Even dreams have deadlines

Yes, Walt, even dreams have deadlines.


Goals are dreams with deadlines attached.*

Author unknown

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Teen Birthday Party- Before & After Preparation Photos

We celebrated our oldest son's 17th birthday this past weekend. (Gee, that went fast.)

The birthday boy requested a "Rainbow Cake" which I've never made before.
Basically, you make a batch of white cake batter-



Then, divide the batter into six bowls, and use food coloring to create vivid purple, blue, red, yellow, orange, and green batter.


Next, layer the colored batter in pan. I used the red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple color configuration for the rainbow. Here is the colorful mixture, all layered and ready for baking.


Bake as directed, and frost with either whipped cream or buttercream frosting.

I had to take this photo quickly, the cake went fast!

We had 60+ guests invited to the party, and rain was in the forecast, so we rented a tent for the backyard.
It's a big job to put up the tent, Charley wants to socialize.


The tent and boxing bounce house all set up and ready for action, my son and his friend get ready to Party!

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Guilt about taking care of yourself? What's Up with that??

During a team meeting at work yesterday, my supervisor led a discussion about taking time out of the day to care of yourself, whether it's taking a walk, a stretch break, or a cup of tea, and how important this is.

My work team is comprised mostly of nurses with an administrative assistant and social worker in the mix. We shared our experiences about "self care", including our health insurance plan incentives for working out, the importance of getting into a routine, and the "pay off" of increased energy, decreased back pain, and reduced stress.

In a group filled with "caregivers", we talked at length about the issue of guilt as a barrier to taking care of yourself, guilt about taking time to exercise, eat right, and just recharge. A few of my colleagues felt guilt about when they couldn't exercise, and gosh, this emotion is just unforgiving, and so counterproductive! I have realized it all starts with me, that if I don't take care of myself, first and foremost, I can't do diddly-squat for anybody else, not my family, friends, colleagues, patients, nobody!

Among the reasons I have been successful in achieving some, (not all, by far), of my fitness goals, is that I am consistent with a routine, and I work to avoid the "guilt trap". I do the best I can, and I have learned to celebrate my successes, and accept and overcome my shortcomings.

I invite you to "cut yourself a break" today, and please let me know about a nice thing that you've done for yourself recently, whether it's big, small, or in between.

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Motivation Monday - Transformation

This week I wanted to share Bill Phillips book and his 18 step challenge with you. I read the entire book yesterday and will be working on the 18 steps in detail one at a time over the next several weeks. I've also joined the Spring Forward Challenge.

Some of you may remember my post from way back in June 2010 - My Personal Health and Fitness Journey. My journey was based on Bill Phillips original book Body For Life. Next to my father, my husband and my sons, Bill Phillips has been the most influential man in my life. Bill is the reason I am 7 pounds away from my goal weight instead of 70!

This book is about transforming your life, not just your body. Check out the links and let me know if you are ready to transform your life too!

Wishing you a Motivated Monday!

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Mid Week Check In/What's Happening

Hello Tms'ers and Happy Wednesday!

I am not feeling too motivated or inspired these days, as I have been so busy with an increase in work hours, and illness of the patients, oldest son's Show Choir competition season, youngest son's soccer tournaments and practice, and of course, housework, chores, and squeezed in there, exercise, and of course, rest and relaxation, as prescribed by Ma!

I have realized it really doesn't matter how inspired I feel about stuff, half the battle is just showing up. I have been consistent about working out, and better about meal planning. Decluttering as I clean up, is now second nature to me. I actually enjoy cleaning out the refrigerator and excel at it!! Instead of focusing on how much I have to do, I take pride in how far I,(we), have all come on progressing towards our goals.

So, this is a mid week huddle, just to say, Great Job! Keep up the good work with a High Five and a "booty" bump!

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Mid Week Blue Plate Special/Happy Leap Day

Photo taken at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Untitled "Blue Plates".



