Quiet Keystrokes and Midnight Ramblings

'Tis the season for New Years Resolutions to be made, and broken.  I have found (as many millions of others surely have) that while the concept of a New Years Resolution is fantastic - using the new year as a catalyst for change - generally it doesn't end up working out. What I have found over the last few years is how effective it is to create the momentum for change not by vowing to dramatically separate from my vices on January 1st, but by making small changes throughout the year. By having ongoing short term and long-term goals, it makes it easier to stick with them (and the guilt isn't so bad when you take a step backwards because you can always try again tomorrow). At first, making these small changes (having a $10 limit when eating out instead of ordering a $20 lunch, for example) don't really seem to make that big of an impact.  But as you get used to them, you will start finding new ways to make your new habits work to your benefit (like taking...

Well, it's just a few days until Christmas, and only a handful more before the year 2009 comes to a close.  As I look back on the last 12 months, I am amazed at all that has been accomplished both in my personal and professional lives.  It is impressive not because the accomplishments have been grandiose, but because even with the flailing economy there has been room for progress.  So, as we move forward into 2010 I am excited to discover new opportunities and adventures that will come from the stabilizing of the housing and financial markets as well as the chance to take a few more steps towards my personal hopes and dreams. As I prepare to embark on a new journey, here are some great bits of insight that have helped to inspire me over the last 12 months, and that continue to help validate my decision to change my life path: Mike Rowe on American Labor On a midnight venture across the Internets to try to find something interesting, I stumbled across t...

If you happen to be on my e-mailing list, you've probably already heard about Rose Springs open house later this month.  If you aren't though - guess what?  They're having an open house on December 18th!  (I'll bet you didn't see that one coming) If you are looking for a healing arts center to help cure what ails you, then going to the open house on the 18th will surely help you to find the resources you are looking for.  Here is the link to my article on the subject: Rose Springs Center for the Healing Arts in Hillsboro, Oregon: Holistic in Your Neighborhood Learn about the many options available to you, hear what other clients have to say and meet local holistic practitioners  (and maybe even me if you're lucky) at this great event.  I hope to see you there!

Normally on Black Friday I pull out all of my Christmas music from years past and que them up on the CD player to play 24/7 until Christmas Day.  This year, however, my husband begged me to reconsider this tradition.  Not wanting to be without tunes to reflect the season though I went online to see if I could find something less cheerful, gleeful and twinkly that we could both enjoy. Lo and Behold - I found Scrooge Tunes on Yahoo Music's radio channel.  Packed with a variety of music from rock to jazz, country ballads and indie spoofs; there is defiantly a little something for everyone.  The great thing is that if you don't listen to the lyrics the music it sounds like any other Christmas station, which feeds my desire for holiday cheer.  A close ear can pick up the tales of burning Christmas trees, battered carolers and drunken reindeer. Here's the link if you would like to give it a go: http://new.music.yahoo.com/launchcast/  (scroll to the...

Hello Readers! After much prompting and pushing and shouting - I have finally caved in and started myself a blog. As you may or may not know, I have been blogging half-heartedly over on my Myspace page (click the link to check it out) for the last year or so. But now to move onward and upward! It has been a crazy exciting year. I've gone from a handful of amazingly loyal readers, to having close to 30,000 page views. I've gotten great feedback from all of you and feel that I have really begun to grow as a writer. In fact, I recently put together the last few chapters of my first novel and am happy to announce that I am now working on taking it from draft form to ready-to-read. It's all so exciting! None of the progress would have happened if not for the support from family and friends. A big thanks to my husband and editor for making everything I write a little bit better, and to my dear friend Tiger Airport for suggesting I stop putting off this whole wri...