Stone Mtn @ Dawn

Easter morning at 4:15am my alarm started going off. I didn't get up until 4:45am but was out the door by 5:00am with ***** heading to Stone Mountain State Park for the Easter morning Sunrise service. If I thought the Braves Game was cold then I felt the stone was frigid. Even though it was cold and I looked like Mother Mary in the pictures it was a great feeling to be up on top of that beautiful rock with at lease a thousand people there for the same reason as us. To celebrate the rising of Jesus of Nazareth on the third day. A few people spoke and then the sun arose behind them with a cross in the foreground.

Hot Dogs, Peanuts, Cotton Candy

You would think that this was a circus however that is not the story. It's a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. April 11, 2009. It was one of the first games of the season and the braves won. There was a homerun that the Nationals made in one of the early endings. It was freezing cold that weekend and we got all bundled up. We got a special treat at the end of the game, fireworks. They had gotten cancelled on Friday's night so we got the opportunity to have fireworks. Oh BRAVES WON!

Easter Cake

Got the cake for Easter and dropped it off at Mom's house on way to Atlanta, Friday. This was a three layer moist Coconut Cake. It was scrumptious. Was not sure how everyone would perceive the cake but when they gave me reports they loved it. David wanted to take the extra home which he doesn't eat sweets very often. Even those that don't like coconut, liked the cake.

made by John Miller

Sydney Hair Cut

We finally got Sydney's hair cut. It looks awesome. Giving up on the curls until she wants to take care of them.

Mobile Blogger

For the past week I have been thinking there must be a way to blog from my Palm Centro. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

So, this is my first mobile blog to be posted. Yeah! Getting some blogging done while sitting in Dr's office WAITING.

Herbs, Herbs and more Herbs

Was shopping at Publix today when Sydney and I went through the produce area. We saw fresh herbs. It was exciting to pick out herbs. Sydney really got into it. They were 2/$4.00. We bought four. They are planted in my flower garden. Sydney is responsible for the Dill because that is the one she picked.

Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Dill

New Chapter in Life

Was thinking about the chapters in my life today. As we walk through life we use the phrase, "when a door closes a window opens". So, I am excited about this new chapter in my life. As I look back at what doors have closed in my life and the windows opened, I realize how God is in control. When I was walking through those hard times in my life, it is hard to see the light until I had walked through whatever it is that I needed to learn. I thank my Heavenly Father for those lessons that I have learned and know that there is learning everyday. That I can take this knowledge and apply to my future. It is also my hope that I realize the blessings as they are happening and can see the lessons that I am learning too.

As this new chapter begins, I am excited. It is important to remember who is in charge, Heavenly Father. I feel blessed and ready for this new step in my life and to wherever it takes me.

I welcome this NEW CHAPTER in my LIFE.

My Shopping Spree

So, I took my money made from the yard sale and went shopping. It was fun! Really fun. Haven't been shopping in such a long time. The best part was the size of the clothes was one size down.

Walked into Talbot's and they had a sale... Sale items were an additional 40% off. Bought one item not on sale which is the cream Cami under the coral sweater. The best part of the spending was the customer service you get in Talbot's. It is a pleasant experience when someone helps you shop. When they ask you what you are looking for or taking the clothes to the dressing room and getting different sizes to try on.

Yeah! Here is what I bought....

3- pair pants, 1- skirt, 3- shirts, 2-pair Crocs, 1- Givenchy perfume (new scent)

My Cool New Crocs!!!

FB quizzes

So, I took some quizzes tonight through Face book. Some I liked the results and others I didn't.

Shakespeare Quote that describes me:
"The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together."
You are very wise, and take the bad with the good. This shows you are optimistic, and understand the way of the world. Great things may come your way!
from: First Lord, All's Well That Ends Well, Act IV, Scene 3”

What Kind of Shoe Are You?
My result is: Flip Flops
Screw the weather! Why not show off those freshly painted nails? You love to party with your friends and fun people. Even when the atmosphere is gray, you think, "What the heck! This place needs some sparkles and confetti!" You can never sit down for a second.

What is your Mommy Style?
Miss Perfect
You are GOOD! Your kids always look perfectly clean, pressed and matched. You are great at managing the formidable work/life balance. You put nutritionists to shame with your meal plan. Keep up the good work sister, we all want to be more like you!!

Which Star Wars Character are you?
Darth Vader
(I didn't like the answer to this one!)

