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?