To This, I Pledge

The Department of Transportation has asked American bloggers to spotlight the critical importance of staying sober behind the wheel this Independence Day. You all know how important this subject is to me.

Stay Sober. Stay Alive.

Our Freedom was not fought for so we can break the law.

1. Simply pledge your driving sobriety this Independence Day by noting your blog URL and blog name.

2. At the bottom of this “Blog Hop” you will see text in which you can grab the code for this McLinky. Simply click the link and copy and paste the code into your very own blog post’s HTML section. Then click “compose” and copy and paste this pledge, adding your own message to the top as I did above. Copy the pledge from “together we can stay alive” above.

3. Follow the host Hollywood Chic [-first on the linky-] of this Independence Day Pledge for more information on the Department of Transportation, Buzz Driving, and Stats.

This is a Blog Hop! ... you're next!

 

Vote for Debbie @ Oprah's Additions!

Hello to all my Followers and Friends!

The Oprah Team just sent this link to my friend, Debbie.  She is one of my wonderful blogging friends who auditioned for Oprah's new contest to get her own show! How cool is that? Please watch because She's  a fellow blogger @ Debbiedoos; along with being an Awesome person with so much to teach us all!

Debbie's Audition: Debbie's Blogging and Blabbing - OWN TV @ Oprah Audition (Click to Vote!)

 If you like her video and want to vote for her....I say go for it!~ And then we both will say THANK you!

She would love any and all shout outs possible. If you add it to your facebook, or your blog, whatever works for you.  It is all about networking, and that is what we all need to do as good people and bloggers; Work together and Support each other. So thanks again!!
 

Don't tell too much, too soon!

Many times over the past several years while dating, I have many times talked too much about my past dates and relationships, even to people I barely knew. I had convinced myself that I needed to be completely open and honest, with everyone, in order to find someone else that was honest. I realized later that too much information, too soon, is a Hugh mistake for many reasons.

For one, it scares the heck out of most men!  And two, the past is just that the past.  No one is perfect and we have all made mistakes.  What is going on in our lives right now, along with who we are at the present time, is what and should be all that matters.

Most of our past experiences happened for a reason.  In my case, it has made me the complete person I am today.  I now appreciate all that has happened and look for the lesson in each experience.  I could not have grown, learned or matured without those experiences.  I truly like the person I am today.

I also realize now that when the right person comes along for us, no amount of past or road blocks are going to keep you from them.  If two souls are meant to be together, they will be.  However, no matter how hard we try to rush things, it will happen in God's timing and not always in ours.  So be patient and believe that the right person, at the right time, will come into your life and they will!
 

Half Full Friday! June 25th

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.

We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week.

"Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day." ~ Author Unknown

We are determined to find the something good in every day.  Are you?

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day. On Friday, write your own Half Full Friday post and return to Life As Eye See It to link your post and to see what other bloggers found happiness in during the past week.

Don't forget to grab a Half Full Friday Banner or Button for your blog post if you are going to join in:

This is my third time joining Half Full Friday and here is what I'm Happy for this week:

• I am happy that I got to attend the 'Get Motivated' Event on Monday! 
• I am happy that I got to see so many Amazing Speakers this week! 
• I am happy that I completed the '8 to Great' Certification training!  It was life changing! 
• I am happy I met MK Mueller, her staff and all the wonderful people in my class!
• I am happy that my "8 to Great" training group will contine to keep in touch! 
• I am happy that I attended the SBAM breakfast Thursday and met author,Wendy Townley!
• I am happy for my experiences, training, and personal growth this week!
• I am happy that I still have 3 more days off to rest and write about my recent experiences! :-)

Have a Great weekend, Everyone!
Love & Hugs Always my Friends,
Coreen
 

I miss you, Dad!

In loving memory of every cancer patient, family member and friend who has lost the battle with cancer and the ones who continue to conquer it!

My dad passed away on November 10th, 2007, from lung cancer.  He fought it hard and kept saying he was going to 'beat it'.  I was so proud of his determination to fight and for his positive attitude! 

My dad was a very good provider and a good man.  I didn't get to really know him until I was an adult though.   Or at least I didn't get close to him until I was an adult and had children of my own.

I guess you don't realize how hard it is to be a parent and family provider until you experience it yourself.  In my case, I saw things very differently and appreciated my dad even more.   I suppose that is the case in many of our lives. 

I miss my dad terribly and wish I had been in a better place in my own life during the last year of his.  So I could have been stronger for him and seen him more often.  I felt incredibly guilty for a long time after his death.  Mostly because I didn't get to say good bye.

I tried to focus on the fact that my dad knew I loved him.   However some days were easier than other.  I continued to pray and then went through a hypnotherapy session in which I felt I was able to release and forgive myself. 

Under hypnosis, I talked to my dad and he talked to me.  As silly as that may sound to some people.  I told him how I was feeling and that I loved and missed him terribly!  I immediately felt this Hugh release of emotions.

