tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33234761936210393162024-02-07T00:15:22.267-06:0040 days to a new you!small goals = a better youRisa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-91412323074865923742011-01-13T09:58:00.000-06:002011-01-13T09:58:57.962-06:00A New YearThe new year started 13 days ago, but I'm just now getting to blogging about it. I've come across many blogs about making a new year's resolution, but for those of you who don't know me, I don't make new year's resolutions anymore. I guess you can say...I don't believe in them. Last year, I decided to choose a word for the year. My word last year was "ENJOY." I tried to enjoy each and everyday. <br />
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This year, one word didn't come to me to easy. I really want to make some changes in my life this year so I was tempted to make a list of goals, but no....I had to tell myself "ONE WORD!"<br />
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So, let me introduce you to my 2011 word....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyluqxv0VKdEL0lsEBjBtnaKrwxXl9Pw0n_K7AuhH1NYCRVjIT0wPIiBEpJFwBobg_1MbbHD5oMGOntnsj6EQHxrh5bg_JdIg9qysfH_J0nn3HI92EIb6tgSQfQrXBxYp7OzwwK8DhsUI/s1600/Blance.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyluqxv0VKdEL0lsEBjBtnaKrwxXl9Pw0n_K7AuhH1NYCRVjIT0wPIiBEpJFwBobg_1MbbHD5oMGOntnsj6EQHxrh5bg_JdIg9qysfH_J0nn3HI92EIb6tgSQfQrXBxYp7OzwwK8DhsUI/s320/Blance.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left"></div>Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-76655236244966016302010-11-02T09:53:00.002-05:002011-01-13T09:23:54.974-06:00New Book - The Beauty of Different<a href="http://www.chookooloonks.com/bio/">Karen</a> at <a href="http://www.chookooloonks.com/blog/">Chookooloonks</a> has a new book - The Beauty of Different! I can't wait to get my copy!<br />
Go over and take a look!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The new book <em>The Beauty of Different</em> is available from <a href="http://brightskypress.com/infostore/ca.cart.asp?sAction=DisplayDetails&pid=182&id=227" target="_blank">Bright Sky Press</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Different-Karen-Walrond/dp/1933979968/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-57940454055508284612010-09-16T09:36:00.002-05:002010-10-24T20:17:30.077-05:00Settle Down TimeI was reading <a href="http://simplemom.net/"><strong>Simple Mom blog</strong></a> and I just loved this quote...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>"If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon in a perfectly useless manner, you have learned how to live." </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">-Lin Yutang</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The blog post, <a href="http://simplemom.net/productivity-and-quality-down-time/"><strong>Productivity and Quality Down Time</strong></a>, talks about quality down time. I call it down time. I love "down time." I always tell my friends, if you want to learn how to relax, I can teach you. And this is true. I believe people should relax and enjoy life. I have so many friends that just work and work and work and they don't take the time to just enjoy....life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Everyone should learn how to slow down and enjoy nature...the wind, tress, sun, moon, sky, etc...all of these things are free to everyone, but how many times do we stop to enjoy them?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For some, to stop and do "nothing" when there is so much to do is (as my husband says), 'just crazy!' My husband is one of these people. He always has to be doing something, but not me. I'm totally opposite. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And yes, I'm glad you asked, yes, we have kids and yes, I work full time. My kids are teenagers. Although they can 'fend' for themselves in some cases, when they were younger, we had "settle down time." Settle down time was always one hour before bedtime. The kids could read or watch television, but they rule was...you had to be quiet. I came up with settle down time because I wanted the kids to have a good nights sleep and I beleive you have to calm your brain before your body will rest. Even though I don't enforce settle down time anymore, the kids continue to do it on their own.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><em>Here are a few ways I like to settle down:</em></strong></div><ul><li><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Turn off the television, computer, cell phone</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Watch the sunset</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Read a book</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Take a nap</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Take a bubble bath (I do this every night)</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Knit</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Drink coffee or tea</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Sitting on the porch on a cool night</div></li>