To finish off Fitness February with a Flair, please check out how the color blue suppresses appetite at Color Matters.

Thank you so much, and Happy Leap Day, Year too!

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What Would I Do If I Won $1111.11? Give It Away for a Child's Smile

Fairy tales can come true. About a month ago, I entered a contest at the website, Chime.in, by writing an essay, (2000 characters or less), of what I would do if I won $1111.11 in honor of 11/11/11.
Well, I entered, and I won! I won one of 14 prizes of $1111.11 each given away.

Here is my entry-

My Chimewish-

What would I do with $1111.11? Give It Away for a Child's Smile.

My Chimewish is to make the wishes and dreams of children come true. I wanted to share some background information for my motivation and plans for a granted Chime Wish. Our family is blessed in many ways, and we are fortunate to be able to provide for our boys' passions for sport and the arts. Unfortunately this is not the case for many in our school district, which is located in a diverse neighborhood where a significant percent of students qualify for free lunches. Our area is no exception in that our local schools' budgets have been cut to the bone. Because of budget cuts and the economy, many children can no longer participate in Art and Athletics. This became poignantly clear to me when I overheard my son's classmate, a new choir student, telling the choir director, he would have to drop out of the program, as he could not afford the transportation or costume fees. Or when my husband, who is a volunteer youth referee, (along with our teens), tells me that the demand for scholarships and free equipment for the soccer program is higher than ever before. I would divide and donate this gift to our often overlooked teens & their families, with the assistance of American Youth Soccer Organization, ww.ayso678.org, & Hart High School district, www.hartdistrict.org, music program. I feel very passionately about this, as not only do I want every child to have the experience of being part of something bigger than them, but also for their families to witness and share in this joy. Please help spread a smile by Liking or Sharing this chime with my sincere thanks.

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True Gift - A Chill Holiday Season

The tide of holiday stress is coming, and you can see it all around with the overblown consumerism and expectations. I have ridden that wave off and on throughout my adult life, but not this year.

The biggest gift I am giving, is, To Myself and it's a Break. I have decided to get off the "Stress Mess Train", and just be in the moment and present. I am focused on creating memories, especially with our teens on the cusp of young adulthood, and leaving the nest soon. There will be plenty of "Merry and Bright" as we all enjoy decorating, entertaining, and good food. But I will work to enjoy the process and journey, as much as the end result.

We choose our emotions, and I have learned this the hard way. I choose to be "light", a state of appreciation or grace. We have so much to be thankful, and this is really the meaning of the holidays.

It is a privilege to "pay it forward" this season. This includes - telling the cashier at my neighborhood drugstore how much I appreciate her, donating old blankets and towels to the animal shelter, or purchasing toys and clothes for a girl in foster care. This things cost little, but make us feel so rich.

Thank you for sharing with with me, your time and thoughtfulness. I hope that you will give yourself the gift of kindness this season, and witness how wonderfully contagious it is.

My best to you always and all ways, Martha

Photo of Point Lobos State Preserve, Carmel By The Sea, California

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Forget the Fear, Worry about the Addiction is Right!

Flying through the air with much unease, comes the fifty year old on the flying trapeze!

For my 50th birthday, the boys and I took a flying trapeze class at the Trapeze School of NY- Santa Monica. Here we are pre-flight, all thinking, "What have I (she) gotten us into?"


You have ground practice for proper take off off the little bitty platform 23 feet up in the air.



Did I tell you I am not a fan of heights? The net is 14 feet below the platform, 9 feet off the ground.

I am sore two days later in places that I didn't know I had, but so well worth it, it was amazing.

Here's the boys who also really enjoyed it and took to it so easily.









It was a wonderful way to celebrate and I agree with Eleanor Roosevelt that you should do something each day that scares you.

More about → Forget the Fear, Worry about the Addiction is Right!

Small Acorns, Mighty Oaks

Ancient tree on the Carmel-Monterey Coast of California.

