Pursuing Adventures

What Maria said on Sept 21, 2011

I had a reading:

• Very first vibration is that you are very intuitive and you are getting more so every minute. You are more than the average individual. With time, you will open up even more
• Lots of healing energy. Did you ever want to become a therapist or a doctor? Anything to do with physical, health or emotional health?
• Do you cook? You heal with nourishment
• You will be making a lot, a lot, a lot of changes
• You some times think about moving and it's on your mind to make changes
• The past 15 years has been like a vacation as you are not as productive as you want to be
• The only thing that keeps you in SF is your friends
• There is something Russian or Polish around you. It's very clear in your energy
• I see you living in Israel and you have
• When are you going to write books? Lots of writing. You have a lot to say
• You will release 25 pounds with the release of the book and then another 50
• You need to knock off the sugar; it could be the alcohol, bread and pasta
• You have fat genes but it won't be a problem when you get older
• Eat well when you travel because travel is a way of life for you. You move around a lot
• For some reason, I feel you may love and your love life will change
• You haven't had a relationship for a long time. Men cannot fit into a suitcase and that's what it is. You have traveled a lot. There will be a J or G initial. Another guy who reminds me of Tarzan. Dark complexion and dark hair. He is nice and exciting. He is younger than you and very nice. I get an M and B initials. 
• You won't believe it but you will marry again with a wonderful marriage. A very spiritual person. Someone who is around you is interested and you may not know it. There are a few guys here. This one is light. Things are changing with your energy and you will start attracting more people around you
• Do you have a Scorpio friend? Moved into a new place
• Some with investments and properties
• Do you ever lecture? I see you telling people what to do in talks. I see you speaking, speaking and speaking. telling people what to do
• Do you do it in hotels? Because I see hotels and mainly the corporate world.
• You will get out when you start writing your book and do consulting work. I see you consulting
• You do very well. They like you. You just would do more
• I see something with Washington, DC, which is very nice
• I see Montreal here too. St Jospeh is my most favorite. The energy is amazing
• I see joy, success. You simply made an amazing choice to be happy and you are doing it. You are following something that you don't know. You have Elizabeth, Liza or Liz. And a man with a Russian name like Yigor or Dmitri. Do you have spiritual guides around you?
• I hope you meditate
• Is your father gone? Was he young? He is very much around you. A nice simple. A lot of Taurus-Libra. He is full of smiles and very looking. He smiles a lot to you. He was shocked that he died and he didn't expect it. He is showing me someone named Yossi. He is around a lot. It's interesting how he'd like to develop a relationship now because I don't feel anything strong when he was alive. He is with his mother. He loved her a lot
• You need to live in a big city. An English speaking country. You will have more than one house
• In the next 2 years you will have an amazing relationship, which will determine where you want to be
• Do you ever think of doing your own business? You will do well. The business will bring you a man
• I see a number of men around you. He is a guy. The one I like most is someone who lives here and there. More than one location. He is open and can live where he wants to. He has been through some trauma in his life and he is a big, huge giver. He is really fantastic. You will teach him how to accept and take. He is a fabulous nan
• There is nothing that keeps you in SF other than your friends, There are no ties

 

 

Time

All we have is time. Take time for you. Invest in knowing yourself and what you want. Move away from what was drilled into your brain about what you are supposed to do.

Create your own rules and never let anyone get in your way. If you keep encountering the same roadblock, bad relationship or stressful work situation then there is a lesson you have yet to learn. Take the precious time, dig deep inside and break the pattern.

There is no destination. Just a series of life lessons. Cherish time and be very present. Focus on what is possible for you.

My love: the big blue ocean

This is truly a milestone. I am just feeling happy and alive right now. I have shed a lot of the preconceptions i grew up where certain actions were labeled as right or wrong. I don't care.

People can judge and they do but almost everyone battles with their own demons. As i was sitting at the ocean at sunset, i was watching the sand crabs scurry along without having to stop their work for the humans. And they were working at a furious pace. I at quietly watching and thinking about survival.

And what really hit me is that since my divorce, I have gone through this journey where I fully decided that happiness is within reach. And every day, i shed the emotional weight. What's next is taking better care of my vessel and truly being able to get to the next level. It is not enough to work on the spirit, the time has come to tend to ghe body ... After this trip :)

Watching the Newlyweds

Breakfast again. It has not become routine. Went back to reading Aleph and it is very relevant right now:

"we always tend to value what comes from afar, never recognizing the beauty around us."

