What's on your mind?

public hermit said:

Yeah, but you two are looking. I'm saving myself (what's left) for Jesus. Well, maybe Jesus is saving others from me. Whatever the case, we're still discussing, but we have agreed I'm not in the market.

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Hold on. Why do you get to save yourself and deprive us of spoiling and good food?

bèlla said:

Hold on. Why do you get to save yourself and deprive us of spoiling and good food?

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You're going to have to ask Jesus. I just do what I'm told, sort of.

By the way, I will share food under any circumstances. You have an open invitation.

bèlla said:

I’m not surprised. You have a pleasant disposition and seem laid back. Curiosity always adds interest. Your thirst for knowledge and reflection keep you in the know. That improves relatability and open mindedness. If you’re influential you’re charming!

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Hmmm... Those are some excellent points. I definitely am laid back! Life can be unforgiving, so why not enjoy every moment you can? It's those moments where the best things in life are made manifest.

Beauty coach is a catch-all for professionals who enhance your appearance, confidence, and deportment. From an etiquette coach to finishing school. The instruction depends on their specialty and clientele. Some prepare you for leadership, diplomacy, social graces, etc.

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I think that is really cool... There's something admirable about striving to be the best version of you that you can be. What's your favorite thing you've learned from your coach so far? Maybe the funnest thing?

I have some vacation days set aside in June to go check out Crater Lake in Oregon and the Red Woods in northern california! Seems never taking days off pays off after all. I really should take more personal days, though... Last I saw, my PTO was approaching 300 hours.

You folks have any fun trips in mind for the future?

SigurdReginson said:

I have some vacation days set aside in June to go check out Crater Lake in Oregon and the Red Woods in northern california! Seems never taking days off pays off after all. I really should take more personal days, though... Last I saw, my PTO was approaching 300 hours.

You folks have any fun trips in mind for the future?

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Georgia in a month

I would LOVE to check out the Red Woods.

public hermit said:

You are no slouch when it comes to kindness. You two are cut from the same cloth. Huh, I'm starting to feel all matchmaker like.

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Thanks, but, with all due respect to Miss Bella, I can feel only romantic inclinations towards my current crush.

SarahsKnight said:

Thanks, but, with all due respect to Miss Bella, I can feel only romantic inclinations towards my current crush.

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I know. That's just the kind of knight you are. Chivalry and the pursuit of courtly love does not waver or compromise.

public hermit said:

That's just the kind of knight you are. Chivalry and the pursuit of courtly love does not waver or compromise.

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Well, at least until the Lord has determined that I must pursue a different path ... or Erin herself yells at me to get out of her hair already.

public hermit said:

You're going to have to ask Jesus. I just do what I'm told, sort of.

By the way, I will share food under any circumstances. You have an open invitation.

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Aww, you’re too kind. I guess you’re forgiven.

DragonFox91 said:

Georgia in a month

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See, that's awesome! I think the furthest out east I've gone for any length of time is Ohio. What are you looking forward to on your trip out thataway?

I would LOVE to check out the Red Woods.

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It's hard to believe just how big and ancient the trees are until you see them yourself... There's nothing quite like em. I look forward to seeing my family over there as well!

My uncle lost his cabin during the last bout of wildfires that tore through California, so he's had to relocate to Oregon and move in with his daughter for the time being. Part of the reason for the trip is to check on him and see how he's doing.

He's kind of an interesting character. He made a living before that event as a mountain man who would do guided hunting and fishing trips.

SigurdReginson said:

Hmmm... Those are some excellent points. I definitely am laid back! Life can be unforgiving, so why not enjoy every moment you can? It's those moments where the best things in life are made manifest.

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I agree. But it takes time to reach that point. I try to encourage others to see the brighter side when possible.

I think that is really cool... There's something admirable about striving to be the best version of you that you can be. What's your favorite thing you've learned from your coach so far? Maybe the funnest thing?

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Thankie. We’re alike in that way. Always learning and tweaking. What new discoveries have you made?

She articulated what I wanted most of all. Her life dream is the same as mine. And it was really validating to hear. I wouldn’t get it elsewhere.

Right now I’m looking for balance. Purpose dominated my focus and that was necessary for a time. I started at the bottom. But I’m at a point where neglecting myself is no longer appropriate. The gentle reminders for self-care are nourishing as is encouragement. I pour a lot into others and had periods where I was totally spent. I try to keep my reservoir in check.

I realized I needed help and wanted to delegate as much as I can. Working with coaches sounds odd to some. But they’re not running a business while building another and going to school. Having experts I can turn to saves time and energy. My ROI is best spent elsewhere.

