Minty Mondays: It’s All Relatives!

“Families are like fudge – mostly sweet with a few nuts.” – Author Unknown

 03/26/2012

A Mini Minty MoMINT

My mom and I had relatives over yesterday and it was a lot of fun. My mom says… she loves fudge, especially with nuts in it… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!

 

 

 

 

xoxo

 

Good morning, Mintdom,

“I don’t care how poor a man is; if he has family, he’s rich.” – Dan Wilcox and Thad Mumford, “Identity Crisis, “M*A*S*H

Yesterday was a day filled with relatives and I loved every minute of it. It started out with a phone call with my daughter and son-in-law, Dallas; he is one of the nuts in our family that Minty loves! This photo is a little dark but it is Dallas with a chicken on his head. Do you get the picture? LOL! Their little family is becoming quite self-sustainable with their gardening, canning, and now they will produce their own eggs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On another note, my parents just put their home on the market (actually, my sister, Nancy did). They are moving back to Minnesota and they came over, along with my other sister, Becky, yesterday as they had an open house. I want to spend as much time with them as possible. If you know anyone that is thinking of buying and/or selling in Loudoun County, VA have them check out www.AugustaNationalTerrace.com !

I think one of the BEST parts of my day was that my cousin, Roxanne came over while my parents were here and brought tea and crumpets. I think I fell in love with tea yesterday! I love my cousin, Roxanne. We grew up being a little envious of each other. She is a year younger than I am and was envious that I was older and the cool cousin from Washington, DC (she grew up in Wisconsin). I was envious of her because she was so smart, talented and self-sufficient. Of course, now she boasts about being a year younger than I am AND she is still smart, talented, and self-sufficient, which I now thoroughly appreciate and now lives in the very cool city of Charlottesville!

Roxanne also brought two dogs, her dog Opal and a dog she is caring for, Mr. Worster. It was quite the contradiction between the tea and crumpets and managing three dogs! LOL!

To top of my relative day, I spoke with another cousin who lives in Minnesota. I spent a couple of summers with his family when I was a teenager. We stayed up all night and played cards, and then of course slept half the day, the next day. He and his wife have been a GREAT help to a close family friend who is dealing with Cancer. They have been at the hospital almost every night for nearly a month. It was nice to connect with him.

Yes, I am definitely rich in family and very grateful for it. I am also rich in friends. One of my very busy friends took the time out yesterday to visit the Open House. I could not feel more blessed.

AffirMINTion: I am rich in the love of family and friends.

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

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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!

I Am _____________ Enough

09/19/2011

A Mini Minty MoMINT

“Everyone has his/her own specific vocation or mission in life to carry out, a concrete assignment which demands fulfillment. Therein, he/she cannot be replaced, nor can his/her life be repeated. Thus, everyone’s task is as unique as is his/her specific opportunity to implement it.” – Victor Frankel, Man’s Search for Meaning

My mom says that my purpose is to be the cute, sweet, lovable me that I am… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!

I Am Sweet Enough

 

 

 

 

xoxo

 

Good morning Mintdom!

I have a question for you this morning. I know, I know, it is early LOL! The question is, in what ways do you feel you are “not enough”? You can fill in the blanks, mine are in parenthesis.

I Am Not…

____________________ Enough (Focused)

____________________ Enough (Assertive)

____________________ Enough (Confident)

I think that one of the obstacles to attaining my goals is when negative thinking creeps its way into my mind. One of these is thinking that I am not enough. I couple of years ago; I took a class called “What’s My Purpose – A Journey of Personal and Professional Growth” with Jim White, PhD (I highly recommend it). One of the chapters talked about this very thing. One paragraph from a worksheet in particular struck me:

“More often than not, you feel as if you are not enough when, in fact, YOU ARE ENOUGH! Do you remember the story of The Wizard of Oz? The Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion were all seeking something they did not believe they had. A funny thing happened when they got to Oz and met the Wizard. They each discovered that they already had what they were seeking.  They just had not acknowledged it. Is it possible that you have all that you need?

Look over your answers again with the eyes of someone who has just visited The Wizard of Oz and now answer these questions.

I was “enough” when to each of your previous statements.

I was “enough” when___________________________________________________________

I was “enough” when___________________________________________________________

I was “enough” when___________________________________________________________

My answers were as follows:

(Focus) I spearheaded and chaired a committee to get a community center built in my town (it was state of the art!).

(Assertive) After many meetings and a court battle, I got the voting laws changed in my town to include open registration (and landed on the front page of the Washington Post and in People Magazine)

(Confidence) I applied for, and got my dream job with an International Trade Association (The Supermarket Association)

I am saying the same thing that Victor Frankel and Minty said, only I took a lot longer to say it!

Maybe this evening when it is quiet, you might think about these questions and fill in your own blanks.

AffirMINTion: I am enough for whatever I want to do in my life!

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

PS You can Google Jim White’s ‘What’s My Purpose?’ Life Mastery Course if you are interested in taking it – I highly recommend it.

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 Mondays!

8/22/2011

I declare that from this day forward that I am changing the first day of the week known as Monday to Minty Mondays! This means that Minty will begin the week with her message first. This will make those folks happy that scroll down to her message (and photo first) LOL! It also means that I will write more than once a week.

 

 

 

A Mini Minty MoMINT

“Only one thing has to change for us to know happiness in our lives: where we focus our attention.” ~Greg Anderson

My mom says that she loves Mondays because it is the fresh start of a new week… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!
 

xoxo

Ready to take on the week

Good morning Mintdom,

Focus is a big word in my life.  The things I focus on matters.

“If you focus on what you have, you will end up having more. If you focus on what you lack, you will never have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey

When I was a teenager, I hated Mondays.  Monday meant that the weekend was over and I HAD to wake up early to get ready for school. Mondays meant that I HAD to catch the bus outside my front door it meant that I HAD to do homework.  Today, you will often hear me say that I love Mondays, and I REALLY DO love Mondays. I GET to wake up in my own home and I GET to say good morning to Minty (of course that is every day) I GET to go to a job that I love and I GET to attend our staff meetings with an awesome group of people. Monday means a fresh new week filled with new ideas and new challenges that keep my job interesting.

Today, think about where you put your focus because what you focus on expands.

One more thing – Today is a special day for my friend Erin who is one of my big supporters.  Today Erin GETS to take on a new role in leadership at a new office.  Erin, best of luck in your new position and office – you will be missed!

AffirMINTion: I focus on the positives (and the fun) in my life!

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

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.

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!

Priorities – Do You Know What Yours Are?

07/18/2011
 
Good morning, Mintdom,
 
It was a beautiful weekend here. Although I love Mondays, I hated to see this weekend end. The weather was perfect, I went to a wonderful party for a couple filled with the love of their family and friends, I had a nice conversation with a friend of mine, I went to water aerobics and I accomplished a couple of chores around the house.
 
Looking at the above paragraph, I can certainly see where my priorities are. Almost everything I do has to do with people except for the chores and they are at the bottom of the list. LOL Unfortunately, exercise is at the second bottom item on my list.  That is telling for me. The good news is that exercise MADE my list! It also shows me the power in writing. My question to you is… do you know what your priorities are? 
 
AffirMINTion: I make my plans according to my priorities
 
Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.
 
What are you waiting for?
 
Life is good!
 
A Mini Minty MoMint
 
“If you want to make good use of your time, you’ve got to know what’s most important and then give it all you’ve got.”~ Lee Iacocca
 
My mom says that I am one of her main priorities and I know it cause my mom spends lots of time with me… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!
xoxo

 

My mom plays with me