" i had allowed myself to be slowly poisoned by routine."

Lots of thoughtful reading poolside today.

There are many newlyweds here. One couple who arrived yesterday caught my attention. Today, they arrived with their Kindles and smartphones. They are eating without talking. Each reading their ebooks.

And how funny is it that today I was asked if I was feeling lonely being here on my own. I have learned over the last five years to more and more cherish my alone time. There is also nothing that i feel I am missing by not venturing outside my cocoon. It is why I chose this resort. I needed to go deep inside.

I don't have my answers but i am not sure what the questions were.

Adventures ...

I am finally packed.  Probably took too much crap but it is 3 weeks of road warrior stuff.  I am just sitting here, having some toast, listening to David Broza belt out some great words and guitar, while my photos flash on my Apple TV.  The next time I sit here, I will be uploading new photos of my adventures.

What am I doing this weekend?  Flying.  SFO --> Chicago --> Brussels --> Burundi --> Nairobi ... I will get there on Sunday night and am apparently doing an all hands with all the employees at 11 am on Monday.  I have plenty of time to think on the planes, especially since I could not get my hands on a 3G iPAD so no distractions for me.  It will come.

I am looking forward to this trip.  Africa.  I have been doing so much work on it in the past three years and now I get to go there and listen and learn.  How cool is that?

And then I get to hang out in Barcelona, one of my favorite places on this earth!  with great friends!!!!

I'll stop there since after that it's all back to work with HQ people who I try to allow to drive me crazy less and less.  Now, that is my 2010 goal: sanity and keeping away from morons.

Must get dressed now ... more from the road ...

. “Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” – Mark Jenkins

A rant on what's perceived as "right"

So, why is it that we have to manage our time?  And why do we have a concept that tells us not to waste our time?  How many times have you heard the expression: "there are only so many hours in the day?" and it always has a negative undertone with it.

Fact.  Time goes by quickly.  We celebrate anniversaries of time with holidays or celebrations - age, marriage (some of us like me also celebrate, divorce), death and every other significant "event."  Our life is a series of events.

When we start going to school, we start learning about the rules.  We are promised utopia for what happens if we pursue a good education and a lot more bullshit.  We are given home-work that we do outside the day of learning so we can expand our minds and also, that we learn the importance of discipline.  Lesson #1 - Rules and discipline are good.  Lesson #2: Never waste your time. And, so it goes ... 

Does anyone else apart from me realize how ridiculous this is?  We are teaching people to follow rules and conform.  That is what has been rewarded up to now.

If we stop to breath and think there are so many hours in the day AND what can I do today that brings me joy and a feeling of fulfilment, what changes would each of us make?

Just saying ...

The Truth

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” Steve Jobs

I was brought up by a father who constantly pursued truth and justice.  It's actually what ended up killing him.  

“What you perceive, your observations, feelings, interpretations, are all your truth. Your truth is important. Yet it is not The Truth.”   Linda Ellinor

 What is truth?

What I have learned is that there is a level of shared truth but then the lines get blurry and it becomes incredibly fuzzy.   And the truth (sorry I couldn't resist) is that people don't want to hear the truth.  That's why we hear people saying: "I saw the signs and it was the first time in my life that I didn't trust my gut."  What that means to me is that they didn't believe what they assumed to be the truth and when someone showed them who they were in the first 15 seconds, they decided that it could not be possible.  Later, they will tell you what a great learning experience it was for them.  But we try to give people the benefit of the doubt and that does not always bring us joy.

A friend was dating this gentleman for three months.  She wanted an intimate relationship with him but he kept inviting her out to fancy dinners.  After three months, they started having conversations and this dining relationship ended.  The bottom line is that he wanted a companion and not more.  He did not come out and spell it out and created unrequited feelings.  I guess I am getting old but I am at a point in my life, where I want clarity from people and not games.  Even if the person does not know themselves, they know what dating is about.  Even if they were true to themselves, for me, they did not face the truth.  The truth that someone else was involved who was ready for a healthy relationship.  Live and learn.

