My Book- Assistance Needed

I decided NOT to start a 3rd blog!  Are you freakin' kiddin' me?  I woke up a smelled the coffee?  I'm purging my life not making it more difficult.  So, this little 'ole blog of mine may have to change some but I'll figure out what the heck it is sooner or later.  Just roll with me.  In the meantime...if you didn't receive my personal email consider yourself lucky, you just get to read it here.  It is about my book.  I beg you (I don't beg often) please participate AND if you have a blog you can post something and ask people to help me out.  I would be forever in your debt!  I'll send you a book when published.  ;-)  But remember I'm pretty slow when it comes to mailing things!  LOL

Here goes it:

Call For Recession Lesson Submissions

My name is Tami; I’m an education consultant, entrepreneur, blogger, and potential adoptive single parent who has just realized (ok, maybe it's been a while) that I am about to become a parent during one of the worst economic climates in history. I worry about maintaining a stable life for my family today and tomorrow in light of all of that is going on in the world today. I know I’m not the only one with these concerns. Everyone is talking about it; someone should write a book about it in "real speak." Hey, great idea! Why don't I write that book? So, I’m reaching out to you for your assistance…I am interested in finding out how the recession has affected you.  

I don’t know about you, but the spendthrift days for me are gone. This economic setback has turned into the longest recession EVER. No one wants to use the D (depression) word for fear of a global meltdown, right??? But, I am sure we can all agree, this “recession” isn’t ending any time soon or maybe it just isn’t ending fast enough for us regular folk. Nevertheless, I’m getting used to it and have made adjustments for my new recession lifestyle. Who knew this would turn into a ”lifestyle”? However, after listening to friends, acquaintances, and the media, I realized this isn’t only my lifestyle; this is a new attitude many are taking hold of in some shape or form.  

People that once spurned thrift stores, coupons, sales, dollar nights, hand-me-downs, or anything thrifty are now looking to save a dime any way they can. So, my questions for you are:
• How has the recession changed your life and/or relationships?
• What things have you given up?
• What are you doing (examples please) to save money?
• What lessons have you learned?
• Once the economy is stable, will you return to your old habits? If so, which ones? Why?
• Have you prepared yourself for the future regardless of what it holds? Please explain.
• If you haven’t made any lifestyle adjustments, why not?

Answer one question or answer them all. Tell a story, make it funny, heartfelt or even a tearjerker, just be sure to include who, what, where, why and how the recession has affected you and how you have adjusted for it. The best advice, lessons and stories will be used as part of a book compilation of short stories about the recession. Don’t forget those cost saving examples!

Submission deadline: October 5, 2009

Include*: First Name or Initials; City, State
Email to: recessionlessons2009@gmail.com
*Optional: If interested and available for follow-up questions, please include your name, contact information, and best time to reach you.  

Thank you for your participation and for playing nicely in the sandbox with me!

5 is a GREAT number!

Not only is my birthday 5 days away but guess what happened to me today?  

I got a design client!  That's right peeps, I'm back in the world of all things b-u-ti-ful (that's beautiful for the literal ones).  My client is located in a suburb of Cleveland.  From what I can tell right now it is almost a whole house: kitchen, family room, dining room and mudroom.  fun, Fun, FUN!  

Great 5 day Birthday gift to me.  I think I'll go celebrate tonight by going to dinner with a friend.  I went out last night with my new "friend", had smoothies and looked for shoes but didn't find anything.  Better luck tonight!

Now, you know I am a blogaholic...lol, should I start another blog? Maybe, it will help my business and keep me in my 1 client at a time philosophy and my baby in her daycare and Mommy in new vintage outfits.  Do you think I can incorporate it into Middlerageously or it should be an entirely new blog or just do it and not blog about it?

If You Didn't Know...

