am thankful for 8 awesome women who have made my life so much richer by offering me their unyielding friendship and for providing me with memories of good times that will last me a lifetime. “I LOVE you guys!”

FOR TODAY - November 13, 2009

Outside my window...bright and sunny fall day

I am thinking...about how nice it will be to work for myself again full-time

I am thankful for...my family, great friends, and awesome co-workers who make coming to work a pleasure

I am wearing...jeans and a pink top

I am remembering...that good things come to those who wait

I am going to...finish my long awaited project so I can get this business started again

I am reading...The Four Agreements

I am hoping...that I can hang in there for another 8 weeks

On my mind...comfort in knowing that GOD has big things planned for me

Noticing that...time is going a lot faster now that I am older - if only it would slow down just a bit

Thankful 11-13-09

Today I am most thankful for God blessing us with a beautiful sunny day and dry ground.

Remembering to be thankful...

Me and my sister 1976

Today I am thankful for having an amazing sister who is also my very best friend.

-----

There is a prompt circulating on Facebook where everyday for the month of November up to Thanksgiving, you are to think of one thing that you are thankful for and put it on your status. I think that this is an EXCELLENT idea as sometimes we get so wrapped up in what isn't going right or our way that we lose sight of those things that really matter to us. This challenge also goes hand in hand with another one that I am doing with a co-worker and that is not complaining for an entire month (this one is going to prove challenging for me right now).

Thoughts on a Thursday

• Atlanta traffic is for the birds. No matter how early I leave for work my 27 minute commute (according to my GPS) ALWAYS takes me at least 60 minutes or more. argh!

• Although I'm not fond of the fact that I have to work outside my home, I do enjoy the quiet that comes with the morning drive. This my time to ponder on all of life's great mysteries...solve all of my problems (like what I'm cooking for dinner tonight)...and to dream wonderful dreams.
• As I get older I am discovering that common sense isn't so common. I have also discovered that have very little patience for stupidity.
• Son #1 showed me his report card this morning. According to him he said that he forgot it was in his book bag (yeah right). It was okay...not the best but due to the fact that we did move him to a new school half way through the first card marking - so we're giving him a pass this time. However, I did tell him that his dad and I expect there to be a significant improvement on the next one.
• I have enjoyed reading the following blogs this week: Ali Edwards, Making It Lovely, Yeah Write
• I am really excited about decorating our new house. I have decided to start with Mini Me's bedroom. We purchased the crib this past Sunday (I love IKEA) and this weekend we will get the paint. My good friend who is a very talented artist is going to paint her room (that was her baby shower gift to me). I will post pictures as we progress with the project.
• Just ordered Writing Motherhood (read about it from Ali Edwards site). It looks like it will help me with writing all the wonderful stories that I'd like to share.
• Lately I have been feeling a little restless/anxious. I know that I should be doing something different than what I'm currently doing (working for someone)...something that brings me joy (event planning - being creative)...and I know what it is (duh - event planning)...however I am letting little things distract me. You know things like looking at Facebook, reading my favorite blogs, staring out the window day dreaming. Doing everything BUT what I need to do to get to the place I long to be.

Getting things in order

I love this bag. My mom gave me this bag when we were visiting her and my dad over the summer. When she gave me the bag, she had filled it with great reference books on starting a in-home daycare (which is what I was doing). My mom is awesome!

I have since replaced all those wonderful books (I still have them, they are now kept safe in my bookcase) with books, magazines, print outs from websites and other miscellaneous items (glasses, body spray, lotion). All of those items are important to me as they represent all of the great ideas that I would like to implement (well with the exception of the glasses, body spray and lotion). Everyday I take this great bag with me to work...never taking anything out, but always putting things to take home to look at later. And when I get home, this same great bag just sits in either my car or in the kitchen - never touched until the next morning when I sling it over my shoulder to take with me to work. (I can hear that Erykah Badu song "Bag Lady" playing as I carry the bag to and from work)

This bag represents me right now...full of great ideas...all jumbled up...not being implemented. Inside this bag is ciaos and disorganization...this is my life right now. You would like to think that I would have it together at almost 40 but I do not. So the goal for right now is to clear out the bag and put the contents into some sort of order maybe even getting rid of some things that I just don't need. Isn't it amazing that something as small as this bag can represent something a big as my life?

