Catch up on life

It's been a long time since I last posted!! Life has been going pretty well...it's definitely been busy since the beginning of April.

I moved out of my apartment and in with my boyfriend around April 10th. It was a move that was the result of some extenuating circumstances with my previous living arrangement. Nevertheless, it has been a good move in a lot of ways.

That same week I moved out, I quit my job as a secretary for a title insurance agency and decided to work my Mary Kay business full time. I was and still am really excited about the opportunities and potential that open up because of this decision. At the same time, it's a bigger challenge than I ever anticipated, being my own boss....FULL TIME. :) More apparent than ever is my need to work on building the skill of discipline. Patrick gets so frustrated with me when I hit snooze or just sleep an extra hour. It's a source of frustration in our relationship, so I'm trying to convince myself to do better. I Looooooove to sleep. Loooooooove. He's looked at a bunch of unique alarm clocks online, to try to get me to become more alert and awake when the unfortunate hour of awakening arrives. At least he knows that he'll get knocked out if he tries the spray bottle method. My mom did that when I was in elementary school, and boy did it piss me off!!!! :-} One thing that helps me keep going throughout the day is a quote I posted above my desk by Gloria Mayfield-Banks, "You're not tired, You're BROKE!!" Boy does that keep me moving!

I'm grateful that I've found Patrick...he is so supportive of me reaching my dreams. It's amazing. Yes, I am indeed a lucky girl!

"Good People"

My friend Melanie refers to anyone that has a genuine heart, compassionate spirit, and an honest soul as "Good People." It's kind of funny, because she'll be talking about a person in particular and she'll say "He's 'Good People.'" She grew up in Germany, so you can't give her any shit about her grammar...besides that, she'll just flat out kick your butt!

I've had the good fortune of running into several "Good People" in my life. In general, I believe in the goodness of humanity, but not everyone strikes me as a genuinely remarkable energy-giving philanthropist. When they do strike me that way, it's like the stars align, the heavens are opened, energy is vibrating at high levels, and the silence is more profound than any words. It's a connection between two people that is enlightening and so refreshing. Just thinking about it makes me feel like I'm floating an inch above my chair. :) (By the way, I AM half-hippie...duh.)

I think the biggest characteristic that these people share is their unconditional openness and love. They all have tremendous faith and hope in the growth and betterment of the world.

Mike, Sarah, Suzanne, Patrick, Lynne, Katie, Troy, Tambra...you all are just a handful of the "Good People" that have blessed my life in some way. I appreciate you and the example you have been to me!

Quote of the Day

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
~Eleanor Roosevelt

Alison & Patrick's AZ Road Trip

We stopped on the Reservation in Arizona to take some pictures. Patrick is so cute with his camera. So, being the dork that I am, I took pictures of him looking for the right picture and using his camera.

By the way, he just got a camera at DI that was $15. It came with some nice lenses, a killer camera bag/fanny pack, and it all works!!! What a deal!

The sandstone we were walking around on wasn't too nice to Patrick. He stepped on a ledge that turned out to be a thin layer of sandstone, and it caved in. His toe either scraped the ground or got mashed by the sandstone, and right after it happened, he didn't think it was too big of a deal. Well a minute later, his sandle was covered with blood. That makes for a difficult walk back up a rocky hill to the car! :)

When we were doctoring it up, Patrick was sitting in the driver's seat of my car, with his feet outside of the car, hunched over to rinse out the rocks. I was hunched down next to him, pulling supplies out of my ghetto little FirstAid Kit. A guy pulled up next to us to make sure we were okay...he thought since the "driver" was hunched over, maybe he passed out or was having a heart attack or something. It was cute...I love Good Samaritans!

On our way back to Utah, we stopped at a rest stop on 89-A, I think. The sun was setting just then and it was sooooo pretty. My camera doesn't do it any justice. :)
Patrick is cute. He's hairier than any guy I've ever dated...look at that beard!!!...but he's also sweeter and more sincere than any guy I have ever dated. Lucky me!