Noche de hogar (Spanish for FHE)

Sunday Sydney and I went to Noche de hogar yesterday which was really fun. We were at the church watching General Conference and when we go to the church to watch it there is maybe two other people there. Well at the 4pm session, there was twelve (12) other people that showed up. They showed up because it was Noche de hogar at 6pm so they decided to watch at the church and not be late to Noche de hogar. So, when General Conference was over we stayed. Since the ward is half English/half Spanish speaking we do translated events. Noche de hogar is one of those. We had a lesson on being in the world but not of the world where we need to put the Full Armor of God on which was given by Brother Decembrino. Brother Rodriguez did the translating. Much of it was said in Spanish and then translated into English which was a change from English to Spanish like it is done for Sacrament services. After the lesson we played domino's, Mexican style told jokes and ate. I took some pictures (Tried to add a bit of artsy to these pictures like Carrie Stroud does to her pictures.)

Yard Sale, $273.10 made

It has been years! The last yard sale that I had was 2001 when I was moving out of the Hawthorne House. The goal was to make $250.00 and the final amount made was $273.10. Those that helped were Carrie, Brianna, Melinda, Mauricio and Sydney. Thanks to all! Really appreciate your help in setting up for the big sale! Oh, Sydney was in charge of selling bottled water and snack cakes which made her a few dollars. Here are before and after pictures.

BEFORE

AFTER
Can you tell the difference? All but 5 boxes was taken to Christ town (local charity) and to Elizabeth from church. It was a great time! Again, I am very grateful for the help and support that my family and friends provided me.

IAM Legislative Reception

I was invited to attend a IAM (International Association of Machinist Union) Legislative Reception on 3/31/09. When asked, the question was brought up if I had a formal dress. But that didn't matter because it would not need to be worn that it was a semi-formal/Church dress event. What my invitee really meant was Business attire. However, the damage was already done. I had been confused and was worried about what to wear. I picked two dresses to wear and would change somewhere in Tallahassee before the dinner which turned into Dairy Queen. I was still freaking out about choosing the best dress to wear. My hair looks great and it was storming outside!

How to stay up even when you're down

Read this morning as inspiration and motivation. I liked and wanted to remember. It's a rock climbing story about Mt. Everest so I was really game.

Enjoy the read! Carmella

from: Jim Meisenheimer @ http://www.startsellingmore.com/Mt-Everest.html

This past weekend I was going through some old newsletters when I came across a letter that might help you to deal more effectively with the recession and the tough times you're facing.

So - enjoy the updated version of my Mt. Everest Newsletter.

Sixteen years ago I did a sales training program in Colorado. The meeting was held about two hours north of Denver, in a lodge situated in Roosevelt National Park. My client was, Low Alpine, a manufacturer of outdoor gear. Specifically, they made the stuff that Mt. Everest climbers use to trek up that mountain.

My two-hour presentation was scheduled right after lunch. The speaker, who preceded me before lunch, had an extremely interesting topic. He had a slide presentation showing his various attempts at climbing the incredible MT. Everest. As you might imagine it was a powerful and extremely insightful presentation about the skills and dangers of mountain climbing.

I was sitting on the edge of my chair during his entire presentation.

There were 25 salespeople at this meeting. Their climbing gear was sold to retailers. So they knew all about the climbing business.

They also new, by reputation, many of the names the speaker referred to. He talked about the climbers who made it to the top and also talked about those that didn't survive the ordeal.

Throughout his presentation everyone was glued to his seat with anticipation. He did a terrific job of mixing his stories with his slides, which was extremely effective.

Just before he ended his presentation he asked the group a question. He remarked, “There's a time when you're climbing, when you can almost feel depressed. You just feel so low and down. Do you know when that is?”

My imagination started to run wild, especially since the highest I ever climbed wasn't even climbing, it was an elevator ride to the top of the Empire State Building. I thought surely the salespeople in the audience would know the answer to his question.

They responded with things that I imagined; when you first begin the climb, when you only have 100 yards left, when you reach the top, and when you begin your descent. The speaker’s body language and facial expression gave it all away - no one was even close.

I was surprised by his answer - maybe you will be too. He said, "Climbers get down when bad weather sets in." He went on to explain that when bad weather sets in you can't see the peak - you lose sight of your GOAL and become easily distracted and sometimes even depressed.

You might be wondering, what if anything does this have to do with selling? I see a very clear correlation. You see, like a mountain climber who can't see the peak, salespeople and entrepreneurs without clearly defined goals (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly) are more susceptible to daily interruptions and distractions, and more likely to waste your precious resource called time.

This could be hazardous to your selling results during the best of times. Not having written and specific goals during these tumultuous times is just plain stupid. It borders on strategic suicide.

Why would you do that to yourself?

Why would you dare to start a day or begin a week without having your written goals in full view?

Put your written goals on paper and then get it laminated.

Put one copy on your desk.

Put one copy in your brief case.

Put another copy in your car - on the sun visor.

Tape another copy onto your bathroom mirror.

Hey - I didn't just fall off the back of a turnip truck.

My written goals helped me to achieve record sales during two earlier recessions. And this recession is no exception because my sales are up this year too.

