Day 24: What does my body say about me?

Yesterday I felt so rushed and busy. Which in turn made me cranky. It took me a long time get out of that mood. Today I decided that I would slow down. We didn't have to do what we usually do. I ran some errands I've been meaning to run for 2 days. I even took Sophia to the library. Shared a bowl of pho for lunch. Pho is the most amazing comfort food. Even napped together for a little bit.

It's amazing how that one decision took the weight off my shoulders. My steps felt lighter. I felt freer. Maybe other people couldn't tell how I felt, but I noticed a difference. Have you ever stopped to people watch? It's amazing what you can tell about people just from their walk, their body language. Hubby & I like to make up stories about strangers' lives.

On my thirtieth birthday, I knew my walk was different. There was a spring in my step. I event got hit on! LOL.

I wonder if changing your walk and how you hold your body can change your mood. So if I were in a cranky mood but made a conscious decision to walk in a happier way. Hmmm.

P.S. If you haven't had pho yet, you are missing out! Run, don't walk, to the nearest Vietnamese restaurant or pho restuarant. There are many different varieties so you'll find one you'll like. And don't forget to ask your waiter/waitress on how to dress your pho.

photo by foodmuse

Day 22: Sharing a gift

Last week, one my Passion Parties team members asked me how I was able to book so many parties. After emailing each other back and forth with tips and questions, I decided, why not hold a conference call? I could share my tips with any team members who wanted to join in. That call was tonight.

On impulse, I also invited our PP coaching group's teams to come onto the call. I was really scared. What if all of them called into the call? (Not that would happen). What if what I had to say wasn't valuable enough? What if no one called in? (That's happened before) What if they listened and didn't try any of my tips? All of these doubts crossed my mind as I hit the send button. Some of these doubts I knew weren't rational, but I was scared/worried all the same.

Luckily, I was too busy today to stress over the call. I didn't even have time to work on my notes for the call until the last minute. Hubby had to work late and I didn't know that when I scheduled the call. I had more callers than I've every had.

It was a great call! When I hung up, I felt totally jazzed. That's why I'm still awake. LOL. I gave them a challenge, and I hope they give it a try. Handing out your business card to strangers can be scary. But if you attach a sample to them, you are giving out gifts. I never give out my business card expecting to get a party booked. I really do enjoy seeing others' faces light up when I give them a little unexpected gift. People are so busy, they sometimes forget to stop and enjoy the moment. I hope I do that for them when I give them a sample of bath salts. Or maybe it's the potential to be able to slow down and use those bath salts.

Today's
begins Earth week. It's also the last week. Can you believe I made it this far? I am. Earth is about connecting with your physical self. At last week's Moms Inc meeting, Laura Levengard, who's a personal trainer, shared some easy ways to add a workout to your routine. Things you can do while you walk up the stars or while you wait for waiter to boil for tea (or coffee to brew). That way you have no excuse not to do it. You don't even need any special equipment to do her exercises. After listening to her presentation, I was motivated to give it a try.

I find the parallels of soul coaching and the events in my life are so timely. I had a physical last week, even got a tetanus shot (my arm is still swollen). I know that I'm pretty healthy. I'm not perfect--I love a good steak. I do know that I need more exercise in my routine. Being aware of it is the first step I guess. Laura gave us another great tip. She gave us a sheet of metallic star stickers. You know, the ones you used to get in school for doing a great job. By putting these stars in places around your house, you'll be reminded to do those exercises. The bathroom mirror for when you brush your teeth. Cool her? I'll be sticking up some silver stars tomorrow!

photo by assbach

Day 21: Flames of Creativity

photo via enggul

Incredible creative life force flows through my entire being. (today's affirmation)

I have always believed that everyone is creative. It might not manifest itself into what is conventionally creative. If you think outside the box, you're creative. Without creativity we'd be pretty unhappy people don't you think?

My husband for example doesn't think he's creative. His creativity isn't the same as mine. Did you know he used to be an actor? His energy on stage is amazing! He knows how to entertain a crowd. And he makes up his own songs! Sometimes they don't make any sense, but he's enjoying himself.

