when it all starts to fall apart

Another vice that I have (one of many):

I watch TV. 

I’ve considered a MILLION times that I should really just shut it off and tune it out, but for some reason (since I was a kid) TV has been a part of my life.

Well - in a recent episode of Project Runway - one of the designers has a difficult time finishing the assignment because the vision of what she wanted to create wasn’t coming together and she felt like she was going to have to compromise the integrity of her work by continuing on. (Ok - this plot actually happens on just about EVERY episode of Project Runway. Again, I DO wonder why I even bother watching.)

Anyway . . . (sigh) in her case, she tells the camera (us): “So I have to start over; get my head in the game; stop talking, and focus.” In the end, she prevails.

Then in a different episode: Michael Kors (one of the judges on the show, for those who don’t watch it), says of a different designer’s work: “ Everyone in life, regardless of what you do, you’re going to have difficult moments. And I think he (speaking of a specific  designer) showed us today, he’s gonna work with the difficulties in his life and not let them stop him. If anything, they’re going to propel him!”

Basically, it’s always very inspiring to see someone who is on the brink of giving up or breaking down not only finish, but actually succeed! It feels almost like a choice that they make. When things get tough, pull it together and push through with thoughtfulness.

I guess that’s why I Tivo this particular show every week. (Gossip Girl, however, I have NO excuses.)

balancing art

I LOVE my job (why do I always list this first???).

I LOVE my family.

I LOVE my God and church.

I am blessed and I KNOW it.

Okay - but, I’m one of those types of people that has a hard time with balancing these joys. I work late. I have a bazillion errands on the weekends. I am trying to not freak out over how much there is to do and how little time there always seems to be. It’s a struggle to be cool and not get caught up in some drama or chaos.

I’m also trying to teach my kiddos my values - and sometimes I know that they appear very out of wack.

Needless to say - I’m excited about a new book that I recently purchased. 

One Year of Inspiration for Girlfriends . . . Juggling Not-So-Perfect, Often-Crazy, but Gloriously Real Lives

Yep - that’s the title (which is really long) and the author is Ellen Miller.

I happen to know this author - she’s a former boss and I really like her. Ellen is very smart and witty. She’s been crazy busy and understands living through a stressful, nutty life. She’s been an executive within the corporate world and now she owns her own marketing agency all while being a wife, mom and very active church member. She’s always a million percent in when she’s committed to something. She has a very close group of friends that are her support system - and her husband is amazingly supportive of her as well. When I first met her in the office (on the first day of her job), I told her “I’m going to be a sponge around you - just so I can learn EVERYTHING from you.” 

(Yes, looking back - I realize how silly that sounds, but if you met her - you maybe would have said something just as silly. No, Really.)

She’s super stylish - always looks AMAZING and exudes confidence. She was the first person in my career who actually cared about the art in her office! Highly organized and very pulled together. And she has a very optimistic personality (i.e. high energy and very happy). She beams. If this lady had “bad days” (even a “bad hair day”), no one EVER knew it. Not that she’s perfect, because she’s not. BUT, she’s REALLY close.

I’ve gotten Ellen’s “Truth Nuggets” via email for years - and this is taking them to the next level. She’s organized them into different segments, with daily reading entries (like a daily devotional) and includes a work sheet at the end of each. I’m hoping that I’ll gleam ANY advice, strategy that will help me create more balance between all of the different facets of my life. I’ve told my husband a million times that I just need to do a better job of work/life balance. Uh huh.

So, it’s time for me to put up or shut up on this topic. Wish me luck!

falling for . . . far

There’s a chill in the air - finally! I actually wore a fall jacket today! The weather was gorgeous and crisp. Today’s outfit was a celebration of professional warmth:

• gray wool, pencil skirt (new!)
• gray tights (that’s right - you heard me!)
• burgundy mary jane heels (looking forward to high heel loafers, though)
• crisp white shirt (tucked in and rolled up skinny sleeves)
• gray, tweed jacket (only worn into the office - didn’t wear it during the day)
• and the ultimate accessory: chunky bracelet (with tons of gray beads)

I was in a great mood ALL day long. Maybe it was the new skirt, maybe breaking into some fall attire - who knows? 

It’s fall, baby! (And now for some sinus medicine!)

monday with a happy

Today Rob comes back in town from a week of vacation. During that week he celebrated his 1st wedding anniversary and also his birthday. He’s returning to a very busy week, of course, so - Jaime suggested that we make sure to not have the usual cup cake fair to welcome him back with. Husband Todd to the rescue with a yummy, homemade strawberry cake. Hopefully, this will be just the right touch of “welcome back,” “happy birthday,” & “happy anniversary” all in one. 

(Smells really good. Both of the kiddos want some.)

stylin' (literally!)

Today I’m meeting a garment stylist that I’ve never worked with before to help me set up for Tuesday’s photo shoot. I’m excited because this is the Land Of Opportunity. Lots to get done, but BEYOND excited about it!

She’s got her work cut out for her, though - all kinds of seasons to cover, all types of clothing (and accessories). I think she’ll be very prepared and talented, based on the amount of experience she brings to the assignment. (TONS!)

Needless to say - this Monday is going to be GOOD!!!

getting some ZZZZs

I don’t know about you, but the past couple of weeks have been Extremely Busy. The first week of September involved a super heavy workload - that kept me working day and night. The second week included house guests and evenings out Every Single Night of the week - only to be concluded with a weekend getaway. 

Basically, I’ve been operating on very little rest and it’s my goal to get back into my usual (healthier) routine. I know that I feel better, have better stress tolerance, and really believe that I process things faster and make better decisions.

This is the week that things will get back to normal. That doesn’t mean slow (by any means), but at least - it will be more typical and I can really ensure that I can get my usual ZZZZs. 

Besides, I NEED all the beauty rest I can get.

snack happy

So - sometimes I want something sweet in the afternoons (like dessert after lunches).  When I do - I either grab an apple or pear (watch out for the juice!) . . . 

OR . . . . 

gum. I chew the green flavor, but I don’t just chew one piece - no. if I enjoy one piece of gum - I will have just had four within the hour.

(Still beats candy or cookies for the good ol’ afternoon pick me up!) 

And yes, that is an extra Luna Bar, but that is for the emergency I-didn’t-bring-my-lunch-and-now-it’s-too-late-to-go-pick-some-up moment.

What’s in your snack drawer?