It’s Minty Monday Time!

10/17/2011

A Mini Minty MoMINT

“In all planning you make a list and you set priorities.“ – Alan Lakein

My mom says… she loves spending time with me… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!

My Mom even spends time with me in the car!

xoxo

Good morning Mintdom!

I know that I am on a time kick; it is because I keep seeing photos, quotes and articles on time, therefore I am going with it! LOL!

Do you ever think that there is not enough time in the day? I know that there are those days when I think that I just do not have enough time to do what I want to do. When I honestly look back on that kind of day, I can see where I wasted time even though I sure seemed very busy!

“It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?” – Henry David Thoreau

I love quote by Henry Thoreau because I know when I set my priorities in advance for the day, I can get a lot accomplished. I even have time left over to spend any way that I like!

One thing you can’t recycle is wasted time.” – Author Unknown

The next time that the thought comes to your mind that you do not have enough time in the day, take a look back and prioritize your To-Do List OR make and prioritize your list BEFORE your day starts slipping away.

AffirMINTion: I make the most of my 24 hours each day!

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

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What Would You Do…..?

09/21/2011

Good morning, Mintdom!

What would you do if some genie gave you an extra 5 minutes or an extra hour in your day? What would you do if you were given an extra day? Would you ignore those 5 minutes? Would you waste the extra hour? Would you squander the extra day? Here are my answers.

5 Extra minutes: I would spend cuddling with Minty – I so appreciate her. Sometimes I look at her and think that I could just eat her up because she is so sweet.

1 Extra hour: I would spend learning something – I am an eternal student

1 Extra day: I would spend with – I was going to say family and friends – but honestly, I would spend it with my parents.

Since I do not think that, a genie will ever give me any extra time, I believe I need to make the most of the time that I DO have. That is one of the reasons that I stopped watching TV this past month. It is amazing, all the things that I have done that I would not have done had I been watching TV. I did turn it on during the hurricane and for one of the presidential debates but that was it until Monday night when I turned it on to watch Dancing with the Stars. I like that show and my family watches it.

How would you spend that extra time? Would you spend your time watching TV, playing Facebook games, or sleeping? Time is our most precious commodity – what do you do with YOUR time?

“Lost, yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered for they are gone forever.” Horace Man

AffirMINTion: I make the most out of the time that I have each day.

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?
http://tinyurl.com/whatruwaiting4

Life is good!
A Mini Minty MoMINT

“Time – Life. Therefore, waste your time and waste of your life, or master your time and master your life.” – Alan Lakein

My mom says…she is the mistress of her life… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!

Hmmm, how do I want to spend my day?

xox0

Minty Mondays: A 9/11 Lesson

9/12/2010

A Mini Minty MoMINT

My mom says… the beautiful 9/11 memorials are reminder for us never to forget that day; it also celebrates the lives of those who died that day and a reminder to all of us to cherish our lives and our loved ones… AND I LIKE IT!

 

Life is Minty Fresh!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

xoxo

 

 

 

Good morning Mintdom,

Ten years ago today, the day after 9/11, I spent on my couch, glued to the TV; in fact, I spent the next couple of days like that. Our office remained closed until after the weekend. For the next couple of weeks there were several scares, but eventually things got back to a normal routine, a new normal routine, with heightened security in our building and around Washington, DC. I was grateful to be back at work and living my life.

One of the lessons that 9/11 taught me was to cherish my life, my loved ones, and my country. Our whole life could change in a flash. What was a lesson you learned from that day, ten years ago?

AffirMINTion: I cherish my life, my loved ones and my country every day!

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

Beginnings, Middles, and Endings

09/06/2011

 A Mini Minty MoMINT

“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus

My mom says that September is another new beginning… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!

My hair is unmanageable!

 

 

xoxo

   

 

PS My mom and I were on vacation on Monday, and she said that I could do Minty Monday on Tuesday. 

Good morning, Mintdom!

September is an awesome month for many reasons, but the biggest reasons are that I get to celebrate so many birthdays!  My sister Becky celebrates on the first day of the month and my mom celebrates on the last day of the month.  In between those days this year, my Auntie Jean celebrated 90 years, my youngest daughter, Kelly celebrates 32 years today, and my son Michael, will celebrate 34 years on the 14th. Finally yet importantly, my good friend, Ann celebrates _ _ years on September 8.Happy birthday to you all – I love you.

I also like September because, like Mondays, it feels like the start of something fresh. I know, I know, summer is over and the leaves begin to turn and fall off the trees. They sure put on a spectacular show before they fall though. September is the start of a new school year and new routines.

September 1, I started Dave Ramsey’s, Total Money Makeover and I am keeping track of where my money goes. Yesterday, I took my list to the grocery store, and stuck with it.  I had only $20 in cash with me I spend $19.91! I would have won something if I were on the Price is Right game show. LOL

I know there is an elephant in the room right now as we come upon the tenth anniversary of September 11. That is the one mar on September. That horrific day marked the end for many, and the beginning of a new way of living for the world. The events of that day also shined a light on America and the many heroes of that day, and there were many from all walks of life. What an amazing country we live in!

