Living in the Stream

The Pause Button

2010-06-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

Before I speak and before I react, I am going to pause, breathe deeply and think. I am going to get into alignment and use each new situation to steer myself back into the vortex. I am Calm and I am peaceful. I am going to think of the joy that these precious beings bring me.

Page Turners

2010-05-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

I devour books and want to instill the love of reading in my kids. In the past year we have delved into some great storytelling. The Percy Jackson Percy Jackson and the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-3)series was a favorite of all three of my boys, ages 6, 8, and 14. It is a great way to learn about greek gods and enjoy some adventure.

The next series we read was Fablehaven Fablehaven (Boxed Set): Fablehaven; Rise of the Evening Star; Grip of the Shadow Plague
This series kept us up way after bedtime and on the edge of our seats. This one only appealed to my 8 year old, and put my six year old to sleep.

Currently we are reading The Land of Elyon Land of Elyon - Boxed Set.....so I will keep you posted. Happy reading.

I can't believe its been 10 years and counting....

2010-05-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

Just in case...

2010-05-19T15:42:00.001-07:00

I thought about posting this on FB or twitter but people actually read my updates there, so I decided I am going to say it out loud but in a whisper here on my blog. I am tired of diapers and I think its time to go back to Shooter using the potty. Status update is 2 peed in pants, but he did go to the right spot to pee. No more disposables and cloth in the car, unless of course my mom is watching him. There I said it, sorta.

2010-05-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

Manifesting Style

2010-05-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

I live on a hill in large town in a busy state yet where I live feels totally rural. I have a garden and chickens and neighbors I can holler at, yup life is good. Since my youngest was born, i have been walking every day, stretching my boundaries outside my hill. On one such walk I realized that almost everything I needed or wanted was within walking distance. Ok, I can't walk to the beach but I can get to a grocery store, movie store, and many fine restaurants. Which brings me to my latest find, thrift stores. Now, up until now, I would say I am a boutique girl. Love the one of a kind feel, and support the local guy thing, but lately I am loving my goodwill. First off there is never a nosy sales lady hanging over your shoulder, you shop in peace and quiet. And, it is a quest for the treasure, the hidden gem. Every thing is under $5 bucks and there is no sales tax! Woo Hoo! The best part is I can walk there. From designer jeans to my theory trench, I pick um up and drop um next store at the dry cleaners and voila a rotating wardrobe of delectable duds!

A List of Things I'd Like to Do~

2010-03-03T21:55:00.000-08:00

1. Own a bookstore
2. Design a journal, that I absolutely love.
3. Build my own house
4. Take trips with each of my kids
5. Go shopping in NY
6. Dine in NY
7. Visit the South
8. Season Tickets to the Chargers
9. Live in a tree house
10. Play guitar
11. Spend a week in a comfy hotel reading.
12. Take my kids rafting.
13. Win a jackpot in Vegas
14. Become a Diamond Director
15. Create Gold Directors
16. Get paid to Read
......

Some days deserve a Margarita.

2010-02-24T17:23:00.001-08:00

All I am saying is that some days you just deserve a fresh margarita and today was one of those days. A morning in court and we were the only white people there besides the attorney's and some of the cops. I am serious too. Then I saw a guy breaking into a car, turned him in and watched him get arrested and this was all before 11 am. After that it was a field trip to the beach with my son's kindergarten class. A carpool home with extra kids, a dirty kitchen.....but after all is said and done...my margarita is FINE and DELICIOUS! That's all I am saying.

ABC List

2010-02-22T21:01:00.000-08:00

This morning on my way home from dropping off my kidlets at school, I checked in with a friend of mine who had attended a seminar this past weekend. One of the tools she learned was so simple yet so profound. Find a positive word for each letter of the alphabet. By the time you reach the end, I bet you will be feeling a whole lot better. So, here goes.....

A Absolutely Adorable
B Beautiful
C Colors
Delightful
Energetic
Funky
Gratitude
Happy
Invigorating
Joyful
Kind
Love
Motivation
Nice
Openminded
Positive
Quest
Rainbows
Serenity
Thoughtful
Unbelievable
Verdant
Wonderful
Xtra
YOU
Zazu

Ahhhh....feeling much more blissful

The Closet

2010-02-15T11:35:00.000-08:00

Cleaning out your closet and organizing it can bring new life into a tired wardrobe. This weekend I helped a friend purge. We started with skirts and moved thru each clothing item. The result was a clearer space and the ability to see what holes she had in her closet.