When I am feeling less than "motivated", I have to remind myself that small, consistent changes have meaningful results. I work to turn off the soundtrack in my head that is discouraging and negative, "Holy Cow, look at this mess, I'll never finish", and replace it with something positive, "Let me see how much I can get done in fifteen minutes."

It never ceases to amaze and humble me, how we are truly our own worst enemies on so many fronts, and that we need to acknowledge, accept, and own "it", if we truly want to, and are ready to change. Berating and beating yourself up over stuff you are not ready to deal with, is just a waste of energy and very self defeating.

So, with that little pep talk in mind, I've been able to accomplish much that has been on my regularly procastinated upon "to do list". Including, but not limited to-

Clean out of bathroom drawers for old makeup, and medicine cabinet for expired medications, including plans for drop off to a pharmacy for proper disposal.

Brought over a bag of clothes to the junior high school Drama club.

Donated two big bags for Show Choir rummage sale.

Reducing my pantry and freezer stashes by planning meals around items at hand.

I also went through our canned goods and non perishables for donations to the local food pantry.

I am saving money by not buying things we don't "need". I am using up the "purchased on sale" and freebie stash of shampoo, shower gel, etc.

The local trash company offers a 20% discount from your bill if you switch from a 96 gallon trash can to a 35 gallon size for weekly pickup. We still have unlimited recycling and yard and lawn clippings pick up, in addition to three big trash bags, up to 8 times a year, if needed. We rarely fill our blue barrel above halfway, and we recycle and compost over 75% of our household trash.

The family calendar have been brought up to date, at least for now. I've scheduled our routine medical and dental check ups, and did some financial paperwork too.

The cars have also had their "routine maintenance", especially important now that our oldest is driving.

In September, I completed a month long fitness challenge, and in a couple weeks, I will be participating in a two hour "Party in Pink" Zumbathon to raise money for Breast Cancer research. I have also been walking daily and going to the gym three times a week regularly.

When I list all my accomplishments, I realize how these small things really add up. Thank you so much for letting me share and also, what little acorns have you planted lately?

Thank you again and Happy Wednesday.

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Mid-Week Show and Tell ~ "Bras for a Cause"

Welcome to Wednesday at The Motivation Station, and a "Mid-Week Show and Tell" of "Bras for a Cause". "Bras for a Cause" is an annual luncheon and silent auction to raise money for Breast Cancer screening and treatment in our community. I decorated and donated a bra ensemble, "Pretty in Pink", inspired by a friend who is a Breast Cancer survivor and thriver.
I made a pair of blingy earrings and "upcycled" a vintage bead necklace to go with the bra and rumba pants. (Gosh, I wonder how many folks will find this blog based on the search term, "rumba pants", hmm.;o)

I also decorated a vendor sponsored bra for the silent auction. This bra is called "Minnie's Mammogram".

It's amazing how you can change the world with some crystals and a glue gun. Not just for others, but also for yourself.

Thank you so much and I wish you a wonderful day, week too.

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In This Fleeting Moment

If you ever find yourself in Laguna Beach, California, there is a small park on the Pacific Ocean that is easy to overlook.


At the edge of the park, there are two rails with stained glass surrounding a poem.


The poem reads-

IN THIS FLEETING MOMENT
WHAT EXTRAVAGANT RESPITE
AS BOOMING SURF SPEAKS ITS
MYSTICAL PASSAGE ACROSS
THE UNDREAMED DEPTHS.

This small and precious gem, Brown's Park, was donated by Joe Brown after his home on the property was destroyed. What an incredible gift to create and share something joyful and inspiring, rendered out of loss and heartbreak.

I found it lovely and inspiring, and I hope you do too.

Thank you so much, and has anything awed or inspired you lately?

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Something Silly for Sanity's Sake

Ma blogged a couple weeks ago, about how important "looking at the lighter side of life" is to our well being.

I hope you enjoy this video of our dog Charley, (who has never howled before!!), howling at the honking cars of the neighborhood Swim Team's Victory Parade two months ago.

