She's Awakened!! 30 Day Challenges - Day 1

Hello all!! It’s a new day and I’ve decided to participate in several 30 days challenges this month!!

On a personal note, I’m doing the 30 day photo journal. This will be letting you all know what I’m thinking, what’s going on and where I am!! This should be fun…well, at least interesting!! Shout out to Megan Yasu at thekitchensalon.com for the inspiration to do this one!! Check her out at: Thekitchensalon.com

On the Health scene, I’m participating in:

Veggie Challenge – a call out to myself to eat better, drink more water and frankly use up the millions of bags of frozen vegetables I have in my freezer!! Today, has been filled with carrots, corn, peas and even veggie chips!! Water has been plentiful!!

Exercise – this is self-explanatory and it’s the second time I’ve done this one this summer. Every day, I pledge to move my body for at least 30 minutes and report back on Facebook. Want to join in the fun, join here: Health_and_Wellness

This is just the jumpstart I need to get into the swing of things. July was full of ups and downs and unfortunately, so many downs, I couldn’t even bring myself to blog about it. Now, I’m reclaiming that zest for life and I want to share it with you, hopefully sparking something in someone else.

We’re here to live, so let’s do it!!

Here’s my Day #1 photo!! It’s August, I’m feeling free and it’s time to give all of me!! I’m smiling!! Hope you enjoy today!!

March Wrap Up...April Goals

So...March was my month to get my organizing on!! For the most part, I really got it together. I didn't complete all my organization tasks, but I did complete the huge project of paperwork and filing. Now I can find anything I need easily and quickly!! That was the REAL goal!!

Happy for the lil diva because she has a JOB!! She is making her own money (she's also paying rent and for her own car insurance)!!

March was also a great month because I not only got the debt monkey off my back, I also purchased my voice over equipment, so now I can do what I love, in my own home!! It was an investment and I used my credit card for some of it, but it was worth the investment. I plan on getting a great return!! Now, I just need to focus!! I'm thankful to God and looking forward to what's next!!

GOALS for April
- Complete my demo and build my voice over business
- Networking: obtain and participate in more contract jobs
- Get ready for daughter's' Prom and other senior activities
- Set aside funds for conference, graduation and family reunions
- Participate in Earth Month (I have a few bags and boxes ready to be recycled)

Check Up on M.O.M.: The Process of Progress

While looking through old files and shredding old documents, I literally see the growth in my life.

Some of this process was really fun. I enjoyed reminiscing over old pictures, business cards, my cute checks (Pink Panther, Retro), and both mine and my daughter’s achievements over the years. I couldn’t help but to feel proud of myself. Proud of the growth I attained spiritually, financially and emotionally. Looking back I can see just how much of an achiever I’ve always been. I found that I’m no longer a big competitor…my mindset now is that “the top” is for anyone and everyone who seeks it…not just for a few.

Some other realizations came up in these files. I used to be organized…LOL Also, I used to be frivolous and haphazard in the way I spent my time, my money and my resources. That realization helps me to see that I am changing…and change is good. Freedom is the current dominant emotion right now. I can now and have now released all limiting beliefs about myself, my life and my family’s lives.

Progress...This is good.

Check In on M.O.M.: Confessions of an Ex-Packrat

People change!! Thank God!! I've evolved into a frugal, but abundantly thinking person. I've also began to understand that I don't NEED everything. So cluttering our lives with endless things is just not helpful to a person that wants to succeed in life. We HAVE to leave the baggage behind. Close the door on some things...it's the only way to be open to the things we really want and need!!

In my quest to be M.O.M. (Motivated to Organize in March), I've been going through my old file cabinet and my old room at my parents house. YES, I'm spoiled and still have things at my parents house!! They are not bothering anybody...but ME!!

So anyway, I gathered file after file and folder after folder of papers, workbooks, receipts, mementos and envelopes. Seriously, why did I need to keep the envelopes for bills I either paid in person or online? Some of this junk even dates back to grade school. That is a shame!! So needless to say, I have been spending large portions of my days sorting, shredding and recycling mounds of paper waste.

As far as I can remember, I was a paper shuffler. I just couldn't throw anything away, just put it in a folder or tucked it in a binder. I remember once asking my cousin Angie to help me clean up. When she would ask me what to keep, it was always everything she picked up. Finally she stopped asking me and just started tossing things in the trash. All these years later...I finally get it. I didn't need it!! 

So now, that rule has now been adopted. I keep what means something to me and the rest gets shredded or recycled (see there's that evolution thing...before we just threw it all in the trash). If I need the information, we have this WONDERFUL place called Google, where I can most certainly retrieve it. No matter what, it gets out of my life, so I can clear space for something greater!! On a mission!! Who's with me?  

I will be M.O.M.

Motivated to Organize in March. I was the Domestic Diva of Frugal in February and I will keep that cooking thing going. In March, however, it’s about putting together the things that have fallen apart over the last couple of months. I have been helping a Soror declutter and she, in turn, has been assisting me with organizing my life.

