Go Big Money

November is the month for many fabulous celebrations. There's voting, National Diabetes month, All Saints Day, Deviled Egg Day, Veteran's Day, No-Shave Movember, Thanksgiving and the #1 American holiday: Black Friday.  I however, have decided to make November a month to examine my relationship with MONEY.  Thrilling!

Why do you ask? Well, I'd like more. That seems obvious. Plus, I've noticed myself saying some of the same things my parents used to say. "Once things pick up...", "When ______ gets paid off...", or "I thought I'd have more by now."  Once and for all, I want to change my mind about money.  Embrace it.  Receive it. Make it, baby!!

Last Friday I started my journey with a trip to the library.  I checked out an array of supplies to take me from "Loser with no cash" to "Girl who has it all together".  Just like that.  Boom!

After a little research, it seems that it may take a little longer to change my financial situation.  I expected this, I guess.  So, I started with "The Difference" by Jean Chaztzky.  I chose this one for a number of reasons; Jane is a girl and the cover is aesthetically pleasing.  I gritted my teeth, inserted the CD, and readied myself to to fast-forward through the "How to Invest" part. (Let's face it, most people know HOW to save, but we either choose to spend unwisely or don't have the cash to do it. For the love of God, save the lesson!)

To my surprise, Jean didn't try to tell me anything I didn't already know!  Her book (on CD if you like) uncovers the reasons people are wealthy, financially comfortable, living paycheck to paycheck, or growing in debt.  Completely fascinating!

Jean and her staff studied about 20 different characteristics of people who are financially successful.  Wealthy and financially comfortable people tend to have between 10-12 of these traits.  Of course, I was desperate to be in that range!  Could I have the potential for this kind of awesomeness?! Well, I'm only about 1/2 way through so you and I will have to wait to find out.

So what are the characteristics of the wealthy? Here's a few to get you started:

• They tend to exercise 2-3 days a week. (Check!)
• They have ALWAYS known what they wanted to do. (Damn it!)
• They have always had a goal of having a million (or more) dollars (Does a dream count?)
• They were read to a lot as a kid. (YESSSSS!!!)
• They are creative but not  overly creative. (Son-of-a....)
• They socialize with friends at least once a week.  (Boom!)

Of course there's more, but you'll have to wait.  The good news?  You can change a lot of these things. There's hope when you fill yourself with knowledge!

That is all for tonight.  Stay awesome my friends!

Back with a New Set of Goals

It's wonderful to be back! My little journey to 40 was amazing.  I left you the night before my Birthday; ready to celebrate on a short vacation with my sweetheart, Ryan. Bliss

We started our journey by exploring the places where I grew up, took in some hiking, and stayed over at a delightful old hotel in Crofton, Nebraska. From there, we moved through Valentine, Nebraska, Wounded Knee, and Custer State Park.  The weekend was filled with hiking Bear Butte and Little Devils Tower. All of this in running shoes!

I absolutely love traveling with Ryan.  He and I adore spending time in the wilderness and wearing ourselves out walking with nature.  Most of our outdoor times were spent together and completely quite.  What a gift to have met someone that isn't uneasy with silence.  Of course, immediately after these adventures, we raced to the lodge to make new friends and enjoy drinks by the fire. Just one way Libras "balance the scale".

The Historic Argo Hotel

Little Devils Tower

 

Bear Butte

The Sunday after our return, I ran the Des Moines Marathon.  It may have been the most physically challenging thing I have ever done.  About 1/2 way through I thought my knees were going to crumble.  I was simply unable to run as fast as I wanted.  Ugh!!  So much pain.  But guess what...I finished anyway! Slow and steady.  A little running, a little walking and I did it!  The best part:  I had several friends along the way that cheered me on and even rode their bike to the finish with me. Blessed! 

 

That's my update for the month of October. Feel free to ask me anything.  I plan on continuing my blog with new goals in mind.  Tomorrow will be my first post on my 30 day November goal.  It's all about money and changing my relationship with it.  Here we go!!!!!

Well That Was A Surprise!

Birthday Eve

Well, this is it.  The night before I turn 40.  I'm feeling a little sad, actually.  It feels like Christmas day to me.  The countdown is always more dramatic and magical.  The actual day is just a day.