Step One: Pull out each type of clothing ie skirts, pants, etc.

Step Two: Asses each item for the following, is it still in style or is it a classic style? Does it have stains or worn looking?

Step Three: Create 3 piles; Keep, Discard, and Clean.

Step Four: After sorting and sifting, take a moment to asses what different aspects of your lifestyle does your wardrobe need to fulfill. Take the time to think about whether you have grown out of your past style. Are you still trying to look 19?

Step Five: Create A Book of Style! This is fun. I check out local libraries for discarded fashion magazines. When I see something I like a rip the page out. I use a 3 ring binder and plastic sheet protector's. As it fills I get a sense of what I want to create. By looking at what we are drawn to and then looking at our closet we see where we need to fill the gaps or if we are merely kidding ourselves of what are style really is.

Step Six: Determine what your Style Basics are, this is different for everyone. I have purchased things because I thought they were staples but didn't fit my lifestyle. Live and Learn.

My Wardrobe Basics include:
Straight legged dark wash Jeans
Black Tank top
Long Skirt
Short Skirt
Basic long sleeve t-shirts
Cashmere Cardigan
Linen Pants (james perse makes the best)
Cute Sweatshirt type jacket (again I like James Perse
A flannel
Black Yoga Pants
Bra-Tanks (they go under everything) I like the ones from Wal-mart.

Step Seven: HAVE FUN

Why Smoking is Good for you.

2010-02-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

Yes, I said smoking is good for you and in a way its true. When I smoked I took time to smell the roses. Every hour or so I would stop whatever I was doing and take a "Time Out" I would peacefully inhale then sit back and relax. I was in a type of meditation. Smoking was like a calming down ritual, a time and a place where it was ok to be still. Smoking created a time for reflection and a time to think before acting. How many bad decisions have been halted by just taking the time to smoke a cigarette. Not to mention that people who smoke are more fun. A smoker will throw down any time of the day. They are the first ones up for adventure. It is just too bad that cigarettes are full of chemicals and they can kill you. I will try and take the lessons I learned as a smoker into my smoke free life. Take time to Just Be.

2010-01-25T22:43:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been reading all sorts of blogs and books on Living Simply. There are many things about this that appeals to me. Now, don't get me wrong I like stuff and I like to shop but I want to own things that I truly adore, that will last and have a use. It can simply be something that is beautiful to look at or it can be something that fulfills a purpose. I have noticed that many things I have "make do" and that is something I want to remedy. No longer will I purchase things because it will do for now. Most of the time we don't really need the things we think we do. The more stuff we have the more we have to do. I love books but lately I realized that I was just dusting them. I love narrowing down to what is essential. I notice with my baby that he finds joy in the simple things and I watch as he creatively finds things to play with. It is a beautiful thing to simplify.

Stuck in an Eddy

2009-09-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

Life sure speeds up when the baby starts crawling. All of a sudden your home feels like a land mine of dropped change, food, and dog hair. I had myself in quite a tiff and finally decided that children all over the world have survived and even gained strong immune systems from the time spent in the muck. So I let it go and am going easy on myself. This has also led me to a another round of purging of the household's nick knacks. I wonder how I seem to acquire so much stuff. My new goal is to think thru every single purchase I make; is it necessary, do I really need it, and is it the quality that I desire. If it doesn't pass muster then I move on. I have been following the simple living movement after reading an article in an old Oprah magazine. It isn't about living in a hole in the ground or going without, it is more about appreciation of what you do have and what you truly enjoy. I have been walking thru my house and asking myself if I could only take one tote with me what would I take. Do these things bring me joy or just take more time. Do you realize that we spend more time now washing clothes then the olden days. It is because clothing is so cheap that we just buy more and more of it. I like the french concept of key pieces of high quality. Maybe its the sheer enormity of laundry in my home. Speaking of which...time to crank the stereo and fold some clothes.