My beauty coach helps me shine. My success coach helps me dream and stretch myself. My nutritional coach helps with diet and fitness. My creative coach reminds me to play and I’m learning skills that benefit me elsewhere. And my business coach is self-explanatory. The homemaking community is a recent addition. I need accountability and likeminded company.

bèlla said:

I agree. But it takes time to reach that point. I try to encourage others to see the brighter side when possible.

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Yah, that is defnitely a fact. It can be hard to get to that point... especially when we go through hard times. I often see people at the worst point of their life where I work. Being that voice of positivity in a sea of personal anguish does much to aleviate that pain, I feel, even if it does seem like such a small gesture.

I also like to help people see their problems from a bird's eye view, as well (when appropriate)... Sometimes it can be hard for folks to see anything but the struggles they are directly dealing with, and helping them see things from a different perspective kind of pulls them out of that mindset and helps them to consider different ways to deal with them, IMO.

Thankie. We’re alike in that way. Always learning and tweaking. What new discoveries have you made?

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Well let's see! Today I learned that Black Raven makes a pretty tasty beer with their Trickster IPA.

My roommate's kitten died of a highly infectious disease a few days ago (the cat version of parvo), so my roommate, I, and a friend gave the whole place a good scrub down. She's a real saint for helping out (she's a professional cleaner), so to thank her we all went to a new place called the Blazing Onion and had some burgers, fries, and a brew for good measure (courtesy of my roomate and I, ofcourse).

How about you? how has your practice with charming been going? I imagine you wouldn't need to practice much considering how charming you already are to begin with.

She articulated what I wanted most of all. Her life dream is the same as mine. And it was really validating to hear. I wouldn’t get it elsewhere.

Right now I’m looking for balance. Purpose dominated my focus and that was necessary for a time. I started at the bottom. But I’m at a point where neglecting myself is no longer appropriate. The gentle reminders for self-care are nourishing as is encouragement. I pour a lot into others and had periods where I was totally spent. I try to keep my reservoir in check.

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Yah... Neglecting myself for the sake of others is something I'm very familiar with. I wish I wouldn't have conflated self care with selfishness in the past, because they really are two different things. By being that stronger version of you, you can influence so much more in such a more positive and healthy way.

Helping people isn't enough sometimes; helping them to better help themselves is oftentimes the best way, and you can't do that if you can't even be in a place to help yourself.

I realized I needed help and wanted to delegate as much as I can. Working with coaches sounds odd to some. But they’re not running a business while building another and going to school. Having experts I can turn to saves time and energy. My ROI is best spent elsewhere.

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Wait, are you running a business, building another, and going to school? Please tell me more.

My beauty coach helps me shine. My success coach helps me dream and stretch myself. My nutritional coach helps with diet and fitness. My creative coach reminds me to play and I’m learning skills that benefit me elsewhere. And my business coach is self-explanatory. The homemaking community is a recent addition. I need accountability and likeminded company.

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Everything about that makes me so excited for you! It's interesting, too... Those are all things I am ignorant on, so you helped me discover a lot of new things today, as well.

What denomination does everyone want their partner to be? Ugh, hopefully I don't start a denomination war. I guess let me rephrase the question: Would you be interested in someone if they're a different denomination then you?

I'm pretty open, there's a few that would turn me off. I hope I could get her to Baptist. But my understanding, from couples I'm aware of at least, usually it's the man who ends up changing denominations. Catholic seems to be the exception: if the man's Catholic, the woman changes to that. But my mom was Lutheran & changed to RCA b/c of my dad. Ugh, I guess it depends a lot on circumstances which partner changes. I think generally, the man does tho.

DragonFox91 said:

I guess let me rephrase the question: Would you be interested in someone if they're a different denomination then you?

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I prefer someone non denominational who'll tolerate my Jewish leanings. I'm not converting. I can visit a church but I'll never be Lutheran, Catholic, etc. I won't date pastors, deacons, or elders. The positions come with expectations I'm unwilling to accept.

SigurdReginson said:

Being that voice of positivity in a sea of personal anguish does much to aleviate that pain, I feel, even if it does seem like such a small gesture.

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When you've overcome adversity your message is more convincing. There's a confidence and certainty the hearer picks up. You can follow with personal anecdotes to comfort and assure them you've been there and there's life beyond that point. Hope is powerful.

Well let's see! Today I learned that Black Raven makes a pretty tasty beer with their Trickster IPA.

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That's very important. You have something to recommend.

My roommate's kitten died of a highly infectious disease a few days ago (the cat version of parvo), so my roommate, I, and a friend gave the whole place a good scrub down. She's a real saint for helping out (she's a professional cleaner), so to thank her we all went to a new place called the Blazing Onion and had some burgers, fries, and a brew for good measure (courtesy of my roomate and I, ofcourse).

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Wow, that was nice of her. The outing was good for both of you. A little fun after a difficult time is helpful.

How about you? how has your practice with charming been going? I imagine you wouldn't need to practice much considering how charming you already are to begin with.

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There's always room for improvement. I'm not married. Charm helps you build relationships, diffuse tension, and draw others into the discussion. I'm ready to take on social and charitable activities I haven't done in awhile. This is a good refresher.

Yah... Neglecting myself for the sake of others is something I'm very familiar with. I wish I wouldn't have conflated self care with selfishness in the past, because they really are two different things. By being that stronger version of you, you can influence so much more in such a more positive and healthy way.

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I neglected myself for work. My people boundaries are solid. I say no all the time.

Helping people isn't enough sometimes; helping them to better help themselves is oftentimes the best way, and you can't do that if you can't even be in a place to help yourself.

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I help people in a different capacity. It isn't shoulder to shoulder for most. I don't have the time or energy. Especially the latter. I take an advisory/authority approach. I'll diagnose the problem and provide a solution. Results is my focus.

Wait, are you running a business, building another, and going to school? Please tell me more.

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While learning how to blog I got my calling to fashion. The digital space was my focus. Then Covid hit and the timeline shifted. I wasn't supposed to be in school. It was my intention to bring patterns to the market when I finished. But an opportunity fell in my lap and I'm learning the process now. It will come to market ahead of schedule.

This is how lifestyle brands are built. You begin with one concept and grow it out. Martha began with food and entertaining. JoAnna Gaines (Fixer Upper) started with decor. Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) began with food. The last two are bloggers.

I'm starting with fashion. Everything I did to better myself has come to fruition. I've monetized my development plan.

Everything about that makes me so excited for you! It's interesting, too... Those are all things I am ignorant on, so you helped me discover a lot of new things today, as well.

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I use a three-fold approach. Education is first. Familiarize yourself with the problem, probable causes, and possible solutions. Then take a class. That may be enough to get you going in the right direction. Long-standing issues usually require more action.

For example, one person can sign up for Daily Burn and develop a workout routine. But if your execution is lackluster, your will isn't strong enough to maintain the practice. That person would be better off hiring a coach or physical trainer. They may need both. One tackles diet and the other exercise.

Everything that requires willpower diminishes energy. That's why habits are important. You don't need willpower to do it. Sometimes the only way to eat the frog is by getting help. Once you develop the habit its routine. You can apply your energy to something else or another frog.

People overestimate the quality of available information. A book will never teach you everything. It's level one as is digital content. A person with valuable information to sell won't put everything in a book. The ROI is too small. They tier it. The book is the gateway to the funnel. Not the end.

That's why you see courses, conferences, private coaching, etc. Each level comes with a disclosure. As you grow your information needs become more involved. What you need to know when investing $1K is a different animal from $100K. The expertise flows in pockets: low, middle, high, and ultra. Each pocket serves a demographic.

Always begin with the end in sight. Where do you want to fall on that topic? If your goal is to run marathons competitively, you're looking at ultra. Your investment must echo that. But if you want to eat healthy, you may be fine with the middle level. You don't need to make chef quality dishes. Just something good.

You have to work that out in advance. That's why NYE resolutions fail. They don't have a true assessment of their weakness and appropriate response. They assume they have enough in their tank to conquer it and that's rarely the case. Once you've done your assessment tackle the problems strategically.

One hard + One simple. If you don't do your homework you could end up juggling 3 hard things at once and failure is likely. Plug that in and see what you get.

Happy Friday! When we grow life looks different.

@cara-mia

See it. Believe it. Never forget. All things are possible!

How does time just vanish like it did last night?

I feel like all I did after getting out of work at 4:30pm was post on here for an hour, browse a Christian bookstore for a half hour, & picked up a pizza, & by then it was 10pm

Dyspraxia taught me - that if you can't get in through the front door, you can:

Climb the fence
Dig up underneath
Slide in through a window
Shimmy up the drainpipe
Build a ladder - in through the skylight
Find a length of rope and lasso it around the chimney - then in through the skylight
Make stilts - in through the skylight
Stack boxes up - yep, in through the skylight
Smash a window
Pick the lock
Ring the bell and pretend that you're delivering a pizza
Ring the bell - ask to use the toilet
Kick the door in
Look under the flowerpot (I always leave a spare key there)
Look under the gnome (sometimes leave a key there, but not always)
See if the backdoor is open (eliminate the obvious)
Ring the bell - punch the guy in the face
Go Shawshank style and chisel into the wall - might take a while

OR

Keep trying the front door.

Either way, you'll find a WAY. It just takes a bit of creativity. You don't need to work yourself into the ground, just THINK.

bèlla said:

@cara-mia

See it. Believe it. Never forget. All things are possible!

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WOW! That one really comes with a POW!