Are You Living in Full Color?

I read about living in Full Color on my niece Andrea's blog (she's gone private or I'd send you there). I was so intrigued by the topic that I thought I would explore it a little more. Here is what I found:

Remember the movie Pleasantville in which the residents of that town lived in black and white? We all, in some way, live in a black-and-white world - a world without color. Color can mean many things — the hues of the rainbow, as well as a person’s aura, how people express their true nature.

Often, people don’t reveal the fullness of their gifts and who they are. This can occur because people identify themselves by the roles they play in life, for example their job title, rather than expressing every dimension of themselves.

Without being aware of it, you may be living in a black and white world and you are missing out. Imagine if you couldn't see the colors surrounding you — a beautiful red rose, the face of your partner, the art you create as an artist or see at an exhibit, the rainbow that gently rises after rain and, most importantly, the gifts you have to give to others. You may be missing a lot of beauty in your own life.

The wonderful essence of color shines when you are able to express your true gifts. All of this is gone when you live in a black and white world - one that lacks passion and meaning. This Grey world is a reality today for most of us!

Here is a quiz to see if you live in this black and white world. If you answer TRUE to more than five, it’s time to bring more color into your life:

1. I say yes to others before saying yes to myself.
2. I avoid doing things that are scary for me.
3. I live a life based on what others want for me.
4. I do what my family and society want for me.
5. I focus more on what I know how to do, than on what works best for me.
6. I am influenced by what others are doing around me.
7. I avoid taking risks.
8. I value my efficiency more than my creativity.
9. I don’t use my heart, soul and mind when making decisions.
10. I play it safe with anything that is out of my comfort zone.

How do you change from a black-and-white world to a world of color? A world in which you know what makes up your true rainbow of expression? You have color in your life when:

• You are clear on what you are passionately interested in.
• You are fully expressing your gifts.
  You have embraced who you are.
  You know what you want to do, and you are actualizing this purpose.
  You look forward to your daily activities.
  You live a life in which possibilities are constantly coming your way.
  You live life to the fullest.

Don’t allow your Grey outlook to envelope the color waiting to explode on your external canvas. Your true colors are waiting to shine, burning deep and burning wide in a blaze of color. Let the colors shine through, a powerful energy explodes for all to see.

We all have colors and our lives are meant to create masterpieces of art to display who we are loudly and boldly. Let yourself shine, let your colors know their true day. Today is the day that you allow your rainbow to shine. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.”

To learn more about how Joel Garfinkle’s expert Public Inspirational Speaking can help you as an individual in your quest for your dream job or improve your group’s interactions at work or play please visit his Business Management Speaker page.

Copyright ©2004 - 2009 Joel Garfinkle, All Rights Reserved.

Take the test here.

Good Friends are hard to come by...

Today is my dear friend Kristie's birthday!! Head on over to her blog and wish her a fabulous day!!

I stole this picture of Kristie and her hubby off of her facebook page. It's a little creapy that you can do that!!

Return to Winter

Winter has returned...

Pole Dancing? Alway check your kids homework!

My hubby send me this email and I thought it was too funny not to share!


Dear Mrs. Jones,

I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told Sarah how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had. Then I found one more in the back room, and several people were fighting over who would get it. Sarah's picture does NOT show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot. From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.

Sincerely, Mrs. Smith

New Day

It was an emotional day as I gathered my children around to watch history unfold. The invocation by Rev. Rick Warren was touching and started the tears. Nate asked why I was so emotional. I explained to him just how much I love this country of ours and how amazing it is that we peacefully pass on the roles of leadership. There are not many countries in this world who can say that. The Rev. Joseph E. Lowery (what a cute man!!) ended the inauguration with an amazing benediction. I truly felt joy and a sense of hope for this new president.

Best of luck, Mr. President and our prayers will be with you!!

On a funny side note: It is no secret that I am not a huge Hillary fan. As the past presidents messed up the schedule and gathered in the hall before going out in the cold; there was a little incident that caught my eye. The senior President & Mrs. Bush and the Clinton's were stand and chatting as President and Mrs. Carter approached. President Carter kissed Barbara Bush on the check, shook hands with President Bush (Sr.) and walked on. Did not even acknowledge the Clinton's. Hillary was standing opposite of Bill and her eyes were shooting daggers at the Carter's. She was not please that they were completely ignored!!

We finally pulled ourselves away from the television to get a few things done. The kids had the day off school for a teacher prep day and I had promised Avery that I would take her up to the Driver's License Division, about a 20 minutes drive from our home so she could take the written driving exam to get her learners permit. (In Utah kids can get their permits at 15, and then drive with a parent for a year + class time and drive time with an instructor. Then they are all set to get their full driving priviledges at 16.)