Just because what you create isn't physically tangible, doesn't mean it's not valuable. The best thing about his creativity is that he's passed it on to our daughter. She has fun making up songs and singing them over and over. She doesn't worry whether it's "good." She just has fun. I'm not going to discourage her because she might make up a song with nonsense words or the same line over and over. Heck no!

The funny thing about my creativity was I never thought I was creative. My sister's artistic talent was "discovered" when she was in 2nd grade. She was able to take special art classes. She receive lots of special attention. Teachers told my parents what talent/potential she had. From then on, she was the artistic. I was the smart one. Not to say that my sister isn't smart (she's very smart). But that was my label.

I didn't realize how much I enjoyed creating art until senior year in college. (Story for another post.) Have you been given a label that's stopped from trying something new? What's stopping you now?

It was sooo cold today at the parade. Poor Sophia couldn't move. We stuck it out for an our and then went to lunch. Did I tell you she eats sushi now? Okay, she really just eats the fish and the nori. But it's a good start. Especially when she says, "I love sushi. It's my favorite!"

Day 20: Random Acts of Kindness

Tomorrow is a fun family day! DH is driving my sister to the airport at 5 AM (eek!) and then we're headed off to the Thanksgiving parade downtown. Sophia's been talking asking all week if we could move the parade to today. So cute.

I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week. I love cooking for Thanksgiving. I've been drooling over the recipes over at Pioneer Woman. If you've never been to her blog, it's a must read. She's hilarious! Larry is in charge of the turkey. He brines it and it's the best, juiciest turkey I've ever eaten. Usually I take care of all the sides. My favorite part of Thanksgiving is the leftover turkey carcass. I make turkey gumbo with it. I love a good gumbo. I don't make it very often, as it's time intensive. Now that we're getting teased with snow flurries, a nice hot bowl of gumbo will warm us up!

I've been thinking about hosting a cookie swap. It sounds like a lot of fun. Have you ever been to one? I'm still debating if people are too busy this time of the year to bake and swap cookies. It sounds so Suzie Homemaker.

I totally flaked on soul coaching's Day 19, but I won't beat myself up over it. I'll just move on. Do you practice RAKs? Random acts of kindness? Today's assignment is about making an effort to practice RAKs. I don't consciously do it everyday, but I think I should. Sometimes I'll bring cupcakes to "school" (the Parent Resource Center). I'll open doors for moms with strollers struggling when I'm out, or letting the person behind me in line at the store who only has 1 or 2 items skip ahead. It doesn't make my day any more difficult.

What was your random act of kindness?

Don't forget about the giveaways!

Day 18: Being present

This morning I finally did something I haven't done in over 3 years. I had a complete physical. I know. It's horrible. I hate the blood work (hate needles). Trying to find a doctor I liked. At least I got my year pelvic, right? Not only did they take blood today, I got a tetanus shot. Maybe I'm a weirdo, but I could feel the vaccine spread out in my arm after the nurse administered it. Of course now it's sore. But I got my physical. Doc even gave me something to try for my sinuses.

I like the new Doc. She went over my history with me and called me boring. Ha! I'm glad my medical history is boring.

I'm not always very good at being present. I'm always planning and plotting on what to do next. Becoming a mother has forced me to slow down and enjoy the moment I'm in. Sophia wasn't a very good napper at the beginning. Or rather, she didn't have a regular nap time. I always wanted to work while she was napping: answering emails, making phone calls, packing orders, etc. But because she didn't nap at the same time everyday, I couldn't really plan out my day.

If I felt antsy or kept looking at the clock while I tried to put her down for her nap, I would start getting cranky. I kept thinking, it's been twenty minutes. She needs to sleep so I can work. I would become impatient with her. Even though it was no fault of her own that she didn't nap regularly. It was who she was.

I found that the days I just went with the flow and followed her lead for naps, I felt calmer, more peaceful. So now, instead of laying next to her during nap time and wishing would fall asleep ASAP so I can , I snuggle up to her, grab my book and just listen to her breathe. Or toss and turn and throw her leg on my boob, but that's kids. It's a nice quiet time for me too. And normally she falls asleep with 15 minutes (on a good day).

Then I can go about my day. Being present does make life less frustrating.

Day 17: a Spy Giveaway & I Shoulds

EDIT: The tickets to the Spy Museum are good until Nov 19, 2009--a whole year!