I find in organizations, everyone knows the truth of what happens behind closed doors.  But they stand behind the door and pretend.  Why?  Because most executives don't want to hear the truth.  They focus on the metrics and pay lip service to the people side of what really goes on.  It's a shame because there a few people who are exceptional leaders who know how to motivate and get the most out of the people they work with.  The rest put on lipstick on a bulldog initiatives and deal with their own truth.

 

Seth Godin

I started reading Linchpin and so far so good.  I need to start collecting my thoughts about it here  and it would be nice to be able to blog from my Kindle :-)    

Godin writes, "Every day I meet people who have so much to give but have been bullied enough or frightened enough to hold it back. It's time to stop complying with the system and draw your own map. You have brilliance in you, your contribution is essential, and the art you create is precious. Only you can do it, and you must."

And then, I find myself awake at 3 am and his new blog post arrives in my InBox and I love it:

"Quieting the lizard brain

How can I explain the never-ending irrationality of human behavior?

We say we want one thing, then we do another. We say we want to be successful but we sabotage the job interview. We say we want a product to come to market, but we sandbag the shipping schedule. We say we want to be thin but we eat too much. We say we want to be smart but we skip class or don't read that book the boss lent us.

The contradictions never end. When someone shows up and acts without contradiction, we're amazed. When an athlete just does the sport, or when a writer just writes the words, we can't help but watch, astonished at the purity of their actions. Why is it so difficult to do what we say we're going to do?

The lizard brain.

Or as Stephen Pressfield describes it, the resistance. The resistance is the voice in the back of our head telling us to back off, be careful, go slow, compromise. The resistance grows in strength as we get closer to an insight, as we get closer to the truth of what we really want. That's because the lizard hates change and achievement and risk.

Want to know why so many companies can't keep up with Apple? It's because they compromise, have meetings, work to fit in, fear the critics and generally work to appease the lizard. Meetings are just one symptom of an organization run by the lizard brain. Late launches, middle of the road products and the rationalization that goes with them are others.

Your lizard brain is here to stay, and your job is to figure out how to quiet it and ignore it. This is so important, I wanted to put it on the cover of my new book. We realized, though, that the lizard brain is freaked out by a picture of itself, and if you want to sell books to someone struggling with the resistance (that would be all of us) best to keep it a little more on the down low.

Now you've seen the icon and you know its name. What are you going to do about it?"

How can I explain the never-ending irrationality of human behavior?

We say we want one thing, then we do another. We say we want to be successful but we sabotage the job interview. We say we want a product to come to market, but we sandbag the shipping schedule. We say we want to be thin but we eat too much. We say we want to be smart but we skip class or don't read that book the boss lent us.

The contradictions never end. When someone shows up and acts without contradiction, we're amazed. When an athlete just does the sport, or when a writer just writes the words, we can't help but watch, astonished at the purity of their actions. Why is it so difficult to do what we say we're going to do?

The lizard brain.

Or as Stephen Pressfield describes it, the resistance. The resistance is the voice in the back of our head telling us to back off, be careful, go slow, compromise. The resistance grows in strength as we get closer to an insight, as we get closer to the truth of what we really want. That's because the lizard hates change and achievement and risk.

Want to know why so many companies can't keep up with Apple? It's because they compromise, have meetings, work to fit in, fear the critics and generally work to appease the lizard. Meetings are just one symptom of an organization run by the lizard brain. Late launches, middle of the road products and the rationalization that goes with them are others.

Your lizard brain is here to stay, and your job is to figure out how to quiet it and ignore it. This is so important, I wanted to put it on the cover of my new book. We realized, though, that the lizard brain is freaked out by a picture of itself, and if you want to sell books to someone struggling with the resistance (that would be all of us) best to keep it a little more on the down low.

Now you've seen the icon and you know its name. What are you going to do about it?"

Reflections on ineffective people

It's hard to know where to start.  It's been an eventful week with many highs and lows.   I met some incredible people and had some great experiences.  I am going to focus on that part of the week instead of the insecure, draining egos.   