As I read this post, I feel like I am all over the place. Maybe I am like September with its beginnings, middles and endings. In any case, I hope that you have a GREAT one!

“I love September, especially when we’re in it.” – Willie Stargell

AffirMINTion: I appreciate my life and all that it brings to me.

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

Lazer Focus on Each Day!

08/31/2011

Good morning Mintdom

Can you believe that today is the last day of August? Even though it is not the official date, I always consider August 31 the last day of summer and September 1, the first day of fall. Anyway, the summer sure has flown by quickly. My Mom used to tell me that the older I get, the faster that time passes. My dad always says that we have 24 hours in a day, how will we use our time.

Last week’s earthquake and hurricane and brought my focus back to how we could have a lot less time in this world then we think. We really need to make the most out of each day. This week a friend landed unexpectedly in the hospital. It shows me how we need to appreciate the people in our lives, and all that we have because we never know if today will be our last day or theirs. I do not mean to be morbid; I just feel this sense of urgency to make the most out of each day. I cannot tell you enough how grateful I am for you, my family and friends, and for my health. I hope that I never take any of you or anything that I have for granted. I am truly blessed.

I keep what I call a little celebration / prayer journal. On one side, I write down three things that made me smile the day before which, actually turns out to be three things that I am grateful. Sometimes, it is a big thing like settling on my new house, and sometimes it is a very small thing, like watching Minty playing with a toy. On the other side, I write my prayers although I always start with, thank you God… It sure is a GREAT way to start my day, to focus on the good in my life, and to remember those that are in need. It is interesting to look back at the things that I was thinking in past years. Yes – years – it has been years since I started this; it seems like yesterday.

What are some of the things that you do to keep you focused and appreciative all that you have in life? I think today, one of the things that I will do is to call my Mom and Dad to say I love you and I am grateful for every moment I have had with you – even when I was a teenager! LOL

AffirMINTion: I appreciate each day and all that it brings

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

A Mini Minty MoMINT

“Life is short, God’s way of encouraging a big of focus.” – Robert Brault

My mom tells and shows me every day that she loves me… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!
 

xoxo

 

I am grateful for my cousin, Brandy!
This photo was taken when we were just puppies – see how time flies?

Minty Monday: No Worries

08/29/2011

A Mini Minty MoMINT

“I keep the telephone of my mind open to peace, harmony, health, love and abundance. Then, whenever doubt, anxiety or fears try to call me, they keep getting a busy signal – and soon they’ll forget my number.” ~Edith Armstrong

Even though there was, an earthquake and a hurricane where I live my mom said not to worry because it would only get a busy signal… AND I LIKED IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!
 

xoxo

        No Worries

Good morning, Mintdom

An earthquake and a hurricane in one week would probably rattle most people’s cages, but actually, Minty and I remained fairly calm throughout last week. I think part of it was that I have not been watching TV and so I missed a lot of the hype. I DO get national and local alerts on my phone so I am not totally out of the loop, and I DID peak at the news a couple of times over the weekend to see where the hurricane was and where it was going. It was easy to find as it was on all local and news channels non-stop. I did prepare for the worse (brought in light stuff from the patio, including the glass top to my table, got my flashlight and candles out and made extra ice for my refrigerator) and was hoping for the best.  That is probably why Irene passed over my county! LOL!  Anyway, I am happy that I did not spend my weekend worrying. I kept thinking of that verse in the bible that has always helped me in the past.

Matthew 6: 34 Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

You do not have to be a Christian to appreciate this verse.  I DO like Minty’s telephone visual. So if you call me and get a busy signal – you will know why!  How do you keep from worrying?

AffirMINTion: I keep my head and heart full of positive things.

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

PS Of course, I had to include this song today http://tinyurl.com/NoMintyWorries

Dedicated to Depression, Recession, and Earthquakes!

08/24/2011

Good morning Mintdom,

There are days in history that we remember exactly where we were when an event occurred. The day that President Kennedy was assassinated (5^th grade classroom at Our Lady of Lourdes), the day Martin Luther King was assassinated (babysitting job at the O’Neil’s), on 9/11 (at work in Washington, DC across from the White House), and the day that Virginia had a 5.9 Earthquake (home for lunch in Virginia with Minty)!

I have to admit that I was a little frightened. This was actually the third earthquake that I experienced in my life.  The first one was the big Northridge earthquake in CA. I was there with my family for my brother’s wedding – 18 floors up in a hotel that was four miles from the center of the quake. The second one was last year in Virginia – very small, but woke me up out of a sound sleep. Then there was yesterday’s earthquake. My floors shook, my chandelier and floor lamp swayed. I ran into the living room to get Minty as she was barking. It seemed to last forever although I doubt it was a minute.

