What's New Wednesday: Hambone Fabrications

Looking for a unique gift? Check out my friend's company, Hambone Fabrication. Hambone reuses furniture to create beautiful coasters with photos of your favorite city! Or, you can request a custom order with your own Instagram photos. I recently created a set for my father - photos of my family's last trip together before my brother's passing. Check out the photos below! And get your holiday shopping down SUPER early by ordering a set of your own!

(Warning: Photos taken with cell phone)

Throwback Tuesday: Tahoe

Tahoe. Sigh - such a magical, breathtaking place. As the second deepest and six largest lake(after the five great lakes) in the United States, Tahoe - bordered by California and Nevada - has a ton to offer. Skiing, water activities, casinos, hiking, camping, restaurants and beautiful living are just few of its attributes. Recently, the hubby and I were able to travel back to my home state for a wedding of a long-time friend. We had a chance to explore a sea of lavender, Spooner Lake, Chimney Beach and much more! Check out a few photos of our trip below (courtesy of my husband)!

Motivation Monday: Suck it up

 

I've always been a bit of a baby when it comes to feeling sick, or when things don't go my way. But as of late, I've instituted a 'suck it up' mentality that has translated into my both my personal and professional life.

Right now, for instance, I'm suffering from an ulcer - one completely induced by my incessant Ibuprofen pill popping over the last six months. Ironically, I was taking this pain medication for stomach issues. And thus, caused an ulcer. Well, I'm sucking it up. I'm still trying to continue with my day-to-day whether it be work, fun, health and otherwise. But it comes with a cost - leaving the party early, not drinking alcohol, avoiding spicy food (I love spicy food, sigh), and hitting the sheets early. And soon enough, I'll be back to my normal self, the 'crazy' of the party (not the life, but the nutty one that dances a little too funky, and laughs a little too loud).

But until then, here are some tips in sucking it up - regarding sickness, work, relationship problems and well, life:

• Meditate: breathe in, breath out. Allow a sense of calm to overtake. Soon enough, you will find clarity. Establish perspective...
• Change perspective: all problems are relative. Some can deal with a little more stress than others. But in the end, it's not that bad. Find the silver lining. Realize the scope of your "problem(s)" and move forward.
• Take that first step: create momentum to change the situation. Maybe they are tiny steps, but they are tiny steps in the right direction. If you don't like something, change it!
• Stay committed: in the same vein, if you want to change something in your life - your job, relationships, health - stay committed. Things don't just happen. You need to stay focused, motivated and dedicated to the change.
• Remain positive: life can be challenging. But it's also beautiful. Find the beautiful. 

And most importantly, suck it up!

Miss you, buddy!

Today marks the anniversary Leroy reunited with his beautiful wife in the sky. Although I miss his goofy smile, smell of cloves, penchant for adventure, positive energy and sound advice, I'm at peace with his passing - because Leroy was always meant to be with Louise. And as I reflect on this day, I smile at the many memories Leroy, Nick and I shared. Here are just a few that have touched my soul...

• Ziplining at the Safari Park
• Eating our way through Claim Jumper
• Laughing hysterically at Marley-isms
• Making pizza together
• Playing Yahtzee
• Skydiving...twice! Well, just Leroy. We watched and celebrated!
• Volunteering to process the donations at the Red Cross
• Enjoying lunch at daughter Susie's
• Checking out the new Monarch campus
• Celebrating your birthday lunch at Studio Dinner
• Stopping to watch the birds. And butterflies, cats, trees, flowers.
• Eating In&Out in my car, discussing the meaning of life
• Enjoying our first Christmas together
• Reviewing court cases at the East County Courthouse
• Our last lunch at the Califf Cottage
• And of course, the first day we met each other at Meadowlark...

So many memories, so much love and so much fun! Thank you, buddy for your friendship - it truly has changed me. I will continue to carry your words and cherish your memories. Love you!

Motivation Monday: Rising above

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” -Viktor Frankl

The perfect quote for my Monday morning in effort to rise above and not allow one's attitude to affect my mood. Thank you, Viktor! 

Have you been in a situation of which you know your counterpart is in the wrong yet in an attempt to squash the tension you apologize? And then receive nothing in return...no reciprocation, no acknowledgement of his/her part in the disagreement, no satisfaction.

Or, you address some one's wrong-doing in a careful, polite and professional way and their response is to shut you out. Or, showcase frustration that you highlighted how he/she may have stepped on your toes - as if somehow this is your fault. Has this happened to you? 

Unfortunately, I have lived these two circumstances as of late, and my goal is to refrain from the negativity and focus on my own journey. But I have to admit, it's difficult! 

I'm realizing I'm very much a person that likes to be justified - or, ensure that the 'rights' of the world are acknowledged and the 'wrongs' are rectified. I suppose I like things to be fair. Well, that's just not up to me. 

But as Viktor poetically points out, I do have control of my reactions. 

If you are experiencing similar circumstances, I encourage you to review the below articles that address tangible ways to rise above 'it' in both a personal and professional settings. Take a look! 

Ways to Rise Above It
How to Rise Above Your Negative Feelings
Rise Above At Work
Work in Peace

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” ~Viktor Frankl - See more at: http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-rise-difficult-circumstances-be-happy/#sthash.w3Vu2His.dpuf

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” ~Viktor Frankl - See more at: http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-rise-difficult-circumstances-be-happy/#sthash.w3Vu2His.dpuf

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” ~Viktor Frankl - See more at: http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-rise-difficult-circumstances-be-happy/#sthash.w3Vu2His.dpuf

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” ~Viktor Frankl - See more at: http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-rise-difficult-circumstances-be-happy/#sthash.w3Vu2His.dpuf

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” ~Viktor Frankl - See more at: http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-rise-difficult-circumstances-be-happy/#sthash.w3Vu2His.dpuf