I am enjoying my espresso and looking out on to Lake Geneva while the sun starts coming out.  They changes the clocks at 3 am and I was up at 4 am.  I had a call with Dubai and then fell back asleep for a few hours.  I am just waking up now with some fresh crisp air coming in through the open door.  I was pleasantly surprised by the Hotel de la Paix.  When I checked in, I asked if it was possible to get a lake view room.  The woman looked at me and said that I paid for a Garden View, which was very true.  I left my bags with them and went to explore the city.  When I came back after dinner, I was in this unbelievably gorgeous room overlooking the lake with a patio.  It was like a dream and I have really been enjoying it.

I am not sure I am ready to go back tomorrow.  Not so much because I miss being home but because of dealing with the bullshit with these people.   If I had any respect for the two guys, I now have absolutely none.  They are pure shells.   One day UJ got angry at me when we were having breakfast.  I am not sure why but in the middle of a discussion, he raised his voice and snapped at me.  Later, he apologized and said his email crashed so he was in a bad mood and he has a tough time understanding me because I am so negative.  I am not sure where that came from but it was pure projection.  I am so done with him even though he tried to apologize.   I totally believe he does not have an ounce of sincerity.

Then, his buddy would walk up to people I'd be in the midst of a conversation and just started talking to them; totally ignoring the fact that he interrupted a conversation.  One guy came to "save" me when it happened the third time.  We had a laugh about it.  People do see what is going on.  I am done with him too.  I wish I could write more but I just can't yet.   But they both played really stupid moves as I will not be a cheerleader.  Quite the contrary, to say the least.

The good news is that despite these silly occurrences, the rest has been wonderful.  Great people.  Great place and many laughs.  I have so many great stories people shared with me.  But I need to get ready for my brunch with a colleague and his wife.

Women Leaders for Obama from Oprah to Michelle Obama

This weekend was amazing.  To be part of history with women from all over the country who realize what is at stake for the US right now was an incredible opportunity that made me think about how much is at stake right now and why we need to make sure we get the right leadership for the US.  There are only 24 days left.  Half the women who attended were going to a battleground state to knock on doors and make calls.  At lunch, they had us each write 3 post cards to undecided women in Florida and Nevada.   Some of the women at my table wrote 40 postcards because they wanted these undecided voters to understand how important their vote is.

You can get involved too ... There is a neighbor to neighbor calling tool at http://www.my.barackobama.com/n2n and a canvassing tool at http://www.my.barackobama.com/votercontact

I took a lot of notes and this just includes Day 1 and I promise to get Day 2 out soon, especially the economic and green panels, which was incredible.  But wanted to get something out so you can see what was said.  Again, these are my notes and I tried to capture as much as possible.

Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor, Obama for America

 

•  We have the heart and soul of this election here. Women and men have come from around the country for this conference. We even have someone from Alaska here
• There are many faces here. Republicans for Obama and Independents who are now friends. We are at a point where we care more about the future than partisanship
•  Woman voters will deliver presidency to Obama. Women who have stepped out and continue to show us what is possible in this world to fulfill our highest inspiration

 

• Welcome and Kick-Off with Special Guest Oprah Winfrey I knew that one day Barack Obama would run for President and I wanted to be part of that day
• This is bigger than all of us
• How do we know we are on the right track?
• We just know
• We are women and therefore, we know things and we do things
• Hillary Clinton changes the future of these elections. We now believe a woman can be the head of state
• The women’s movement brought us the right to run and choose and that means we are all free
• We are here for leaders and servants of America. Barack stands for every woman. He brings new life and new ideas to America. He is a new kind of leader and we’ve heard his call
• will not be the same – we have been impacted by his passion and fire
• I have hope that in our generation, despite our history and cruel challenges, the highest of ideas and dreams can be realized
• We’ve seen all these crazy, silly practices used before to block progress but the American people are not in the mood to be deceived again
• We have 26 days left for this election. We cannot let our guard down during the last six miles. We must be vigilant and contribute every effort to win
• American women are empowered to think and do. We need to help ‘mid-wive’ this election
• And Barack Obama is ‘the’ one and not that one
• We need to support the one our country needs now during this time of peril
• Each of us needs to rise to this moment
• I am asking you: what are you going to do now?
• The answer is we are going to elect Barack Obama as president of the United States of America
• Americans are born to the commitment of justice. We always come back to make things right
• We can make things right
• Yes, we will … 26 days from now

 

Roaring applause ….

