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.

42. Celebrate

There is so much to celebrate today! The Olympics opening ceremony is coming up soon, tonight and I can't wait to see all the exciting festivities. I love Vancouver and seeing all the sights like Whistler, will bring back my very fun summer spent there with my sister Susan.

41. Sing

Yesterday, Brooke tried out for her school Talent Show. She can sing like an angel. She sang 'My Heart Will Go On . . . " which was sung by Celine Dion for the Titanic soundtrack. Brooke did a great job, acapella because her music track had Celine's voice on it. Then, we came home and I turned on Oprah and who was singing? Celine Dion was singing on Oprah! I could NOT believe it! What a coincidence! Then, the Four Canadian Tenors were singing--like angels--and Celine surprised them by singing with them! It was Very Cool and Very Fun. These four young voices will be heard at the Vancouver Olympics.

40. Google

So, when did google a verb that we all use every day? Google this, google that.

39. Give

Yesterday, I read about the Top Givers in the world. Oprah made the list at #25, donating 40 million dollars last year to various charities, including her own Angel Network. Bill and Melinda Gates were #2 on the list. The narrative described the qualities and characteristics of these 'Big Givers' and I found the whole process very interesting. They quoted Andrew Carnegie. Several individuals on this list (including Carnegie and Gates to name two) amassed their fortunes by creating a virtual monopoly on their product or service, thereby driving their competitors out of business. So, I find that interesting, that in the 'second act' of their lives they decided to 'give it all away.' Good, that is Great News. Oprah has ALWAYS been a Giver, always ready and able to give a 'hand up, not a hand out' which is a FAB motto when helping others. My favorite charities include: Salvation Army, American Red Cross, and KIVA, just to name a few.

Where do you give your time and money?
What are your favorite charities?
How do you serve others?

38. Schedule

Today I have to review my schedule for the whole week. First, I had to make and review our tennis plans. So, once I get all the tennis dates set with my Monday group, then I remembered Brooke's orthodontist appt. on Tuesday, the same time that I have to run my Focus Group. Next, Brooke will be singing on Wednesday for her Talent Show. She will sing, "My Heart will go on . . ." the Titanic song. She has a beautiful voice, but she can experience stage fright so I hope she stays confident.
I do wonder if Oprah ever gets nervous. Every day she is speaking before a huge studio audience and then her millions of viewers across the entire world. It must be scary sometimes. Then, I wonder about Oprah's schedule. I have a hard time trying to keep track of all of my stuff with work, tennis, my girls and The Husband. There is a lot to remember and I forget stuff!

How do you keep track of your busy schedule?

37. Watch

I am watching the Super Bowl. When did The Who get so old? What happened to their voices? What was with the air-guitar playing? At least pretend you're actually playing the guitar. But, the songs, the music stands the test of time, that's for sure. That is Classic Rock for sure. 'Teenage Wasteland' and 'Whoooo are you' which is now the Theme Song for CSI. Then, there's the commercials. Oprah was on a commercial with David Letterman and Jay Leno on either side of her. That was funny. But, the funniest commercials were the Doritos' ones. Very Funny Stuff! Especially where the guy was in the coffin with all the Doritos watching TV so he could take time off work. I wonder if that would work for me . . . :)

36. Shop

On Saturdays, I usually shop. I shopped for books at Barnes and Noble. I shopped for Brooke's headbands at Tai Pan Trading--which is a very cool store filled with decorating ideas for your home. Then, I shopped at Smiths for food and other items. I always call Brooke and Ali when I'm in the store so I can get them exactly what they want. This saves me a lot of time--otherwise it is inevitably wrong and I have to take it back! Arghhh! Now, I wondered today what it would be like to shop with Oprah. Gayle would know! Oprah can buy anything! She could buy twenty books--any book she wanted--anytime, anywhere. That would be Very Fun Indeed! :)

35. Rest

I really needed to rest today. I came home from school and tried to rest. Sadly, I can't nap--there's something the matter with me! I felt really ill this afternoon --dizzy and nauseous. So, I tried to sleep but I couldn't--just kept thinking of everything on my to-do list! Arghhh! It's so frustrating since I haven't slept through the night all week. I will wake up at 4 am, start worrying about everything I have to do, then I worry that if I do get to sleep, I won't wake up on time to get to work. This is all Very Frustrating! :(

Do you get enough rest every day?