Are you carrying around a bag like me? What's in your bag?

Remembering "small tiny steps everyday" will eventually get you to your goal.

Question - is your bag weighing you down?

Taking 5 small steps every day

I am NOT a fan of Atlanta traffic. This is what greeted me this morning as I was traveling on I85 headed northbound.
Not a pretty sight as you can see. Traffic was moving at a snails pace - and I was going to be late to work again! That meant I needed to call my manager, which I didn't want to do because well...because I just didn't feel like dealing with her and all her pettiness. BUT I had no choice. I HAD to call her because I had already been given a written warning for being late (that is another post) and I got an extra slap on the hand for not calling management to inform them that I would be late.

So I called (and boy was I NOT happy about doing it).

And I sat in traffic....

"Man, I wish I could be at home...working for ME...not going to work to deal with the BS and getting someone else rich." If only...I thought.

Then this afternoon while going through my bag I came across this index card dated August 5, 2009. On the card was the following:

"If you are clear where you are going and you take several steps in that direction every day, you eventually have to get there. If I head north out of Santa Barbara and take five steps a day, eventually I have to end up in San Francisco. So decide what you want, write it down review it constantly, and each day do something that moves you toward those goals." - Jack Canfield, American Author and Motivational Speaker

Talk about seeing the right thing at the right time! This is just what I needed to see today!

So....I wrote down 4 things that I wanted right now

I have put it on paper...I have made my request to the universe. Now it is time to work, to do what is required in order to bring the things that I have written to fruition.

And so it has been written.....

My Top 10

I just wanted to share a "little" bit about me - as I am today. :-)

TEN things I can't live without - my Blackberry, iPod, coffee, gum, hugs and kisses from my kids, laptop, WiFi, Reality TV, smoked almonds, sunny days

NINE words I live by - love, forgiveness, compassion, honesty, integrity, faith, joy, hope and loyalty

EIGHT bands/artist whose music keeps me company on any given day:

Ledsi

Maxwell

Mary J. Blige

Jill Scott

Maroon 5

Sting

Dwele

Angie Stone

SEVEN things I love about my everyday life

• Sunday - going to church with my family, reading the paper, clipping coupons, spending quality time together (with my family).
• Monday - The start of a brand new week and looking forward to all the "good" things it will bring.
• Tuesday - Watching the boys at football practice - observing how they are getting better and better as each practice passes.
• Wednesday - Not having to go to football practice, taking my time to cook dinner and actually eat a meal as a family. This is also our "family meeting" night.
• Thursday - Watching RHOA (Real Housewives of Atlanta). Yes I hate to admit it but I am a reality TV junkie!
• Friday - Knowing that this marks the end of my work week at the J.O.B. and now I can devote all my time and energy on spending time with my family.
• Saturday - Football...football...and more football!

SIX places I'd love to visit before I die - Italy, Spain, Africa, Martha's Vineyard, Grand Canyon, Napa Valley

FIVE things I do everyday without fail - brush my teeth, shower, have a cup of coffee, kiss and hug my kids, say "I love you"

FOUR stores/websites I frequent - Target.com (come on who doesn't love Target?), aliedwards.typepad.com (great at telling life stories), twitter.com (yes, I tweet), amazon.com (you can find anything on amazon!)

Three photo's I love

Reading some of my favorite blogs that I follow

Loving on my children

My trusty Dream Machine (who ever came up with that name?)

TWO decisions I've never regretted - marrying Byron (he is truly the one for me) and moving to Atlanta

ONE additional thing about me - I am trying to be the best Erika I can be.