I grabbed Avery's birth certificate and social security card (required) as proof that she is who she is, and off we went. As we pulled in the parking lot it was completely full. Not a good sign. Upon entering the building the line was SO long!! I knew we were in for a fun day. We realized that Friday was the end of the term and the time when most kids are finished with their driving class at school and were there gettting their official license. Thus the crowd.

We stood in line for about a half hour, passing the time playing Yatzee on my phone. Finally, our turn to pay the fee and she could take the test. Wait...not so fast! We were turned away because the birth certificate I brought was a little laminated card (and exact copy just smaller) which all of my kids got with the original birth certificate, and which I have used with my other two kids. They no longer accept these little laminated cards!!

Back home we go, Mom really not happy!! I ran in the house, grabbed the original certificate and another 20 minute trek. Good thing I love this child! Another half-hour stand in line, another game of Yatzee, luck the guy who turned us away was no longer at his station cause I would have shot daggers at him with MY eyes. We payed, tested, took pictures and now Avery is a driver in training.

I let her drive home. But she was not ready for the freeway so we took the side roads and she did a great job. I don't think I will be driving my own car for at least the next year as she wants to drive everywhere!

Happy Birthday Avery!!

Fifteen years ago today my beautiful Avery made our family complete.

Avery you are delightful bundle of energy and can light up a room with your smile. You have such a calm demeanor and a strong spirit that your energy affects everyone your around. You are so kind and compassionate; worrying about the concerns of others and always make an effort to make sure everyone feels included and important.

You know how to set goals and accomplish anything to put your mind to. You are an accomplished golfer, pool shark (with papa mac), volleyball player, swimmer, lacrosse player, singer (oh, and rock band). One of my favorite memories of you is when you were about five I took you to tap dance lessons (because you wanted to dance with your friend Kiersten). You tried out the class and on our way home I asked you if you thought tap might be something you could do. You responded so matter of fact, "Of course I can do it, but I don't want too"! You knew right then and there! I admire that in you!

You are a hard worker. Since athletic ability comes so naturally, academics have been a little more of a challenge. You have made it a point to put in extra effort on studying, and your grades are a representation of that hard work. You are an organizer and have always loved to clean and organize your room (I just wish you would move on to the rest of the house).

You are a precious, precious part of our lives. Dad and I are so grateful you choose to be part of our family

Happy Birthday Avery! We love you!!

I am a Sith

What a great day!

My baby continues to grow up and there is nothing I can do about it!! Avery got her braces off today and she looks so grown up. When I got a look at her mouth without the metal I quickly asked them to please put them back on. I am not ready for my daughter to be old enough to be out of braces. Just a couple of more days until she is 15 and she has been begging to get her drivers permit on her birthday. I will never drive my own car for at least the next year!! WHAAAAAA!!

I had to laugh this afternoon. There are four kids (one girl, three boys) besides Avery, all 14, that I pick up from the Jr. High and transport to the Rec. Center where they swim with the high school. The drive lasts only about 10 minutes. Two of the kids were involved with an activity at school and did not go to swimming today, which left Avery and two of the young men. These boys were a total crack up as the entire drive they had a very deep discussion/argument over Star Wars and if one of them could be a Sith or a Jedi. I wish I could have recorded them as I just had to shake my head at the depth of there knowledge of Star Wars. Avery rolled her eyes and said, "BOYS"! As we approached the final destination I asked them if they knew Star Wars was just a movie. They laughed, continuing their discussion into the building and as later reported by Avery, even into the pool.

I guess teenage girls have Edward and the vampires (Twilight) and the boys still have Star Wars.

What cute kids!!

Guilty Pleasure

Here oldest daughter and I sit watching our Tivo'd episode of American Idol, with pillows close by to cover our faces.

Are we aweful? How can we get so much pleasure from others pain? I have not laughed so hard in a really long time. I have to admit that the audition phase of the program is my absolute favorite. Day #1 seems to be a bit of a disaster for those being chosen to go to Hollywood.

I am not quiet sure how people are chosen to actually participate on the show. How can friends and family allow their loved ones to go through the humiliation when they stink. I mean No.Talent. At. ALL!!

Words frequently vocalized at our house: Oh NO, Oh NO, NOOOOOOOO! As pillows are quickly pulled to our faces to hide us from the pain of looking at the auditioner.

Good for them for having the courage to follow their dreams. Can't wait for next time...

More... of the Greatest Snow on Earth

Another Utah snow storm...

I feel like all I have done this week is shovel snow and make hospital visits!!

We had snow Monday and Tuesday with probably about 8-inches worth of shoveling; which constitutes a sore back. We even have a snow blower, and some how we still end up shoveling a good part of the time. The temperature reached the mid 50's Wednesday and Thursday which helped melt the sheet of ice that has been a constant visitor since before Christmas.

