Looking Glass

It is surprising to think, retrospectively, of daily actions and see how they've created a cycle of events. This happens constantly, and pretty soon, another day has ended. Your actions created reactions from others. Some reactions positive, some not. It likely depends on your approach to the situation, your mood, your words, your demeanor. Most adults know that. I need to improve upon this area when I am feeling "put upon" or "let down."  Professionally, I am good at maintaining dignity during those challenges. Personally...not so much. I tend to let the little things sit in my stomach like a rock, and over think them until they turn into a boulder. That weight gets heavy after a bit. Then, of course, I throw it out with force. (sigh here) Stress is one of those mental elements that can infect your physical & emotional well being. Stress creates a wheel of thoughts and actions. Many of us know how it keeps our mind going around and around. Often, uncertai...

The area was hit with snow yesterday and  actual snow storms today. Despite snowfall and a few icy patches, I made it to my office yesterday without hazard, and completed 5 home visits with clients, as scheduled. In leaving my office, a bit of snow was falling from the sky. I reached an island 18 miles away to see a client and I was only the third car who had driven a particular road. I could tell by the car tracks as this area was accumulating snow quickly. Then, I traveled to the north end of the county, to my ole' little town, to see two clients. The glare from the roads was so bright, I actually wore my sunglasses, and snow flakes had not fallen here at all. This was another 16 miles from the island from where I had came. After completing my home visits, I stopped at the little community center of where I volunteered for 2 1/2 years, just to give my friend a big hug. It was worth the few minutes. I love hugs. Back to the office I drove to discover the south end of the county ...

So here is my funky poster I painted for Toastmaster's and our goal to get 11 new members in 2011. The wine bottle would tip as the top is bigger than the bottom and the plaid table runner is not correct prospectively. I like big wine glasses so quit laughing. (smile here)

After my chat with the real estate broker, I traveled the three and half miles to "Clearwood." I figured I wouldn't get far into the development as it was a gated community. I was right, the arm at the entry post was down with a large sign that read, "Pass Key Needed." Interestingly enough, there was a small grocery store right at the entrance. For chills and thrills, I went inside the old store and asked the clerk if there was any way to go inside just for a drive. Expectantly, the answer was, "No". Must have a pass key to enter. It is a secured place." I thanked the gentleman and with a nod of, "I figured", I left with spirit still soaring as other listings, according to the map, were a bare mile away. So, into my little Honda I hopped and to the main road I skirted. I turned onto one of the roads sited on a listing. I drove up a long, sloping hill, and at the crest, I immediately knew this was a future development with mostly land f...

After my hour plus drive to the ends of the county, I headed back to this little, hick town. I had a mindset to pay attention to my surroundings this time while in the actual town. There were a few very, new, "strip" malls, with well known businesses intact. A new looking Wal-Mart Super Store and other new businesses lined many of the streets. I learned long ago that the Wal Mart Corporation does a lot of research prior to a build, and their specialists research growth prospectus, and such. I am sure their strategists are smarter than I. (smile here). When a Wal Mart builds, other businesses follow. I know the town has a library, several schools passed my line of vision, even in the outskirts of where I had just driven. New banks and old, dotted the streets. A large grocery store as well as some small, quick stop types, were conveniently located on the main street. New Cinemas, a new looking car lot, etc... I also noticed a large, commercial property being excavated and fen...

In researching my qualifications for a home loan, I have learned I am a medium risk candidate with a credit score of fair, given my divorce of last year and my debt to income ratio changing. (frown here). I have been researching a USDA Rural Program loan, and a State Bond loan as well as a newly, learned program called, Fanny Mae's Home Path Mortgage. The first two do not require a down payment, which is a #1 criteria for me at this time. I am still researching the Home Path Mortgage qualifications. Since I owned my old house for 29 years, First Time Home Buyer Programs are void, at least for another year. (I did not know I would EVER be a "first time home buyer", again.) I have been thinking of a specific drive needed for a couple of weeks now. On Sunday afternoon, I decided to go for this drive to check out a neighboring community. There was a method to my madness. This community, situated 20 miles away, has newer, nicer homes qualifying for the USDA Rural Program. W...

I attended an Officer's Training for Toastmasters last night in conjunction with my role as VP of PR.  Several people gave an oration of important roles to undertake, in order to enhance a club's success. (Keep reading, I am trying to expand my vocabulary...smile here.) They were interesting and confident during their course, in front of the 30 plus attendees.  I was observing the audience throughout the presentations and came to recognize the impact this type of club has had on individuals. They all spoke of the positive impact the organization has had on their personal confidence as well as growth in their careers. There were a few people who spoke of the fact that their spouses are involved with Toastmaster's. Many couples have worked through the chains of command and are seated at some top positions in the area. I found this very interesting. I know one of my fellow co members belongs to three clubs and is a mentor to another. Now, in visiting with his wife at holiday...