What Every New Mother Needs

2009-06-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

This is kinda of funny after my last post all about drinking but thats just me, well rounded. There are several things that I find very useful but I try and keep my "Things" basic.

1) A sling is a must. This is great for nursing and easy on and off. I love the MamaBaby wrap. The material is soft and is stretchy. I like to keep it in my car so I always have something for in and out easy grab. http://www.mayawrap.com/products.php

2) Ergo backpack. As they get older this is absolutely amazing. http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/

3) Muslim Blankets they are soft, light, and yet surprisingly warm. They come in packs of 4 and I got two. I also have the Winter Weight blanket which I adore. It is great for covering both of us when nursing. http://www.adenandanais.com/

4) I have 2 lamb skins. I use one in the car and keep one in the house. Wool is naturally wicking and is very soothing.

5) A amber necklace for teething. http://www.amberartisans.com/

6) 2 potty's one for the car and one for the house.

7) A good stroller. I mostly carry my kids but a good stroller is very handy. I am a walker not a runner so The Maclaren Techno works just fine for me. It is well worth its price tag. It rolls smoothly and has plenty of storage. http://www.maclarenbaby.com/us/content/view/105/497/lang,en/

Drinking Etiquette

2009-05-26T23:01:00.000-07:00

Drinking Guidelines/Suggestions

I consider myself a “Drinking Maven” I like to use this word because I think its absolutely hilarious when people self-proclaim themselves Experts. I am a bit more of an “Action” gal and let my skills do their own talking. These days I have slowed down and prefer wine by the fire or a fresh squeezed margarita on a warm day.

Guidelines #1. Chose Your type of liquor.
Now I personally enjoy a good tequila, preferably an Anejo or a Reposada. Of Course 100% Blue Agave floats my boat. You of course my chose otherwise. I enjoy Tequila because its an upper not a downer like other alcohols.

#2 Stick with the same type of liquor ALL night. This will cut down on your chances of a hang-over.

#3 Drink your liquor straight. Its the sugars in the mixers that really do a number on your head. Personally I will have a few margarita’s and then switch to my tequila Neat.

#4 Get to know your bartender. Always try and order at the bar. Tip generously...if after the 2nd or 3rd drink your bartender isn’t pouring you a stiff drink...or giving you one on the house. You might not be a very good tipper.

#5 The best nights to drink at least at a bar are Sunday and Monday nights. The amateurs usually come out on the weekends.

#6 If someone wants to buy you a drink always go to the bar with them and watch the bartender pour it.

#7 If your going to walk around a crowded bar with a drink make it a beer in a bottle.

#8 Always pay cash for your drinks.

#9 Your bartender can be your best friend if you treat them right.

#10 If your going to a bar to meet someone you won’t meet who you want. But if you go to drink, dance and have a good time you will.

#11 A good thing to know when going to a dive bar is how to play Liars Poker.

#12 There is nothing worse then drunk and stupid...So be interesting.

#13 Look for the out of the way watering holes.

#14 Learn your limit. I know where mine is although I sometimes have been known to surpass it.

So Cheers and happy tavern trails, dive dunking, and dance clubbing~

Why I have 2 names~

2009-05-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

I was born Tiffany Amber and was quite happy being a Tiffany or Tiff for most of my life. It fit me just fine and I had no desire to ever be anything different. But life had a different idea for me. In 1992, I arrived in Laguna Beach California with my good friend Wendi. The weather was warm and the beaches amazing. Wendi had brought along a book on Numerology and I set about reading about my name. It said some interesting things one of them being the fact that if my name equaled such and such number and my birthdate was such, that I should change my name. So I thought what the heck I am going to tell everyone I meet that my name is Amber. So I did. About a week after being here we were at a fancy restaurant and we met a girl from Oregon and she introduced me to her manager who offered me a job waiting tables. He met me as Amber and I took the job. As you most likely realize I ended up staying in California and getting married. So now if you knew me before 92 you know me as Tiffany and if you met me after you met me as Amber. So take your pick I answer to both~