34. Enthuse

I need to enthuse myself and others today. First of all, I am exhausted. Brooke awoke at 4:30 am. today and woke me up and no, I could not just "go back to sleep" which The Husband can so easily do. I remember waking to feed my babies and he would stir and snore in the matter of about two minutes. I don't sleep well in the best of times. So, I woke up and got my dinner ready in the crock pot--pot roast--which will now be ready when I come home. I have a lot on my to-do list today as usual--but I don't want to be cranky and out of sorts all day--even though I already am-- I need to be cheerful and enthusiastic-- like Oprah is on her show when she says the person's name and they enter the stage. It would be fun if when I walked into work everyone was clapping and cheering for me--maybe then I could be more 'up' and enthusiastic!

33. Anticipate

I anticipate quite a show when Oprah interviews Wanda Barzee's children. Barzee has consistently blamed 'that man (Mitchell)' for the atrocities committed to poor Elizabeth Smart. It seems her own children have a different tale to tell. They accuse Barzee of being an abusive mother---I shouldn't be surprised--how could that woman live with herself--standing idly by while her husband kidnapped and abused Elizabeth Smart. They are both horrible people and I hope they both go to prison for a very long time. After I listened to Barzee's children discuss their mother on Oprah, it was so strange how each had a different reaction and story to tell. Barzee had six children and the ones who spoke on the show each had varying stories and degrees ranging from compassion to hate. The ones who seemed most 'healed' had lots of therapy.

32. Organize

Every Sunday I organize for the week ahead. I cook meals and put them in the fridge or freezer for the week. I get my clothes washed, ironed and ready-- both to wear and to take to the cleaners on Tuesday or Thursday. Then, I organize my lessons and correct papers to get ready for the entire week and write all of my to-do lists. Then, I have to check all my tennis plans as well so I don't forget any matches! I try to organize around the house as well and have learned several valuable tips from Oprah. Once, I remember a woman who had tidy baskets for each family member. When they came in the door they put their shoes and backpacks in their basket. When she walked around the house, she put stuff in the correct basket and then she put the baskets on the stairs and the kid took it to their room. What a great organizational tip! :)

31. Learn

I like to learn something new every day and I hope that my students learn something new as well each day. Today I learned some new doubles strategies that Amy and I are going to practice next time we play together which will be fun to try. I also learn something new from The Oprah Show every time I watch it. Yesterday I learned of the dangers of texting or talking on the cell phone while driving--such behavior can kill a child and no one would want to carry that burden on their conscience for the rest of their lives. Today, I stopped my hand from reaching for the cell phone. I wanted to grab it but I didn't, I stopped myself and waited until I was in the parking lot to talk to my husband.

What did you LEARN today?

30. Celebrate

Oprah celebrated her birthday today with over 100 people who were also born today! What fun! She adopted two new puppies that were adorable! Then, there was another puppy that she gave to another lady celebrating her birthday. Possibly the cutest pups ever--other than my Oreo! It was a very happy show! Then Ali came on, she is one of my favs because she makes me giggle every time she appears! She was tracking people down for texting while driving. No More Texting While Driving! I don't text but I have made phone calls while driving but I pledge to stop immediately! I guess I may just have to focus on my driving from now on!

How did or will you celebrate your birthday this year?

29. Explain

Explain yourself Jay Leno. Today, Oprah spoke to Jay about the 'Late Night Fiasco' between he and Conan and NBC. I didn't see the whole show so I don't know everything that Jay had to say. My opinion is that Jay should've walked away and let Conan continue with the Tonight Show. Jay could've retired or done his stand up routine in Vegas or wherever. I think he seems selfish to come back and want to take the show back. In these very tough economic times, NBC gave Conan a multi-million dollar 'bailout' that was amazing, so good for him, he isn't hurting right now. We will have to see if people watch Jay. I was also interested to see Oprah be so opinionated and ask the tougher questions that I certainly want to hear answered. She is more willing to share her opinions these days, since she has nothing to lose at this point. I like that!