And here we are...a couple of goofballs, hamming it up for the camera.

Dear Alison

Dear Alison,

I just wanted to write you a letter to tell you how great you are. I don't get to tell you these things often enough, and since I thought of you today I better follow through and do it!

First of all, and probably most important of all, I want to let you know that I forgive you. I forgive you for judging yourself and hanging on to unnecessary guilt. I know that deep down in your soul, you are a confident, happy, and peaceful woman. I hope you take the time to consider how you can get in touch with that woman again...and do it! I honestly don't know a better person than the woman you are meant to be. So, be at peace, petition the angels for the desires of your heart, believe in yourself, and act confidently.

Second of all, I am so proud of you for keeping your chin up with Mary Kay. That woman that keeps telling you how amazing you were your first month of Mary Kay sees so much greatness in you, and she hardly even knows you!!! Be grateful that you were placed in that position at that time by God's angels. There is nothing greater in this life than blessing others. Now it is your turn to allow others to bless you, to be your example and inspiration. Make sure you take every opportunity to praise them and let them know how powerful their example is to you!!

Your goal of being a Director by June 30th is an honorable, exciting, and attainable goal!!!! Remember how your dad told you that you've got to keep your momentum and know that there will be people saying yes, people saying no, people "icking" on your "WOW", and die hard supporters. No matter what happens, keep on loving the people you are blessed to work with, and just keeping progressing. Momentum is everything right now! :)

You are a natural born leader. Unquestionably so, as a matter of fact. Embrace this. Toss all fears aside, and embrace your unique ability to understand people. There are women out there who are waiting for you to touch their lives.

I commend you for your affirmation that you will be with a companion who blesses your life in countless ways. Keep believing that, honey, because you deserve nothing less. You've got a good lead for that part already, so don't take him for granted. Cultivate that relationship and see where it leads. Be generous with your love and support and you well get the same in return. Forgive quickly. Communicate openly and honestly. Envision the relationship you want, ask for it, and work towards it.

You are such a powerful woman, Alison. You truly have been blessed. Keep strengthening your faith...I am excited to see how the next few months unfold, as well as the rest of your beautiful life. Tell your parents hi for me. They are good people in the most profound meaning of the simple word "good."

Love ya, kiddo!!!

Your Self

Stained Glass

Here's what part of my horoscope said today:

Like a stained-glass window in a Gothic cathedral, the many colors and components of who you are right now have combined to create something quite breathtaking. You are completing a growth phase; you're moving away from confusion and toward clarity and simplicity. Whether you realize it or not, you have created a strong personal philosophy that is informing your choices. Congratulations on your progress. Do not fear memories of what you've been through.

I love it.

Quote for the Day

"Everyone wants to be

appreciated. So if you

appreciate someone,

don't keep it a secret."

~Mary Kay Ash

The Red Road

Here's what I found on The Red Road..I'm still looking for a clean cut explanation or description of this part of Native American lore...

The Red Road is a way of being and living in the world where we are connected to all things in creation. On this path we live with integrity, honor, confidence, compassion and respect. Walking the Red Road is a life long journey …ever learning…ever growing…ever evolving. The quest: to live in balance with all that is.
Sandy Range, (SC Cherokee). www.redroadcoach.com

According to Native American tradition, walking the Red Road is a metaphor for living within the Creator’s rules—a life of truth, friendship, respect, spirituality, and humanitarianism. For centuries, Native American elders, parents, teachers, and spiritual leaders have handed down their wisdom and values from generation to generation, leading others down the path of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Terri Jean “365 Days of Walking the Red Road.”