Does your to-do list look like this?

• I should do the dishes
• I should clean off my desk
• I should call my leads
• I should spend more quality time with my kid
• I should, I should, I should. . .

That's what the to-do list inside my head sounds like. When I write it out the I should's aren't there, but I think them in my head. I'm sure you do this too. Why do we do this to ourselves? According to Denise Linn, should implies guilt. I definitely feel guilty when I say these things. Even guiltier when I don't do them. Does all the guilt motivate me to do these things?Absolutely not! So I just need to change my way of thinking, right? Instead of saying "I should do the dishes," I can say "I could do the dishes, but I am going to relax and watch some tv."

One of the things I keep saying I should do is do a giveaway to celebrate my 100th blog post (several days ago). So here we go.

If you live in the DC area or plan on coming to visit the area before Christmas, I'm giving away 2 tickets to the International Spy Museum. (Full disclosure: hubby works at the Spy Museum, but neither of us are being compensated for this giveaway. They don't even know I'm doing it!)

Here's the caveat: these tickets are only good until Dec 24th. I will email the winner with exact details. I'll draw a random name on November 27th (Thanksgiving) around midnight. The winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address. You can earn up to 4 entries:

• leave a comment on this post with an email address
• subscribe to my blog (using the Subscribe to Posts button on the right) or your blog reader, then leave a separate comment saying you did
• mention this giveaway on your blog and link back with another comment
• subscribe to my Passion Parties newsletter (orange block on right) (leave a comment too please); if you subscribe just say that.
  

Sorry about having to leave all the separate comments. It's the easiest way for me to keep track.

Historians believed that Mata Hari's career as a burlesque dancer allowed her spy? Was she? There's a great exhibit about her at the Spy Museum.

Day 16: Having fun--failed

I totally failed today's Soul Coaching assignment. It was soooo easy too. But this I guess this is what happens after I write a post about fear of failure. LOL. What was it? Have fun! Today I felt sleepy and that in turn made me cranky. Oh, and I think we're backsliding from the potty training. I tried to nap while Sophia napped but after fixing and eat lunch, I crammed in about 20 minutes of fitful sleep. I didn't even have coffee this morning! Unfortunately, being so tired made me a bit cranky. Not the best of my parenting days.

The sleepiness was in part my allergies, which for some reason decided to flair up after subsiding for a couple of weeks. The other part was all my fault. I have not been taking care of myself. Late unproductive nights of Law & Order and web surfing. No sleeping in allowed with a 3 year old.

It's funny how the universe sends things your way. Yesterday I wrote about failure. I finally flipped through the October issue of Ode Magazine. (I recently rediscovered it under the mounds of papers & random toys on my desk). What is the cover story? The Upside of Down: Why Failure is Good for You. Yup. There's great stories of well known people who have failed.

Did you know that Louis L'Amour had a couple hundred stories rejected before he was published? I've never read his books, but I've seen them everywhere!

Says Winston Churchill: "Success is the ability to go from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." So I should follow my own advice to Sophia when she can't get something right, "Oops. Try again!"

What is the universe trying to tell you?

My new Moleskine sketchbook arrived today from Amazon. Woohoo! How I have missed writing and sketching on its lovely paper. I haven't journalled lately since I finished my old Moleskine.

Day 15: Facing your fears & Pumpkin bread

Fire week began today. It's all about waking up the spirit, so you need to move your body too. Today's assignment feels too personal to share. I'm not ready to list my fears for the whole world to see. Eeek! But it's scary to sit down and write down your fears. I know I do have a fear of failure--I think that's the wannabe perfectionist in me.

Sometimes I get this great craft/art project in my mind. It slowly simmers in my head. I go through the supply list, the steps and techniques needed to make it. All in my head. But that's as far as I get. If I can't get it out of my head, I'll write it all out in my sketchbook. I might even buy or gather the supplies. Yet I never get started. It's that flaw of mine: perfectionism. What if it won't come out the way I imagined it? Or worse yet, I start making it and I'm not very good at it. I don't know why I let these things drive me beserk!