28. Feed

Feed yourself well and with kindness. A very interesting topic today on Oprah about food and America. Food, Inc. is a dvd that I am going to order from Amazon with a special deal for only $10. if I get it within the next 24 hrs. The film is about the corporations making our food as opposed to grandma making homemade food. I must admit that I love to cook at home and feed my family and I believe my food is better than fast food or store bought food. There were all sorts of rules and information about the food that was quite interesting. I will have to flirt with the rules, and slowly adopt them because you can't change all at once, too tricky in the modern world, I don't live on a farm after all. Also, very funny at how reticent Oprah was to talk about cows or beef; and it reminded me of her 'mad cow' debacle and the Texas court case she went through. How stupid was that whole thing? Sheesh! Crazy Texans!

27. Forgive

Today on Oprah were two wives who were explaining their difficult husbands. Denise Richards was so nervous when talking about Charlie Sheen. Sheen seems to be like teflon by the media, nothing bad seems to stick to him. He pulled a gun on Kelly Preston when they were dating (she then married a good guy named John Travolta--good choice Kelly!) Then, Sheen was arrested and in jail on Christmas Day because he allegedly pulled a knife on current wife Brooke. The media somehow cast Denise Richards as the villian. Sheen must have a really good publicist! Why does the public continue to forgive Charlie Sheen when he continually abuses women?

The second wife was a Huge Puzzler to me. She was able to forgive her husband for lying about having 'a sexual relationship with a man' and 'doing drugs' as well. How could she forgive him AND allow him back into her bed and her family life? I am still stunned and amazed. I just don't think I could forgive all of that.

How much could you forgive?

26. Retrain

"Retrain your brain." I just read an article from a man who spent time in prison and told the youth offenders in his SLC audience that they can all retrain your brain and change your life. "Stop drinking alcohol and doing drugs," he told his young audience that with new more positive behaviors that they could change their lives for the better. Good advice!

Oprah is always encouraging people to change their very unhealthy lifestyles. I watched her show when an addict mother was supplying drugs to her teenage son. She would knock on his door and hand him the Oxycodon pain pills. They were both addicted, it was horrible. I can not believe how pervasive this problem is in today's American society. It is shocking and sad. I wish they could all retrain their brain!

24. Focus

Today, I have to focus on finishing my final edit for my Young Adult novel, Monet Moment. Why? I have to finish and submit tomorrow, Monday, Jan.25, because that is when the contest
opens. They only take the first 5,000 entries, which sounds like a lot, but isn't really when you consider all of the millions of wanna-be writers out there. So, today is the final day to focus on finishing. (Of course, Grandma is coming over so I will be cleaning the house, making my homemade meatballs over spaghetti (family favorite!) washing and drying clothes (the dryer is now in working order again! arghhhh!) oh, and I have a pile of papers next to me here that I need to read through and correct and enter the scores. See why I need to focus on finishing? :-)

I watched Oprah when she ran the marathon many years ago and I clearly remember her talking about how hard it was, around mile 22 (and I agree-- when I ran the St. George Marathon, same feeling occured around mile 21 or so) where you just have to focus in on finishing, on seeing yourself finishing the race and running through the ribbon. So, thanks Oprah for the inspiration! I will focus on finishing today!

24. Invest

Invest wisely. The stock market is taking another dip. I moved back into the Income Fund.

23. Hope

Hope for Haiti is being broadcast right now. It is amazing to see all these stars singing and giving their time to answer the phones and talk to people. Oprah talked about it on today's show, Live from Chicago. She also spoke with Bristal and Sarah Palin. Bristal spoke about the challenges of being a teenage single mom and how hard it is to wake up at 4am with a baby. I remember those early days as being very difficult indeed and I have a helpful husband and loving family. How hard it would have been to go it alone. I see those little babies, alone in Haiti, ophans. I hope they will be adopted and cared for soon.

22. Choose

Choose your words carefully. Words can wound and words can heal.

