49. Challenge

So, I signed up for the Self Challenge yesterday on-line. I did it once before and there was my name printed in the magazine with all the other names. The challenge has to do with diet and exercise and I already began as of Sunday. Let's see how long this lasts! I did go and do the elliptical trainer with Brooke by my side so that was fun! I also saw Lisa H. up there, pink-faced after her spinning class. She looks good right now after her baby! I have watched Oprah's weight go up and down over these years and right now she is a bit heavier than usual. She has Bob Greene as her trainer--I wish I had a trainer. Actually I would like Oprah's chef too -- wouldn't that be nice to ask someone to cook you exactly what you wanted? I just broiled a nice petite sirloin steak and had a lovely salad with tomatoes, carrots and croutons. Yummy! It would've been nicer to have a chef to do all the work! :)

48. Happy!

"Don't Worry, Be Happy!" Easier said than done. I am reading in my Self mag. right now about the '7 Rooms of Happiness' which was written by the Happiness Guru and the editor of Self. Actions speak louder than words. True. Simple. Right now I am preparing yet another Sunday feast and festivities because it is Ali's 19th birthday! I can't believe it! I keep seeing her as a baby in my mind's eye. That is Freaky! Anywho, I just want my kids to be happy, whatever road, whatever career path they choose. Brooke was sooo happy this week when she was chosen to sing a solo in the school Talent Show! Very Exciting! Then her Geography teacher complimented her on her World Religions artsy projects--Yahoo! She now has 4 As! Phew! Yup, that makes me happy! When I saw Oprah with those puppies on her birthday--now that was real joy! :) My do makes me happy too and I better take him for a nice long walk today--that makes him Really Happy!

47. Win

We all love to win. Plus, we all love to see an American win. I also want to see the Canadians mount the podium as well, especially in Vancouver since my sis Susan lives there and I spent about two months one summer biking, hiking, running and swimming around Kits Beach in Vancouver. It is sooo beautiful--the water meets the city and then you hike up to the top of Whistler and on a clear day you can be on top of the mountain and see the sea. I'm glad that the city is looking so good to the world! Last night when Evan L. won gold in men's figure skating, I remembered Brian Botano (sp?) and the battle of the Brians, one American and one Canadian. Wow-what a long time ago. He looked so happy and so humble and moved, all at the same time. Today on Oprah she spoke to Evan and then Shaun White came on the show and brought her a snowboarding jacket which looked really cute. Also, Oprah gave everyone in the audience the red Canadian mittens. I have to have those cute mittens! I was mental trying to get that 2002 hat--the blue beret -- now I want those red mittens AND the scarf. I may not be able to win a gold medal but maybe I could score those mittens! :)

46. Win

Americans win some gold tonight and it is Very Exciting. American skater Shonnie Davis wins gold, a back to back win in the same event---that is AMAZING! Then, Lindsay Vonn did what everyone said she could do, win gold in the downhill skiing, despite a bruised shin. Very Cool Indeed. Now, I can NOT wait for Shaun White, the Flying Tomato --can he capture another Gold? I bet yes on that flying carrot top! :)

45. Market

Sometimes you really have to market yourself or your product or service. Oprah is an excellent case study for anyone trying to build an empire in the multimedia industry. She starts on a local Chicago station, moves to the national network, produces films at Harpo Studios, along the way starts a magazine which is FAB! How did she do all this? There should be a course in a Business School and Oprah should teach it! :) Now, this guy, the writer of the Crystal Moon series has really figured out how to market his books. Last Saturday, the Murray Barnes and Noble store sold 80 copies of his book--which is unbelievable. "This other author, who is nationally known, sold 50 books, that was the record. This guy knows how to market himself and his book." It is unique. He writes the book, self-published it, asked his readers for feedback and he made changes if they sounded good. In this way, the reader feels invested in his book. Also, his website looks really good and he answers every fan email personally, that is amazing in itself.

44. Love

Today is Valentine's Day and it is a day filled with Love. I have several Valentines and I Love them all. Here is the family in Hawaii in August, 2009. Today, I woke up really early to make cards with photos, quotes and hearts all over them. I made one each for Bryan, Ali, Brooke and Grandma. Then, I made a very special brunch: lasagna, salad, bread . . . then . . . DESSERTS! :) Chocolate covered strawberries and raspberries, cream cheese cake pie from Marie Callendars, topped with a drizzle of chocolate and strawberries or raspberries, plus heart shaped cookies which were pretty with pink sprinkles. Brooke and I also made a Love cd filled with love songs. Grandma said it was "the best Valentine's Day Ever!" Ahhh, that made me sooo happy. Jeremy came over to pick up Ali for dinner and met Grandma, so that was very nice indeed. It was a Lovely Day! Now, I am Very Tired and want to have a nice, restful sleep. I finished East of Eden. What a great book! I can't wait to discuss it with Book Club! (I didn't sleep because I started Shutters Island and couldn't stop until I finished it! Scary to read this book at night!)

43. Conquer

Conquer thyself. True words indeed. Apollo Anton Ono just said, "Conquer thyself." Let's see what he can do. Can he win another medal? He is amazing and continues to exceed all expectations, just as Oprah does every single day. She could stop right now and just sit around and spend her money.