Work is Meaningful When........

I pulled this from the latest book I am reading "What Happy Working Mothers Know" by Cathy L. Greenberg & Barrett S. Avigdor (it is a terrific book by the way......)

* It is inspiring.
* It is inclusive and involving.
* It provides opportunity to be creative.
* It requires learning and growing and is challenging.
* It connects to the "grand plan."
* It achieves/exceeds its goals.
* It provides enjoyable social/work interaction.
* It is motivating.
* There is prevalence of trust.
* There is no fear.

Happiness Tip

Happiness comes from a full, balanced life that includes hard work, time with loved one and friends, exercise, celebration, and even solitude. Skimp on any of the ingredients and your recipe falls flat.

"You Raise Me Up"

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

Beauty

"One does not see anything until one sees its beauty."
- Oscar Wilde

One Word

Accomplish

accomplish [əˈkɒmplɪʃ əˈkʌm-]
vb (tr)
1. to manage to do; achieve
2. to conclude successfully; complete
[from Old French acomplir to complete, ultimately from Latin complēre to fill up. See complete]
accomplishable adj
accomplisher n

I have been thinking over the last couple of weeks what I would make my one word for the year. This word pretty much sums up all the things that I want to do. I am not just going to do things I am going to accomplish them meaning achieve, conquer, succeed, finish, to carry out and to follow through. I love that it is a verb meaning action. I have a desire to take action this year. Here are some of the things that I want to "ACCOMPLISH" this fine year of 2010 in no particular order.

More reading
Exercise, exercise, exercise
Continue blogging
Plant four rose bushes (1 for each of the family)
A family vacation
Connect with old and new friends
Have special alone time with Ryan each month
Horseback riding at least once
Smile more
Some sort of girls trip
A get away with the love of my life
Paint interior and exterior of house
Attend a concert
Being the best me
Do one nice thing for someone every day
Read with Lindsay regularly

December Recap

I can't hardly believe that December has come and gone and 2010 is here. I am actually really looking forward to 2010 and all that it will bring. I want to recap our December:
* Ryan, Lins and I enjoyed watching "The Glory of Christmas" at the beautiful Crystal Cathedral with my dear friend Michelle and her family. Michelle's mom had extra tickets and graciously invited us to join them. The angels suspended in the air and the live animals were amazing to watch.
* Lindsay dressed up as a precious angel at our church Christmas dinner and party and sang her heart out.
* Lindsay got to see and sit on Santa's lap not once, not twice but three times. She enjoyed talking with him each time.
* I attended Lindsay's school class Christmas Party where the audience was entertained with six different songs. My favorite by far was Silent Night where the children also did sign language throughout the whole song.
* Steve, Lins and I enjoyed Christmas tree light watching with good friend Brent and his kids Sydney, Ben and Will.
* Nonnie turned 94 on the 20th.
* Steve, Lins and I went to the Disney on Ice Show featuring Cars, Lion King, Little Mermaid and Tinkerbelle at the Honda Center. Lindsay didn't take her eyes off the ice the whole performance.
* Had friends Elliott and Kim over for a holiday dinner.