Today, I give myself permission...

Last week one of my sands (for all you non-Greeks ~ my sorority sister) was in town for the weekend and she wanted to get together with me and our other sands that also lives in Georgia. Getting together with them was just what I needed. I was in desperate need of some "girl time" and what better way to spend it than with your good friends. As usual we spent the night catching up on what was happening in each other's lives. When it came time for me to give my update, I told them that I was still at my J.O.B. and not really "feeling" it anymore. I really don't see any growth potential within the company and if I stay at the company I will be at this desk (see below) for a long time.

As the night progressed my sands said something that really struck me...she simply said that she felt that I was waiting for "permission" to leave my J.O.B. That I was waiting for my turn to come around. Boy was she right on the money! But it was the next statement that she made that REALLY hit home...she simply said that it could be possible that "my turn" will never present itself. That what I need to do is give myself permission to finally leave my J.O.B. and pursue my entrepreneurial endeavors. She said that I might be surprised to find that this [following my entrepreneurial dream] may be the thing that catapults my family to the next level.

WOW! {that is what I was saying in my head}

You know the funny thing is that she wasn't saying anything that was new to me. Because God knows I have had this same conversation with myself in my head. I think what actually did it for me was actually hearing those same words out loud and coming from someone else. You know it's one thing to know that you are on to something great...to have confidence in yourself and your abilities but its another thing to have some else say it to you. That was just what I needed!

The is of my desk at my J.O.B. I think it's a lovely desk and as much as I complain about my desk, for the past 287 days this desk has helped provide a steady stream of income and health benefits for me and my family. And for that I say thank you desk. But all things must come to an end and beloved desk our time to part is coming up soon. Today, Friday September 25, 2009, I hereby give myself permission to pursue my dream full-time which means that I will have to leave you dearest desk. But don't you fret my love for I know that someone will soon come to take my place and she too will come to love and appreciate you and in return you will provide her with all of the good things that you have provided me with.

WHEW! Saying that felt good...freeing!

Why is it that we wait for someone else to give us permission to live our lives the way we want to? Is this what almost being 40 feels like? If so then I like this feeling!

I GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION!

I GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION!

I GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION!

THANKS SANDS!

Now its time for me to map out the plan... :-)

This is me, right now, on 9/24/09

I was...going to be a famous movie star when I was a little girl

I am...a dreamer

I think...often about how cool it would be to live in a villa in Italy

I wonder...what it feels like to be a princess

I wish...that I could eat anything I want, when I want and NOT gain any weight

I save...all of my kids artwork, notes, cards and school papers

I always...say "I love you" everyday

I can't imagine...my life without Byron and our three amazing children

I believe...that I can be anything I want to be - even at 30 something...

I promise...to always be the BEST Erika I know how to be

I love...surrounding myself with the people that mean the world to me

Hindsght is 20/20

Today while I was in the break room at work, a co-worker walked in and announced that today she was celebrating her birthday. When asked by another co-worker what age did she decided to celebrate, she proudly stated that she was celebrating her 21st birthday again. Wow! To be in my 20's again...what would I do differently, if anything?????

So I started thinking...you know the saying "Hindsight is 20/20"? Well what if I could go back in time and talk to the younger Erika, what 20 things would I tell her about life and all its joys and pains to help her prepare her for what is to come? I'm going to have to give this one some thought tonight.

However in the meantime, I'm going to throw this question to you...

If YOU could talk to the younger YOU...let's say 10/20 years ago...what 20 pieces of advice would you give yourself? What lessons learned would you share about life...love...relationships...money...career?

I would LOVE to hear what you come up with?

In the meantime I'm going to give this some deep thought. So check back to see my 20 things.

Where's Erika?