It's a good metaphor I suppose. The journey is more important than the destination. (Ok, that made me gag a little.) But not untrue.  On my way to 40, I've had plenty of fun and learned somethings as well; mostly about myself.  Let's check these off:

• I made friends and reconnected with some cool people in my life.
• Accomplished some goals like giving up sugar and booze (for a while)
• Nearly completed a marathon.
• Gained confidence.
• I made 40 seem awesome!
• Shared stories
• Went all crazy with Random Acts of Kindess
• Became nicer.....
• Felt loved by friends
• Learned that I love to write and that I don't completely stink for a novice.

Sure there are plenty of things on my big list of "To-Dos" and I'm confident I'll continue working at them throughout the year. I'm most pleased that I followed through with this blog.  Really proud of myself.  This might be the best year of my life......

It takes a long time to become young.  -Pablo Picasso

PS I just heard a loud knock at the door and found 5 of my friends signing happy birthday to me!  

TO ME!! YAY! Best Birthday Surprise Ever!!

Oh, The Places I Will Go!

3 Days Remain

I received the best Birthday gift ever this weekend. (Yes I opened it.)  I'm not kidding when I say I got the gift of possibility. It came in the form of a book called Strengths Finder 2.0 and given to me by dear friends. If you've read my blog, you know that I am determined to grow and evolve. You may have also noticed that I want all of that immediately. (Not a patient person.)

If you haven't read the book or taken the assessment, my goodness, rush out and do it!!! It's so fun to say, "This is ME!"  As usual though, I always hope for something super-fancy to be revealed about me, and rarely does that happen.  This test, did create some intrigue as it uses language different from other assessments out there.  Therefore, I feel kind of fancy....

You simply can't lie on Strength Finders 2.0. (Yes, 2.0 because it's cutting edge and life-changing.) You have 20 seconds to choose an answer so you are forced to make an instinctual one.  So, prepare to be delighted and amazed.

What are my strengths, you ask? Well, here you go:

Empathy:  I have a keen ability to tune into the needs of others. Yep, kind of a curse some times but totally accurate.

Positivity: An enthusiasm that's contagious.  I want to believe this. I like this one very much.

Futuristic: I'm inspired by what could be. Total daydreamer, 100% for sure. This is me!

Connectedness:  I link together ideas most people wouldn't and I have a strong belief that we're all connected.  Yep, pretty solid here too.

WOO:  Win Over Others...I like the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. Obviously.

I am thrilled to have this knowledge, but I'm also suddenly freaked out because I have no idea what to do.  Oh the possibilities! But wait, what are they? Who are the successful people with these same strengths? Are they even successful? Yes, they make a great friend and a decent blogger, but a real career?  My curse....a high quality human with no potential for career growth.  UGH!!!!!

What does a 40 year old girl do? Set another goal, I suppose.  I'm headed out on the day of my Birthday and the best gift I can give myself is to return home with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.  (Yes, in less than a week.  I told you I like to work fast.)

That is all for tonight.  Continue to be kind and you'll hear from me soon.  Good night.

PS Just so you know there was no "Awesome" category but I'm pretty sure my combination equals that. :)

The Place Where Hope Lives

4 Days Remain

As you may have imagined, I've received an increase in "good mail" lately. I'm really making my mail carrier earn his wage these days and I love it.

The mail box never used to be so exciting.  At one point, all the written information that I needed came to it and it was more business than anything else.  Sure, I still get the occasional bill in there....  The Urbandale Water Department hasn't figured out online payments yet, so they send me a nice monthly reminder to "pay up".  There's also plenty of sale ads, coupons, and people trying to get my business.  Pretty standard, pretty sparse.....most of the time.

Now that the mailbox is less "work", I eagerly anticipate the arrival of what's coming.  Rarely is there anything interesting, but every now and then there's a letter. A REAL handwritten letter! Sometimes a card! Oh, the thrill! It's a lot like playing the lottery, but without the initial investment.  Everyday I head to the box, peak in, then swing the door open in hopes of finding that perfect piece of correspondence. Pure magic.

Why is this so magical? 

First, if you receive something handwritten, that means you're special.  Someone took the time to let you know they care very much.  I devour that stuff. I even save them and look through them randomly to remind myself that I was once loved.  Seriously people, send a letter when you want to make a great impression.

Second, there's always a chance there's something in the box that might change my life. There's hope in that thing, people!  Maybe there's money, maybe there's a job offer, maybe there's an opportunity exclusively for me!  ME!!! So much happens via the US Postal Service. Unbelievable!