My feeling is, if I can do it, so can you.

You need a crystal clear picture of what the peak of your mountain looks like - clearly defined goals.

First things first. Establish written goals.

Then create a list of all the action steps you need to achieve your goals.

You'd be amazed at how easy achieving goals is as soon as they are set in writing.

I say screw the recession. You can get up, even when you're down - if you maintain your focus and concentrate on achieving your written goals.

Being distracted isn’t your ticket to achieving your GOALS – being focused is. You don't have to climb Mount Everest to appreciate how important keeping your eyes focused on your goals is to achieving your ultimate success in sales.

You can get up or stay down - you choose!

Let’s go achieve some goals . . .

At PEACE

Tonight, I feel so peaceful. My soul is calm. In life you find yourself wondering why have I walked down this path or that path. You ask yourself, what is going to come of this experience. At an early age, I had mapped out my life. I followed my goals and achieved them but was it really the path I should have gone? Yes, it was because I needed to learn certain lessons. However, it causes a bunch of heartache in the trip. Especially if it is not given to God because he is in charge. We will eventually walk the path that he, God, wants us to walk. Sometimes we feel like we are chasing our tails or running in circles.

So tonight as I write this entry, I reflect on how I have gotten to where I am today in my life and have such an overwhelming feeling of peace. I see where I have come from and can see why I walked through all I have walked through in the past 9 years. Those experiences will help me walk the next chapters in my life. Being at peace with one's life is a very fulfilling and I like it.

"a" is for ant or "a" is for apple

Today I helped with our Literacy Program at church because the usual teacher was out of town. We had a twelve year old girl come tonight. As I helped her read, it brought back memories of my own struggles of reading. I became very patient with her because I understood where she is coming from with her struggles of reading. When I was in the 3rd grade mom and dad moved all us kids to a different school mainly because of the reading program. I was in that reading program through sixth grade at Allen Elementary with Ms. Cohen and then in the seventh grade continued in a program at Arnold Jr. High School. We, my brothers and I, also went to Columbus Reading Center with Ms. Annette and her mom. Today while helping this girl read brought back some of the techniques I was taught, which I tried to help her understand.

The awesome ending of this story is that in High School I was in Honor's English. Making that progress was exciting to me. But, even to this day I still personally struggle with my writing. So even though my writing might not be correct on the blog it is rewarding for me to write and not be ashamed of what I do write.

P.S.... I welcome my History Professor to my blog and hopes he enjoys this entry like he has the others. :D)

Dogwood's, Flies, Soda, FHE

Dogwood Tree: It is springtime and one of my favorite visual is the Dogwood tree. I love it's blooms and so glad that I have one in my backyard. When I see the dogwood tree, it brings back two memories. 1) the legend of the dogwood (see below) 2) ROCK EAGLE 4-H Camp where I would spend my Springs doing District Project Achievement and State Board Activities. Because it was Spring we would always have the Dogwood Tree Blooming when I would go up there with my Muscogee County group.

Dogwood Legend
The Bible does not tell us what type of wood the cross Jesus was crucified on was made of. Roman history does not go into specifics as to how the crosses were made or what type of wood was used. There is a legend that the cross was made of dogwood. This is unlikely considering the typical size of a dogwood tree. The legend of the dogwood tree, author unknown, is as follows:

In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
'Twas strong and firm it's branches interwoven
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.
Seeing the distress at this use of their wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:
"Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so.
Slender and twisted, it shall be
With blossoms like the cross for all to see.
As blood stains the petals marked in brown
The blossom's center wears a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember Me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected, this tree shall be
A reminder to all of my agony."

Again, this is just a legend. It is a nice poem, but there is no biblical basis to it.

Flies: Now that I wrote of a love there is a hate that comes with Spring. That would be the Flies that grow outside and when we leave the doors open to let the nice Spring air in we get the gross flies zooming into the house. So, I stand with fly swatter in hand most of my days when I am at home. 1 fly, 2 fly 3 flies dead! Good ridden.

Soda: Many of my family knows how much I love Diet Mountain Dew. Since I've been focusing on drinking two liters of water a day the last month it had reduced my consumption of sodas. I would finish a case of sodas in two or three days. There has been a case in my refrigerator for three weeks now. Yesterday, Sydney and I stopped for a drink and I bought a 20oz Diet Mountain Dew. I didn't finish it until today. The very surprising factor in all of this is that I haven't had a single headache from caffeine withdrawals. Yeah!