</ul>Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-63462741516235803592010-08-26T08:05:00.003-05:002010-08-26T08:22:44.473-05:00A few things about me in: Three'sThree names I go by:<br />1. Risa<br />2. Ri<br />3. mom<br /><br />Three jobs I have had:<br />1. receptionist<br />2. coordinator<br />3. trainer<br /><br />Three places I have lived:<br />1. Austin, Texas<br />2. Houston [near Houston]<br />3. Italy, Texas<br /><br />Three favorite drinks:<br />1. coffee<br />2. Coke Zero<br />3. water<br /><br />Three TV shows I watch:<br />1. Grey's Antonmy<br />2. Monk<br />3. CSI<br /><br />Three places I have been:<br />1. Arkansas<br />2. Louisiana<br />3. Missouri<br /><br />Three places I would like to visit:<br />1. Chicago<br />2. Washington State - Seattle<br />3. Spain<br /><br />Three favorite old TV shows:<br />1. Good Times<br />2. Martin<br />3. 90210<br /><br />Three favorite dishes:<br />1. Shelby's Chicken<br />2. Paula Deen's Creamy Spicy Chicken<br />3. Southwest Eggrolls<br /><br />Three makeup/beauty products I cannot live without:<br />1. lip gloss<br />2. mascara<br />3. flat iron<br /><br />Three things I’m looking forward to:<br />1. the next chapter...<br />2. Houston with hubby's family [September]<br />3. seeing my family againRisa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-72192718242583026272010-08-12T11:53:00.006-05:002010-08-12T13:22:59.320-05:00Things you hated growing up....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRYok5lgfAdx_UpL0bx80sZaPWEDLFZL1IN_3en-aUfX_B4dfRqqz25valfOdAMiwj9zTZio7kuUFV7MXl6mofFjAsD97003WF3mtwvhnj2jpkt2IUI6ov_YnsdLnUATEtvCKcqMAEeE/s1600/Coffee.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504589857194790754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRYok5lgfAdx_UpL0bx80sZaPWEDLFZL1IN_3en-aUfX_B4dfRqqz25valfOdAMiwj9zTZio7kuUFV7MXl6mofFjAsD97003WF3mtwvhnj2jpkt2IUI6ov_YnsdLnUATEtvCKcqMAEeE/s200/Coffee.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">coffee image<br /></span><div>...but you love now.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">I was reading a post on Karen's Blog, <a href="http://www.chookooloonks.com/blog/">Chookooloonks</a>. She listed <a href="http://www.chookooloonks.com/blog/2010/8/12/love-thursday-10-things-i-hated-as-a-kid-that-ive-grown-to-l.html">10 things she hated as a kids, but have grown to love</a>. I have to admit, I wanted to copy this so bad, and....here it is.<br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">1. Short hair - as a child my hair was long, but as I got older my hair became a little shorter. I've grown to appreciate my hair and I'm loving it.</div><br /><p>2. My eye color - i always wanted green eyes, because my dad has green eyes, but I love my brown eyes and they are a little lighter in the sun.</p><br /><p>3. Almonds - for some reason I didn't like almonds as a child and my twin sister loved them, but now I love them in chocolate and I like almond flavor in cakes and cookies.</p><br /><p>4. Beer - it's growing on me.</p><br /><p>5. Wine - i love wine; can't live without it.</p><br /><p>6. Talk radio - loving NPR. I listen all day long.</p><br /><p>7. My sister - i am a twin and when we were little, we had to share everything. Now I can't say that I hated her, but there were days when I did not like her at all.But now that we are old, wiser and live a state away from each other, I miss her so much!!! </p><br /><p>8. Short finger nails - i always wanted long finger nails as a child. Now as an adult, my nails grown all the time and I cut them all the time. I love short finger nails.</p><br /><p>9. squash - LOVE IT!</p><br /><p>10. coffee - i've always loved the smell of coffee, but it was just too bitter. Now I drink it everyday</p><div>So, what are some things you hated as a kid, but have grown to love?</div>Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-51783138912840231702010-08-02T11:05:00.004-05:002010-08-02T11:11:07.862-05:00LYL = Living Your LifeLiving Your Life to the fullest everyday – this morning I came across the blog, <a href="http://www.marcandangel.com/"><strong>Marc and Angel Hack Life</strong></a> and was reading <a href="http://www.marcandangel.com/2010/07/26/25-lessons-ive-learned-in-50-years/"><strong>this post</strong></a> . They take a look back on life and gives pointers. You know how you always wanted a book to tell you what to do and what not to do in life….well this is as close to the (still looking for) book as I have come.