Respect

2009-05-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

Respect

The other day I was sitting in my 4 year olds Tiny Tiger Karate Class when the Head Sensei walked into the Dojo. Five young ones and the Sensei teaching class stopped what they were doing and quietly turned bowed and said Anagazi Maz which means please help me or please teach me. It was amazing to me, watching their faces, to see such RESPECT. It made me think about how important respect is and how little most people get. I thought wow; if everyone was shown the respect that Sensei Paul receives what a boost to their self-confidence. Why, every aspect of their lives would be improved. Think about it, if every day when you went to your job or did your work, people thanked you and bowed, listened quietly to your instructions and then did their best to follow them. People would look up to you and ask you for your advice. Sounds wonderful, but then I thought about it further. Sensei Paul is a black belt in Karate, he has been training many years, he treats his students with respect and offers them sage advice that he has learned through the years with hard work and listening to those with knowledge. In other words he has earned the students respect. He does not ask them to do things that he himself cannot do. He does not ask them to do the things he does not want to do. He leads by example. How many of us walk our talk? How many times do we tell people how to do, but not do it ourselves?

So I realized yes we all deserve respect but it is not something that is given lightly. It is given when we are striving to be the best we can be, when we are impeccable with our word and we are showing respect to those we come in contact with.

How does this relate to my business? Am I doing the best I can? Can I jump a little higher? I am demonstrating to others how to do the business or am I just telling them how to do it. In order to gain respect we must do and we must do it to the best of our ability. Just like karate we must practice, and enjoy our training. We must push beyond our boundaries in order to achieve greater success. The only thing holding you back is yourself. Sensei Paul says, “when you are tired is when the training begins.” “Anyone can assume a karate stance but only those who train can hold that pose after five minutes.” Only those who have trained their minds can push past the pain and become stronger. We must have belief in ourselves and take action in that belief.

Gratitude

2009-05-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

I am on a habit forming run. Everyday I use a Process to bring my thoughts an feelings into alignment with that which is my source. I can feel when I am out of alignment because everything goes wrong. Ever noticed that when you feel bad you get more of it. Focus on what you want and the feeling of having it and that is what you get. But if you look at what you want and feel lack the lack is what you attract. You know how they say, "hang with turkeys or soar with eagles" well I want to surround myself with eagles and feel myself into abundance. It is hard not to feel sorry about all the "crap" going on right now but that will not benefit anyone especially me. So I chose to look at what is around me and chose only that which improves me and that which feels good. An abundant life full of laughter and joy.

My Why

2009-04-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

My Why: My happiness is my "Why" it is what is it that makes me happy? Doing fun things with my kids. Enjoying time with my husband, dining, fishing, gambling, going to concerts, traveling, and laughing. Spending time with our mutual friends and my individual friends. Having nice things that bring me joy. Being part of Usana. My "Why" is finding Joy in everything that I do. I want experiences and I am taking the" How "out of the equation. Everything I want/desire to create is All within my grasp. I am setting my INTENTION and letting go of my stories that do not serve me. Everything that I have and need Always comes to me. I Chose Abundance. I chose Freedom. I chose Financial Freedom. I chose Joy. I chose Happiness.

Why I shouldn't blog

2009-04-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

So I signed up and created a blog awhile back, not a big deal because I didn't have any followers and mostly no-one but my cousin knew about it. This worked well because she already knows pretty much everything about me at least the stuff I can remember. But then for some reason or another I listed my blog on twitter and pretty much everywhere else and now I have to figure out what to say. I spent time on other people's blogs and man oh man can people write. Awesome stuff out there, I laughed, I cried and I learned a bit. It is all very intimidating but I figured what the heck all give it a go.

Slipping and Sliding

2009-03-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

Its been almost 3 weeks since Shooter was born and we are all still adjusting to a new little one in our midst. We are all in love with him, he is so precious. The two of us have spent a ton of time learning and exploring twitter. We are blessed to have Grandpa here acting as chauffeur, what would I do without him. Life is good. That being said, I am slowly and gingerly sticking my feet back in the water. How the heck will I get it all done? Ah, I know let go of the oars and let the universal manager take care of the details! So I am thinking I need to set some goals.

