44!

Today I am 44, and other then when I said "I do" to Luis, or "Hi, I'm your Mama" for the first time to Nicky, then  Lyndzi, then Kelsie - there have been never been words that I wanted to say more. 

When I posted "100 Random Things About Me"  # 14 was "My parents and paternal Grandfather all died at the age of 43 and that WON'T be me."  I firmly believed that when I wrote it, and so upon my 43rd birthday I decided to challenge myself and write my blog every day for the year plus my 44th birthday.  I liked the idea of taking the opportunity to make something terrific out of something terrifying; and, if you've been following me for a while, then you know that last night "I Did It" and I wrote the final post of my 43rd year.

So here we are; I'm sure that you're wondering what more I could possibly have to say after 365 consecutive posts; but you knowme,  I'm a giver and I like to spread my happiness so I had to come back and celebrate my victory with you.

I've received more well wishes and congratulations for my birthday and my blog, than I could have ever imagined and I feel truly blessed.  So in honor of my birthday, I've decided that I'm going to give a gift to one lucky rider.  Yes, for the first time EVER on "The Bumpy Ride", I'm doin a giveaway and I hope that you will all participate and SPREAD THE WORD!

You may recall that when I posted "ASPIRE" I told you that my incredibly, talented friend Mari had been making what I called "inspiration charms", and she graciously offered to make me one and ASPIRE was my word.  Well Mari's thoughtfulness and generosity didn't end there, because she has now donated one of her beautiful necklaces.for me to give as a gift to one of you.  Mari asked me to select the word for the necklace and I chose one that I feel encompasses the message that I've been trying to impart throughout "The Bumpy Ride" - BELIEVE!  

Yes my friends, this stunning, handmade, original necklace can be yours, if you leave me a comment.  Now being that I am the Queen of FOLLOWING THE RULES , ya gotta know that there are a couple, so here we go:

1.   In order to win you must follow "The Bumpy Ride" so if you're not already signed up; please do so, because I would hate for you to miss this fabulous opportunity.

2.  Leave your comment with the name of your three favorite posts (BUT they can't be any that were mentioned in this blog.)

3.  Because I know that it will take a while to meander around my previous posts, the deadline for comments will be August 5.  Take your time, look around, read an old favorite or try something that you may have missed.  

New riders are absolutely eligible to win as long as they sign up to follow, so in the interest of (say it with me) the GREATER GOOD; please make sure to to refer your friends to "The Bumpy Ride."

I'm really excited about giving this gift away, and ALL that this new year has in store for me.  Lyndzi and I will be taking the red eye to New York tonight and I can't wait to come back and share all of my Big Apple adventures and reunions with you.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-365) I Did It!

In honor of this auspicious occasion, I can think of nothing more appropriate than to quote Dora the explorer and say "I did it, I did it, I did it - HURRAY!  Ya I did it!" I know that Dora says "we" not "I", but my monkey sidekick had nothing to do with writing "The Bumpy Ride" for 365 consecutive days, so I hope you'll permit me some creative license on that one.

When I wrote "43" on July 28, 2010, I said that I was committing to write EVERY day for a year PLUS my 44th birthday, so in fact my journey is not quite over; but I think that since this is the last night of my 43rd year it's appropriate for me to review all that I've learned during this excruciating endeavor so that tomorrow I can make a fresh start on a brand new year and the rest of my life. 

To quote myself in "43", "I believe this needs to be a year of recollection, reflection, observation, appreciation, and change; and I plan to do this right before your very eyes."  And, I'm delighted to say that I believe I have.  I've taken you on many walks down my memory lane.  Some strolls were happy and amusing while others were painful and heartbreaking.  I told you "My real life love story", and many, many tales of trial and tribulation.  I got definitions published in "The Urban Dictionary" and entered and lost my first essay contest.  I've written about fear, courage, optimism, perseverance, grief, empathy, sympathy and laughter.  I've shared quotes and songs from various genres, and demonstrated my prowess at Six degrees of Kevin Bacon.  I reported on a season each of soccer and swim team, enlisted your assistance with an art contest and battled an Art Nazi!  I've had thrills and spills, a number of firsts, and made several discoveries.  I found and fell in love with my cousin Jackie, I got three new jobs,  I renewed friendships, strengthened friendships and ended friendships.  I've taken chances and advocated for myself like I never have before.  I gave support, advice, and of course, recommendations for the (say it with me) GREATER GOOD!  And I truly couldn't be more proud of myself than I am right now.

When I wrote "Five Hundred" I mentioned that writing "The Bumpy Ride" every day for this year had been both a blessing and a curse.  I didn't elaborate on the negative; because ya know I like to accentuate the positive.  Yet I will admit that this challenge was far more taxing than I ever imagined.  The truth is that I usually give more though to what I'm gonna have for dinner than I did to what a big (yes) HUGE undertaking a daily commitment would be.  No matter how physically or emotionally tired I was - I had to write.  No matter what fun activity was awaiting me - I had to write.  No matter my location -I had to write.  And so with pad in hand I wrote as night fell upon the drive in.  I typed in a word document at the lake, in Laughlin, and while camping. Then I had to go find a public place with wi-fi so that I could capture the perfect picture to accompany the post and publish it.  I wrote from Las Vegas, and California (twice), not to mention having to get up extra early so that I could publish a post before spending the day in Disneyland.  Each blog took anywhere from half an hour to five to write.  And the award for the blog that took the longest to author, goes to "The Hostess With The Mostess", which I wrote while attending the best crop EVER at Mari's hobby  house.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining at all.  For me the pros definitely outweighed the cons AND now that I know for certain that I really can commit to doing something EVERY day; I'm gonna get my butt back to the gym, so that (hopefully) this time next year, I'll be able to report that I finally lost the hundred pounds that I've been talking about FOREVER.