When Jay-Z was on Oprah they had a discussion of his use of the 'n-word' in his lyrics. 'Bros and Hos,' said Oprah. Jay-Z said they took the power of the word away by using between the 'bros.' "Not to me," said Oprah. "Imagine that as the last word heard before being lynched." I sided with Oprah on this issue, I completely agree with her. It is an evil word, spoken with hate and venom. I wished that Jay-Z would have said, 'Okay, I will not write another rap with that word in it from now on." Why not? He could choose other words. He could rap Langston Hughes poetry, why not?

21. Hope

Pandora opened her box and all the evils of the world flew out. Then, she closed the lid and hope remained inside. So, with all of the horrible things that occur in the world, like the current situation in Haiti for example, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. I hope that tomorrow will bring some happiness to me and others around me.

19. Manifest

'Manifest your own destiny,' was today's inspirational tone on Oprah. Susan Boyle and Adam Lambert both sany and then shared their stories of the fame that has happened around them in the last year. They were both overwhelmed but grateful and humble--all at once. When Oprah chatted with Barbra Steisand, they both agreed that you manifest your own future and destiny. Adam, Barbra, and Oprah all dreamed of their future, but none of them really saw the price of fame, the lack of anonymity that goes along with it; the change in lifestyle and the loneliness, when everyone goes home. I found it all to be fascinating, that they all pictured their future and then set out to make it happen. Nothing happens by accident, we all must manifest our future, our dream of a better tomorrow, surround ourselves with people who believe in us and then set out, step by step to make it happen.

"What you practice is what you manifest." Fay Weldon

What will you practice today to manifest your own destiny or dream? Who supports you?

18. Cook

I cook today because it is MLK Day and I have the day off. Phew! I cooked my Rachel Ray pastie recipe and saved that mixture in a jar for tomorrow's dinner. I will put that mixture into the pie crusts tomorrow after work and that dinner will be ready in about 15 mins. Now I am cooking chili in my slow cooker and hot chili will be ready by 4-5 pm to add to a backed potato with cheddar cheese on top. Or, I will crunch some Fritos on top--good and crunchy! I love to cook! I love to watch The Food Channel and try to make the recipes. It's not by accident that I loved Julie and Julia! I can remember my dear mother making Julia Child's Beef Bourg. oh so many years ago!

The first time I saw Rachel Ray on Oprah was many years ago. Then, I started watching her show and bought her magazine. I never made many of her recipes but I loved watching her cook and I did learn some helpful hints which I still use today when I cook. I always use EVOO--extra virgin olive oil. I always have a garbage bowl or bag on my counter or sink to throw the garbage in while I cook.

17. Rest

I need to take a rest day today and relax a bit. Yesterday I left my house at 7:30 am and did not return until 3:30 pm . . . on a Saturday! I started with Lift class from 8-9 with Ali, then on to the elliptical trainer and then tennis from 10-12. Then I went to school to work because I didn't finish everything on Friday. Then, more errands. then picking up Brooke and her friends at the mall by 6 pm. Also, I haven't been able to sleep in lately, waking up at 5 or 6am is ridiculous! I need to rest and recoup and Just Calm Down!

I know that Oprah has a busy and hectic life but I've also seen her FAB getaway in Hawaii--with a big white wrap-around porch and acres of land all around her. I think that would be a very nice relaxing getaway spot for sure! Also, we all know she goes on holidays when they show the reruns. So, yes, she is Super Busy too but she also has some FAB getaways and I am sure she doesn't scrimp on her holidays as I do! :)

'Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then, get back to work.' Ralph Marston.

Do you get enough rest?

16. Prioritize

I have a lot of bullets on my 'today's to do list,' as usual. First, I have to finish editing my Young Adult novel, Monet Moment. I want to submit it in to Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest by Jan. 25, so I need to Hurry Up! I can get distracted by so many other chores. I simply have to Focus in and Prioritize. I left the house today at 7:30 am and have just returned at 2:50 pm, after checking off all my errands. I am going to edit now non-stop until I go pick up Brooke and her gal pals at the mall.