That experience helped me to finally be at peace.  Although I still miss him; I no longer feel guilty because I was able to say good bye.  I believe that hypnosis and hypnotherapy can work for people if they really expect and want it to work. 

If they are open minder, open hearted and Open to receiving help or answers.  If you believe, you can receive anything!  Answers, closure, peace, healing, anything you wish. 

So keep an Open Mind, have an Open Heart and Believe!

Happy Father's Day to my Dad up in heaven!  I love and miss you so very much!
HUGS,
Your Daughter ~ Coreen

Half Full Friday! June 18th

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.

We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week.

"Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day." ~ Author Unknown

We are determined to find the something good in every day.  Are you?

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day. On Friday, write your own Half Full Friday post and return to Life As Eye See It to link your post and to see what other bloggers found happiness in during the past week.

Don't forget to grab a Half Full Friday Banner or Button for your blog post if you are going to join in:

This is my second time joining Half Full Friday and here is what I'm Happy for this week:

• I am happy that I got my car brakes fixed like new! 
• I am happy that I got to take the "40 Develpmental Assets" Revolution training! 
• I am happy that I met so many nice and amazing people this week!
• I am happy that the "Assets Champions" training group will contine to meet & work together! 
• I am happy that the computer and phone system is repaired where I work!
• I am happy that my son's dog hasn't had a siezer since she got medicine from the Vet!
• I am happy that I had a wonderful, relaxing Birthday on Thursday!

Have a Great weekend, Everyone!
Love & Hugs Always my Friends,
Coreen
 

Building Development Assets in Our Youth

Yesterday I took a training on Developmental Assets.  It was sponsored by Promise Partners and the community I work in.  Originally developed in 1990 by the Search Institute.

The 40 Developmental Assets are the building blocks for raising healthy children and youth.  They represent the relationships, opportunities, and personal qualities that young people need to avoid risks and to thrive. 

The training taught us not only what the 40 assets are.  We also discussed ways we can, as community, can implement them in our contact with children and youth every day.  Not just with our extended family and the children of our friends.  But every youth we see and have an opportunity to talk to.  To intentionally make them aware that someone cares about them.  It is so very important in the success.  The more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of negative behavior and the more likely they are to have a full, happy and successful life.

Children especially, can never have too many adults keeping an eye on them, or care about them.  Years ago extended families lived closer together and neighbors too on extended family roles.  Unfortunately, today both of those are rare. 

This training was Awesome!  It gave me awareness of the 40 assets, but also ways I can use them with my own sons.  As a group, we also shares ideas on how to implement them into our daily lives and encounters. 

What a wonderful thing Promise Partners is doing, by bring this training to my area.  Their Vision Statement that our youth will be healthy and safe, have marketable skills and opportunities to serve, and will be engaged in positive activities with caring adults.  What a positive program!

I plan to stay with this group, learning more and sharing the mission message with everyone I know and encounter in my own life.  I feel very grateful to have had such this opportunity and a chance to share that with all of you!

"Take the first step and your mind will mobilize all its forces to your aid. But the first essential is that you begin. Once the journey is started, all that is within and without you will come to your assistance." ~ Robert Collier, adapted

 

"Celebrate even the small Successes" by Mark Ford

"Optimists are right. So are Pessimists. It's up to you to choose which you will be." - Harvey Mackay

Corner Goal:

Do you realize it's the middle of June already? How often this year have you taken some time to pause for a moment, look back and realize what you've accomplished? Don't let your goals simply become a check-off list. Take account of what you're getting done before quickly moving to the next goal. Take a little time to celebrate. That's right. Celebrate even the small successes. No matter much is left on your list, you have accomplished many things.

Here's a quick idea to implement the goal:

Plan a "celebration" dinner or summer barbecue with your family or some friends. Celebrate mid-year. Celebrate meeting half of your annual goals. Have everyone report their successes for the year - no matter how small or large.

Make it a GREAT week!
Mark Ford
http://www.ffgroupconsulting.com/

Wonderful Idea, Mark!  I am going to celebrate all that I have accomplished so far this year.  Then I'm going set new goals or 're-set' previous ones, for the second half of 2010; in another post soon!

Here is what I wanted to do and have already accomplished so far this year:

I wanted to start writing; I did.  I wanted to start a blog; I did.  I wanted to make some Great new blogging friends; I sure did & love you all very much!  I wanted to do things that I've never done before; step outside the box and do things that I fear!  I have or I am about to do soon!

In the next 2 weeks I am taking 7 days of vacation for personal growth and development.  I am attending a  Presentation and Certification course; a Creation of Assets seminar and a Motivational seminar'  All at my own time and expense; to improve my own personal and career skills along with boosting my self-esteem.  Three of my goals for this year.  I am very excited!  Not nervous at all right now.  I hope I stay this calm over the next 10 days! :-)

So what mid-year accomplishments are my 'Friends' going to Celebrate this month?  I want to Celebrate right along with you All!  So let's share, celebrate together and motivate each other through the second half of 2010!
HUGS,
Coreen
 

Half Full Friday! June 11th, 2010

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.