Very in tune with fire week, Sophia and I baked spiced pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting. Yum! It's a recipe from Everyday Food, which coincidentally was featured in today's episode of the PBS show of the same name. Meant to be ? It's also a great magazine. The recipes in it are simple and perfect for a busy mom.

So after we walked to the grocery store to buy more flour and some yummy clementines. This baked while we ate lunch.
While it cooled, of course we had to make the honey cream cheese icing. There was a request for pink frosting and I had no reason to deny Sophia's small pleasure.


We frosted the cake when she woke up from her nap. Who cares if there's frosting all over the plate edges and the cake? It was moist and perfect for the blustery gray day! It went perfectly with my cranberry tea. I love fall flavors. It's so comforting when we are deep in autumn, winding our way into winter.

Day 14: Changing your subconscious

photo by Another Pint Please...

Even though it's been rainy and blustery for the past 3 days, I've been feeling upbeat. No parties this weekend, so I have a chance to relax. I didn't intentionally plan to take the weekend off from work but it was well needed. Especially since next week will be super busy.

I love a good juicy steak. I usually don't go out for it because it's so expensive. Well, I decided to take matters in my own hands. I bought a decent cut of beef and cooked steaks for the entire family. I even managed to drag my hermit sister out of her apartment. It was great. Steak, baked potatoes, peas, and a great salad. The salad was made of field greens, dried cranberries, cashews, and shredded cheddar. I picked up this bottle of orange muscat champagne vinegar from Trader Joe's and made a dressing from it. Yum! (I apologize to all the vegetarians for the steak pic. I can't help it, I love meat)

It's funny how your inner thoughts can affect how you view things. Even something as tiny as steaks. I always feel like I can't go out and splurge on steak. I mean, I should be spending $50-75 on dinner for 2 right? Then I read a tip on the Whole Foods blog about buying your own meat and cooking your steak. It was like a smack in the head. Why didn't that occur to me? We used to do it all the time when I lived in Syracuse.

What else am I telling myself mentally that is holding me back? Besides thinking I can't afford good steak (I can!). Denise Linn calls these noble thoughts. You have to change how you word and ask the questions. For example, instead of saying "Steak is too expensive to eat often, " I should be asking myself "How can I get steak and stay within my budget?" It seems silly and so trivial but I think changing your inner talk makes a big difference in how you deal with the everyday things.

What do you say to yourself that keeps you from seeing the windows of opportunities?

Day 13: Gratitude

Normally we only think about gratitude during Thanksgiving. I probably don't tell him enough, but I'm grateful for all that my husband does. Growing up in an Asian family meant that the woman does all the household chores, cooking, and most of the child rearing. I knew that whoever I married would be helping out with the housework.

Granted, he doesn't 50% all of the housework because a. he doesn't really think about it all the time and b. he just doesn't have the time. What I love that he does is on his days off, he gives Sophia 100%. I get to relax. Normally I just work or clean. He takes her to the Parent Resource Center on Friday mornings (kinda like a school environment). He wakes up early (rather, she wakes him up) to feed and dress Sophia. He lets me sleep in.

He's a great listener too. He doesn't really cook, but he gives great back rubs. And supports me in all of my endeavors. If I'm taking on too much and get exhausted or overwhelmed, he never tells me, "I told you so." Our relationship is by no means perfect (whose is?). Today and everyday I am grateful for my wonderful husband.

Day 12: Being Still

Being Still isn't something I'm very good at. Even when I'm laying next to Sophia, putting her down for a nap, my brain whirls constantly. Thinking about all the things I need to do and how I would go about it. Crazy I know.

Whenever hubby has the day off and no prior engagements for that morning, I make breakfast. Today was one of those days. Not just cereal or hot oatmeal, but a big hearty breakfast: pancakes or waffles, turkey sausage, grits, and cheesy scramble eggs. Sophia helps me make the pancake batter. She measures all the ingredients and does the stirring. This is a big deal for us. I'm not much a breakfast food gal. Growing up Vietnamese, we don't normally have eggs and bacon for breakfast. Hubby loves it when I do this.

So instead of rushing to feed Sophia and check my email in the morning, I slow down. Cook breakfast. With a 3 year old helping, cooking is not a fast job. I love cooking a big breakfast for my family. We all sit down together, eat, and talk. Though with Sophia at the table, I can hardly get in a word edgewise. I guess this is my way of slowing down. Soon, I can learn how to be still.