15. Pamper

Today I pampered myself. After a very busy day at work, I had a relaxing facial (she massaged my neck and shoulders) then, a scalp treatment (she rubbed my head and scalp--ahhhh! :-) then, she washed my hair (rubbing my head again) and then a cut and style . . . and it looks cute and fresh. Yes, it cost some cash BUT I feel a LOT better right now! I was REALLY stressed when I walked in and relaxed when I walked out, after my day of pampering.

Now, I know this is nothing compared to the kind of pampering that Oprah receives every day from her hair stylist Andre and all the other minions who flutter around getting her ready to go on the air . . . BUT . . . it was a great day for me! :) We all deserve a little pampering within our very hectic lives.

14. Power

"You've always had the power girl," said the Witch to Dorothy.

13. Compliment

"I can live for two months on a good compliment," Mark Twian

Compliment Copiously.

12. Style

"My first tip is be true to your own personal sense of style," Rita says. "You know what feels good on you.

Today, Rita Wilson is showing her style and makeovers. She showed the 'Great at Any Age' from Harpers Magazine. First, I LOVE Rita Wilson--Sleepless in Seattle anyone? :) Next, she is about my age so it was very fun to hear what she had to say and also to look at her style. "Get Cute for YOU!" said the two guys. Rita and her Style Squad made over several women throughout the show. I LOVED this episode! I love style and I love seeing the makeovers happen. Cindy H. and I have a Dream-- to be picked for 'What Not to Wear' and hang out with Stacy and Clinton in NYC for a week--ahhhh--it would be sooo fun! :) What is my Style? Classic fabrics (love cashmere! :) love the ruffle blouse! and Cover Up! :) Pop of Color, jewelry and scarves are all great to add that pop.

How would you describe your style?

11. Discipline

"Discipline yourself so others won't have to," John Wooden.

So many problems that I see showcased on Oprah stem from a lack of discipline. The Debt Diet people are a prime example. Stop spending money you don't have! Those people drove me crazy. My pal Suze Orman looked over their financials and put them on a strict Debt Diet! I wonder how they are doing now, it would be interesting to see. I am a highly disciplined person, with my money, my food, exercise, work, everything. I think that discipline was ingrained at an early age with my ballet lessons. Everything has to be precise in ballet and you have to practice it over and over. Learning discipline is perhaps the most important lesson I've ever learned, next to the work ethic, but they go hand in hand.

How do you train yourself to be more disciplined?

11. Travel

• "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness." Mark Twain
• "The world is a book and those who don't travel read only one page." St. Augustine

When Oprah travels around the world and around the country on her show, I am reminded of my own travels. Having been to Europe twice, I wondered why I didn't visit Denmark, after seeing how lovely Copenhagen I want to go there! I remember back in college my goal of touring around Europe with a backpack, and I did that for six weeks, a few months after graduation. Then, I went to Europe again, after the completion of my student teaching, Bryan and I went to Europe for about ten days with a tour. This was much easier because of Karl, our tour guide who was a medical doctor/tour guide who spoke English, German, Spanish, French and Italian. We had political discussions about America, he knew more about the American political situation than many of my America students. One can not hope to understand the world and the people of the world, unless one travels and sees how the people live and survive in their own backyard.

Where have you traveled and what have you learned from your travels?

10. Serve

"Serving others is my path to liberation." Dalai Lama

Last night I had the opportunity to serve others. As Oprah once said, "we can all do more." Now, I'm not going to lie, I was tired. I awoke at 5 am, taught all day with no prep, came home and watched Oprah (of course! :) and wanted to take a little nap. But then I had to go back to school to serve Cokes and candy at the Spartan Express with two moms of boys tennis players, Kelly and Cheryl. It was so kind of them to come out on a Friday night, all of us would rather be home sitting on the couch, but this is our one fund raiser for the boys' tennis team. Oprah does great service all the time, by giving away great prizes to her audience. Also, when she established her leadership school in Africa, she is changing the lives of those young women. I believe we can all serve others in some small ways or big ways.

How do you serve others?

