Happy Holidays Everyone

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday. I am looking forward to 5 days out of the office, spending some quality time in Maine with family. This year has been full of change followed by happiness.

I managed to have three jobs in one year... not something I recommend or would have planned, but I couldn't be happier. And in each experience I learned more about myself and my strengths. Probably the most important being: it's easier to focus on your strengths and just do that than to try to rid yourself of your weaknesses.

Shane and I were engaged in February, and as blissful as I wanted "being engaged" to be, there is nothing blissful about planning a wedding. But in order to plan a party that pulls in friends and family from across the country, it had to be big, and it will be. We are so excited for July 17th and even more for the honeymoon, when I can kiss the wedding planning guide goodbye!

No year passes without milestones sad and happy ones: The passing of an Uncle- a truly amazing man, the celebration of my grandfathers 90th, the celebration of my 30th, weddings and births for good friends.

Each year that passes only makes me more thankful for all that I have: health, family, happiness and someone to share it with.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

No matter what, golfing matters less than Healthcare

I grew up golfing. I played Jr. Golf starting at age 7 and went into retirement at 17. At 21 I realized that if I was going to work in technology sales in the bay area, I was probably going to have to play again. So, now, 9 years later, I play 1-2 times a year, max. Golfing or anything about golfing should matter a LOT less than Healthcare.

But all the sudden our country cares more about a golfers extracurricular than they do about the way that we receive health care in this country. Tiger isn't going to affect the doctors you can see for the rest of your life. His "companions" aren't going to be the nurses that care for you as you recover from your heart attack, at least you better hope not. Elin doesn't care if you have to pay 50% of your income to pay off hospital bills, she's going back to Sweden, which has government funded healtcare if you care.

We all need a little gut check on our priorities. We need to quit clicking on the tiger stories and instead tune into CSPAN to see what's going to make a difference in our lives.

COME ON PEOPLE!!!!

Happy states- I just keep getting happier

I just read this interesting article on the "Happiest States"and I realized that I have managed to go from 18 to 9 to the 8th happiest state in my lifetime... Not bad. I do have to say, the one suprise on this list was # 5. I am going to claim ignorance, because I have never been there. And if anyone has any insight, do let me know. Check out the link, it's an interesting read.

My difference may not be great, but it means something to someone

I just read the most lovely blog post, and it was about me. Me. and I didn't write it. I am incredibly flattered and overwhelmed.

I am often inspired by LARGE acts of kindness. I often wonder if I am supposed to be running a non-profit for pennies and making all of my other dreams (financially focused ones) fall to the side.

And then I am faced with a blog post that illustrates that while my gestures aren't grand. They are noticed. And to the people that matter most to me, that makes me happy, beyond belief.

To Alana and Emily. I miss you both terribly and thank you, you made coming into work fun and inspiring!