<br /><br />So go get a cup of coffee or tea and sit and <a href="http://www.marcandangel.com/2010/07/26/25-lessons-ive-learned-in-50-years/"><strong>read</strong></a>. You’ll like it!Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-18082218736845938572010-07-06T11:32:00.002-05:002010-07-06T11:35:30.342-05:00I love long weekends....with nothing to do and nowhere to be! What could be more relaxing. Okay, maybe at a lake house like <a href="http://www.acommonplacelife.com/a-commonplace-life/2010/07/04/postcard-from-the-lake/"><span style="color:#009900;">this</span></a> enjoying friends and family.<br /><br />this weekend was filled with knitting, sleeping in late, and eating (too, too much!). Now it's back to work.Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-48140693824580846092010-06-01T13:39:00.004-05:002010-07-01T14:10:30.942-05:00Can't [Won't] Leave Home...Things I won't leave the house without:<br />1. <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone/"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>iPhone</strong></span></a><br />2. small knitting project<br />3. <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>iPad</strong></span></a><br />4. chap stick<br />5. coffee [but only in the morning]Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-13447326874034146582010-05-23T00:57:00.005-05:002010-07-06T11:32:05.502-05:00Past week readings....<p> </p><p>Weekly retreat - <a href="http://inspiredtoaction.com/2010/04/refreshed-motherhoodwhy-and-how-to-take-a-weekly-retreat/"><strong>read here</strong></a>.<br /><br />I would enjoy a small <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">getaway</span> like <a href="http://beautythatmoves.typepad.com/beauty_that_moves/2010/05/im-not-much-of-a-city-girl.html"><strong>this</strong></a>.<br /><br />I love <a href="http://sewwhattoday.blogspot.com/2010/05/sunny-horizons-twin-bed-duvet-tutorial.html"><strong>this</strong></a> fun <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">duvet</span> cover.</p>Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-15435027270042795502010-05-14T09:10:00.004-05:002010-06-01T13:39:30.079-05:00Somethings about me...1. I like to read, but I never have the time.<br />2. I just finished a masters degree (I should have time now).<br />3. I love a good cup of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">coffee</span>, even before bed (coffee always makes me feel better).<br />4. I always have a knitting project with me.<br />5. I love a clean house.<br />6. My house is not clean most of the time.<br />7. I like to color. Crayons are great, but Sharpies are the best.<br />8. I love rainy day (when I don't have to leave the house).<br />9. I love to watch the sun set.<br />10. I'm a homebody -- I love being at home.<br />11. Sometime I am very bored at home.<br />12. I don't like surprises.<br />13. I hate eating off of paper plates.<br />14. I listen to NPR daily (my kids think I'm crazy).<br />15. I hate wearing shoes, but I can't stand walking around my house without <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">flip flops</span>.<br />16. I put pj's on as soon as I get home from work.<br />17. I hate having my finger nails painted; and I love them short.<br />18. I love having my toe nails painted (most of the time a red color).<br />19. I love reading blogs.<br />20. I have a hard time saving money, but I'm getting better.Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-12375221564722422212010-05-14T09:00:00.006-05:002010-10-24T20:20:23.729-05:00May 20 - A New 40 DaysOn May 20, another 40 days will start.<br />
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I have slacked on the last two 40 days, but I have to report...I'm a college graduate again....with a masters degree this time. And it feels good, but now what. Yes that the question not only do I continue to ask myself, but other people are asking also. Now that others are asking, I'm really starting to question if I am supposed to be doing something else...something more. {pondering here.}<br />
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So on May 20, another great 40 days will start. May 20 is a great day because it's my youngest son's birthday. He is a neat (did I just say neat...yep, I did) little ball of power. He is the one who has taught me about setting goals and more importantly, how to make a plan to reach them.Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-40794818981567778422010-02-08T15:02:00.004-06:002010-08-03T12:05:31.372-05:00Yoga - Day 20Well it's half way through the yoga for 40 days and I have to admit, I'm slacking...okay, just not doing it. It seems like something is always coming up and lets not talk about the ice and snow that we've been having. I do love yoga, but right now.....i just don't know what to say.