MM 9/29/2003

Good Afternoon!

Better late than never so many people believe! At least is it not Tuesday yet!

I think the real nesting has begun. last night I was up til all hours washing baby clothes and blankets, packing a bag, cooking, scrap booking and framing pictures of all things! Why can't I be normal and clean the bathroom or wax the floors? Something that really needs to be done! Laughing! OK, I am publicly predicting that I think Mason is coming early. No official evidence yet, just a feeling. There, I said it!

We had a great weekend. It was one of those weekends where you have no agenda, you just do what you want to. I saw a movie, Dave worked around the house, we enjoyed some time walking around the Auburn Home Show, watched a couple of videos, had an opportunity to visit with my brother who was passing through town and just enjoyed each other at home. I hope you had a good weekend too!

This Motivator was hand picked especially for you....and you know who you are! Hang in there and remember, Chicken Soup, it really works! Smile!

Lots of love!

Kathy

Overwhelmed?

Do you ever feel overwhelmed? There's so much that needs to be done, so many things pulling you down.

It can be discouraging and frustrating when you're being slowed down by things that are beyond your control. How do you cope?

The secret is -- do what you can. You're not responsible for the things over which you have no control. Don't let them get you down.

Instead, work to make improvements in your own life. Take control of the things that are your responsibility. Wisely use the resources you have, and don't waste your energy worrying about what you cannot change.

Everyone has challenges. Life itself is one big challenge. There are some things that we just can't change, that we must simply accept.

Your acceptance will free up tremendous energy to tackle those things that you can change.

Make a difference where you can, and don't sweat the rest.
Ralph Marston from The Daily Motivator with permission http://www.dailymotivator.com/

MM 9/22/2003

Good morning that is almost good afternoon!

I am late today because I am just plum pooped! What a phenomenal weekend we had! Friday we had dinner in San Jose with Dave's mom and niece Kayla. Saturday I spent the whole day with my dear friend Lisa. We got a pedicure, had a nice breakfast out, shopped, went to
Starbucks for a sinful coffee milkshake (who cares what it is really called, that is what it is!), took
the dogs to a park overlooking one of Alameda's beautiful harbors just to sit and visit under a tree, and then wrapped up the evening with our guys by taking a sunset motor tour of the bay on David and Lisa's sail boat and a lovely BBQ dinner on the deck.

Sunday of course was Baby Shower day and what a day it was! We have such wonderful friends, how it is that we ever find anything to snivel about, I just don't know! I want to go on and on about the cake Lisa had designed and created for this party, but I am sure many of you have no interest. If you want to hear all about it, e-mail me back and I will lavish all the praise on
it I can! It surely only played second fiddle to my blossoming belly! So Big, Big thank yous to Lisa & David and Mary & Keith for all of their hard work with this lovely day and to all of you who chipped in and helped too! The love and gifts are just too many to name here. Smiling!

With so much love!

Kathy

P.S. Rumor has it that I am going to be too distracted and tired to write a Monday Motivator after Mason is born. I believe I heard my husband, who is lovingly known as "Crabby" some days "The King Crab", offer to step up and write the Monday Motivator....this could be really interesting!! Stay Tuned! Laughing!!


Be Happy

If it has ever been possible for you to be happy, then it is possible right now. If it ever will be possible for you to be happy, then it is possible right now.

Be happy with the person you are right now. No, you're not everything you would like to be. Yet, you have every opportunity to become the person you want to be. Would you really want to miss out on the adventure of fulfilling your possibilities? Of course not! Be happy that you still have more to accomplish, because it is in accomplishment that you experience the richness of living.

Are you not completely sure which way you want your life to go? Then be happy that you are so open to possibilities. And find joy in exploring them. Are you burdened with problems and responsibilities? Then be happy that you have so many opportunities to make a
difference, and to grow stronger by overcoming the obstacles.

No circumstance can stop you from being happy. No person can prevent your happiness, except you. Be happy right now because you can be, and because you have every reason to be.
Ralph Marston www.thedailymotivator.com

MM 9/15/2003

Is it just me or does it seem like we were just here? Monday.