"One may be of any race or of almost any religion and walk the Red Road… Its full meaning is the way one acts, the methods one uses, and what directs one's doing. It is behavior, attitude, a way of living, a way of "doing" with reverence - of walking strong yet softly, so as not to harm or disturb other life." --
John Redtail Freesoul (Cheyenne-Arapahoe), http://www.proaxis.com/~bakerb/path.html

When I worked for Walkabout, now called Outback Therapeutic Expeditions, I had a little bit of exposure to the legend of The Red Road. It was one of the most memorable and cherished weeks I spent hiking and living with teenage boys, counseling them every day, putting my blood, sweat, and tears into their personal progression and emotional growth. Just thinking about that week right now almost brings me to tears.

Our group consisted of about 9 boys and 3 staff, including me. We had spent an entire day hiking only 10 miles to our campsite. The multiple "break-throughs" the boys were experiencing during the hike made for a very long day. It was early in the morning when we finally arrived at the site.

The next day, the Field Director came out to visit our group. We had decided we wanted to build a sweat lodge and have that experience with these boys. Before any construction began, the Field Director gathered us together and held a brief ceremony. He talked about the Red Road.

He shared with us what it meant to walk on the Red Road...to walk with honor and integrity, even with your enemies...honoring yourelf and your family and heritage through honoring all things that surround you... While he shared this with us, captivating every single boy in the story of being a man, warrior, and peacemaker on the Red Road, he pulled out a bowl made from a gourd and a small wooden vile. He gently poured red ochre into the bowl and put a few drops of water on top of the powder. As he finished the story, he mixed the powder and the water with his finger and one at a time asked each boy if they would walk the Red Road. As they answered a confident yes, he painted a red strip over their right eye, forehead to cheek.

The boys were absolutely captivated by the experience. I have never seen a group work together so productively to reach a group goal...building the sweat lodge, gathering the right rocks, and gathering a TON of wood. It was remarkable.

That night the boys and the male staff had a sweat that I'm sure they all still remember to this day. I love those boys...I still think about them and wonder what fabulous accomplishments and profound growth they have experienced in their young lives. I wish them the very best...

What is life?

I was looking up the Red Road online to find out more about this part of Native American culture, and I came across some really great quotes. I loved this one:

"What is life?
It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset."

~Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator

You are The High Priestess

Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.

The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know. The High Priestess is also associated with the moon however and can also indicate change or fluxuation, particularily when it comes to your moods.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Failing Successfully

Last night I had a really good conversation with my Mary Kay Director, Amy. She asked me, "Have you learned a lot this month?" For some reason the question caught me off guard a little bit, and I quickly responded, "Yes," though I wasn't entirely sure what she meant. Then she explained a little bit... Prior to this point in my Mary Kay career, I haven't had a whole lot going on. Just sporatic appointments scheduled and a few reorders from current customers. Now that I have been putting in the effort consistently for the last month or two and have more going on, it's easier to see what I need to adjust to be more successful. So now I need to make the adjustments and see how that affects my success.

I am grateful that I'm not feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of getting the momentum built back up in my business. I told Amy that in looking back at the last month or two, I can see that I'm working harder and more consistently than I ever have, and I'm not seeing the success I dream of...yet. But regardless of that frustration, I know that being consistent and persevering will bring me that success. Now is the time for fine tuning. People who cancel, don't show, or need to reschedule are teaching me how to be a better business woman...how to let my customers know that I care about them and want to meet their needs... cosmetically, as a friend, and as a dreamer of bigger and greater experiences.

Here's a quote I read today on a website I enjoy:

"The greatest achievements of all time are built upon multiple failures. The greatest achievers are those who are willing to experience failure on their way to the success they know will most certainly come." ~Ralph Marston

I think the key to failing successfully is the last part of that quote..."on their way to the success they know will most certainly come." You've got to believe it, see it, think it, and dream it, and it will come to be. You might fall down on the way, but because you have that vision and believe it, you're going to get up and learn from the fall, becoming a greater, stronger, and wiser person.

Life is great. I don't know what's up with all these positive posts lately...it's not as interesting, but what can I say??? Life is just that damn good! :)