I totally splurged today. Glemont Designs is having a sample/end of season sale this week. My friend Kellie shared it with me. I scored some fun, cute (non-mommy looking) sweaters and a very funky skirt.They had a decent selection of plus sized clothes. And the fun thing about "boutique" clothing is that I actually found a medium-sized sweater that looked great on me! How's that for an ego boost?

You know, I'm usually such a bargain shopper. My inner critic kept telling me that I didn't need this many sweaters or I could find less expensive ones somewhere else. Eventually my inner voice was swayed: I didn't have a lot of sweaters. It's getting colder. I needed more "grown-up" sweaters. And the best one, I deserve them.

The sale runs until next week (I think). So if you want to check it out, mention me, Thien-Kim and they'll give you 10% off. For the details just call. (They have no idea that I'm posting this, nor am I getting paid for it)

pancake photo by digiyesica & sweater photo from Glenmont Designs

Day 11: Relating to the world

photo by Moo-master

I had an amazing call with our weekly Passion Parties coaching group. Last week, we discussed mantras, or affirmations as Denise Linn calls it. So we all participated in an experiment. The theory is even if your brain doesn't believe your mantra, by repeatedly saying it out loud (up to 100 times a day), you start to trick your brain. Your brain believes it. Even if you feel silly saying it. We'd try it for the week and see what happens.

KS has had amazing results since last week. Her energy has tripled (I can tell just by reading her emails), and there has been measurable success in her business. Congrats KS! I used a mantra (without realizing that it was a mantra) for this past weekend's parties. I do feel a bit silly saying my mantras. I whisper them in the car, even though I'm all by myself. I guess I'm scared. What would happen if they actually came true? My mantra might have been more successful if I said them loudly and more often.

I will take Denise Linn's advice from Day 11: An affirmation that is mumbled, routinely droned, or lazily chanted will not change anything. An affirmation that is shouted, visualized with emotional intensity, or said out loud with passionate body movements can and will change your life.

The group discussed associating your mantra with an action that I do often everyday. KS has a note at her computer. Every time she sat at her desk (don't we check out email a gazillion times a day?), she says her mantra out loud.

Day 10: Energy zappers and juicers

How appropriate was today's topic? I've been exhausted lately. It's all my fault. I haven't been getting enough sleep or taking my 15 minutes to slow down and read my book. The lack of sleep is catching up with me. I had less patience for today's tug-of-war with Sophia. Anyone have suggestions on discipline and raising a 3 year old? My parents were mainly the yell at you and give the evil look type. I think I need better methods.

Have a messy/dirty home is my main energy zapper. When the the kitchen sink is full of dishes or I'm running of clean chopsticks. The clutter drives me crazy. Internet surfing is another one. It's also a time zapper for me too. I love finding all the new things from my internet surfing, especially all the crafty inspiration.

What about energy juicers? A nice, relaxing hot bath makes me feel so good. When I don't have time for that, a cup of hot tea with a book or magazine makes do too. When I'm out doing my parties, I feel revitalized. Sewing and crafting are the best energy juicers for me. Why don't I make time to do more of them? I don't know. I guess I don't make them a priority, except for my parties. Or maybe I feel guilty if I do too many of these items? I guess just listing and thinking about them is a start.

That's my sushi messenger bag I made a few years back. I loved making it and love wearing it.

Day 9: Princesses, Tea & More Cleaning

Yep, she's no longer a toddler. She's a real kid. My Sophia is 3 years old today. She woke us up early, proclaiming that it was her birthday. It amazes me how they go from a squishy looking baby to a walking, talking, thinking being.

Wowser! The princess birthday tea party was a success. After only 5 hours of sleep, I woke up early to grocery shop for the party this afternoon, including picking up the requisite princess cupcakes. We had a low key celebration. She invited 2 friends, and we also had some friends and family. The kids were sooo cute and civilized, sitting at the little table sipping their "tea" (diluted apple juice or herbal tea) and eating little sandwiches and treats. Of course, the princess dress made another appearance. She even twirled in it for a while!