Let's Change the World

My old friend Kim, posted a picture of some personalized note cards for her sister and it got me thinking.  There are a million new initiatives these days to make the world a better place.  Why not bring back the act of writing? Wouldn't it be wonderful to receive a letter just once a week? Another goal to add to my list. Who's in?!!

PS...I have been lazy and exhausted myself. I let my blogging go for a couple of days and it feels good to be back. After my Birthday, I plan on writing a few times a week.  Random topics I suppose.  I never realized how much joy I get from writing.  This has been a truly delightful experience. Thanks for reading.

Also, I'd like to thank Mr. Lorenzen for teaching me to type so well.  This writing thing is easy when you have fast fingers.  Maybe, I should send him a note. :)

Stop Complaining, Please.

7 Days Remain

The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know.

I had trouble being nice yesterday.  I certainly wasn't unkind, but I didn't feel capable of my regular kind of compassion.  Even after blabbing about being nice in my blog the day before, I found myself challenged in the "kind" category.  

I'll admit it, I let all the negative chatter on Facebook get to me. Maybe you noticed all the fine solutions posted about how to take care of the current state of Government. Posts suggesting we "Kick all the congressmen out!", " "Replace them with better people!", "Drive to Washington and tell them how to do their job!" (They're closed, remember?)  Plans that would only work in the movies. Grand ideas from individuals who have no intention of following through with them. Madness!!

All of this reminded me of the above quote. Each and every day that I get smarter, I realize I know so very little.  So what does a person do? It's hard to feel helpless and many people feel like the government controls everything. Is the only solution complaining and sharing crumby ideas?!  No way!

It's times like these that remind me of how very powerful we really can be. In my experience, very small actions taken by a large group of people can be pretty amazing.  Get in the habit of saying, "What can I do?" rather than "What should everyone else do?" 

So what can you do? That's for you to decide, but I plan to work harder at the following:

• Focus on the best health of myself and my family.  If I'm worried about paying too much for healthcare, I should be working diligently at this.  It's everyone's responsibility to take care of themselves.
• Be more informed. Before I post or repost something, I'm going to be sure the information is correct.  It's ok to not know everything, but it's our responsibility to learn.
• Get involved. Look for ways that you can help; big or small.  Can I help someone navigate the health.gov website? Can I join a group of productive citizens to make change?  Should I run for office.  (No, I shouldn't)  Figure out where you fit best and take part. 
• Teach my loved ones how to be high-quality people in the world. I can only do my best, and that's all anyone expects.  Once you do your best, your best gets better, naturally. Totally true!
• Step away from my computer and stop complaining.  I think we all know that talk and no action produces nothing.
• Find joy in everyday things. It's totally reasonable to be happy in the midst of chaos.  What would happen if everyone was happy?  Can you imagine? 

That's a pretty short list, but it's a start.  I'm sure I'll add to it throughout today..... and throughout my life.

A big shout out to Ryan on his 37th Birthday today!  :)

If it Makes You Happy

9 Days Remain

Last night's post I talked about the lack of benefits for 40 year olds. While I firmly believe more doors should open up for us, I had a little time to think about how life might improve in 9 days.  To begin with, it's a whole lot easier to be yourself as you age. I've tried out bunches of "ways to be" and finally I've decided I really only have the energy to be what comes naturally.

In honor of my Birthday and for your reading pleasure; I'm going to share a few things that make me extremely happy but have been quite about for all these years. I promise to embrace these proudly from now on!

• I love to nap. Now that I'm sort of self employed, I will sometimes nap at lunch.  I love sleeping and I'm not ashamed anymore.  I'm like a cat. I can sleep and sleep then exert obscene amounts of energy. But sleeping makes me so happy.
• Bread and butter could sustain me. Real better. I won't drink milk but butter is amazing. Just utterly ;) amazing.  Maybe now that I run so much, I might just eat the hell out it! Perhaps the I'll be the new butter spokesperson. A butter Suzet at the Iowa State Fair. Not impossible. How about a Bread and Butter store.  All varieties. Brilliant.
• I have a new obsession with the TV show Criminal Minds.  I record every episode on ION Television. Sometimes I repeat the commentary of Morgan and Garcia in my head.  They are the best.
• I could eat a can of sweetened condensed milk with a spoon.  Entire thing.  But I won't. That's something you do when you're like 70. Plus, it's still milk, damn it!  So delicious, though.
• There's always a glass of water and lip balm at my bed side. I'm not sure why I get so dehydrated at night.  I've done this as long as I can remember. I love a sip of water at 2 am.
• Snuggling.  Oh, how I love this and I don't get enough of it!
• Magazines!  I adore the paper kind.  I read every bit too!  I went through a phase when I designed my own awesome magazine. It never made it past the pages of my beloved journals, but maybe someday!
• I don't go a day without wearing a tank top.  Several years ago I started buying them and I wear them under everything.  I can't get enough!  Just the plain colors, though. Best piece of clothing ever.
• Thrift store shopping makes me quivery inside.  I love the hunt.  I love the satisfaction when I find something that someone else foolishly gave up.  I love looking like a million dollars and spending 10 bucks. I was popping tags before there was a song. A ridiculous song, by the way....
• Singing loudly at home over and over and over again makes me so joyous. I never tire of it. Never. You simply can't be sad when you're singing.