My Plan:

Take it easy till the end of the month.
Start walking tomorrow.
10 sit-ups a day! Yikes...pictures of the belly.
Visualize a flat firm stomach.
Ease back into Usana
Sign up 2 new distributors-take advantage of matching bonus!
Stay on top of Project Purpose
Write NECESSARY letters!

Start each day with gratitude!!!!

Giving Birth

2009-02-25T17:29:00.001-08:00

You don't really know what the depths of love are until you give birth. At least in my humble opinion, the love that moves mountains is the gush of that very moment when their head emerges and you finally lay eyes on that small being that has been growing inside of you. It is love at first sight. At that moment your heart opens and expands.

Shooter arrived at 7:54, on Monday Febuary 23! I swore up and down that this labor would be my shortest and I would cut the time in half! Ace was 36 hours, 18 active, Cash 13 hours with 9 active. Shooter was around 7 with 3 hours of Active and 2 hours of pushing. Sunday night I had contractions all night, not the kind that take your breath away but the kind that do some work. finally at 3:30 I got up and ate and went back to bed...just in case. They stopped so I sent everyone off to school and went grocery shopping. Hmmm, almost passed out in Trader Joe's from a contraction. On the way home I was chatting with my friend, Kristi. I told her my story and she offered to come by and see if there was anything I needed! Thank goodness! She arrived around noon and I was having contractions about every 10 minutes, but these were the fun kind! I was beginning to think this might be it! My 13 year old determined that he might not want to be around and his mom came over and picked him up! As soon as he left around 2:30 the real fun started. I was still unsure but thought we should maybe call my midwife and husband. I told them I might be in labor. Kristi and I made some food but pretty soon I was having serious contractions and no longer wanted to talk or answer the phone. We called the midwife and Darrin. Now I was concentrating....and Kristi took over. I walked and worked through my contractions as she set the space and organized my birthing supplies. I let go knowing I was in good hands. Soon my midwife arrived and things were getting intense. When Darrin arrived I wouldn't let him out of the room, apparently I was quite forceful about this! My sailors mouth made its emergence..I didn't teach anyone any new words but they heard alot of the same. My friend and doula from Cash's birth, Cynthia arrived along with Roeshan who has been working with Shooter and I with massage and alignment! About three minutes into it, I remembered that I had said no more kids after Cash, oups and here I was having contractions again. I looked at my husband and said, "I am serious no more kids." His reply, 'honey, your only half way there we are having three more." I think I told him in my kindest voice to take a hike! As long as he didn't leave the room. 3 hours into contractions I was done, I stood up and announced I am done having contractions. I am going to push! Not know if I was completely dilated my midwife offered to check me, I declined. I did not want to know if I wasn't because it hurt and I wanted to be done! So I started pushing! I kept repeating I am done having contractions, he will be here soon! At one point I got tired of pushing but now there was no other stage to move onto except push and breath him out! I announced I was tired and wanted him out, my midwife kindly reminded me that I had chosen to have this baby...my retort, no I didn't it was Deanna's fault! Fortunately before I could blame anyone else I could feel his head and I could see him coming down the birth canal. Oh what a glorious sight that is! A few more pushes and he was crowning and then he his shoulders slipped out and he was in my arms. After a few lusty cries my beautiful boy began nursing and we snuggled into each other as he met his brother Ace and Grandpa Jerry.

Once again I had gone through a mothers rite of passage. Shooter was born at home surrounded by friends and family Our whole neighborhood celebrated his birth. I have to admit in the midst of it, I did think, what am I trying to prove by having him naturally....drugs sound pretty good! But as I looked into his alert eyes I remembered why....

I am grateful for all the love and support from our friends and family as I enjoy these blissful moments with our newest son...

love to all of you

Dream Questions

2009-02-15T09:48:00.001-08:00

1. If you had an endless amount of money and time:
● What are three things you would do?

● Where would you go?

● What two things would you purchase?

2. What dream have you always thought about in your mind, but never told anyone about it?

3. If you knew you would be 100% wildly successful, what would you do?

4. Tell me about your dream home—describe the outside, the inside, and the surroundings in detail.

5. What three things are you really passionate about?

6. If you had $500,000 to donate, who or what organization would you give to?

7. What are three things you want your dreams to do for your family?

8. What is the one thing that really drives you?

9. What would cause you to get up early, stay up late, and ignore fatigue?

10. List three things that make you happy and full of joy.

Commitment

2009-01-04T18:30:00.001-08:00

Commitment
Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.