9. Honesty

On today's show, Oprah interviewed a myriad of women who were all suprised by their husband's dishonesty and unfailfulness. The real problem began when they began with the fairy tale notions of love and marriage inculcated from those Disney movies we've all grown up to love. Today in class, Lexie discussed this exact subject so it was rather timely to see the reality which sadly played out for these women. Each of the women described their early years as the 'perfect marriage, like a fairy tale' and I wonder why do we dream of perfection, in marriage, in our bodies, or in our lives? Why not deal with the actual reality of life and be happy when our lives then surpass that reality? One woman said that the big money life was very seductive. "How fast did you lose your rich friends?" "Immediately," she answered with the snap of her fingers. Those aren't true friends!

What is your 'DREAM' life? What does it look like? What about a 'DREAM' mariage? Is is the 'perfect wedding' that you dream of or a working marriage?

8. Live

If you could LIVE anywhere in the world, where would you LIVE?

Before I saw Oprah's show today, I would say America of course! After I Skyped around the world with Oprah I am reconsidering. In Copenhagen, Denmark are found the world's happiest people. They are all tall, blonde and lean. 1/3 of the population rides bikes after they leave work at 4pm! They believe that 'happiness means success." The babies sleep outside in their stroller, "no one would steal your babies here," said the mom. The dad said, "less space, less things, more life!" They are outside walking around and they are VERY TIDY! I LOVE when Oprah snoops-- opening their cupboards where everything was very tidy and organized. Then, on to Dubai where there is NO income tax! I always wondered why Roger Federer has a home in Dubai, after the taxes in Switzerland, he probably likes that plan in Dubai! In both places they have NO homeless, NO hungry people and YES to health care. They don't understand "why would you not want to take care of the health of others?" I don't understand it either, especially when it's stated that way. Very Interesting. Then, on to Rio. I do want to see Rio, it does seem to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Plus, the women are very fit and attractive on the beaches.

7. Create

I decided to create a blog this year and my goal is to write every day, sort of an on-line journal.

Then, I realized that my hubby and I created our family of two girls and this is what we are most proud of in life.

Oprah created a t.v. show, a magazine, a leadership school for girls, and the list goes on. This is amazing, especially from whence she came. Oprah 'grew up poor' just as Barbara Streisand. It is amazing to think about her meteoric rise in the media. Oprah 'never dreamed all this' as her hand sweeps around the studio, encompassing all her fans at home as well. Wow. So few people actually create something so big and financially successful.

"Learn the past, watch the present and CREATE the future."

"Some pursue happiness, others CREATE it."

What have you CREATED lately?

6. Hope

Today, I thought about Elizabeth Smart and Jaycee Dugard, both of whom were found after being taken. Oprah showed the photos of so many Lost Children throughout the hour. Children who have been taken from their homes or close to their homes. Parents talking about their baby being taken from the crib in the middle of the night. What a nightmare! John Walsh said, "you give people hope Oprah." What a wonderful testimony! Oprah and Walsh have fought for legislation for 25 yrs to have a national database for sex offenders. Sounds like a great idea. I know that I have looked on-line in my neighborhood and was quite shocked at how many offenders are around my own area. That was the result of one of the people on the show.

Then, I thought again about Elizabeth Smart. I remember clearly when she was taken. The police immediately suspected her father, Ed Smart and probably wasted time looking at him as a suspect, probably because of Susan Smith as Oprah said. Susan Smith lied and she was guilty of killing her own children, like a modern Medea. My daughters were so upset and scared when Elizabeth was taken. Brooke, my youngest, started sleeping in Ali, her big sister's bed. Ali had been begging for a dog, and that's when we found our Oreo 'Cookie' Spackman. I heard one of the news people say, 'a dog discourages intruders' and 'the Smart family did not have a dog.' That was enough, we got a dog! Whenever I am in Liberty Park, I remember when Elizabeth was shown sitting at that picnic table in the park. She recently testified to the horror she experienced and I think she is sooo brave! She looked beautiful when she was Oprah recently.

"I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus on the brightest"

Dalai Lama

What do you hope for today?