 

 

Video from Hillary Clinton apologizing she couldn’t be there in person

 

• We need a fresh start
• America can rise from the ashes of the bushes
• This is a fight for our future and one we need to win
• Barack Obama is the one who will get us there

 

Report from the Front Lines by Governor Howard Dean, M.D., Chairman of the Democratic National Committee 

 

• Remind me not to speak after Oprah and Hillary next time
• Strong belief in our 50 state strategy, which expanded electoral map for the Democrats—NV, CO, VA, NC, IN become battleground states
• We have 220,000 new Democratic registered to vote, compared to 4,000 Republicans in NC
• Ohio has been Republican since 1967 and is now a battleground
• This is an exciting year for all women; not just Democrats
• Obama has raised the most money as a candidate, registered over one million new voters and McCain is playing defense now
• When they say we can’t is when we are at our best. We need to win this victory to change our country
• We have enormous work over the next 26 days
• One key message is please tell people to vote early in the process and the day

 

David Plouffe, Campaign Manager, Obama for America

 David is the chief strategist and Obama’s right hand

• Registered over 1.5 million new voters
• Obama – 70; McCain – 52
• Republicans are sending Sarah Palin to NH where 37% are favorable and 56% are unfavorable – “we should pay for her airfare”
• Some of the battleground states include: NV, NM, CO, IN, OH, NC, FL, VA, MT
• It’s getting nastier and nastier out there. John McCain’s negatives are rising and are out of touch with the economy
• We need to be more aggressive. Focus on the economy every day
• We are laying and effective campaign on McCain’s healthcare plan in battleground states
• Strap on your seat belts since it’s going to be a rough ride
• John McCain and Sarah Palin do not deserve to lead this country
• The economy is in crisis; people can’t pay for healthcare
• Let’s win it. The American people just can’t take it any more

 

Dr. Jill Biden—Introduction

 

• Has been a teacher for 27 years. Received two master degrees and PhD
• I came home after receiving my PhD to signs on the front of their house saying, "Home of DR. Jill Biden."  It was the kind of thoughtful gesture that Joe was prone to do.
• “Teaching is my passion”
• I’ve seen how the last 8 years have affected my students. They can’t afford books, some have quit school and many are struggling
• My students cannot afford another 4 years of Bush; none of us can
• We need a real change that will make a real difference in our lives. We need to bring real change to this country
• Joe Biden has done so much work for the Violence Aganst Women Act and the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. [That act was designed to counteract a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said Lilly Ledbetter could not sue Goodyear for paying men at her office more than her because she did not learn of the pay disparity until after what would have been the deadline to file the suit.]

 

Remarks by Senator Joe Biden, Vice Presidential Nominee 

 