I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”
--W.H. Murray
Pub. J.M. Dent & Sons, Ltd., 1951

Christmas tree Magic

2008-12-13T07:44:00.001-08:00

Once upon a time there was a small noble fir named Bart. He was only a few inches big...but he was quite excited. It was the day after thanksgiving and the christmas tent was going up. Magic was already swirling thru the air. All the trees were trembling with anticipation. Their destiny was about to become a reality. Soon, the families would come and they would chose who would spend the holiday with them. There is no greater destiny then to be chosen to be someone’s christmas tree.

So there was Bart with all his friends as the first car pulled, excited youngsters piled out of the car. Christmas carols drifted across the air. The trees were so happy to be going home...and bring such joy to all that came into their sight. Finally it was christmas eve, all the tree’s were gone except the smallest ones who had another season or two to grow. But, all of a sudden Bart noticed one tree, one that was quite tall one who was waving in the evening breeze. It was Bart’s friend, Gabriella. She had needed a home a very special home one with plenty of windows and one with a very high ceiling. She had hoped and prayed that she would be chosen, perhaps by a beautiful girl, that some say is a Princess....But no one came and there sat Gabriella...her boughs were drooping. Bart was so sad for her, so he called out, “Gabriella, Gabriella, maybe next year you will be chosen. I know that there is someone special just for you. Lets do the dance of the noble firs and perhaps if we dream and dance, she will come for you.

So if you know of anyone who cares about the feelings of the tree spirits please send them to find Gabriella and make her dreams of becoming a christmas tree a reality.

love bart

Life with a teenager

2008-12-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

It seems like only yesterday that I was a teenager and knew everything and now I am living with one. One that I have raised partly since he was five and yet one that is not wholly mine. It is interesting navigating the waters. How much freedom do you give them? You want them to trust their own guidance system but what do you do when it is entirely at odds with what you are trying to accomplish. How many times can you ask them nicely to clean off the top of the dresser. The key is to finding your place of alignment and not allowing their actions to influence how you feel. To this end I am going to try and keep a book of positive aspects things that I appreciate and things that I am grateful for. When I am feeling frustration turning it around and pivoting. Maybe, just maybe I will survive my step-son's teen years.