The weeks seem to crawl by while the weekends seem like the blink of an eye. This weekend was jam packed with fun, friends and we even got some serious work done at home. This was one of those weekends where you have to write on your calendar "Do not plan anything. You already have plans to stay home".

On Friday night we went to the State Fair. WOW, they have really done a nice job of making this a great event. We were only there for the evening so there is lots we did not get to see or do. I am hoping we can make it back even if it for just an evening after work and see some of the stuff we missed, in addition to the "fair food." Dave, (okay, we) did not have room to eat everything.

You can't cover all the varieties of delicacies the fair has to offer in one evening. You either have to be there all day, or go back for another round! Sausage sandwich-check. Corn Dog-check, Lemonade from the ladies in the funny hats-check. $6.00 beer-check. $6.00 beer again-check. Ice cream cone-check. Merlino's Orange Freeze-check. Funnel Cake with whipped cream and Strawberries-check. We still didn't get to Kettle Corn, deep fried twinkies & candy bars (I just have to know!), roasted corn on the cob, cotton candy, tacos, frozen banana, tri-tip sandwich.....and the list goes on and on....Laughing!!

Saturday was about going through the remaining boxes in the garage so now, needless to say, the house looks like we just moved in again. EESH! We continued to try to put order in and finally landed on the couch having dinner and watching "Basic" with John Travolta. Good movie. I love a movie with a twist! Sunday was the Fundraiser at the winery I had mentioned to you and it was really fun. Mike, Julie, and I had a nice time visiting and running up the bids on the auction items all in the name of charity!

So, the big news for the week is that while at the fair Friday night, Dave and I named our baby. It was quite anticlimactic actually. Dave said (like so many times before), "What do you think of....?" and I said (like never before) "I kinda like that". We both smiled and that was it. Want to know what we decided? E-mail me back and I will tell you!

I hope you like this Motivator, I do and it is really good for me today. Since it is up to me, I am going to get to it! I hope you have a productive week and I hope to hear from you soon!

Lots of love!

Kathy

P.S. There are a couple of new people on the list today. Just so you know, this is a little something that I send out each Monday. It is an update of what is new with us and a little positive reinforcement to get you off on the right foot. It is easy to get sucked into the world of nay-sayers and those who can never seem to see the bright side. You are in better company than you think....there are lots of us out there who know exactly how to utilize the lemons life brings us! I like mine with sugar! Welcome!


Up to you

One way or another, you will get something accomplished today. Exactly what you get accomplished is up to you.

The hours of this day will go by, no matter what you do. What you get from them is up to you.

The world is filled with challenges, frustrations, joys and opportunities. What you make of them is up to you. Some of the people around you will praise you and encourage you, others will curse you and oppose you, still others will ignore you. Yet the way you respond is completely up to you.

You can hide away from life or you can dive into its glorious richness. Some people will help you, others will hurt you, yet no one can live your own unique life for you. The way you experience this priceless gift of life is now and always up to you.
Ralph Marston from The Daily Motivator
with permission http://www.dailymotivator.com

MM 9/8/2003

Good Morning!

Here we are again.....Monday, Monday, Monday! If you haven't noticed, I am writing to you from my Yahoo address which in this case means I am at home....yep, I had a feeling and here I am, at home, on my tushie with my feet up for a week. Nothing too serious, just some slightly elevated blood pressure and swelling. It is not all bad, but I really wanted to work through
October. Maybe I still can, I see the doc again on Thursday so we will see where I am come next Monday.

So on Saturday, Dave and I attended a Childbirth Preparedness class. Do they really think it is
possible to prepare two people for giving birth and bringing home a newborn baby? Laughing! If they continually tell you "Every experience is different," how can they really prepare you for the unknown? Or the "this might happen to you"? I have to say, some of the facts were enlightening and it was surely a good exercise for the two of us. The good news is, the
videos are not the yelling, screaming in pain movies that they used to be.....still graphic, but not so bad.

