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?