• After being a single father for 5 years, I started dating Jill. I was in southern Delaware
• I introduced Jill to Mabel who was in her mid-80s and one of his constituents in 1978. Mabel said: boy, you’re marrying up
• Jill is remarkable. She got her PhD in the middle of all this and it’s just because she was tired of getting mail to “Senator and Mrs. Biden.” Now, all the mail comes to Dr. and Senator Biden”
• Barack and I have been influenced by strong women in our lives
• You can tell a man by the number of strong women around him
• Barack could be measured by the fact that he's married to Michelle, a woman who is nothing short of amazing, someone beautiful, talented, and smart, and who has what his mother would call "a heart of gold.
• Senator Dianne Feinstein remarked to him that "All you guys who do well in the Senate have really strong mothers."
• My mother is my best friend in the whole world. She helped me raise my boys and so did my sister
• Biden told a story about his own mother, who for years would not give interviews or talk to the press.  She finally decided to give an interview to David Frost, who insisted on calling him "Joey."  He asked Biden's mom, "What was the most difficult age to raise Joey?" She replied, "Well, I guess after 40."
• Had some glimpse of the challenges faced by women, and the role that government can play in making their lives better or worse.
• It’s all about the future we build for tomorrow. The Supreme Court matters as it influences the choices that are made like equal pay for equal work. It’s all at stake right now
• This was one of the issues raised in my debate with Gov. Palin. At least, I think it was a debate … I do admire her for heroic work of balancing work and family.
• Being a woman is not the same as being THERE for women — they are two different things. Ladies and gentlemen, I guarantee you, Sen. Obama and I will be there for the things that matter for the women of America
• Barack and I will be there for American women
• The first people to suffer in an economic downturn are women, because millions of women make minimum wage.  He said that John McCain voted 19 against raising the minimum wage.  "If John McCain had his way, those women making minimum wage would still be earning $3.35 an hour."
• McCain supports privatization of social security; where would elderly, retired women be now had Bush and McCain been able to push that plan through.
• John McCain voted against the Equal Pay Act, which was to rectify the Supreme Court decision authored by Scalia and Alito in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire The appointments that the next President make to the Supreme Court will last a generation, and so this is vitally important to women
• McCain believes that the Violence against Women Act is unnecessary. He voted against it; he even turned down research on this topic. Tell that to 5+ million women who are battered and hundred of thousands of women in shelters
• John [McCain] didn’t believe there was any need for the Violence Against Women Act. Tell the 1.5 million women who have called the battered women’s hotlines that this was unnecessary. Tell the women who have been battered repeatedly by men who ignore the “Stay Away” orders it wasn’t needed. John doesn’t get it.
• I am so sick of Republicans talking about values. I've had it up to hear with them talking about values.  Well, here's what we value: We value the right of women to be protected in their own homes.  We value a fair and decent minimum wage.  We value the right to privacy.  We value families enough to allow paid family leave and flex time so that people can actually care for sick family members.
• Jill's mother passed away last week, and that Jill was able to spend her last days with her.  To do this, many women would risk losing their jobs or at a minimum, not be able to take paid time off.
• One thing that he said which I plan to send on to my parents is that under the Obama Tax Plan, retired men and women who make under $50,000 a year would not be taxed on their income.  This is something that irritates my mom to no end, the fact that she paid taxes her whole life, and now is getting taxed on what little she gets from social security.
• What he and Obama want most on healthcare "all add up to dignity and respect."  No one in this country wants anything for free, but just an even shot
• The country needs to do better by women, and our country will be much, much better off.  The needs of women are central to Barack Obama's agenda
• In 1931, Hattie Caraway was the first woman to serve in the Senate, after her husband passed away and she finished out his term.  She was later elected in her own right, but was known on Capitol Hill as someone who didn't say much.  She was so quiet that the other Congressmen called her "Silent Hattie."  Now, there are 16 women in the Senate.  In the last 77 years "We've gone from Silent Hattie to Speaker Pelosi!  Now, that's progress!"
• We’ve lost the respect of the world and are motivated like never before

 

Gayle King

 

• I just realized that I should not have my son come home to vote in my state, which is pro Obama and Biden, but stay where he is an vote in the battleground state he lives in
• Michelle Obama is the campaign’s not so secret weapon
• She is so normal and like the rest of us. I was so impressed when she told me “in 15 years of marriage, Barack has never disappointed me.”
• I’ve been divorced and been disappointed oh so many times. I know what it’s like being with a cheater cheater pumpkin eater
• This is a critical time. We can take nothing for granted until every battle is settled
• I know that Michelle is a large part of what makes Obama a success. She has told me that she has faith in the American people and they will make the right decision for their country
• It has made me more proud to be an American and having this leadership in front of us

 

Keynote: Michelle Obama, The next First Lady of the United States

• I love Chicago.  It’s such a great city. Get out of the hotel and explore it
• Bidens are special people; not just Jill and Joe but the entire clan. We are all becoming great friends. All the Obamas and all the Obidens
• This is such a treat to take a break from campaigning and be here. Can you believe we have come this far?
• We are seeing young people finding their voice and not so young folks getting engaged. I have people in their 60s and 70s grabbing my arm and tell me that they never voted before in their lives but want to now
• This is only possible because of all of you
• I come here as a mom whose girls are the centre of my life. Their future and the future of all children is at stake
• My father got MS later in life but he always worked hard and never showed disappointment. There are so many issues at stake today like the economic crisis or the broken healthcare system. We need to make sure kids can pursue their dreams. It’s personal for everyone in this country
• Every where we go, we hear people calling for new solutions
• Barack gets it because he has been there. He has faced these challenges
• We actually have policies that value families and positions on the issues
• Our job is to send Barack and Joe to the White House. Our job is not done yet
• Barack has brought us 80% there and the next 20% is up to the American people and everyone in this room
• We need to stay focused on what we are fighting for and demanding seious conversations. We can’t afford to turn on each other. We can challenge positions without patriotism. We all love this country; that’s why we are doing this—to keep America strong and free. We’ve had enough politics that divide us. Let’s lead by example
• The leadership of women will be critical, because we all know, when you need something done, we can get it done. Talk to your friends and your neighbors and your colleagues. Sit down with your mothers and your fathers and your sisters and your girlfriends and tell them about the issues at stake in this election
• All of you live in a swing state or near a swing state, so when you get home, start knocking on those doors. Start talking on the phone. Help us get the vote out for Barack and Joe. It’s never been more important that all women make their voices heard
• Eleanor Roosevelt said: “A woman is like a tea bag- you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.”