I opted for a small celebration for this party. It's so easy to get sucked into the commercialism of birthday parties. Maybe it's the DC metro area. We've attended several toddler birthday parties this year, and some are big productions. Do you really need 16 kids at a 3 year old's birthday party? And of course, you have to hold your birthday party at some other place, not your home. I looked into one place. It was over $300 for 2 hours. No kidding. My 3 year old will barely remember her 3rd birthday party I'm sure.

To prepare for the party in our little apartment, we have been cleaning all weekend. I'm not the greatest housekeeper; cleaning house definitely isn't my favorite thing to do. Plus I've been doing a lot of parties, so it just seemed like such an effort to load the dishwasher. Hubby definitely did the bulk of the cleaning. He's great about it when he sets his mind on it. He even cleans the bathroom. And no, you can't have him. He's all mine!

For Day 9, positive affirmations cleanse your energy/spirit as you clean a physical part of your home or body. Normally when I'm cleaning, I don't think about how cleaning can clear the way for positive energy into your life. I usually zone out. I guess it's like meditating, right? However, I definitely feel it after I've cleaned. I'm sitting on my couch and I can actually see the floor! And my coffee table doesn't have sticky fingerprints nor does it have dried play dough stuck to it. It feels good to have everything neat and orderly. I promise myself every time we do this crazy cleaning, that I'll keep it up. This time I really mean it.

I know Day 9 isn't just about cleaning. It's about being aware of your daily actions. Don't just go through the motions. Think about the meaning of your actions. I have to say, today's preparation and culmination of the party definitely made me feel all warm and gooey inside. The pigs in the blanket didn't hurt either.

Day 8: Turning Points

Day 8 begins Water Week. We're being reminded to drink a lot of water as well, which I did not do enough of. Today's focus is the turning points in our life. What events have empowered or dis-empowered us that influenced who we are now?

I thought about this as I drove to my parties. For a while I was stuck, because I just couldn't narrow it down to one. Then I realized, that's ok! Life is a journey, and like any path, has many twists and turns.

The event I kept coming back to was my decision to marry my husband. We started dating my freshman year in college. He did the chasing and I finally gave in. We had our usually ups and downs, just like any relationship. However, my parents did not know he was part of my life. Even after 3 years, I did not tell them about him. Why? My parents did not want me to marry a black man. A white man was acceptable, but not preferred. This caused a rift in the third year of our relationship. Hubby understood why I was not ready to tell my parents (my sister knew and supported us), but I think underneath he thought I was exaggerating the consequences.

My senior year in college, we had a long distance relationship. I proposed to him over the phone. (Yep, I sure did!) When we became engaged, I felt ready to tell my parents. It sounds counter-intuitive, I know. I didn't want to rock the boat unless I knew for sure that this was the man I wanted to grow old with.

When I told my parents, they were very upset. They didn't speak to me for many months. They begged my sister to convince to leave him. It was a rough time for me. Family is very important to me, even though my mom and I hardly ever see eye to eye. They didn't even decide to come to the wedding until the month before.

Even though it was a hard period of my life, it made me realize that I have to choose my path in life. I'm responsible for the decisions in life. Of course I had rebelled against my parents before, but this was BIG. I no longer felt dependent for their approval. If you know anything about being the first born in a Vietnamese family, you know how hard this is to overcome.

I get to choose what paths I want to take in my life. And I have to deal with whatever the results are, good or bad. Good thing this decision worked out. We've been married 6 years, together for 12.

Day 7: My Soul Mission?

photo by Yives

Yesterday was uncharacteristically warm. It was a beautiful day: blue skies & fluffy clouds. I even opened our windows for fresh air. It was great, except that I spent most of the day indoors. I'm amazed at how much of a hermit I can be. I love being social but sometimes, I'd rather spend time with just me.

Day 7 asked me to listen to secret messages. A couple of years ago, I would have thought this was all a bunch of BS. Then a friend introduced me to The Secret. I know there's a lot of controversy over it, but I really do believe its most basic message: the universe gives you what you put out. If you walk around with a negative or angry attitude, that's all you'll see around you. It made me realize how negative or critical I can be. I try to be more positive, but it can be an ongoing process. Especially if there are a lot of negative people around you. You have to be open to the possibilities that the universe gives you. If you're negative, you might miss it.