5. Work

Today, I had to go back to work. I woke up at 6 am, dropped off Brooke, then I went to school and taught from 7:30-2:30 with only a 1/2 hr. break for lunch since it is my no prep day. It was a rude awakening since I have been off for ten days. It is really hard to get back into the swing of work, after all that time off and playing tennis every day. But, I do like to work and I really like the teachers I work with and eat lunch with; that chit-chat is fun! Also, I have some nice students that I actually miss seeing!

Oprah says she "loves going to work every day." Really? Seriously? Every single day Oprah? That is very cool. It helps that she makes millions doing a job she loves. I enjoy my job, but not every single day that's for sure. I know I should be grateful to even have a job right now in these tough financial times. It seems to me that Oprah has the Dream Job. She makes piles of money, sits on the couch wearing FAB clothes and shoes . . . her shoes are to DIE FOR . . . talking to really cool and good looking people. Plus, she works with her best friend Gayle. If there is a better job out there, I wonder what it is. So, why is she leaving?

Why do you think Oprah is leaving after 2010?

"The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one"

Oscar Wilde

4. Read

I cried myself to sleep last night. I finished reading Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. I confess this is his first novel that I've read even though I have every one of them in my classroom bookshelves. My female students LOVE these books. I saw a preview for the movie and knew that my 18 y.o. daughter Ali would LOVE this book since she loves the handsome male lead, Tatum Channing. So I bought the book, wrapped it and put it under the tree for both of us. She read it first, very quickly. I did the same, read it in three days, stayed up until 2 am last night, reading the last chapters through my tears. I haven't cried that hard in a long time. What is it about? It is a story of true love, of sacrifice and honor. It is about a soldier serving his country who falls in love with a lovely young woman of substance while home on leave on the beaches of North Carolina. It reminded me of a Spring Break trip with my girlfriends, stopping at those deserted beaches in Virginia and North Carolina. Those beaches are so much less busy than Myrtle Beach, South Carolina or Florida, teeming with tourists and the flocking, migrating herds of college kids and Sunbirds. The Outer Banks are desolate and lonely but stark and beautiful. It was a great read.

Oprah's Book Club has recommended several books over the years and I have read almost all of her choices. Often her books are difficult, they deal with a character in a struggling situation that the central character can not always resolve. She's Come Undone, written by Wally Lamb was the first Oprah recommend that I read. I liked seeing the author and hearing his own thoughts. He was teaching in middle school while writing the book and reading it to them. This would have taken a great deal of courage indeed! Oprah reads and she presents the author and the book and shares books with the world. I commend her for this. Who else on a t.v. talk show actually has a book chat? Plus, it is obvious that she has read the books by her cogent comments. A good book resounds in your brain much longer than a movie. The characters, settings and themes last longer. I think more when I read.

"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body."

Joseph Addison

What are you reading right now?

What do you love about it?

3. Exercise

Today I played tennis twice; from 8:30-10 am and then again from 2-3:30 pm. when I played with Martsie and chatted with Ashley who admitted that she 'learned everythinng from my mom," a comment I shared with her mom. It was very fun and great exercise.

On one show, Oprah admitted that she did not enjoy exercise, "No one likes getting up at 5 am and getting on the treadmill." True, I agree. But, I do LOVE to play tennis and it is great exercise. I decided the key is to choose exercise that is fun and you enjoy. Both my girls and my hubby play tennis also so it is a family game that we can play at home and on vacation. I love to exercise and I love to relax and rest afterwards.

"I have never taken any form of exercise except sleeping and resting."

Mark Twain

What is your favorite form of exercise?

2. Gratitude

"The Gratitude journal truly changed my life," said Oprah. I began to write in my own gratitude journal after I saw Sarah Ban Breathnach and her Simple Abundance book chat on Oprah's show many years ago. She challenged each viewer to write five things you are grateful for each day. I started well and then dribbled off as I usually do. However, I look back and still smile. I notice that what I am truly grateful for are words not connected with money: loving husband, happy children, warm home, good food, playing tennis, good friends, sisters . . . the list goes on. Today I am grateful for having a job when there are so many people out of work. Sometimes I complain about waking up so early to go to work every day, but I need to be grateful to even have a job in these tough times.

"Gratitude is the heart's memory"

French proverb.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life"

Melody Beattie

What are you grateful for today?