“When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened.” – Winston Churchill It seems the world just continues to move faster and faster. We have our news available in a split second, we can call anyone from anywhere with our mobile phones (and even see them on the other end), we can now see our tv shows on demand, and obtain a college degree at our leisure from the comfort of our own desk chairs. However, with all the convenience comes higher stress levels and … [Read more...]
When the Headlines Hit Home
I've been feeling very uncomfortable lately. Ever since the Stanford swimmer Brock Turner was given a short six month sentence for a rape he committed behind a dumpster on an unconscious woman, I've had flashbacks to an assault I faced when I lived in Minneapolis. It wasn't rape, but it was a sexual assault that occurred when I was at the local bar in my neighborhood. Like the victim in the headlines now, I had been drinking and casually talking to a guy. It was innocent. I wasn't really drunk but probably had a good buzz going because I can see it clearly in my mind. I remember hearing the … [Read more...]
Changing the Past
If you could go back into your past and change anything or any decision, would you do it? At first thought, its an instant, "YES!!" We all have a few times we wish we could turn back the clock and choose door B over door A. Maybe its a minor change like speaking to that guy in college who we thought didn't even know we existed but it turns out he did...and he had a crush on us. Maybe it was picking Enron stock over Microsoft in the late 80s, or staying with that guy way too long when we should have dumped him right away. We all have those bad decisions we wish we could change. However, … [Read more...]
Go Solar before NEM 2.0 Kicks In
Just about every other aspect of our lives has choice--cable or satellite, Verizon or Sprint, iPhone or Galaxy, United or Southwest. We get to choose. With our electricity, we haven't had that choice...until now. Solar is that new choice...and its BETTER. Not only is it better for the environment by being so much cleaner, its better for your budget. Its cheaper. I will give props to PG&E for working well with the solar industry, although it was basically mandated by the gov't with the alternative energy act. PG&E has allowed many California residents to switch with no problem. Some … [Read more...]
Boycotting the Oscars
I used to enjoy watching the Oscars every year. When I lived in San Francisco, I could walk to the theater for a quick matinee or go on a date to a movie followed by a drink or dinner afterwards. It was still affordable and didn't break my budget. I remember seeing Titanic, Sense and Sensibility, Shakespeare in Love, and Four Weddings and a Funeral multiple times at the theater on Union Street. All of them went on to win an Oscar and it was fun to watch. I remember feeling giddy when I would see a celebrity around town or when I was in LA and I still have a couple celebrity crushes I would … [Read more...]
The Clubs of Life
Remember that club your friends started in the third grade but didn't invite you to join? Or that sorority you desperately wanted to rush but they didn't send you a bid? Everything always seems to be about joining that club you feel everyone is a member of except you. Being in my mid 40s, there have been many clubs I've wanted to join only to never get an invitation. I've watched my friends, family and coworkers join, but those clubs remain elusive to me. It seems as if every stage of our life consists of levels taking us to the next club we, by society's standards, must join. I call these … [Read more...]
Why Go Solar?
The utilities have had a monopoly on energy for over a century. We've all been tied into a grid that is now just as old and is showing its age. Its archaic, uses up a lot of water, and makes us vulnerable. If the grid is going to last another hundred years, its going to need a lot of work and modernization. SolarCity is starting to lead the movement for distributed energy resources (DERs). Before that happens, people need to be educated as to why and how they can move to alternative energy. First the "why." The environment aside, moving to solar is more economical, cleaner, and makes us … [Read more...]
Once in a Lifetime…..
Never believe you don’t matter or aren’t worth it. You’re a once in a lifetime woman. … [Read more...]
Indie Author Success
So you're looking to publish your first novel. First off, congratulations for accomplishing the fete everyone has on their bucket list but few will accomplish. The question is how do you get published? Should you search for an agent or go the indie route which has become so popular and easy? If you are serious about publishing your own work (which I highly suggest), check out Michelle Rene Goodhewe's tips on how to go about it. Insightful, true and encouraging. Indie Author Success … [Read more...]
Are We Our Job?
I recently got promoted at work. There were congratulations all around from friends, coworkers, family and my customers I see on a daily basis. Deep down, I felt proud and excited for the new challenge coming my way. Yes, I do deserve this. The other part of me was wondering if it was the right decision for me. Being in sales, I know this position will be a lot more stress and I will be thinking about it 24/7. I'm very good at what I do and I enjoy the process of relationship building, but I don't handle the stress of meeting quota very well. Really, who does? Some people thrive … [Read more...]