We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week.

"Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day." ~ Author Unknown

We are determined to find the something good in every day.  Are you?

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day. On Friday, write your own Half Full Friday post and return to Life As Eye See It to link your post and to see what other bloggers found happiness in during the past week.

Don't forget to grab a Half Full Friday Banner or Button for your blog post if you are going to join in:

This is my second time joining Half Full Friday and here is what I'm Happy for this week:

• I am happy that I got to see all 3 of my sons last week!
• I am happy that I got to visit my middle son in Chicago last weekend! 
• I am happy that my oldest son took care of everything for me at home (2 dogs, a cat and a house showing) so that I could go!
• I am happy that I got to spend the weekend with one of my favorite friends! 
• I am happy that I got everyone to and from Chicago safely last weekend!
• I am happy that the lock-smith was able to get me a new key for my car. :-P
• I am happy that my youngest son went with us and had a Great time in Chicago! 
• I am happy that my sons are so patient, kind and understand me so well. :-)

Have a Great weekend, Everyone!
Love & Hugs Always my Friends,
Coreen
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Goal Challenge for this Week

Goal Challenge from my friend, Mark Ford @ http://www.ffgroupconsulting.com/

"Learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning."
- Albert Einstein

Goals Focus:

The day you stop growing and learning is the day you put a lid on your potential. Some feel they've reached a point in their life or their career where they can't afford to make any mistakes. Teddy Roosevelt said, "He who makes no mistakes, makes no progress." Stay hungry for knowledge. Stay hungry for personal growth. The key is to learn from any mistakes you might make.

Your Challenge:

Challenges change us for the better. Challenges force us to stretch out of our comfort zone to learn something new or to muster up courage we never knew we possessed. This week...try something new. Make a new "challenge" part of your daily routine. Learn from it. Grow from it!

I borrow these from a good friend who emails them out on most Monday mornings. They are posted, as all of my postings, to be shared! :-)

I thought of what I am going to Challenge myself to do this week. I know someone whom I want to talk to about something very important regarding the direction I want to go in my life. I've been afraid at what the response maybe. However, if I do this it will bring me to another level in my self-confidence and self-esteem. No matter what the reaction is, it will not change my dreams or plans. Ignoring negative or critical comments is the first step in overcoming the fear of doing something completely new and exciting. :-)

Have a GREAT week!

Chicago weekend!

This weekend I went to Chicago to visit my middle son, who lives there now.  It was one of the best weekends of my life.. even with a little drama at the Union Station.  Actually, that made it even 'more' memorable! :-)

My very, very good friend went with us.  She is the BEST! Nicest person and so much FUN!  I just love her to pieces!!                 

We were in Awww, at all the people, shops, restaurants and TALL Buildings.  It was quite the experience for a couple of 'small town' girls.  We could have stayed a week and never got bored.  I would even like to move there someday. 

On the first night my son took us out for real Chicago Pizza.  It was the deepest, deep dish I've seen and it was so good!  We also watched Chicago's pro hockey team, the Black Hawks on TV at the restaurant. They didn't win, but it was still exciting and fun to watch.

On the second day we took the 'train' to downtown Chicago.  We walked all over downtown Chicago.  At least it felt like 'all over', but I'm sure we only saw a fraction of the city in just one day of walking.  We plan to visit often now that we have a place to stay and know people to show us around.  We are going back before Christmas for sure.  To see the city with all the decorations and lights.  I will probably do all  my Christmas shopping there too.  They have so many unique stores and shops. 

I couldn't get over all the TALL buildings and things to see.   It was amazing!  The Navy Pier was also very cool and even though I have seen Lake Michigan before; it was still awesome to see again.  So much to see and do there and so beautiful!

The Chatter Behind Our Backs

I was talking to someone recently about how open I am in my writing and post.  She seemed to think I should be more careful because people will 'talk' she said.  I laughed!

What I think about the 'Chatter behind our backs' is this:  People are going to talk and gossip no matter what you do or who you are.  I could be a 'saint', which I'm not, but some people would still find something to talk about.

Don't worry what other people think. Just worry what you think of yourself. That's what really matters!

I have nothing to hide and even more important, I want to help people.  That is why I write and share.  with all of you.  :-)  I know I'm a good person and I like who I am!  That's all that should matter. 

If someone doesn't like what I write, then they don't have to read or follow my blog and writings.  That's how I feel about it.  I spent too many years worrying about what other people think.  I now know that it doesn't matter what the 'Chatter behind our backs' doesn't matter. 

People are going to talk no matter what.  Our true friends are going to stand up for us and be there for us no matter what.  Even more important is how we feel about ourselves.  If we listen to our intuition and our hearts, then we will live a good life and be happy.  That is all that really matters, isn't it?! :-)

Thank you all who read, comment and/or follow me.  I appreciate all of you very, very much!  I promise after this weekend, I will get back into writing and posting more.  Take care and I hope you ALL have a wonderful weekend my friends!

Love and Hugs Always,
Coreen