I have been looking at the lighter side more, now that my mom is recovering nicely. Thank you all so much for your kind thoughts and good wishes.

What has brought a smile to your face recently? Thank you again, Happy Wednesday!

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Sights and Signs of Laguna Beach

Last month we were in Laguna Beach, California to attend a wedding.





Here is the beautiful bride, and it was very touching to see all the beachgoers who were not part of the wedding, stand up and watch the ceremony.





You can certainly live the good life in Laguna Beach.











We refreshed in the ocean.





We rested at a bluffside park.





We moved on after a lovely long weekend.





Thank you so much for sharing in our little soujourn, and how have you been recharging this summer?

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If Mama Ain't Happy

If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. I woke up this morning and immediately started a treasure hunt for our camera so I could download some photos* for my blog post. Of course, it took me a good twenty minutes to find it, and Not Before I was completely aggravated and annoyed by the "piles of stuff" that seems to accumulate and aggregate like barnacles on a ship! I think I have hit my nadir with the house and my two very soon to return to school teens and their detritus trail. I just wrote out a very specific task list for them, breaking down their household chores from "clean up your room" into "put your clean clothes into drawers", "empty hamper", "organize desk drawers". I also have my "honey do" list too, but first it's a good thing I am going to the gym this morning to work out my frustration!



Thank you for letting me vent, and please let me know how you cope when you hit your low points.



*P.S. Of course the cute video I took of our dog howling wouldn't upload to blogger! GRRRR, now where is that punching bag???

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Pay It Forward - Random and Not So Random Acts of Kindness

There is an elderly gentleman who lives on our street who occasionally stops to chat while I walk our dog. This neighbor is lonely, and I always try to take a moment to say Hello. Talking with him reminds me that "Kindness Always Counts". In fact, I am beginning to think that it's really the only thing that matters.

When we act kindly to ourselves with a healthy diet, exercise, and habits, (both physical and emotional), then we are able to show kindness and care to others.

When we are kind to others, whether they be close family, friends, or strangers, it creates peace both inside and out.

When we are kind to those less fortunate, our environment, those with no voice like animals, or art, then we help create peace in the world and again, within ourselves. (Try it and see, and please contemplate on the opposite stategy of "being mean" to those around you and the burden that bears. Like I said to one really witchy woman who was bound and determined to make everyone around her miserable, "It must be No Fun to be you".

I remember when I first learned of the concept of "random acts of kindness" and "paying it forward" on the radio while driving in my car on the Florida Turnpike twenty years ago. I decided to instantly put it into practice by paying the toll of the driver behind me, and I felt like I was the one who received a gift from the look of suprise and delight from the driver of the other car. One I remember to this day.

I have been the recipient of many, many acts of kindness, some forgotten, some unknown, some treasures that time can never erase, like when I received a sympathy card from my college classmates after my brother's death 27 years ago.

So today, I invite you to Pay It Forward by practicing a random or planned act of kindness. Whether it's calling a lonely neighbor, holding open a door for a stranger, donating to your favorite charity, passing down outgrown toys or books, biting your tongue before you say a judgemental or harsh comment, treating yourself with a nap, good book, or walk outside, please, just put some kindness and positive energy out there, and I anticipate the Universe will return it in spades!

Thank you so much, and please let me know your plans, and also any kind acts given or received. (Or if you are a firm believer in "No good deed goes unpunished", please share if you like. ;0D)

Thank you again and the kind thing I've done this week is give my sons' outgrown boogie board to our neighbors' children. But that helped us out by decluttering our garage, so see how that works?? Hmmmm.

More about → Pay It Forward - Random and Not So Random Acts of Kindness

The List Makers Shall Inherit the Earth*

A list is a most powerful thing. There is a sense of satisfaction, dare I say, accomplishment, based on the simple act of crossing off something on your "To-Do" List.