<br /><br />So...I'm starting new this week....<br /><br />Tuesday ~ 7pm<br />Thursday ~7pm<br /><br />I would normally go on Saturday, but I will be in Austin. So on Saturday, I will go for a walk.<br />I will come back next week and let you know how the week went.Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-29199636143456917452010-01-20T11:12:00.002-06:002010-02-08T15:07:57.533-06:00Just a quote I found today..."Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."<br />-- Howard ThurmanRisa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-89901251436676891142010-01-20T08:51:00.003-06:002010-01-20T09:03:24.331-06:00To Tell or Not to TellWhen setting goals, should you inform everyone about your goals?<br /><br />I've found the answer to be yes and no; depending on who you are telling.<br /><br />Yes...<br />If someone is going to motivate, support you, and cheer you on, tell them your goals and your dreams.<br /><br />No...<br />If someone is not supportive or constantly reminds you of the time you failed in your life, then you should not share your goals and dreams with them.<br /><br />Remember, your dream is just as important as the next person. Go out and live your dream!Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-82186255697230951902010-01-20T08:44:00.004-06:002010-01-20T08:50:53.143-06:00Yoga - Day 1Okay, the last 40 days were okay, but today, lets start again.<br /><br />Yoga for 40 days.<br />Goal: to enjoy Yoga for 40 days straight.<br /><br />Right now, yoga is available at my gym three days a week, but the plan is to do yoga at home on days it's not offered at the gym.<br /><br />So yesterday, I did go to the gym.<br /><br />Today, I will practice what we went over at the gym last night.<br /><br />Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday - at the gym<br />Monday, Wednesday, Friday - at home<br />Sunday - offRisa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-14098955363181879992010-01-05T09:22:00.002-06:002010-01-05T09:25:04.172-06:00Christmas time is a good and bad time...it's good because it's nothing like spending time with family. family is a huge thing for me....<br /><br />it's not so good because, i haven't eaten a piece of fruit. i did have an apple yesterday. and i plan on having an apple today. better late than never...Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-72389622344741876072009-12-22T08:57:00.002-06:002009-12-22T08:59:47.955-06:00Fresh Fruit - Day 12It is 9 a.m. and I've already had my fruit (another banana) for the day! Yayy!Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-2761798949274097192009-12-21T11:30:00.003-06:002010-08-03T12:05:48.471-05:00Fresh Fruit - Day 11<strong>Goal: Eat a piece of fresh fruit everyday</strong><br /><br /><strong>Start</strong>: December 11, 2009<br /><strong>End</strong>: January 19, 2009<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Reason</strong>: I need more fruit in my diet.<br /><br /><strong>Notes</strong>: Okay, I have to admit, this goal is an easy one, but it's something that I need to do. As we all know, fruit is important.<br /><br />Today I had a small banana....Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323476193621039316.post-38639650102777604302009-12-21T11:14:00.000-06:002009-12-21T11:28:47.490-06:00BlogsIt seems that everyone has a blog these days. We all want to "blog" about our lives, cooking, knitting, our families, etc. Well I guess I'm joining the bandwagon and starting a blog.<br /><br />This blog is about setting goals. Without goals in our lives, where will we be.<br /><br />Why this blog:<br />My sister and I have aways participated in Lent (although we are not Catholic). We thought it was a good idea to give up something for 40 days until Easter. And on Easter Sunday we would celebrate! I remember once my sister gave up soda, then on Easter Sunday, she had a Sprite and threw up.<br /><br />Last year (2009) we both gave up fast food. It was a challenge for me, but my sister was awesome. On Easter Sunday we thought it would be a great thing to continue by setting a small goal every 40 days because what we were starting to realize was that when we gave up things, although we would go back to them, we really did start to make better choices (water vs. soda and eating at home vs. fast food).<br /><br />As a training in my industry, I've started to talk a little about this 40 Day Thing with the participants in my class and many think it's a great idea. They want to use it to become better listener or to go back to school.<br /><br />I will post my 40 day goals and give you a glimpse of my daily moments.<br /><br />So let the fun begin!Risa RJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07465674146196720329noreply@blogger.com0