Spring Cleaning in February?

Today after work the hubster and I agreed to look into our guest room (storage) closet for the boxes we have left to sort out.  We were able to minimize the clutter a bit but we still need to do another round.  Next step is to purchase the guest room bed frame and mattress.  We are really excited and I just recently had my Buddha head painting framed.  It looks great.  I am so looking forward to the finished product and be able to hosts guests more comfortably.

Look at my desk neighbor hardly working!! ... hahaha

Today's Inspirations
Dan Gilbert: The surprising science of happiness

The Dog Whisperer

Today flew by like nothing and I almost forgot to write in the blog!

At the moment, I am watching The Dog Whisperer.  Cesar is helping a client face his fear of dogs.  He was traumatized by a dog attack at a young age.  Quite an inspirational story.

We all have our fears.  The biggest challenge is to face them.  I have mine and still try on a daily basis to overcome them.  The fear of change, heights, failure, rejection, and losing control.

One big fear that I overcame recently was related to change.  This was my move from NY to Florida.  I took a risk moving down here.  It posed a risk to my current job.  I would also not be in close proximity to my family or close friends anymore.  At first I did this for my husband, but I now realize I also did it for myself.  As the days passed, I realized that it was just a change of surroundings because my friends and family will always be there.  I keep in touch with them on a regular basis.  Thank goodness for modern technology and "Facetime"!  I can also come visit NY from time to time and since I live near Disney, some of them may come and visit me!  I have and always have been happily married.  I am happy down south and these surroundings gave me a different outlook on life.  So in a way, this was meant to happen and I am just going with the flow!

On that note, look what happened to Luke while watching The Dog Whisperer

Today's Inspirations
Be the change you wish to see in the world ~ Mahatma Ghandi

~Jae

Sunday Luke Day

Sunday's are Luke day.  Since we were in Clearwater most of the day yesteray, he spent most of HIS day in the crate. So he definitely needed some time outdoors to make up for it.  He always enjoys himself, lets loose and is his true playful self with other pups.  It's quite pleasant watching him enjoy himself.  It really makes our day.  With the great weather we had today, it made it that much more perfect!

Unfortunately the weekend has come to a close, but I have a short week.  I am off valentine's day through Monday (Presidents day), so we are very much looking forward to it.  We have a romantic weekend (With luke of course) planned in Ana Maria Island!.... YAY!

Today's Inspirations
The Power of Vulnerability ~ Brene Brown

~ Jae

Life Uncorked

Today was the Clearwater "Uncorked" event and it was fantastic!  It was a parade that a cloudy day could not rain on at all!  We tried various local wine and beer along with some great cuisine like paella, crab cakes & pork tenderloin with apple chutney..... Mmmmm delicious!

We ran away with a few goodies and ideas on local places to visit in the near future.  The music set a great tone.  Oldies from back in college and high school even some Motown.... woohoo!

As the event winded down we decided to take a stroll down the boardwalk and made friends with a couple of parrots and enjoyed some great street entertainment as the sky finally opened up.  Soon after we whisked away back home to Luke as the sun began to set.

Meanwhile, back home we walked and fed Luke.  Our trick worked extra well today for Luke's demodex medicine.  Looks like he may recover sooner if we keep it up..... Thank Goodness!

Today's Inspirations

Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it ~ Henry David Thoreau

Family is a place where minds come in contact with one another

Thank God It's Friday!

Yes, Thank God It's Friday!  Another cloudy day, but that didn't make it a bad day.  It did have it's peaks and valleys, but that can happen from time to time and I just need to learn how to deal with it better.

This evening we went to Orlando.  The hubster's Grandfather has been in the hospital for the past week for pneumonia, so we took a drive out there to go pay him a visit.  I am not too fond of hospitals so I wasn't thrilled, but we were glad we got to see him.  Oh yeah, did i forgot to mention that, during that visit, his Mom was sent to the emergency room to be treated for her back problem?  She really should be at home in bed resting for the bulged disks and arthritis, but she wanted to be there for her Dad and you can't blame her really.  They are both ok so far, thankfully.

Today was bath day for Luke..... Uh oh!  He really does not like showers, but today was a day of progress.  He usually resists and whimpers when we pour water over him, but today he resisted less and actually stood in the tub, allowing us to scrub the shampoo and pour water to rinse him off.  It really felt great to see an improvement in this space!

Luke is currently suffering from demodex (a form of mange).  We have the challenge of using a syringe to squirt the medication into his mouth.  The issue is that the taste is not quite appealing to any dog so it's been VERY challenging. He ALWAYS spits all of it back out.  Today we have finally figured out a way to trick him into taking it.  I filled one of his biscuit treats with it and covered it with peanut butter..... He inhaled that thing.... THANK GOODNESS!

Danny and I agree that we can't picture our lives without Luke anymore.  He has been embedded into our daily lives and we are enjoying every minute of it.  

Today's Inspirations

Connection is why we're here.  We are hardwired to connect with others, It's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering. ~ Brene Brown

No relationship is all sunshine, but tow people can share one umbrella and survive the storm together. ~ Unknown

P.S. I started reading "Daring Greatly" By Brene Brown; hence, my chosen quote today =)

Behind the 30 Day Challenge

While I was slacking a little from work looking for some motivation, I came across a very great site: Marc and Angel Hack Life.  There are tons of articles in the form of lists that are motivating, uplifting and inspirational.  The one article that stood out for me was: "30 Challenges for 30 Days of Growth".  I am constantly looking for ways to improve, expand, and grow so i was, without any doubt, up for the "challenge".  If you know me, you know that I sometimes like to bite off more than I can chew, so why just pick one!  I plan to take on the following:

1. Read one chapter of a good book every day (Book still to be chosen).
2. Every morning, watch or read something that inspires you. (Can leverage my daily quotes app for this)
3. Spend 10 minutes every evening reflecting on what went well. (Can leverage this blog to reflect)
4. Document every day with one photograph and one paragraph (Hence, this blog and it's chosen title)

Since the move (from NY to FL), I have found myself contemplating and appreciating the little things in life.  Like: having a roof over my head, being employed, being happily married (of course my marriage isn't perfect by any means, but appreciating the good and how very much it outweighs any of the so called "bad") being loved, having the sun in my face, even hugs and kisses, but most importantly, having a family!!!

The last one is what I am most grateful for today.  Just look at what I woke up to this morning, my beautiful FAMILY.  

So I would say my day was off to a great start despite the cloudiness outside.  I spent some nice quality time walking Luke today.  I sneaked in a few hugs and kisses with the hubster and did a couple of analytical favors for some colleagues today.  Yup it was a great day.  Let's see what tomorrow will bring.

Today's Inspirations 

In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet. ~ Albert Schweitzer

You cannot travel on the path until you become the path itself

~ Jae