She gave me the BEST GIFT EVER!! FileSolutions…The Home Filing System!! (http://www.filesolutions.com)

O-M-G!! It is the best system a disorganized slacker like me could EVER have!! It’s easy to use and color-coded. The makers of this product, thought of EVERYTHING!! My goal and intent for March is to file ALL my paperwork in this filing system and keep it together. I’ve already started and it’s really great!!

So, I’ve mapped out a couple of goals for the month:

1) File all the paperwork

2) Get storage tools for all my stuff

3) Finish DIY projects (hanging artwork, put together jewelry box)

4) Donate the items no longer needed or wanted

BONUS Goal: It’s important for to know is that everything has a place. This month, I will find out where those places are and put my items there!!

There are a lot of things forthcoming and I want to be prepared for them. There has to be space for them!! Many people, myself included, claim to be multi task oriented, but the fact is, multitasking in chaos is just not conducive to true productivity. When things are cluttered there’s an immobilizing and stagnant feeling that comes over me. When there is greatness to be achieved, the last thing we need to be is stuck.

So, I declare the way to unlock the key to the next phase in life is to organize and clear a path for it. Join me in being M.O.M…Motivated to Organize in March!!

Domestic Diva

I have been quite the domestic diva lately. I have been cooking and cleaning more than usual. (I guess there's at least ONE good side to these snow days we keep getting.)

Anyway, I used to hate to cook, so much so, I would have much rather cleaned the toilet. Now, being in my home for about 18 months now, I've found a love in my heart for cooking. Ordering from Angel Food Ministries (www.angelfoodministries.com) has also challenged me to use what I have in the house and to try out new foods. They have such a variety of food every month, many I wouldn't even normally buy. So, it's gotten me on the menu bandwagon.

So now I start off with a basic recipe, but make it my own specialty by adding my own little spice to it. This month, I made Pinto Beans for the first time and they were DELICIOUS!! My family and friends are loving it and I am loving my kitchen!!

Yesterday, after finishing 5 loads of laundry...I pulled out my spool of thread to mend some pants...LOL

There is a reason for this domestic wave of energy I'm experiencing...preparation for the future. I think so.

Celebrating Me...all month long!!

February is always a good month for me!! I'm elated to be the Pisces that I am and I just LOVE February. I like the way it sounds, the way it's spelled, the way it spent!! The 19th is the most special day of all...of course...my BIRTHDAY!!

This year, I decided to LIVE IT OUT!! I don't have a problem celebrating, but I've never really stepped out this much!! First, let me share the link to my feature in Lifestyles of the Pretty and Prosperous:
http://prettyandprosperous.blogspot.com/

Next, I received a couple of contacts for other kinds of features. Can't reveal them yet, but I'm truly honored and blessed!!

Then...this weekend I will be acting in the University of Toledo Performing Arts production of The Vagina Monologues!! www.toledovday2011.weebly.com It is a dream come true and I'm looking forward to a freeing experience...as I'll be giving a high pitched MOAN on stage!! LOL

Now for the icing on my birthday cake!! I'll be spending my birthday this year in Los Angeles, doing what I love!! BEHIND THE MIC!! My online voice over mentor is having a VO workshop and I am SO EXCITED to be both meeting him AND attending his class!!

So you see...let me keep it simple...February is about CELEBRATING ME!! Cheers!!

Goodbye January...Hello to Me!!

January was pretty darn good...I must say. It was full of challenges, but it allowed me to be real with myself and others...alot of things were revealed about my relationships. Much better bonds were formed and that feels great!! I heard January's supposed to have the worst day of the year in it, but I found January to be very inspiring. My spirits were lifted higher than they have been in a while.

One thing I found out...I may be frugalicious, but I am not organized. The Soror I'm helping to declutter is helping me organize. She is AWESOME at it!! She's even doing a little redecorating in my home. Love her!!

As a say goodbye to January, I say hello to February!! My Birthday month, my Fast Food Free month, my "on to the next success" month!! Welcome!!

#2011Plan

I only have ONE resolution for 2011. GO FOR IT. Write it down and make it happen.

Things are not realized in our lives because we don't ask and work for it. We wish it, hope for it and expect others to just drop it in our laps. Not this year...I have put so many of my dreams on the back burner and it's now time to put them back in front and turn on the fire underneath them.

My rules for 2011? There are no rules!! Just realizations!!

My Plan for 2011? I'm not settling for less, not taking on stress and not getting involved in mess!!

I challenge you to BE your best you in 2011!! Make your plan and put it to work!! Happy New Year!!

My Glow

Opened my heart...

That was just the start...

Tall and sensual...

Just incredible...

When he speaks I listen...

Makes my soul glisten...

Makes me chuckle...

And my knees buckle...

Tells me the truth in love...

Truly sent from above...

Strong and loving, even when he says "no"...

He is responsible for My Glow...

I wrote this last year...it just came to me when I was "talking" to a new guy. He had good insight, but we were not meant to be anything more than friends. No real confidence his approach toward me...

I was reminded of this today as I reflect on my life right now. Taking your time to get to know a person is such a rewarding experience. It's priceless and certainly worth the wait when that person allows themselves to be unveiled...

We ate together...he likes my cooking. He washed my hair...

Looking forward to 2011...