 

New styles in Barcelona

Uzi, Leah and I decided to head to central Barcelona and grab a falafel at Maoz.  We got our falafels and hung out at the salad bar where you can continually add different salads, as much as your heart desires.  The place was packed but we managed to find three seats.  It was very good and filled my longing for a good falafel.

Uzi wanted to stop at the art supply store but it was closed until 4:30 pm and I was craving my favorite coffee.  We walked around the squares of the Gothic quarter and Leah led us to a  cafe she used to love but had not been to in years.   There was a huge wooden camel at the entrance and we cut through a clothing store to get there.  When I got to the top of the stairs and looked around, I felt out of place.  I certainly didn't fit in with all these tattooed and pierced youngsters.  Nevertheless, it was an adventure.  The whole upper floor, which used to be thriving, was now closed.

There were two dogs scurrying around like crazy and their owner kept tossing a rubber chicken they were fighting over.  We got our coffees and were taking this place in.  Uzi was getting irritated by the dogs since they were running wild and didn't care that we were there.  I love dogs but it was especially annoying when they started tossing an empty water bottle at our feet.  We did watch all the people who came and went and had some good laughs.

I looked over and saw this girl whose pants were below her waist and her striped underwear was there for all to admire.  We captured some photos as it is difficult to describe:

On the plane to Frankfurt

I love my data card cause I can be online any where ... kind of scary.  I only have a few minutes before I need to shut down.

I am excited.  This past week has been a total turning point.  I went through my last obstacle and passed with flying colors.  I didn't get bummed out by the assholes but ignored them.  It has been a life time of lessons that proved that I was strong.  What a fantastic feeling. 

And now, I am on my way to give a presentation on social networking, which is so exciting.  I feel like my new life that I had envisioned is starting.   Whatever happened is all goodness.

Taking a week vacation is also making me relax.  I brought a book so will decide where I want to explore.

Ok ... time to shut down ... more from the journey!

Adventures in Tahoe

The sun is pouring in here in Tahoe.  It looks like a gorgeous day.  Sheila and Lucy already ran 6 miles around Donner Lake.  I am just waking up.  I was up from 4:00-6:00 am again and feel a bit sleepy.  Sheila was sweet and brought me a latte every morning we've been up here.  I could definitely stay here longer and take some time off.  This is my second time in Tahoe.  The first time was in 1998 during the winter with Mike and his Microsoft buddies.  This visit is much more fun and relaxed.  It's absolutely gorgeous here in the summer.

Yesterday was fun.  We met up with J, M and the ILs (in-laws), who are visiting for way too long from Australia.  I had a very unhealthy lunch; the last in a long time now that I have decided to change my eating habits and take better care of myself.  It's a must. I am going to go grocery shopping today and start my new regimen.   I just wish I didn't have to work today but such is life since I did get a lot done on Friday with the power outage.   

We went to the Biltmore casino after lunch, which was a new adventure for me.   It wasn't very busy and Sheila went to play at one of the tables.  At that table, there was a couple who I thought came out of a stereotypical soap opera.  The woman was dressed like a hooker and was baby talking to the guy who she was fondling.  She was some character.  When I came over, she was telling Sheila: "oooooh, this is my Marine.  He is my good luck charm.  I am so lucky to have him.  He did so much for me this morning."  She just went on an on about stuff none of us cared about.  Martha's boobs were falling out of her bright pink halter top.  She kept betting and downing her greyhounds. 

