Here's a great opportunity to make some money and be a part of a fresh new concept in cosmetics and fashion! The Mark Girl is youthful, fresh, and can stand on her own. She makes a MARK in this world. Hence, the name Mark. cosmetics........MAKE YOUR MARK. Here is how you sign up for only $20.00!!!!!! Go to Facebook and become a friend of my sister, Kirsten O'Leary. She is my Mark Girl connection! Then, let her know you want to become a Mark Rep, and she will hook you up with an application. Also, she'll have an explanation of Mark. on her Facebook. You simply fill out the app and follow the directions. There are many promotions going on all the time with Mark., and so sign up now to be a part of it. For the initial $20, I know you get a lot of great cosmetics to start. To see more on Mark. go to www.meetmark.com , but go to Kirsten's Facebook to get your application. Her MarkGirl Rep number is #6573327. Let's blog about Mark. and the opportunity to make extra money. Anyone know about Mark. cosmetics? I think it's great to have such a positive and empowering opportunity for young women! The prices are affordable too! That's refreshing!!!!!!

 I just posted a good article on a new term by Pam Peeke, MD.......it's the MENOPOT (on health stuff page). This refers to the frustrating belly fat on women after 40. I don't really mind the belly fat as much as the gray witch hair growing off my chin and neck. Not to mention the aweful mood swings the week before my periods.....which are getting closer and closer together. Pretty soon I feel like I'm going to be one big bitchy (hairy) witch with a beer belly and tampons falling out of my purse or pocket at every turn. When I go to one of my workplaces with high security, they have to check the contents of my purse at check-in. Yep, it's me......perimenopausal girl....woops....I mean "woman"....who feels like a teenager....embarrassed with tampons and pads popping up in purse in front of  men who are the security guards.......They are embarrassed for me, I think. Who cares......really, who cares......maybe I am more of a woman than a girl now, because a girl would care too much......it's nice to be at this point, even if it's a perimenopausal realization. good. I feel good.... NOW.... who knows what i'll feel like tomorrow. How are you guys doing with all this????????

Let's see......smoking, drinking, eating unhealthy things, watching too much tv, sleeping too much, you name it....!!!!! It wasn't until I made myself a priority and really started respecting my body and health that I changed the unhealthy behaviors. I do agree that it takes 21 days to change a behavior and break a habit, but you really, really have to want it. When you get "sick and tired of being sick and tired", you're ready to change. I think anyone can do anything they want to if there's a good enough reason. I want to live and live healthy......that's my reason for not abusing my body anymore. Maybe it comes with age; maybe it comes with loving myself more. Now, I've got to work on creating a habit of REGULAR exercise. The first step for me is to call and see what time the classes are at my City's gym. I will. By Sept 1, 2009, I will know the class schedule. Maybe some yoga?

My favorite charity is ANY charity that feeds people. My favorite local charity is Metropolitan Ministries. They feed so many poor people with dignity, and the need is growing. www.metromin.org Their mission is guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ. I'm so proud to say that my workplace, a resort hotel, donates its left over banquet food to a local charity. I just heard that Yankee Stadium donates their left over ballpark food to charity after the games also. There is so much waste in restaurants and hotels etc...., and the reason they don't donate the leftover food is because of liability issues. There's a simple solution to that, and it's a waiver form signed by the charity not to hold the entity responsible for the food once it leaves the premises. What's your favorite charity and why?

I read. Actually, this book I'm reading now, THE WAY OF QIGONG, is reminding me that I need to breath more. The golden rule of Qigong is "Pay Attention". There is a principle in physics called, "The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle" which states that the act of observation changes that which is observed. The human body is specifically regarded with this principle in mind according to this book. As we observe our bodies' signals of tension or pain, it becomes possible to dissipate those feelings. As I become aware of my breath and how I'm breathing, I deepen it, and relaxing becomes easier. So simple, but so powerful. Any suggestions of how you relax in today's crazy times?

I have the best tip for when you're waiting in a waiting room of a doctor's office or similar place of "waiting".....This is an obsession and a thrill for me. I know it's crazy and immature, but hey, it makes me happy when I do this little trick. Ok, here's my tip for getting a slice of the good life feeling: while I'm looking through the stack of magazines they provide you for the distraction from realizing how long you've been waiting, I rip out the perfume ads with the smell strips! I love trying to do it quietly so noone hears me. Or, if someone sees me doing it, I just say, "great article". Then, I put the smell strip inside my purse so that everytime I open my purse, an expensive perfume aroma emits out. I use these strips everywhere! I stick them in my car under the seats, in my luggage, in my vases in the living room .......anywhere I want a beautiful hint of perfume. What simple tips do you have????? 

Taking that first sip of coffee in the morning when I don't have anything immediate to do. The smell of the coffee brewing, the sound of the perk, the anticipation of the taste, and the routine of the ritual. I love rituals! Things that are simple "constants" in life that link your everydays together like a chain. I like trying different coffees. Some are better than others, and I've been really enjoying Merita these days. What are your rituals that create happiness and balance to your life????? Blog with me!

As I sit here waiting for my new air conditioning unit to be installed, a feeling of gratefulness comes over me. First, because I can still afford it. And Second, just for the air cooling factor in general. Growing up, my family didn't have air conditioning in the North. We suffered through several hot days, but never were we grateful for air conditioning. Out of sight, out of mind. The hot air inside my home makes me weepy and groggy......almost like drunk, since it's been 3 days now. I start thinking of the people who have had to give up air conditioning in this recession to conserve money. My prayers go out to them. Many people probably regard air condtioning as a "must-have". I don't. I still see it as an additional personal item that is not a luxury, but still not a "must-have".  It is amazing what we get used to having in our lives. When we have to go without something, the value of the item is highlighted. That is my air conditioning right now. I'm craving it........like someone would crave an ice cream cone on a hot day. Cravings always relate to food to me. It's almost complete; i hear the guys collecting their stuff. Oh mightly air conditioning.........wash your coolness over me.....any minute now.....I'm anticipating your greatness. Thank you oh Air Con Master! I will never take you for granted again.

I just came to realize how much happiness I get from using a digital camera. Remember the old days of buying film and the hassles of developing it? Furthermore, you couldn't check yourself out before printing. And even worse, you couldn't delete the bad pictures of yourself looking fat, or the bad hair days. I just got back from vacation and am really thankful for the digital camera. Any digital camera! What's your happiest photo-taking experiences?