FHE: Now this is special! Yesterday, Sydney and I had our FHE. On the way home from Perry, FL I told her that she was responsible for FHE tonight. When we got home, she went straight to her room and prepared. She prepared better than I have done in a while. She had visual aids and scripture references. Her lesson was on Joseph Smith. She took her church pictures and told a story about how he started his search all the way to the translation of the Book of Mormon. She used one of my magnet boards to display the pictures. She had 5 or so pictures that she explained. She used the "52 weeks of quick Family Home Evenings" and did a tremendous job! After her lesson, she and Lailani (who had come over to visit for a little bit) played Memory. This means Sydney passed off one of her Achievement Day Goals.

Origins '09

Origins '09: Celebrating the Birth and Life of Beginnings

At downtown Klemen Plaza, they had a FSU Science Fair that Sydney, Kai, Carrie and I attended. It was a blast! Sydney and Kai had fun making and playing with the "make & take" object lessons.

Solid and Liquid (cornstarch and water) They had been there and done this but it was still fun to play with.

The Rat Snake was Kai's favorite thing there. Carrie said that a boy who is terrified of spiders but not snakes. He had no problem touching this snake.

Sydney has always liked snakes like me. So, seeing a snake and having the opportunity to touch was a high peak for both of us this day.

Florida and Marine life are a must also! What a great experience that Sydney got to touch a living Starfish.

Holding the Starfish.

Making a tornado and drain. This was the weather area. They had a solar weather station. Which was showing 64 inches of rain today because they kept demonstrating how it worked. Sydney has made a tornado in a jar before at a Science B-day party. She took a jar, liquid soap and a penny. I think she still has it somewhere in her room.

The making of a Dodecahedron

The term dodecahedron is also used for other polyhedra with twelve faces, most notably the rhombic dodecahedron which is dual to the cuboctahedron (an Archimedean solid) and occurs in nature as a crystal form. (I looked this up... Can you tell?)

The finished dodecahedron.

But, the favorite for Sydney was the station where Mission San Luis was demonstrating artifacts and making tissue flowers. I didn't take a picture of this because Sydney goes there all the time. But, a bit about Mission San Luis is the early settlement and capital of La Florida from 1656 to 1704.

Can become GREAT!

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
– Mark Twain

This is so true. It is who you stay around. I also heard phrase that was interesting to me and makes me think about how I have applied my challenges.
"Look at Obstacles as Opportunities"
The preacher was discussing how we complain and try to make our obstacles what we want of them. But when we turn them over to god and take them as opportunities and forget what we want it all turns out better. We are not stressed when we think obstacles ARE opportunities. President Faust once said, "Don't ask the lord why is this happening to me but Lord what can I learn from this..." Well, I have carried this in my mind for years now but when I heard the "OaO" today it put a better and more current frame of thought. Which is helping me change my current path of how my obstacles are opportunities.

My obstacles what I can learn

• Single mom, opportunity to build a better relationship with daughter and help other women in the church know that it can be done and done successfully. Also, it is an opportunity for me to learn who I am truly down deep to the core!
  
• One income, opportunity to learn to spend my money wisely and how to live on a one income.
• Weight, opportunity to understand overweight people and opportunity to learn to eat correctly and also help Sydney eat correctly.
• Living in Quincy, FL., opportunity to learn Spanish and place where Sydney can grow in the gospel because it is a small branch. Also, opportunity to serve and help people in Quincy, FL.
• Working from home which I love and rather than be an obstacle it is a blessing. Which I have the opportunity to keep the house clean instead of doing it when I Sydney is at home. Puts me in a better environment where I don't have other co-workers imposing their problems on me so that I can handle my groups. It's an opportunity for me to be successful.
• Being a member of the LDS church in the South, opportunity to be an example and share the gospel with my friends.

We can all become great if we change how we look at the world into a opportunity.

A lawsuit

I have a friend who's a single dad of a twelve year old boy. A few weeks ago when we were having a peanut scare, my friend came home late and his son was sitting at the kitchen table. His son was mad at him because he was late coming home from work for which he did not call to let his son know and so dinner was not made for his son.

My friend asked his son what he was eating and his response was, "a lawsuit". My friend busted out laughing because his son was eating a PB&J sandwich. What a great sense of humor his son had.

These were on a single guys intro from ldsmingle.com and wanted to share.

1. No man/woman is worth your tears, and the one who is, won't make u cry.
2. Just because someone doesn't love u the way u want them to, doesn't mean they don't love u with all they have.
3. The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside them knowing you can't have them.
4. Never frown, even when u are sad, because u never know who is falling in love with your smile.
5. Don't waste your time on a man/woman, who isn't willing to waste their time on u.
6. To the world u may be one person, but to one person u may be the world.
7. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one, so that when we finally meet the person, we will know how to be grateful.
8. Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened.
9. There's always going to be people that hurt u so what you have to do is keep on trusting and just be more careful about who u trust next time around.
10. Make yourself a better person and know who u are before u try and know someone else and expect them to know you.

Kudos to this guy who put it on his profile. I just really felt these are so smart to live by as a single person!