We continued learning more and more about this "couple" because she loved to talk incessantly.   They met on a plane and they were now "best friends with good benefits."  Martha asked Sheila to guess how old she is and Sheila is an angel.  Martha looked like she was in her 40's.  And Sheila, bless her heart, guessed 32 and 28 for the Marine.  Martha was in heaven and shared with us that she is 46 and Marine boy was 23.  A cougar, we gathered.  I wish I could have taken a photo of them but no photos in the casino.

I was amazed at the amount of personal information and detail Martha shared with total strangers.  I actually felt sorry for her.   She was so proud of being with a 23 year old soldier who was going to Iraq next year telling us: "Justin told me that he is not afraid of dying.  He is learning Arabic and I am so proud of him."  She grabbed on his dog tags and went on and on about how he let her wear them last night and how sexy they are.  That's where I had enough.  Dog tags are not sexy.  They are very real.  Their whole purpose is to identify a soldier in an emergency situation ranging from captivity to death.  Having been married to a soldier and having lived with the reality of war most of my life, I lost interest in Martha and her boy toy.

Martha wanted us to go dancing with them in Truckee later that night and Sheila handled it like a charm assuring her we'd be there.   I really enjoyed the time with Sheila and Pete but this woman was too much.   Finally, they cashed out.   And we all had a big laugh.  But after 5 minutes they were back buying chips and continuing on with the same crap.  As we were leaving, Martha won and I just looked at her and told her that she should probably get back to her dogs and really cash out.  I bet they are still at the casino right now. 

We had a great evening just chilling and watching 2 really bad movies.  There was no dancing for us.

 

Why Do I Blog?

Yesterday, I mentioned this blog to a friend.  And her response really pissed me off because I don't expect my friends to read my blog.  It's totally up to them.  I love it when, with some friends, we can talk about what I wrote or when they comment.  It means a lot if they do but I know that people use the Internet differently.   

So what pissed me off?  That she said: " you know, I just don't read your blog.  It's just not for me."   Blogging is part of my life.  It's not something that I consciously do.  I have been keeping a journal on and off since I was 7 years old.  Having lived in different places, my journal was a constant friend.

I decided to make my blog public 4 months ago after going to a conference about Inventing Your Future where I attended a lunch session on writing a book.  The speaker told us about some very impactful stories of how  someone shared their story in a book and ended up helping other people through their stories.   While I'd love to write books, like millions of other people who share this fantasy, I am sharing my stories in this blog in the hope that I may help other people and maybe even start a dialogue with some of you so we can help each other.

My perspective is that life is all about learning.  We all end up in the same place so it really is about our journey.  We don't learn this early on in life.  We get our heads filled with crap about what success is and we start to chase the dreams we are told should fulfill us.  So here I am today, unlearning and redefining my dreams and passions.  It's not easy but my journey.  I am constantly in conversations with people who expect me to be dating right now and I have stopped defending my choices.   I am stopping to breath right now and explore.  So I appreciate any one who comes to my blog, reads and hopefully, returns to share their perspectives.   I am in no rush and know that in 12-18 months, I will expand my readership with likeminded people.  I don't really want a friend to feel "they have to" read my blog.   I just don't expect it and will not mention it again to this friend.  That is sad because she will miss out on part of my life.  Her loss!

Massage, Italian Style

So I've told my sister and a few friends about my Italian experience and thought I should share it with you here.

I decided to treat myself to a massage at the hotel's Beauty Farm.  That's what they called it.  I think it got lost in the translation.  I showed up, changed and went to the Turkish steam room.  I am not sure why I needed a steam especially since I was just sweating outside but my masseur was running late.  Anyhow, it felt good especially after the bronchitis.  I was given a paper thong underwear to put on, which was a bit strange.

I was done and went into the massage room.  It was a typical massage table, although it had a superior head rest, and I was told to lie down with my head up and cover myself with the blue towel.  When the woman left, I checked out the table as it was different.  There were  a few fluffy blue towels covering the table and a folded one on top.  I slipped out of my robe, laid down and covered myself with another big, blue towel.  There were no sheets.

The masseuse came in and I told him I wanted medium pressure; I didn't want to be sore on the plane.  He started on my legs and it felt good.  The tension was leaving my body.  Next were my arms.  I was liking it.  And then, all of a sudden, the towel was flung off and I jumped up in surprise.  My stomach was then massaged and I just decided that I am in Italy and when in Rome ...  so it was strange to have these paper thongs on and be totally bare.  A new adventure to say the least.