This motivator is just too perfect for me today and for the next few months. I hope you find some value in it somewhere in your today as well. Lots of love and drop me a call if you want, I'm home, sitting & Elevating! Laughing!

Love Kath

P.S. For those of you who are new to the list, this is just a little jump start for the new week. It is a cool way to keep in touch and hopefully gives you something as well. If you want to be removed from the list, just let me know!

At Peace

Let yourself know the beauty of being completely at peace in this very moment. Calm your thoughts, quiet your mind, and breathe in the serenity that is now.

All is well and all is as it should be. Relax, and know the peaceful stillness as it fills you to the
core. In the quiet serenity of now, there is no need to prove anything. Worry and strife are nothing more than distant illusions.

With every slow and peaceful breath you take, something becomes abundantly clear. You know without a doubt that there is a real and valuable goodness that comes with every moment, every circumstance, every experience.

In this moment, be at peace. Experience the calm, confident, positive power. Let yourself be at peace. And you will truly know how to make much more of it.

Ralph Marston from The Daily Motivator
with permissiom http://www.dailymotivator.com/

MM 9/2/2003

Well hello, hello, hello!

Not only am I late today, but it is no longer even Monday! What a weekend.

Everything got off on the right foot when I got to leave work early on Friday to go have a pedicure, and get home before holiday traffic got bad. This is not only a luxury, but seeing how I can't reach my feet, it is becoming a necessity! I stayed home, relaxing and working on my
scrap books until Sunday afternoon when I went to see Julie in Lodi. We had a BBQ with friends that climaxed with a big bon fire. I got home early on Monday thinking it was just another day at home with the kids (Riley and Inca), and who surprises me? Flower Dave! He came home early from his annual convention in the South Bay and we got to spend the afternoon and evening together. I just can't tell you how some time with my hubby was just what the
doctor ordered!

I like this motivator. I hope it brings something to you, too. Have a great (short) week and feel free to drop me a line back, I would love to know what you did this holiday weekend!

Lots of love!
Kathy

Be the one

If it seems that the world needs a little more kindness, be the one to put it there. If you see something that needs to be done, be the one to do it.

When you come across a problem, be the one to work out a solution, and to turn that problem into an opportunity. When the time is ripe for a fresh perspective, be the one to offer your opinion.

If no one is sure of what to do or say, be the one to offer a genuine smile and a kind word of reassurance. When there is something that must be said, be the one to speak up and get it out in the open.

If everyone waits for someone else to make the first move, nothing ever gets done. Be the one to step forward and get all those around you moving in a positive direction. The world needs those who are willing to get things going. And life richly rewards those who do it.

Take the initiative and be a leader. Someone has to do it, and you can be the one.

Ralph Marston from The Daily Motivator
with permission http://www.dailymotivator.com/

I Hit The Goodwill Jackpot!

Hi Guys! Welcome to yet another Monday. Can you believe we are more than halfway through this year? I was in Michaels craft store over the last week and they have all of their Halloween stuff and some Christmas stuff out already. I stopped in my tracks and felt a wave of panic… you see, not only am I not ready to think about the holidays, but Halloween is "Blast Off!" for baby. You know once you see this stuff in the stores, it means the speed by which the seconds, minutes, hours, and days pass speeds up significantly! No, Really! Laughing… Oh my gosh, we really are going to have a baby.. that is the moment the realization hit home, in the doorway of Michaels Craft Store. 

So short of walking around a little more dazed than pregnancy usually dictates, we had a very eventful week with Colton. He saw 4 movies, Pirates, Finding Nemo, Bruce Almighty, and Johnny English. We went to the river to swim twice, went shopping at the Roseville Galleria, visited Denio's Farmers & Flea Market, and made stepping stones out of our feet for a little walkway we are working on. Oh, and the high point of Colton's visit, we saw the bear again on Saturday. Since this is the 3rd time since July 11th, we feel it is only right to name the Bear. He will now be referred to as Koda. 

For me, I won the lotto on Saturday… no, not the California State Lottery, the Goodwill shopping lottery. I went to the grand opening of a new Goodwill store in Citrus Heights and with Colton sniveling about the clothes being "used," therefore, not worthy of my money, I found 8 dresses (really pretty, colorful, dresses that fit!), 2 pair of pants and a pair of shorts all for $45! So through all my excitement, what does Dave have to say? "That's nice. You better hurry up and wear them, you only have 3 more months." ONLY? Did he really say ONLY? I had to just laugh out loud! Not ONLY, is 3 months in this awkward, blossoming body a long time, but maybe someone should tell him that only Shania Twain and Cindy Crawford wear their pre-pregnancy clothes home from the hospital after having a baby! If they even go to a hospital… I mean who has time when your labor starts and your baby is born in less than 60 minutes, effortlessly, “bloop,” here's baby, just like that, and now you are on your way to shoot your next sexy video or magazine cover in your most midriff-baring, cleavage-enhancing (Hey! Perk of pregnancy!) pre-pregnancy clothes! Laughing! 

Okay, enough of that, I hope you all had a great weekend. Drop me a note and let me know what kind of fun you had… staying at home, going swimming, I love to hear back! 

I like this motivator, I find it to be very true. I am expecting that with our recent challenges and discomforts, our nourishment and opportunity should be here any minute!! Have a great week!  

Life's Gift 

You cannot avoid effort, for avoiding effort is itself an effort. What you can do is to make your efforts count for something, something as grand and magnificent as you can imagine. Life will ask something of you each and every moment. The more willingly and graciously you give what life asks of you, the more positive value you'll receive as a result. That which life asks of you is also life's gift to you. Those places where you spend the most effort, where you give the most of yourself, are the places where you'll realize the most value. Sadly, too many people miss out on the best that life has to offer when they attempt to avoid challenge and discomfort. By so doing they end up making their lives even more challenging and even more uncomfortable. Life is persistent and generous in providing you with plenty of nourishment and opportunity. So the challenges will continue to come your way until you're ready to make something truly grand and meaningful out of them. Give what life asks, promptly and enthusiastically. And you'll experience the very best that life has to give.

Guess Who's Back?

Welcome to Monday! Maybe welcome to some and for others, not so much… laughing! We had quite the weekend. Colton is here with us this week so we mixed it up with some of the everyday stuff (unpacking, grocery shopping, a little TV time) and some of the fun, summertime stuff (playing in the river, catching a movie, a visit to the mall and a fast food dinner out). We saw Pirates of the Caribbean on Saturday and “WOW!” What a fun movie! The movie was good, the story was original, there was a little twist and Johnny Depp was Phenomenal! Definitely worth seeing on the big screen. 

So, we had our visitor back on Sunday.....yes, I am talking about the bear. Now, come on you guys, almost nobody commented last week about a bear in our back yard… do you often have bears in your back yard? The funny thing is that the bear was minding his own business, just walking through (on his way where I don't know), and it was the boys in the house who were being a nuisance! Going after him, Colton was making a racket in the weeds & ivy while Dave was “just trying to get a good picture,” and then in the car to see, "if we can find him!" Talk about the opportunity to get some of "America's Funniest Home Video.” In any case, it seemed to be a fluke that we have seen him twice in 8 days. Most people in the neighborhood said they have never seen a bear and have lived there for years. 

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and have plans for keeping cool this week. Enjoy this Motivator, I know I need to keep my energy levels up to keep walking & stretching (I am up to two miles each day at lunchtime) but I still seem to keep getting bigger and bigger! Laughing! Lots of love, Kath

Growing Stronger 

Your body’s muscles are made stronger by the resistance they encounter. And so are you. Use the strength you have, and as a result, you will have even more. Step up to the challenges, and you'll be preparing yourself to successfully meet even greater challenges. By being strong you become yet stronger. For it is always possible to go a little beyond where you've gone before, and you can do it again and again. Push steadily forward, and with each push, you'll grow stronger and more capable. Though you may start small, you'll soon begin to see big results. Those who are strong became that way, not through luck or magic or mysterious process. Those who are strong became strong by applying what strength they had, over and over. And so can you