When this kind of thing happens, it not only throws me for a loop; it also shows me that I am not in charge. Oh, I am SO not in charge! I have had this post in my head for a couple of days, but it was a lot different from what it is turning out to be; although I can still use the same principle, which is that you do not have to allow anyone, anything, or any event steal your joy. The greatest tool to help you is a simple one and one that no one can take from you; that tool is (drum roll please) to SMILE. Here is an awesome video played at the conference that I attended. I play this every morning while I am getting ready for work. I hope you enjoy it.

http://tinyurl.com/MintySmile

AffirMINTion: I smile no matter what happens in my day

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

A Mini Minty MoMINT

My mom says that a smile keeps our joy and brings it to others… AND I LIKE IT! 

Life is Minty Fresh!

SMILE!

 

 

 

xoxo 

 

Renewed ComMINTment!

08/15/2011 – Walked and talked with a good friend

Good morning Mintdom!

After last week’s conference on personal growth, I am renewing my comMINTment to my health. For me, this was a life-changing event. Par for the course, it seems that I keep reading things that reinforce my comMINTment for instance, I just read; “Improvement cannot happen without change”. One of the big changes that I have comMINTed to is to turn off the TV.  Although I have not been able to disconnect from the company yet because I have 10 months to go on a two-year contract with them, I have not watched any TV since I got home.  I am telling you, it has been a blessing for me.  I have not missed it at all and I am so much more productive with my time.  I also made a new comMINTment to Weight Watchers again and of course to walk 3 days a week and swim 3 days a week.

I admire the main speaker for the conference.  He really ‘Walks the Talk’.  What a great example to follow. This morning, I walked and talked with my good friend, Ann. I understand that, that is not exactly what ‘Walking the Talk’ means, but I just had to use it. LOL

Simply setting a goal is not enough. In order to reach a goal, you must take action, and if “ImproveMINT cannot happen without change” what one change will you comMINT your actions?

AffirMINTion: I love being TV free!

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

A Mini Minty MoMINT

“Every accomplishMINT starts with the decision to try.” – Unknown

My mom says that she made a comMINTment to turn the TV off… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!
 

  xoxo
PS: Although I liked my new friends, I really love the one on one attention at All Aboard Dogs while my mom was away.

I LOVE MONDAYS! (Shouting)

08/01/2010

Good morning Mintdom

I love Mondays; it is the start of a brand new, fresh week! This Monday is even better because not only is it the start of a new week, it is the start of a new month, and I have had a GREAT start for this week and month.  I got up early and walked, a mile. I just got new shoes so I am breaking them in. By the end of the month, I hope to be walking at least 2 miles in the mornings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, my plan is to swim or do water aerobics.

August is a good month in other ways too.  This month I am attending with my sisters, a personal growth seminar.  I can hardly wait!  Dave Ramsey and author, Jon Gordon (The Energy Bus, The No Complaining Rule, The Seed – and others) are the speakers!  I am so excited!  In addition, it is my youngest sister’s birthday and Becky and I will be on hand to celebrate with her!  Whoo hoo!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” ~Maria Robinson~

I cannot tell you how excited that I am at this new prospect. I think August is going to be my month to make great strides towards a healthy, balanced life! What kind of week and month will you have?  Are you in need of a fresh start? You can start today, Monday, August 1, 2011.

AffirMINTion: I am creating a fresh new ending today.

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

A Mini Minty MoMINT

My mom says that we can start our day over anytime… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!

I love my life!

xoxo

I love my life!

Treasured MoMINTs

Good morning, Mintdom!
 
Leading a healthy lifestyle is not only the physical; it is also about being healthy in my spirit, mind and my heart. This weekend, I had my fill of all three! It was beautiful – not only did I get to spend it with my two sisters, but also the three of us drove to Richmond to visit GREAT friends and attend their church.  It was one of those times where I felt like I was really living my life. . 

This weekend filled me up in so many ways. On the way to Richmond, we ran into a torrential rainstorm. The rain came down in sheets! Not only did it slow us down; it showed me the power of Nature, and how little control we have over life.  Saturday night we met with our friends for a fabulous dinner.  It was great food and even better conversation.  Sunday, my sisters and I ‘bloomed’ with coffee and went down for a delicious breakfast.  Our friends picked us up for church. The message was on the book of Ruth in the Bible. After church, we our friends took us to their home for a fabulous lunch. Their home was so warm and inviting. I think almost everything in it had special meaning to them.  They are truly special themselves.  She is a philosopher and a writer. He is a musician and they both work together in real estate.

Laughter and deep conversation filled the car on the way home with my sisters. It was such a precious time for me, and one that I will treasure for years to come.  We are very fortunate to have each other. I think we all need be purposeful about taking time out of our busy lives for moMINTS like this. I know that when I am in the throes of work or keeping up with my life, I will have this time to draw on. Can you remember a special time that you have had – a time that you treasure? If not, my strong suggestion is that you take some time out and create your own treasure.

“God gave us memories that we might have roses in December.”  ~J.M. Barrie, Courage, 1922

AffirMINTion: I make time for precious moMINTS!

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

A Mini Minty MoMINT

My ‘uncle’ Bob and his friend Lauren took care of me while my mom was away and even though I missed my mom, I had a GREAT time. My mom says that it is nice to have treasured moMINTs to remember… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!
       

On my way home

        

Visiting is Fun AND Exhausting!