I remember when I was younger I used to absolutely LOVE the Where's Waldo books. I would spend hours looking through the book trying to find Waldo. I wonder if they still make those books? Anyway lately I have been feeling like Waldo...lost in the sea of life and I'm sure some folks may have been wondering "Where is Erika?" (yes sands I'm talking about you! wink...wink)

Well here I am! :)

I've just been hiding out. For a minute there I was wrapped up in this thing called life and hadn't had time for me. Funny how that can happen sometimes. Then this past weekend I was hanging out with two of my sorority sisters and I was gently reminded that it is important that I make time for myself. That is okay to put things on hold for a little "me" time. This project...writing this blog is something that I truly enjoy. It is allowing me to be that "creative" person that I have always wanted to be. It also relaxes me...think of it at cheap therapy. :) So from this day onward I need to carve out a little time to this project.

That is the goal...

What I'm currently reading...

While I was back in Detroit visiting family and friends, I had a chance to have dinner with my sorority sisters and one of my sands recommended this book

She said that she read this book during a mini vacation she took by herself. According to my sands, it was a life changing book for her. She spoke about having clarity in her life after reading it and I could see that she had a peace about herself that I too wanted to experience. So when I got back to Georgia, I rushed out to Boarders and picked it up for myself. I'm hopeful that I too will gain that same clarity of life that she did from reading it.

I'll keep you posted...

Sometimes you just have to take a step back

Last week was just one of those weeks that you wished would just hurry up and end. I was dealing with some things both at work and personally that I felt were beyond my control (and for those who “really” know me, know that I like being in control), so this series of situations I found myself in were really taking a toll on me. I could feel myself starting to get anxious, stressed and down right mad. I was almost ready to say “forget it all” and just throw in the towel.

Then I received a phone call this past Friday from a really good friend and sorority sister. She was out taking care of some business and she said I crossed her mind, so she decided to call me. She wanted to see how I was doing, and if I was still moving forward with my plans to start my business. Our conversation was really short; however it was just what I needed at that particular moment in time; that brief conversation provided me with the opportunity to “step back” from all that was going on around me and really take a look at the situation. I’m so glad that she called (thanks M.P.) :-)

Lesson for learned – when you feel that certain situations are just beyond your control, sometimes you have to take a step back in order to gain a new perspective and regain control.

~Right Now~

Life is good. The boys are in school (school started August 10th) as well as football. We are starting to settle into a routine which is making life much easier for all of us. Mini me is growing and starting to develop quite a little personality. Everyday she amazes us with something new that she has picked up. First it was M, teaching her how to do raspberries, then it was J teaching her how to splashing in the tub and now she is patting you on the back when you are holding her. It’s the cutest thing you’d want to see.

Work is well work. But I know that this is simply a vehicle needed to take me to the next level. I have my plan in place and am diligently working on it. And although the light at the end of the tunnel is dim right now, I do see it.

So even if things are not "ideal" or the way I had envisioned them, right now I can say that today without reservations that…

Life is good.

The Letter (follow up)

Well the letters emails have gone out and so far the response has been great. Everyone is excited about my project and has been more than willing to provide me with their personal experiences, insight and words of wisdom. Currently I am preparing the first set of questions that will be going out to the group. I hope to have them completed and ready to go by next week.

I'm excited to see how this project will unfold.

And so the journey continues….

~My Aha! Moment~

For the past couple of months I have been complaining A LOT about my job…my boss…and just working in general. Earlier this week I meet with my manger and asked if it would be possible for me to change my shift from 9am-6pm to 8am-5pm to accommodate my husband’s new work schedule so that I can pick up my children after school. Her answer to me without any consideration or hesitation was NO. She stated that due to the nature of my job and its dual role, they need me here from 9am – 6pm. Now in my opinion leaving an hour early (5 instead of 6) really has no major impact on the company, seeing that everyone I support has left the office by 5 pm anyway. Deep down I knew that she was doing it to be passive aggressive with me…to SHOW me that SHE was the boss over me. Without being confrontational (which was a stretch for me), I thanked her for meeting with me and left. The meeting was over. But let me tell you this…I was HOT!!!!!

The next day, I sent her an email requesting that she at least consider allowing me to temporarily change my shift on Mondays to 8am-5pm until I could find suitable childcare for my children. (Note: I still haven’t gotten a response from her). The nights that followed I told everyone that was willing to listen how evil, mean spirited and spiteful my boss was and how I just didn’t like her. Last night I laid in the bed trying to figure out why working for this company had to be so difficult. My job isn’t hard at all so why was SHE making it so miserable for me to work there?

Then this morning as I sat at my computer working on a report…the answer came to me. God is telling me that my time here is coming to an end.

You see before I started working for this company, I prayed to God asking that he would deliver to me a job that:

• required little to no thinking
• paid a fair wage
• provided medical/dental benefits
• something that was temporary – to help me get over the financial hump we were facing

Well God does answer our prayers because I got exactly what I asked for, and the reason things have been uncomfortable at work is God’s way of telling me that my time is up. It’s time for me to go on and do bigger and better things.

“Okay God…I’m listening.”

So remember be careful what you pray for because God is in the prayer answering business.

and so the journey continues…

The letter

Today letters will be going out to my friends and family telling them about my new project. I'm excited and scared at the same time. I think this is a GREAT idea but then it is MY idea...what if no one else likes it or better yet, what if no one wants to participate????? I guess the ONLY way to find out is to actually hit send...right?

Below is the letter that will be going out:


Greetings Friends and Family:


I hope this email finds you well. I am writing you today to ask for your help. No, I don’t need any money if that is what you’re thinking. :-) What I need from you is some good old advice, a little bit of your time and lots of laughter. You see next year I will be turning 40 and I wanted to enter into this next phase of my life with a bang. So for the next 21 months (that’s from August 2009 to April 2011) I will chronicle my journey to 40 along with my first year as a 40 something woman. I will record this journey on my blog (I will send you the link once I’ve finished setting it up), through video and pictures.


This is purely a personal piece – yes, I’m doing it for fun, however if BRAVO or TLC decides to do a reality show of my journey I am open to discuss. :-)


So now I’m sure you are thinking…


”So Erika, what do you need from me?”


Well I will tell you. I would like to reach out to you, at a time that is convenient with you of course and just pick your brain, maybe take a picture with you or even video tape our time together. Many of you will fall into one of the 5 categories below:


1) Flirting with 40 – you’re like me and are at the end of your 30’s getting ready to cross over into the big 4 0.
2) Finally 40 – Just turned 40 and loving every minute of it.
3) Floating through 40’s and Fabulous – You’re in your 40’s and enjoying all that is coming with it.
4) Flirting with 50 – you are at the end of you’re 40’s and are getting ready cross in the wonderful world of being 50.
5) 50+ and loving every minute of it - no explanation needed right?


From time to time, I would like to call or email you asking you questions about where you are within your 40’s journey. For those who are at the end of your 40’s and getting ready to cross over into your 50’s I want to know what your 40’s meant to you and how it has prepared you for the next phase of your life. I have chosen YOU because YOU are important to me and I value your views and opinion. (Did I do a good job of buttering you up?)


See I’m not asking for much, at least I don’t think I am. :-) So what do you think? Can you help me out?


In the next few weeks, you will receive another email from me the with the link to my blog and along with a few questions, so be on the look out. If you don’t want to participate, it’s no biggie, just let me know and I will not bother you. However I do invite you to check my blog from time to time to see how I’m progressing on this journey.


And so my journey begins…..


Lots of love to you!


Can't wait to see what/if any responses I get.

~I Think I'm in Love...I Think....

Today I while I was practicing the art of procrastination (I should have been working on writing some articles), I decided to visit one of my favorite creative websites Ali Edwards. On Tuesday, she does this Tuesday Tutorial where she will have a guest (sometimes she does them herself) where she will highlight some new techniques/ideas for storytelling, photography, scrapbooking or crafts for recording your life. On this Tuesday she featured Elise Blaha.