...in the midst of my trying to figure out what to do with my life, I'm actually a part-time interior decorator.  I really enjoy it and am actually very good at it.  Modest I know.  My clients, family and friends don't know why I fight it...I'm not sure, I guess that's the MBA in me. However, I think I am going to start small projects again.  I really miss it. The joy of spending thousands of dollars of someone else's money.  Have you ever bought a $10,000 dining room table (not including chairs)?  I have!  I felt like a baller even though it wasn't mine, I was representing the rich yet not so famous.  

And going to design shows???  Talk about furniture porn...it was the next best thing to an orgasm I've ever had!  No, really! For a designer (lover of furniture or furniture snob) I kid you not!  So, why am I revisiting this you ask?  One of my blog buddies, Tam, is in the process of redoing her home and is looking at chairs this month so I'm adding my .02!  So, Tam, I hope some of these pictures are helpful.  I'll keep you guys posted on my new projects and heaven forbid I start a third blog!  I just couldn't take another!  LOL

What small steps are you making to move toward your dreams this year?  Happy Friday and have a Safe and Happy Holiday!  

On Spring Break

Guess what?  I'm on my way to Spring Break!  

What had happened was...

One of my friends called me on Friday and said I needed a break and she had a ticket for me to go to St. Thomas with her on Monday to help her celebrate her birthday.  Oh, OK?!  I was shocked because I have been especially stressed these days (I'll tell you why one day when I'm not stressed anymore) and because...what a friend!  So, because I'm such a friend, I agreed to go.  :-)  

See what happens when you put pen to paper fingers to keyboard?  I'm going on Spring Break!  

I'm going to see what else I can conjure up while I'm gone I think there really might be something to this pen to paper mumble jumble after all.

I have a few posts pre-published while I'm gone.  Be good and no nasty comments that I can't respond to until I return.   

Have a great week!

DC International Film Festival Begins April 16

The Washington, DC International Film Festival begins April 16th!  Can I get a WOOT, WOOT?  I'm getting ready to check another goal off of my Rocking 40 List.   

Does anyone want to go to the Opening Night Gala with me?  How about...can anybody get me a free ticket?  Nothing beats a failure but a try!  LOL

Happy Friday!  Have a Great Weekend.  

The Boob Nurse

I spent this weekend being nurse to a pair of new breasts. Umm…I mean taking care of a friend who had a breast augmentation. She is as happy as a clam going from less than an A cup to a C cup, she looks fabulous at 41. She said she never fully felt like a woman and now that she is finished having kids her 40s are about her. I’m not mad at her for finally doing something she has wanted to do after so many years. Next she is getting braces. Wow…go girl!

I have my list of things I’m doing to keep this body up too.  First on my list is teeth whitening.  We are going down fighting! I’m not trying to act like I’m in my 20s or 30s forever, but I’m not giving up. I haven’t gone under the knife for anything, haven’t needed to, but I would be a liar if I said I wouldn’t. If I start loosing my hair…transplant. If I knew I couldn’t get rid of my tummy by working out…lipo. If my face or boobs start to drop (too much)…lift.  

Everyone has their view of any type of enhancements; I don’t knock anyone for what they do.  It's their life and more importantly their money.  

What is your view on enhancements? What have you done or would consider doing? Just remember even hair dye is a form of an enhancement!

It's How Demi Keeps Ashton...She Owns Hers

"I realized that women who lack self-esteem are lost.
 I was determined never to relinquish my power again. 
My sexuality and my sensuality are part of that
 power..."

~ Demi Moore (born November 11, 1962)

Think about it. Are you lost? Do you lack self-esteem? Do you give away your power? Are you afraid or ashamed to own your sexuality or sensuality?

DON'T BE!  OWN IT! (How do you think Demi got and keeps Ashton?  I'm just saying...)

Say it loud and be proud!  It's funny how finding little parts of yourself can amount to big changes.  So, go ahead girl, Demi and I give you permission to find yourself.  Get a little sexy.  Buy yourself a little something special and you can even buy it online. :-)  Just, whatever you do, don't relinquish your power, don't relinquish you...   