 Yes, there's more, but as I mentioned, I love to sleep and I'm ready to hop in bed and snuggle my pillow.  Yes, my pillow.

Goodnight lovely friends.  Please be kind and when you can't, do it anyway.

The Benefits of Being 40

10 Days Remain

Nothing happens at 40. I realized today, that not a single door opens up at 40.  Sure, 40 sounds cool and I might get some extra respect, but my birthday doesn't entitle me to anything cool. Dang it!

At 16 you get your drivers license.  The world of transportation unfolds before you. It's almost as if you've discovered the power of teleporting. Amazing. (Actually, I didn't want to get a license. Still hate to drive.)

At 18 you're kind of an adult. You can vote, sue or be sued, serve on a jury, buy smokes, buy fireworks, get married (please don't), leave home, get a tattoo, and a bunch of other junk. Endless possibilities. Endless......

21 was the best year ever as you are legal to drink! Quite possibly the most celebrated of major birthdays.

At 25 you can rent a car.  Not bad.

Feel like running for president?  Wait until your 35th birthday.

You can join AARP at 50. Yet, I get their mailings......

62 you can get Social Security benefits.

You'll get your Senior Citizen discount at 65,  although you might get it earlier because they don't usually card.

Where are the world of possibilities for 40 year olds? Perhaps every 40 year old should get a check for a portion of the unemployment they never applied for or a bonus if you never used public assistance,  get a one-time, penalty-free withdrawl from their retirement account (within reason),  parking spots next to the "Parking for Expecting Mom's" spots, discounts at the gym (let's face it, we need it more), or free popcorn at the movies just for that year.

Seriously, if you're a business owner or a legislator, consider implementing a "Forty is Awesome Bonus". You'd make a bunch of people happy.  Just a thought.

I Made it Out!

11 Days Remain

Looking back over the last 40 years, I find that I am often amazed at the things I've overcome. Now, I'm starting to accomplish things that I never would have guessed I could do.  Finally!

We've all been told at one time or another to write down your accomplishments.  I've never really done that. I've kept mental notes, but I have trouble "tooting my own horn".....even in a private journal.  In addition, I'm not really sure I've accomplished much (yet), but I know I've overcome many things and its about time I counted those. 

Today, I had a lot of time to think about this on my 20 mile run.  Yes, 20.  I started out uncertain and slow, built up speed and consistent pace, and clawed my way to the end.  It certainly wasn't easy, but when I finished, 2 thoughts ran through my head: "That wasn't that big of a deal."  "What else can I do?"

Tonight, I'll pat myself on the back for being strong enough.  Strong enough, to overcome things I wish hadn't been thrown at me. Strong enough to accomplish a few things I always wanted for myself.  Here are a few:

• I survived being the chubby kid my entire elementary career. Boy, did I hear about it too.  Don't under estimate the damage this can do to a kid.   I still have a sense of humor and feel pretty good about myself. I made it out!!  YES!
• My last year of high school was torture.  I felt abandoned and completely helpless.  It's nearly impossible to change your course and make things better for yourself when you're still not an adult.  Slow and steady, I kept going and made it out, again!
• College.  Yep, I finished.  I even went part-time my last term because I had more than enough credits.  I worked hard outside of school too; more than most of my friends.  Sometimes  I wondered if it was worth it.  It was. Even though I'm just now paying off my student loans.
• I recognized that I could have better and do better so I left a marriage that did not serve me at all.  I take care of my guys and I do all the things a mom does and many things a dad usually does. PS  My life is way more awesome.
• Last year I decided to change careers. It was so hard financially. Then add in my worry that I was completely wrong about my abilities. Plus a little judgement from a few people that I didn't think would be critical.  It's a year later and I didn't borrow money from anyone and I'm making progress!  Slow, yes....but worth it. Boom!
• AND now..... running farther than I ever thought possible.  20 miles today.  26.2 on October 20th. YAY!