Last night the temperature was mild when the storm came in so it rained before the snow started. This means there was a thin sheet of slippery ice under the snow which needed to be shoveled this morning.

Oh, were is my January thaw?

As far as the hospital visits go...McKenzie has had some procedures done to determine where her stomach discomfort is stemming from. It's not fun for a 20 year old to endure a colonoscopy one day and a throat scope the next. Hopefully this will determine what I have suspected; that she has a gluten intolerance. We will find out in a couple of weeks. On a side note, the throat scope found that she has acid issues which have irritated her esophagus and caused swelling. They stretched it for her to increase the diameter. We didn't even know this was going on.

New Year 2009

The fun didn't stop there...Friday night (December 26) Kent and I attended a Utah Jazz game with the Jones's. We dined at Flemings, a place we had not eaten before (it was very good) and had the fun of sitting on the third row, right behind the Jazz bench.

We had a relaxing weekend with Steve and his family in town.

Tuesday we got up early, packed the car and headed to St. George for the New Year.

We all golfed Wednesday and went to the movie "Bedtime Stories", it was entertaining, then back to the house for games and to ring in the New Year.

Thursday we kicked off the New Year by Kent and I golfing with Papa Mac and Val. We met the kids for a late lunch and hung out at the house for the remainder of the day.

Friday Kent, Nate and Papa Mac went over to the Sand Hollow golf course for a 18 hole round as the girls and I hit the road with the GPS and traveled to Las Vegas to shop. The girls got money for Christmas that they were just dying to spend at the great outlets and H&M. The drive was not that bad, Jane (our GPS) got us right to the outlet where we shopped for several hours. Then we ventured off to the next local which happened to be right at the heart of the strip. It took us almost an hour through all of the traffic only to find that our Suburban was too tall to fit in the parking structure of the Planet Hollywood Hotel and the Miracle Mile shops. We did not know where to go to find a parking lot so we searched the GPS for another shopping center. We hopped back on the freeway and traveled close to the airport for another shopping location. This was a fun center with lots of great stores, and most importantly and H & M. We finished shopping and got back on the road so we could hurry back for the Utah game at the Sugar Bowl. What a great game!! Congrats Utah Utes!!

Saturday was a kick back day with more games and swimming. We made a last minute decision to return home Saturday evening instead of Sunday afternoon so we packed our bags, packed the car, cleaned up as much as allowed and started the journey home.

Thanks Papa Mac and Val for letting us invade your privacy and displace you for a couple of days!! We loved spending time with you!

Christmas Day

Christmas turned out to be a relaxing and lovely day.

The kids slept in to 7:30 am (later would have been nicer) but at least it wasn't 5 or 6!!Our

London trip was a large portion of Christmas this year. Kent and I took a trip to a local London Market and picked up a few treats for the kids and then we put together a photo album for each of them which consisted of pictures from each day of our travels and adventures. They turned out really nice and I think it will be a wonderful keepsake and reminder of our trip.

After opening gifts we have time to shower and get ready for the day before heading to the Baucom's for our annual Christmas brunch. Instead of exchanging gifts we decided to tie flannel quilts for charity. It really was a nice activity that most participated in. When our time there was through we came home and relaxed for a few hours before preparing the salad and heading over to my parents for dinner and the remainder of the evening.

We had dinner, a nice gift exchange and lots of visiting. The snow really began to come down and getting home was quite exciting.

All in all it couldn't have been a better day!

Twas the sick before Christmas

I know I'm late. I can't apologize enough!! It really puts a damper on the holidays when the mom of the house gets sick and is the only one who gets sick. Here I preach that I take my "Super Garlic Immune" to ward off illness (which I do) but got a little lax with the busyness of December and took it for granted. If I start to feel anything coming I take it immediately, but this bug came on so hard and fast that it really threw me for a loop.

I woke up three days before Christmas in the middle of the night with an extremely sore throat. This lead to a grumpy day because there was so much to do and not feeling well did not fit into the schedule. To top it off my son decided 1 am was a great bedtime (for the entire Christmas Break). So Christmas Eve Eve (or Adam as my kids call it) after going to bed around 11 was rudely woken up at 1 by a loud tv down stairs. I got up, walked down stairs only to find the tv blaring in the empty office. Nate was in the basement with his friend Blake playing Xbox. I very calmly suggested that it was time to call it a night and ushered the young men to where they should be, their own beds.

I was wide awake by this time and decided to spare the hubby my tossing and turning (and coughing) so I proceeded to the basement to have a wrapping party. Thank You Food Network!! I was entertained by a variety of foodies which made wrapping just fly by and it was 5 am before I knew it and the wrapping complete. I curled up on the couch and caught a couple of hours of sleep before the hubby came down to check on me. Now Christmas Eve there was no time to waste in preparing for the next day.