40 Golden Tips for a Better Life in 2009

I received these tips via email a couple of times in the past few days.  Each time I read them I reflect on my life and think what can I do, just a little more, just a little better.  While most of us know the basic principles to a better life, we tend to get caught up into the daily grind and sadly we follow few, if any, of the principles.  It is my hope that after you read this list that some of the principles, which you are not currently practicing, will finally become a part of your life and possibly assist in making 2009 your best year yet!  

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement,

'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.

7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.  Appreciate their genuine nature, strength, and innocence. 

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan Salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a queen, lunch like a princess and dinner like a college kid.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. Nature heals everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!!!)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:

I am thankful for __________.
Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

40. Pay it forward.  You didn't get here by yourself...just remember that.  We all need a helping hand from time to time.  

May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but HAPPINESS come through your door!

Open Your Own Door

Every now and then a quote comes along, not by a rageous woman, that has to be shared.  This quote is from Nancy, a rageous reader's father.  I loved it so I wanted to share.  

"You can pray that a door opens or you can get off your a$$ and open it yourself." (prayerfully of course)

Thanks Nancy! Tell your father I'm getting off of my azz and opening my own doors in 2009!  Actually, I think I'm going to start kicking them down if they don't open up fast enough!  LOL  

BTW...apologies for not posting yesterday, but I was enjoying the warmth of Miami (imagine it being said with a Latin accent though...ME-AH-ME).  I'll be back in cold DC tomorrow.  Boo!  Gym 6am Monday!  

So ladies, get off your a$$ in 2009.  Open some doors.  Kick some butt!  Let's do this!

Jennifer Beals...more than Flash

"When I turned 40 I wanted to do something I really loved- so I went to Patagonia and galloped a horse at full speed across the Pampas."     ~ Jennifer Beals (born December 19, 1963)

See, it's not just me or the few of us that have blogs, it really is something about turning 40 that makes you want to breathe in life.  To start doing those things you really love.  Jennifer rode horses in South America (nice).  My list is to the right.  

It's never too early or too late to begin living your dreams and living your life.  So, what are you going to do?

5 simple yet powerful words

faith.  love.  fearless.  beauty.  simplicity.If my life has taught me anything, it has taught me that I need direction, focus and organization. Starting at the beginning with the basic definition of who I am through a few words may seem silly or simplistic, but for me it was like a weight being lifted from my shoulders.  

Those 5 simple, yet powerful, words are the words that define who I am and who I am striving to be. I have chosen them to direct my thoughts and to help me with the direction of my life.  I no longer have to wonder, search or continually redefine...I can just grow.  Now anything that doesn't fit in these categories...to the curb they go!  

Faith – Joyce Meyers laid the foundation by giving me these words: “I don’t know what God is going to do or when he is going to do it, but since God is good I know it is going to be good.”

Love – Remembering if you want love you must be love.  Grumpy people need not apply.  

Fearless – To live like I did when I was in the 6th grade again. Without the fear of failure, embarrassment, anxiety, danger or pain.

Beauty – Aesthetics are important to me… shape, form, color, texture, sound. For me life is not lived unless beauty is involved.

Simplicity – Less is more. Downsizing. De-cluttering. Organizing. Double Duty. ‘Nuff said.

Now, it’s your turn. What are the words that define you? If you haven’t thought about it give it a try and let me know what you come up with. It just may change your direction for 2009 or may change your life!

BTW:  This is the 1st check off on my Rocking 40 List!  

My Rocking 40 List

It’s almost the end of 2008 (thank goodness) and 6 months to the big 4-0! I never thought I would be 40…damn time for moving on!

Since the 30’s are a period I would like to think of as hard knocks, I’m going to call the 40’s as my period of life rocks. To begin rocking, I have put together a list of things (look to the right and down) I plan on accomplishing during my 40th year.  I know most people try to accomplish this stuff by their 40th, but since I’m halfway there and adding in the economy, I just got an extra year (until my 41st birthday).  My blog, my rules.  

I’ll check in from time to time to let you know of my progress.  If you have any advice or suggestions, feel free to drop me a line.  In the meantime…join in, create your own list and let me know.  I’ll link to you (if you are crazy enough to have a blog) and stalk your progress.  