If I've learned anything this year, it's this: First, I can do ANYTHING that I set my mind too.  Second, if you want to change your circumstances YOU can.  Third, you are only as limited as you allow yourself to be.  And fourth, to quote RuPaul  "What other people think of me is not my business."   

Once again I  want to thank everyone who has joined me on "The Bumpy Ride" this year and I implore you to keep coming back for more.  Even though this is the end of my year, it is really only the beginning.  I am so looking forward to sharing "44" with you tomorrow, so please make sure to stop by, as I'll be revealing  a very special surprise.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-306) Optimism

If you've ever read "The Bumpy Ride" before, then you know that I'm a big (yes) HUGE fan of OPTIMISM!  You know that I'm all about the greater good, and positivity, and all that shiny, happy stuff.  So it should come as no surprise that I am OVER THE MOON for next month's kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out - OPTIMISM.

A couple of days ago, Rachel K emailed me and her staff, a sneak peak of the June kit, and it's so sensational, that I HAVE to share it with you.  My apologies to all my non-scrapbooking riders, but this kit is too good to be missed; so I really wanna help spread the word. 

I'm busy, working on the song, play list that will go along with this kit.  If you visit Scrapbooking from the Inside Out, next month, you'll be able to listen to it, as well as gain inspiration from quotes and images that are also provided.  By the way, there are several monthly challenges, so you might actually win a prize for doing something that you love.  Not to mention the opportunity to chat with a wonderful community of women.

If you're a scrapbooker and you haven't checked out Scrapbooking from the Inside Out, there's never been a better time to do so.  I have to say that when I got this sneak peak, I thought that it was the BEST kit that I'd ever seen.  And with the current prices of scrapbooking supplies; it's a phenomenal value.  If you want to do something nice for yourself (or a fellow scrapbooker,) consider The OPTIMISM kit.  It's all about your (say it with me) "Greater Good". 
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-226) Walk The Walk

Continuity, Continuity, Continuity!!!  When I wrote "Pennies In MY Pocket,"  I told you that I loved it when I could relate one blog to another; and with today's post, I've hit the motherload.  First and foremost; if you've never read "The Bumpy Ride" before; you need to know that I am someone who really tries to practice what I preach.  I talk the talk AND I walk the walk.

When I posted " Brave Girls Club,"  I told you about "daily truth" emails that I'd been receiving and how I found them to be encouraging and uplifting. And today, I truly was a BRAVE girl.  I was a COURAGEOUS girl, and a DETERMINED girl; and I went after something that I really wanted.

During "Luis' DJ Debut," I told you that my boss had recently started a reunion coordinating business; that I didn't know much about.  BUT, when I sat with the ladies that I wrote about in "He's Got The Beat;"  I listened to my boss while he talked to them; and  I learned a little more.

So, this morning, I got to sleep in a little later than I typically do; and the extra rest must have REALLY done me some good; because while I was getting ready to go to my office, I had this wonderful idea for a children's book about self-esteem.  I mentioned it to Lyndzi and asked if she'd be interested in doing the illustrations and she happily agreed.  I was feeling very pleased with myself; because I felt like THIS book idea was something that I could do well.  Then all of a sudden I got another idea.  If I'd been in a cartoon, I would have been hit by a lightning bolt, because this idea seemed to come from out of nowhere and immediately, I knew that it was something that I HAD to do.

I set about my morning routine once I got to my office; and when I got to a point where I could take a break, I went to see the owner of my company.  I asked if I could talk to him, and I shut the door.  I told him that I was very interested in working for his reunion coordinating company, and I said that I thought I would be a real asset.  I went on to explain that I had experience with event planning and groups, that I knew how to negotiate contracts, and that I was good at sales.  I told him that I knew my music, and that I had an instant rapport with the reunion clients that were at the DJ showcase the other night; and before I could even advise him that I am the Queen of PLANNING, (as I'd told you in "Making Plans;") my boss said; "I think you'd be AMAZING!."  He said that he thought that I'd be perfect for the job and I reminded him that I was available because I was only working 32 hours a week. My boss was intrigued by my proposal; and he told me that he was so glad that I wanted to work with the reunions, because he knew what a great job I would do. He asked me to give him some time to try and work it out; and I left his office feeling overwhelmingly optimistic.

Later this afternoon; my boss called me into his office.  He told me that he'd spoken with the CFO and that I was going to work for the reunion company the 8 hours that I was free and another ten, out of my 32 and I was delighted.  I thanked him profusely, and told him that I was so excited for this new opportunity; and I think I floated out of his office.