After reading the tutorial for Tuesday, I went and visited Elise’s website and I am in LOVE. Elise created a book of 24 things that she wanted to do in celebration of her 24th birthday. I think I’m going to do the same thing! Check out her book, it is way cute. Thanks for the GREAT idea Elise…you’re AWESOME!!!!!!!

I will post pictures of the book when it’s complete.

~The List of 40~

For my 40th birthday (April 27, 2010) I thought I would do something different, something memorable. So I can up with this list of 40 that I hope to accomplish during the next year. The point of the list is to simply have fun; these are NOT resolutions; simply things that I have always wanted to do but for some reason never got around to doing them (for whatever reason).

So without further delay I present to you my list of 40…

THE LIST OF 40

1. Go to a Falcon’s football game
2. Read 40 books
3. Watch 40 movies
4. Take a yoga class
5. Plan a date night with my DH twice a month
6. Take a photography class
7. Travel out of the country (and no Canada doesn’t count)
8. Replace my make-up collection
9. Travel somewhere new within the USA
10. Watch a play
11. Find a good perfume
12. Go to a concert
13. Take the family to New York
14. Take the family to the beach
15. Develop 35% of the photos taken
16. Find a job I absolutely LOVE
17. Plan family night one night a week
18. Re-design my website and blog
19. Take a scrap booking class
20. Decorate my craft room
21. Play more
22. Have more dinner parties or just good old fashion house parties
23. Become a better swimmer. Take a swimming class
24. Document this list (blog, photos, scrapbook)
25. Go on the Oprah show (either as a guest or audience member)
26. Complete a video documentary of this list
27. Learn how to edit video (Vanessa I'll be calling you about this one!) :-)
28. Write a book
29. Teach a class
30. Run a 5k race
31. Learn how to knit/crochet
32. Plan a picnic
33. Learn another language
34. Visit a vineyard
35. Take a cooking class
36. Find the perfect pair of jeans
37. Watch the sun rise and set
38. Go white water rafting
39. Go away to a spa
40. Complete 10 scrapbooks (always good at starting them but never get around to finishing)
    

So that’s the list….

These are just a few (40 can be a few right?) things that I thought would make turning 40 a little more exciting.

Whatcha think????

Why this blog????

Last week a strange thought occurred to me..."I'm going to be 40 next year". Now as you can see there was nothing earth shattering or profound with the thought. It was actually very simplistic and honest. But it was one none the less that made me pause for if only a brief moment. Now that I am at the end of my 30's and fast on the heels of 40 what's next? I mean I've watched enough Oprah to have heard her say from time to time that the 40's are the new 30 and that the 50's are the new 40, but in "real talk" what does that really mean, if anything? Some people say that they feel like they have come into their own when in their 40's but again what does that really mean?

That night I sat in our empty family room with the lights out and mediated on my new discovery. My mind working a mile a minute brought thoughts of goals not yet accomplished, places dreamt of visiting still unvisited, adventures to experience still only thoughts and time spent with loved ones still on the "to do" list. I went to bed exhausted with all of the things I still had left undone.

The next day I was sharing my new revelation with a co-worker and what she said to me was so simple yet it made such a profound impact on how I should look at approaching my 40's. She simply said, "just because you're entering the second phase of your life (turning 40) don't let time limit what you want to do." Basically what she was saying is that there is still time for me to do all the things that I said I wanted to do.

One of the things that I have always wanted to do was to write a book. Now a book about what, well I still haven't figured that out yet. So I thought that the next best thing would be to write a blog, I mean it seems simple enough. Now a blog about what is the question.....

I decided to write a blog about my journey into my 40's, the things that I discover and the people that I meet along the way. Not sure where it's going to take me but I'm sure it's going to be fun! Are you ready?????

and so the journey begins.....