The Power of Belief

2008-12-03T18:50:00.000-08:00

This is a story about the POWER of BELIEF, FAITH, and THOUGHT. It's a true story, I know, for I'm part of it.
Do you sometimes wonder as you are working your business, "When will it happen? Or, why is it taking so long?" Does it ever feel like you're working so hard, yet you aren't seeing any results?
Then this miraculous series of events should illustrate to you that if you truly BELIEVE in something with all your heart, the Universe, God, Source, Life Force will line everything up and deliver what you desire. I know this for a fact because I was part of the Universe's alignment to SAVE A MAN'S LIFE.
A few weeks ago while navigating from Dana Point to Oceanside Harbor on a near-perfect boating day with my husband Darrin, we ran into unexpected dense fog. Cruising near idle speed with less than 100 yards visibility, we focused most of our attention on our GPS system in order to get us the last few miles back to Oceanside. But suddenly my husband looked up and saw a swimmer. We immediately assumed this person was an accident victim. We thought he'd fallen off a boat unnoticed.
Immediately we steered toward the man, reaching him in moments. He did not look happy! In fact, he was starting to go under water. We threw the flotation seat toward him but it landed a couple of feet short and he could not reach it. "I can't swim," he said. "My legs are broken!"
As my husband reached out for him, Darren noticed cuts and bruises on the man's face. We asked, "What happened? Why are you in the water?"
"I don't speak good English," he replied.
Can you imagine the thoughts racing through our minds? Darrin hesitated only long enough to look around to see if there was another boat approaching in the fog then reached out to help the man aboard. After a short moment of giving less than 100% effort, Darrin realized that he needed to try harder. Nothing less than a full bear hug, assisted by me pulling on one of the victim's arms succeeded in pulling him into our vessel.
The man's name was Rudolpho, and as it turns out, he and his two partners had crashed a Cessna 172 on the way back to San Diego from Long Beach about 30 minutes earlier. The other two victims are still missing. Rudolpho never saw them after the crash. Only a few miles from the Oceanside Harbor, we were able to give the Harbor Patrol our GPS coordinates, and fortunately the patrol boat got there quickly—even though they almost passed us about 100 yards upwind due to weather conditions. They noticed us just in time.
It took us a while to register all that had happened, but after loading the man with his severely broken legs into the patrol boat and watching them take off, my husband looked at me and said, "We just saved Rudolpho's life!"
If you think about all of the tiny little details that added up to us being in that exact spot at that exact moment where we were able to spot a man who was about to drown, it's amazing. The only reason we were going slowly is that I am pregnant. We were furthered delayed by a phone call before spotting the swimmer and had also stopped earlier to take pictures of some dolphins. So many little things...It makes you stop and think about how many times the little things in our business have added up to produce something really big. How many obstacles and achievements actually get us to the next level without our being conscious of it?
Today, I saw Rudolpho for the first time since we pulled him from the ocean. He is an intelligent young man of 19 who kept his wits throughout his ordeal. He looked me in the eyes and said, "As the plane spun out of control, I KNEW THAT I WOULD NOT DIE. I believed that I would live."
It was this belief that allowed him to SURVIVE A CRASH THAT NO ONE ELSE HAS EVER LIVED THROUGH. He survived what they call, TERMINAL VELOCITY IMPACT. Yet, he never doubted that he was going to make it even though he was swimming with 2 broken ankles, 2 broken femurs, a broken tibia, compressed and fractured vertebra and a tongue that was cut and bleeding. It was this belief that led us to find him.
When I think about this, I see a person with PURPOSE and single-minded focus. I sometimes fall into the game of someday I will do it or maybe later…We all have choices that we make ever single day, and those choices and our thoughts impact our lives. So, I choose to live my life with purpose. I choose to BELIEVE that I can achieve anything and everything.

Poker and Holiday Cheer

2008-12-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

Well poker hasn't been going so well. I think that I have lost focus and need to get back in the groove of visualizing what cards I need. Or maybe I should focus more on things that can actually improve my life.

OK, so goals for the week: Visualize daily, organize my desk, and work on opening the Philippines. Improve my weekly check by $500 dollars! Focus and Visualize! All is well.

a perfect birthday party

2008-11-22T19:13:00.000-08:00

Finally sitting down and kicking up my feet. Had a lovely day. Perfect amount of food, the perfect people and just the right amount of fun. The kids were dressed as characters from Avatar The Last Airbender. They looked awesome. They built volcano's and jumped like crazy in the jumpy house. The house stayed relatively clean and I content.

Health Tips

2008-11-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

2008-11-21T10:30:00.000-08:00

I read this book once, 'Chop Wood, Carry Water" it is about taking the mundane and ordinary tasks that you do in the day and turn them into spiritual practices. Mopping the floor becomes a meditation and washing the mirrors brings clarity. Putting conscious intention into each and everything you do. When I remember and focus I find that I am enjoying the transformation of my home from chaos to calm.

A-ha

2008-11-20T20:09:00.000-08:00

The day is winding down. I truly enjoy how technology has brought us all closer together. Connecting with the past and creating the future and all in the push of a button. I still enjoy an old fashion letter and nothing beats a book that you can hold in your hand. Finding a comfortable spot is next to nearly impossible but the feel of small hands and feet moving about inside me is a most amazing experience. I think that its time for a game of texas hold-um...how much will I win tonight?

Diving into social Media

2008-11-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

Been laid up with the crud for the last 2 days and delved into facebook, twitter, and now blogging! Oh, where will it lead. Its not that I don't have enough to do....3 boys with full of activites. Karate 3 days a week and music lessons in between. We always try and make the time for a BBQ on the beach. I really don't like to be scheduled and try to keep as much down time in our lives as possible. I have never enjoyed having to be someplace or else. Of course I am insane about being on time if I have committed. I am a 10 minutes early gal who also will at the drop of a hat have a picnic in the park. Life is about those little minutes the ones that happen while we are waiting for the big stuff....