I was SO proud myself.  I was fearless. I believed in myself and I advocated for myself.  Then, when all was said and done, I'd gotten even more than I'd dared to hope for.  I practiced exactly what I've been preaching on "The Bumpy Ride."  I was confident, I was assertive, I was positive and I was not afraid of "The Dirty Word."  YAY Me!!

When I shared the news with Rachel K, I let her know that a conversation that we'd had yesterday, inspired me to have faith in myself and my ability; and drove me to speak with my boss; once i'd thought about doing so.  Yay Rachel!  Thank you again!!

Maybe my cousin, Jackie is right.  Maybe being "43" is not meant to be something that I fear; but instead, it just may be the year of new beginnings for me.  After all, during the 226 days that I've been 43, I've discovered family that I hadn't known; and now I've got a new job, that I know I'm going to love and be successful at.  43 just may turn out to be one of my best years ever.  As a matter of fact, it would give me the greatest satisfaction for post (43-365) to be titled "THE BEST YEAR EVER!"  It's feeling extremely, possible to me.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-196) Thank You Winston Churchill

Yes of course I caught what the kids have.  You can't be in close proximity to these germs and love on them as much as I do; and NOT catch this crap; but what's a mom to do?  I've been coughing for a few days now; but I was hoping that it was just the power of suggestion. I tried to remain positive, and disregard my symptoms; but when my temp got to 101.5; I knew that it was official. Thankfully I don't feel nearly as bad as one might expect; but nonetheless; I KNOW that if we can't rid ourselves of at least these fevers; we can't take our trip on Thursday. 

Now I haven't mentioned Luis thus far; and that might just be my way of willing him NOT to get sick; but I will tell you that (knock on wood) he's been fever free to date; although his nose has been running which isn't the case for any of the rest of us.

I knew that I needed to update my cousin Jackie this morning, so I texted her to let her know that I was now running a temperature; and she was amazingly optimistic.  I've been trying to remain positive as well; but I worry about getting anyone in her family sick.

Because I want to believe that we will all be well enough to travel, and not spread our illness to anyone else; I decided to look for a quote (big surprise I'm sure;) that would inspire me to think the best.  I quickly found a quote by Winston Churchill; and even though it doesn't exactly pertain to THIS situation; I thought it related very well to everything else that I've been experiencing these past two weeks.  “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”   

If you've read "The Bumpy Ride" before; then you know that I'm a big (yes) HUGE fan of optimism.  And I have to say, Thank you Winston Churchill; because your words were exactly the reminder that I needed, in order to move freely past all that's been troubling me; Flu as well. 
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-161) The Princess of Positivity

Today I had a very interesting series of text messages with my friend / soccer director; Big Mike.  I won't go into the whole story; NO I WON'T.  But I'll just say that he and I have been trying to book a location for our end of year tournament and it hasn't been going well.  We are sitting on pins and needles, waiting for our venue of choice to confirm our request; and unfortunately, we are running out of time.  Since I said I'm not going to tell the whole story, and I'm NOT; I'll jump ahead and tell you that I told Mike that just because the tournament was a priority to us, didn't mean that the woman we were waiting on saw it as a priority.  I told him that I thought we would get the booking because if the fields weren't available, then she would have told us already; and it's probably just taking a while so that she can work out all of the details.  Clearly I was the one drinking out of the half full glass today; because Mike thanked me for my positive outlook and decided to jump on my optimistic bandwagon.

I HAVE to think positively.  I want to put good energy out there, because I know from experience that you reap what you sow.  BUT, I wasn't ALWAYS positive; it was a way that I chose to be, a way that I convinced myself to be; and I've lead a much happier life ever since.

Now people often say that Lyndzi is my mini me.  Of all my kids, she is the one who resembles me the most; and whose character traits are MOST like mine.  She's klutzy, LIKE ME.  She can be shy, LIKE ME, She tries to be funny, LIKE ME; and she is one tough chick, LIKE ME.  Lyndzi has a very caring and sensitive heart; LIKE ME and she strives to make others happy, LIKE ME.  I could go on and on; REALLY, I could; but suffice it to say that the similarities are endless.  The one thing that I will say about Lyndzi, and the way that we differ, is that she has always been a ray of sunshine, she glows.  There is a warmth that Lyndzi exudes that is something that I didn't have at her age; (or now) and along with this warmth comes a positivity that she was born with.  I often refer to Lyndzi as Little Mary Sunshine; but I think that I will from now on refer to her as the Princess of POSITIVITY; after all, if I'm the Queen; wouldn't it stand to reason that she's the Princess?  And so, in honor of the Princess of POSITIVITY, I'm going to share another one of her brilliant works of art.   

The below drawing is Lyndzi's version of the "Junie B. Jones Is A Party Animal," book cover.  She drew it at school, which is why it's on looseleaf.  I'm sure that she never expected it to be featured in my blog today; but I thought it was SO good; that I had to share.  

What more can I say... I find her attention to detail remarkable, and I think that her expression of movement is exceptional for a nine year old. I am SO proud of Lyndzi for all that she is and all that she does. 

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING