MM 10/20/2003

Guest writer: Dave Partak

Well we got OUR Monday Motivator today!

MASON BONHAM PARTAK

Born at 0231, Monday, the 20th of October.

8 lbs. 5 oz. 21 1/4" Blue eyes, dirty blond hair,
and all fingers and toes.

The story.

We had a real rough week. I was scheduled to go to Las Vegas for a supervisors training course with the TSA until I received a call from National Guard ordering me to duty for a period of five days, 21st through the 25th. As it was, I had my regular National Guard drill this weekend. Kathy and I left on Thursday and I dropped her off at her friend Mary's in Concord and I went on to National Guard. I drilled Friday and Saturday, and came back to pick her up Saturday
night.

While I was at drill they moved our time that I needed to report up to Monday. So now I have to go to Concord, pick up Kathy, go home to Auburn, and Sunday turn around and go back to National Guard. All of this National Guard stuff mind you, is with the possibility of getting marching orders to go to Iraq for up to 18 months! Needless to say, my stress levels were pretty high.

Well anyway, I meet Kathy, Mary, and Keith for dinner, and just before we start to order dinner (I haven't eaten a thing all day and it's 6:30pm) she tells me she lost her mucus plug! For those not in the know, that's what keeps everything away from the amniotic sack. Well I'm freaking out 'cause I need to be at National Guard on Monday and could possibly be thrown in jail for failure to report. To ease my mind and try to get some kind of time line we stopped at Kaiser on our way home. The doctor checked her out and said it could be in a couple of days or a couple of weeks still. We go home and got to bed. I Wake up to "my waters broke." It hadn't fully broken, it was clearly leaking though.

Well, we leisurely get ourselves together, make a stop at Babies R Us, and Tower Records and then head back to Kaiser at 12:30pm. Kathy gets checked out and they give her the admission ticket. So we set ourselves up in our room and wait. Around 7:30pm I pull out the camcorder and start filming Julie, Kathy's best friend from grade school, who was with us. As I'm filming Kathy says "I need a little help here" so I swing the camera over to her and catch her losing the rest of her water (which was most of it) on tape. Well after this, the contractions started coming on hot and heavy. She finally couldn't take the pain anymore and around 9:30pm or so got the epidural. She felt better after that but around 11:30 it started wearing off and she felt she needed to push. At this time she is fully dilated.

Well through struggling through pushing and the epidural that was stubborn she made it till 2:00am. She was a real trooper and only said F*@# four times (me and Julie were counting). By 2am she had all the strength knocked out of her and they decided to do a C-section. So off she goes to get gutted like a fish. I get in some scrubs and at 2:31 they announce Mason's birth.

Both baby and mother are fine. Kathy has a burn on her back resulting from the tape holding her epidural in place, she's got sutures in her belly and a sore neck. She was pretty looped up on drugs after the surgery but they have worn off. I left around 4:30 to get some sleep. So now it's off to National Guard for me. I made some phone calls and what would have been a five day ordeal they are going to try and get done in a day. I should be back Tuesday night or Wednesday afternoon at the latest. Kathy should be released sometime Wednesday.

For those of you that would like to call, her number is 916-973-7241. I don't think she wants a parade of visitors, so you can ask her if you can come see her if you are so inclined. She is at the Kaiser facility on Morse and Cottage in Sacramento.

I don't have any great motivational words for you this Monday so I will leave you with this observation I made last night: Baby's should not be shaken, they should be stirred.

Dave

MM 10/13/2003

Welcome to Fall!

It is finally here and if you haven't noticed, I am practicing being late. This is so when Mason gets here and I am in the "adjustment phase" (which I understand will last for the rest of my life), I won't be so hard on myself when I am late (which I also understand is a given when you have kids for about, oh, 18-21 years).

This weekend was jam packed! Friday night Dave and I got off to a rolling start at Giovanni's in Colfax for Karaoke, stale, but highly entertaining! Saturday was a really wonderful and overdue afternoon visit with Julie and Lauren & her family in Winters. From there we made the trek to Rio Vista to the Bass Festival. We met a group of our friends and enjoyed lots of good live music, food, and fireworks not getting home until well after midnight. Then yesterday, I made a very
spontaneous trip with Julie to Reno to see Steve Vai and Joe Satriani in concert. This of course put me home at, oh, about 3:30 this morning which is why this e-mail is so late coming. Mason got quite the exposure to musical culture this weekend, and if I had to say what pleased him the most, it was clearly Steve Vai. Not bad!

So here we are, Columbus Day and this is the motivator that is hitting home for me today. I hope you find some value in it and make this week one to remember. Oh, and before I forget, if you have a great, simple dinner recipe that I can make and stick in the freezer, feel free to pass it on. I am needing to stock up a bit and feeling like I am in a dinner time rut. Thanks and have a great week!

Lots of love,

Kathy

Intention

Everything you do is intentional. The actions you take, you take because you choose to do so. The stimulus can come from anywhere, but the response comes from you. Every action, every moment, determines the direction of your life.

You have made the choices, and taken the actions that have led you to this point. More importantly, you will make the choices and take the actions that determine your future.

You can learn from the past, but the past does not control you. Just because you have used poor judgment in the past, doesn't mean you have to continue doing so. You can change your life the moment you decide to change.

You are more than your past. You are more than your mistakes. Your life is whatever you decide to make it.

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

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/