Back to secret messages. Yesterday was an ordinary day. But was it? The universe is definitely telling me to slow down. Traffic in DC Metro is always bad. The drive to my party tonight was gridlock traffic. Instead of getting frustrated or feeling out of control, I just listened to Dr Horrible and sang my heart out. I'm not sure what this says about my life mission, do you?

During my Passion Party tonight, I realized how amazing my job. Not only am I there to entertain & educate women about their sexuality, but I'm making a difference in women's lives. I've actually been told that I've saved marriages. I empower women to take control of their pleasure. I give them confidence to ask for what they want from their partner. And it's okay to give yourself pleasure. Maybe that's part of my life mission. Empowering women. Not only can I empower women in the bedroom, but I can help them take charge of their destiny. I've had women join my team because they want to stay home with their children, but have to work to pay for daycare. I have a wonderful woman on my team who's mission is give every female senior citizen her first orgasm! How cool is that?

Day 6: Lightening up

photo by mtchm

I took time for myself today. I took a nap. I didn't plan to. Sophia is coming down with a cold. Probably the same one that DH is still fighting. She woke up 30 minutes into her nap. So I took her back to bed. The only way she would settle down was if she slept on my chest. Normally I would see how soon I could roll her onto the bed and run away to do something while I napped.

Today, I realized that as she gets older and more independent, we get less time to hug and cuddle. I remember when she was first born, she slept best on my chest. Often we'd fall asleep on the couch with her sleeping on my chest, inside my shirt. It's so comforting. Though I was forced to slow down and relax (imagine that!), I appreciated it. Her head nestled between my breasts, I stroked her hair. As she relaxed and fell back asleep, her limp arms hung on either side of me. Aaaahhh. How I missed it! Eventually, I fell asleep too. Even though she tossed and turned later, and I got kicked a few times, it was a great nap!

Day 6 is about mental clutter. It's amazing how the universe told me to slow down and get rid of that mental clutter. Something as simple as a nap.

We also got rid of some physical clutter. We are now a one car family. Both DH and I grew up in Louisiana, where public transportation is laughable. And where I grew up, you drove by cow pastures daily. Cars were a necessity if you wanted to go anywhere. We sold DH's car to Carmax. It was relatively painless process. I know hubby is a bit sad as he does get more emotionally connected to his belongings that I do. He knows that we're saving so much money by eliminating the costs of owning 2 cars, but all the good memories are connected to his car.

I know that at first the idea of having to share a car feels limiting. However, I know that I am making room for magic! (Affirmation from The Next Chapter: Soul Coaching).

I've been busy preparing for Sophia's princess tea birthday party this Sunday. Usually I'd be baking/decorating the cake; making the favors; planning a fun menu. Well I knew I'd be working all weekend. I gave myself permission to purchase everything I needed for her birthday party: decorations, goodie bags, and cupcakes. If you know me, this is a big step! I get a bit ambitious when it comes to birthday parties.

Day 5: Attached to clutter?

I'm a bit late reporting Day 5. I definitely felt rushed. I was late to our Mocha Moms support meeting. We had a mini-preschool fair. I didn't want to miss it. Thankfully it started late. I realized that we're too rich for HeadStart. Ha! That gave me a chuckle. And it also made me wonder how a family of four can survive on $21K a year in our neck of the woods. I am thankful that doing Passion Parties allows me to stay at home with Sophia.

I was invited to speak to some students at George Mason University Wednesday. The event was Sex in the Lounge and I presented a mini-Passion Party after the sex educator. I got to see her in action. She did a great job talking about sexually transmitted diseases in a way that the students could relate too. Of course since it was a coed audience, there was a lot of nervous giggling too. I had fun talking to the students--hopefully I gave them some good tips to make sure that both parties are satisfied in the bedroom!

I felt rushed all day and didn't take time to breathe like I should have. I had a conference call, then had to jump into the car right after into horrible traffic. A 45 minute drive took 1 1/2 hours. I was thankful for that traffic. It made me slow down--not just literally but mentally too.