So, when you think you're not strong enough to do it.  Remember the times you made it through.  You'll surprise yourself every time.

Going Home

13 Days Remain

I'm planning an escape for my 40th birthday.  A small group of us are headed to South Dakota for peace, exploration, adventure, and hopefully some surprises. It's probably one of the most sacred places I've experienced.  Beauty and mystery.  Yes, South Dakota!

My job this week is to identify a place to stay the first night of the trip; my day of birth. We know we want to travel through both South Dakota and Nebraska but we're not sure which route we take out and which to take back. My instinct is to revisit my birth state (NE) first.  Perhaps I'm hoping for some intense spiritual experience when I return there.

I spent my earliest days in a little town called Rosalie.  It is part of the Omaha Indian Reservation, yet I never fully understood or honored the diversity of growing up in such a unique place.  As an adult, I am drawn to the Native American culture and traditions.   I frequently wonder if I missed something important when I lived there. I feel like the landscape is in my DNA; subtle yet full of mystery.  This little town will likely have a few visitors on October 10th.

This won't be an over night stop for 2 reasons.  1.  Rosalie is a town of about 100 people so no motels, hotels, or camping.  2.  I would likely run into my cousins, Angie and Kellie, and drink too much at the former Silver Fox Bar.  Sorry, I need to get to South Dakota, ladies!

So, first stop, might be Niobrara Nebraska.  A small town on the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers with a handful of cheap motels and a casino.  I haven't been there but I understand it's beautiful landscape.  Is this how I want to spend my Birthday though?  I'm not convinced.

Maybe, Valentine Nebraska! Delicious landscape, waterfalls, parks, and a name that screams, "Love". Let's face it, the holiday itself has become a guilt trip to buy the best junk you can for some one you kinda like or want to get to know better.  I've always been disappointed with that holiday.  I think it all started in high school when my mom would send balloons while my friends all got stuff from their boyfriends.  (Love you mom)  Then, my oldest son was born on Valentine's Day so we don't speak of the holiday in his presence. I've always wanted a Valentine's Day. So, maybe a day in Valentine will suffice.  Why not on my 40th Birthday?

So tonight I will plan for all things wonderful on this 6 day trip.  Most of all, I hope to see old landscapes with new eyes.


Act of Kindness: I gave a very negative person a chance to talk.  I thought I was going to tear up at one point, because it was such a downer.  I just felt that he needed someone to listen. I did and I only responded positively.  He doesn't read this...... It's amazing how draining this can be. Friends, surround yourself with positive people.

The Law of Attraction at it's Best

14 Days Remain

Here's another super secret I like to keep.  I'm really competitive.  It might not seem like it and here's why:  If I'm not certain that there's a good chance that I'll win, I won't play.  Sometimes I "play" and I lose (this happens more than I like) and I pretend it's no big deal and I fret over it.  I might let it go by the next time I'm successful or I might think about it for the rest of my life.  Ugh....I'm working on it....

I bring this up because a funny thing happened when performing my random acts of kindness. Good things started to happen to me.  ME! Other people started to do good too!  What??!! Suddenly, I am in the middle of Level 2 Random Acts of Kindess.  Was I being out done? Beat to the punch?

The day I began, my sister started posting lovely facts about me on Facebook. A new friend paid attention to my needs and helped me out without asking!  I got a lovely thank you card from a person that I "RAKed".  Brilliant!  Finally, today when I was about to do my best RAK, I was outdone by a teenager on a BMX bike!  Unbelievable!  I was driving and saw an elderly woman fall off a bench so I tore in to a parking lot and was about to rescue her when the little punk got to her first!

In all seriousness, I am super pumped that this little experiment is taking off.  I was shocked at first, wishing I could be the best, most super-awesome Random Act of Kindness-er.  But in the end, I truly believe that seeing through new eyes this month has attracted all kinds of goodness to me and to others around me.

I love that people are being kind to each other.  Today, all acts of kindness were completed for me.  I didn't have to go out of my way to do anything.  Smiling and being loving was all I needed to do.  Thanks for giving me a day off, my friends!   And way to go, punk on the bike!  That was pretty swell.