I have finished some longstanding and quasi-neglected things on my list, including deleting over 100 out of date documents and emptying the recycle bin on my computer, in addition to cleaning up my desk top icons.

I also updated the household budget (ugh, now I can see why I procrastinated on that little assignment), and did some filing.

I also installed my back up printer, since my other printer has an invisible paper jam I can't clear, and there is nobody who fixes printers anymore. It is apparently cheaper to buy a new printer than fix one!!!!

In order to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of some chores like cleaning my office, I listed smaller tasks like cleaning the closet, the drawers, and bookcase separately. This helps me stay focused and motivated, even if it's just one drawer or shelf, at least something got Done!!!

What lists have you been compiling lately and what have you accomplished?

How do you cope with feeling overwhelmed and make things more manageable?

Please let me know in the comments and Thank you So, So MUCH!

* Along with the meek, (this is according to my wise 83 y/o Dad who organizes a shopping list based on the layout of the store. Hey, he's a retired engineer who now does the household errands.)

Thank you all so much for your kind comments and insight from last Wednesday, I appreciate it, and you very much.

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In Honor of Independence Day

Independence Day reminds us of the sacrifices of freedom, not only 235 years ago, but also today.

On Santa Monica Beach each Sunday, there is a memorial for our war dead of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars.





In Santa Clarita last Fall, I attended a funeral procession for a local soldier. Thousands of us stood at the side of the road, strangers to the family, but there to abide.

The Freedom Riders were out in full force to act as a shield for the family, in case there was a protest against the procession and funeral. The dichotomy of our protected rights of free speech and assembly, guaranteed by our constitution, and its ability to harm and be hateful is not lost on me.



To those who have served and their families, past and present, I thank you for your service, sacrifice, and our abundant freedoms.

To you and yours, a safe, happy, and healthy 4th of July, thank you.

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Motivation Monday - Find Yourself

                                                                           Source: imgfave.com via Martha on Pinterest

Have you heard of pinning yet?

Pinterest is a virtual pin board! You create your own pin boards and then sift through the incoming pins and add your favorites to your own boards - or you pin anything you find that you love from blogs or anywhere on the Internet!

I had seen this on several blogs lately but didn't sign up until this weekend. I finally worked my last 10 hour day on Thursday and decided to just take a weekend of total rest and relaxation. Once I got into relaxation mode I got started with Pinterest  - I have to say I really, really love it!

I will say that it can definitely be addicting and yet another way to procrastinate and waste time on the computer - but at the same time, it's a great way to find out who you really are! Seriously, after looking at the pin boards I've created I actually said to myself  "So that's who I am!" It was so liberating!

I guess the cool thing is that's it's a place to put together own own wants, likes, needs, styles, and loves all in one place without considering others opinions. Of course we can create special boards for things for our loved ones too if we want to.

Pinterest has also been really helpful for my upcoming redecorating. I have so many different likes and styles that I didn't know which direction to go - and I have two homes to finish renovating and decorating. My thoughts on things were all just mashing together. Pinterest really helped me to separate and organize the chaos.

Stop by my boards using the button below and then just click on each board to see details...



Hope you'll try it too!

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Flashes of Insight, Powerful Quotes

Like a lot of people, I find motivation, joy, and wisdom too, in certain quotes and experiences. Life is truly our teacher, but as I've learned, only when we are ready.

Here are some of my favorites-

People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

(This is a saving grace to carry into the workplace for me.)

Trains and airplanes wait for no one.

(Wisdom care of my dear old Dad who taught me that being on time is crucial.)

If you walk past trash without picking it up, it's just as bad as if you threw it there yourself.

(Thank you to our kayak and zipline guides from the Princeville Ranch in Kauai, HI.)

Do the worst, first.

It really is hugely motivating to get the stuff, you are dreading dealing with, off your to do list.

(Harvey McKay- author, How to Swim with the Sharks)

Being polite costs nothing and pays big dividends, forever.

What are some of your favorite motivational quotes which help and sustain you?

Thank you very much.

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