I took a mental walk around my apartment. Denise Linn spoke of how clutter can bring your energy up or down. I guess my kitchen doesn't count as clutter, but whenever I think I about tackling that pile of dishes, I feel down. LOL. I love to cook but I don't really enjoy the clean up. My piles of books sometimes bring me down too. I feel guilty for having them all. Even though I was able to purge the other night, I probably still have too many books. Baby steps, right?

One area that does make me feel good is my sewing area. We acquired a new to us table a month ago. DH fixed it up for me. I bought a few containers to help organize. It needs a bit more organization, but looking at it makes me happy. I can see all the possibilities. I can see myself in that chair sewing up the funny little projects that pop up in my head.

Now to make the time to actually make them!

Day 4: Who I am is enough

Yesterday's affirmation is one I need to post in my planner so I see it everyday:

I love an accept who I am. . .and who I am is enough. (Denise Linn)

I'm always looking for ways that something can be done better or be improved, and that includes me. It drives hubby crazy. However, I think I've taken a big step in accepting who I am. Many of the books I purged last night were self-help books. They all say pretty much the same thing, and they're no good if I don't read and implement what the author suggests. Honestly, what I really need is self-care.

I didn't even pick up my Soul Coaching book until after 9pm. And then I was glued to the tv watching the election coverage. I'm not going to beat myself over missing Day 4's assignment. I did find time for my cup of tea and book. I was so engrossed in my book that my tea got cold. I'm looking forward to reading more tomorrow. The rest of the week will definitely challenge my tea and book action. I have 4 Passion Parties this week, starting today. Not to mention that Sophia's birthday party is Sunday.

At the doctor's office yesterday, I met the sweetest women working the front desk! Sometimes, I'm so involved with the hustle and bustle of things, I forget how much fun it is to share my Passion Parties business with other women. When I gave them sample gifts of our Sensuous Bath Salts, their faces lit up! It's a small office, so I'm sure it gets rather quiet there. I'm glad to be able to add a bit of fun to their day. What little things do you do to put a smile on others' faces?

Looking for a great holiday shopping guide? Jessica's blog has great reviews and giveaways! Including something from me: Romantatherapy Radiant Bubble Bath. So check it out and leave a comment for a chance to win great goodies.

photo by Eduardo Mueses

Day 3: Book Hoarding

photo by Dawn Endico

I didn't curl up with a book yesterday. However, I did make me a cup of tea, took a hot bath, and indulged: I listened to the latest podcast of CraftSanity, an interview with the talented Amy Butler. I think that counts right? I didn't have the energy to search for a book that fit my mood--especially since I didn't know what that mood was.

I almost didn't do Day 3's assignment. Between a very sick hubby (I'm dragging him to the doctor this afternoon), and a 3 year old, it was a long night. After being called out my hot bath by the little one, I just felt like crawling into bed. Denise Linn asks you to clear the clutter from one part of your bedroom, bathroom, or bedroom closet. I thought, I can do just one drawer, just one part.

I've mentioned it on the blog before, I hoard books. I haven't even read half the books hanging around my place. I have piles and stacks everywhere. It's hard to give them up sometimes. Each book holds so much potential. Each story that could touch me, make me think or make me laugh out loud. So they wait patiently for me to pick them up. Wait for me to be in the right mood for their genre or topic. They offer their stories unconditionally.

I decided to tackle my dresser--no not the one I keep my socks and undergarment in. The one that I use as my nightstand. It has become a depository for books. Not to mention the stacks and piles (and the piles that fell over) on the floor. I said good-bye to books I hadn't read yet, to books I'd read but might want to read again, and to books I have no idea why I picked them up. They all went on my bookshelf at Paperbackswap, 8 of them have already been requested, and will be on their way to new owners who will appreciate them.

You can actually see the top of my dresser now. I even found my lavender neckwrap I received as a gift from my BeautiControl party. (It's fabulous, you heat it up in the microwave and set it on your neck and shoulders. Say it with me, "aaaaahhhh"). I even found my sketchbook, under the bed!

Now to find a fun book for my daily cup of tea. I do admit that I'm not following my intention to get more rest. I did take a nap yesterday while Sophia napped, but I then stayed up until 3 am. No use feeling guilty. I'll try to get a nap in today. After I go vote of course!