This is our time!  Don’t sit back and watch life happen.  Do all of those things you have always been dreaming of doing.  Life is way too short and I’m tired of writing bah humbug posts anyway!

Something To Talk About

Do whatever makes you happy, even the snowwomen have figured that out.  People will talk no matter what.  So give them something to talk about and make yourself happy in the process.  

I used to have people talking all the time about what I was doing.  I thought it was hilarious, but I've been pretty quiet lately.  Time to stir stuff up again.  I'm bored.  Does this blog count as being quiet, I'm not sure?

What are you going to do this year to make yourself happy?  A new set of snow cones?  A new car?  An expensive purse?  A trip?  As Bonnie Raitt says "Let's Give Them Something To Talk About."

Have a Great Weekend!

Dara Torres: Age Is Just A Number

"...If I can inspire both women and men in anything it would be that age is just a number, not a death sentence. Wake up every morning with a plan and a dream. If you do, like me, dreams do still come true in your 40s and beyond."  ~Dara Torres (born April 15, 1967)

Dara Torres ROCKS!  

Olympian.  Mother.  Body of Life.  Model.  Motivational Speaker.  41.  Body of Life...oh, I said that already (gotta get one of them!).  I don't know about you but just looking at her has inspired me to carry my tush into the gym today.  

Dara wakes up every morning with a plan and a dream.  Her dream was (dare I say still is) the Olympics and it came true even when no one thought it would.  

What is your dream?  I'm working on mine.  I'm working on lots of things...stay tuned.  I hope you're going to plan with me.  

Meg's Back

I feel like I got myself back.  I may have never have even had myself - but I do now.   

~Meg Ryan  (In Style, Oct. 2008)

I hear you Meg.  I'm not quite sure I ever had myself either, but I think I found her or at least I see glimpses of her.  Now I'm going to make her shine and I have the whole blogosphere to hold me accountable.  Gotta love that!  

Have you found yourself yet?  If not, what's holding you back?  If so, what was your turning point?  Any words of encouragement for others that are on a journey to finding themselves?  

Flirting With Forty

I have to tell you,  I am the stereotypical woman when it comes to TV– I adore the Lifetime channel. It never let’s me down. On any given day I can get my dose of man hating, family loving, super woman, crazy woman, baby mama drama, laughter, tears and more. And this past weekend they upped the ante by showing 40 year olds have it going on. 

Flirting with Forty is this decade’s How Stella Got Her Groove Back.  Starring Heather Locklear and Robert Buckley (you know the boy toy from Lipstick Jungle), this was a cute movie indeed. It was more than about finding love again; it was about finding yourself, which I can totally appreciate.  I was one of those women who was not sure about the younger man and older woman thing, mainly because society said it wasn’t the norm. I was used to the older man and the younger woman but thank goodness for changing times.  BTW...thank goodness for hair dye, green tea, sunscreen, Spanx, Le Mystere bras, teeth whitening, Pilates, and yes ladies even Botox (I haven’t done it but…if needed...I’m just saying).  Finally, thank goodness for it now being acceptable for women to date whatever age they want AND YES, I’ve even embraced it but that’s another story for another day. ☺

So, ladies if you haven’t seen Flirting With Forty yet try to catch it (tonight or tomorrow), then see if you can catch a little excitement in your life. Maybe it’s in a younger man, a career change, a vacation, a new hobby or that hot little dress you never thought you would wear, but just don’t sit there let’s embrace life.  In the movie Heather became too comfortable with her sweatshirts and threw them away in favor of bikinis (ok, I know we all can’t wear bikinis but it’s symbolism).  For me I’ve become too comfortable with sitting in my house not socializing and being in my own world.  I’m giving it up for remembering that I was a social person and for doing more social things.  I’ll keep you posted on how this goes, but they say the first step is to admit you have a problem.  I have a problem!  Now, your turn.

What have you become too comfortable with? Throw it away in favor of something else.