New Horizons

Soaring at 30,000 feet the weekend trails in the past with times of treasure still dancing through my head. All were present and accounted for plus some new faces. The festivities began with an engagement party for my oldest sister followed by many rounds of golf, lots of giggles, turkey in the middle somewhere and finishing with a celebration of my parents 30th wedding anniversary. All in all, I could not have designed a more wonderful few days with the people who accept me for all of my faults and uplift my spirit. As my parents often remind us and show us daily, Thanksgiving is a time to extend outward. Sitting around the table was great family friends who have become like family, new soon to be family of my sisters fiance and his parents, my brother in law, aunt, grandparents, parents and siblings. As we grow older and the family grows with us, I am reminded of how blessed I am. Family begins to grow like a backyard - with new patches of grass looking a little out of place, but quickly the new sod will be completely entwined with the roots of the entire yard, creating a blanket of unity. Someday I hope to meet someone to add his own little patch of green to the mix. Until then, I marvel at the vibrant landscape I am a part of and smile.

Be a Tigger

In an interview with the New York Times, Mindy Grossman, Chief Executive of HSN, describes the people she surrounds herself with as Tiggers. "There are a number of things that are really important to me. One — and people laugh that I have this philosophy — is that you only hire Tiggers. You don’t hire Eeyores. It doesn’t mean they have to be loud, but I need energy-givers and I have to get a feeling that this person is going to be able to inspire people." She goes on to talk about passion and taking risks, making sure that you take time to discover what it is that makes you excited to wake up in the morning. Her message rings true to all aspects of life, career and otherwise. No more "oh, bother" for me.

Read the article: "Are you a Tigger, or an Eeyore?"

For the History Books

After having surgery three years ago, I go to physical therapy twice a week for my back. My physical therapist knows my surgeons well as they are all in the same circles of work and work in tandem with patients. I refer to them as my Olympic training team. When I was at physical therapy yesterday, my doctor told me he had just had dinner with my surgeon and they were amongst colleagues discussing my case. Well, I have to admit I was a bit flushed in the cheeks having all of those men discussing me. That was a first! Needless to say they were discussing the structural elements of my spinal column and my combined anterior thoracoscopic fusion and posterior instrumented fusion...words every woman wants to hear. The doctors were saying how they had never quite seen a case like mine before, weighing in on possible outcomes for my future after my extensive surgery. My physical therapist told me the story yesterday, almost beaming with pride. He said, "You, my dear, are history in the making and will be in medical history books. Let's show 'em what tough is!" Well I must admit I never quite thought I would be history in the making nor do I even pretend to compare myself to all those who really do make history in their every day valiant conquests that are often overlooked. I am humbled by your stories, your inspirational journeys and unwavering spirit. You are history that is worth repeating. We cheer you on from the sidelines.

Semper Fi

Today should be echoed every day as we honor those men and women who keep us safe at home and abroad. We honor your courage and selflessness, your humility and strength. We welcome a Marine into our family with pride. You remind us of the importance in each day, the purpose of our actions and the preciousness of life. We are indebted to you as a country, as a community, as a family and as individuals. Today and every day, may god bless you and your families. You are in our hearts and prayers forever and always.

Bearing the cold

Is the brrr putting a grrr in your day? As a woman with spine of steel (no seriously I have two titanium rods in my back) I am constantly cold when the fall and winter months come around. I have been known to not take my coat off indoors, be wrapped in pashminas and scarves the like. So when I find some things that keep me warm I can't wait to share my discoveries.

First...invest in some long underwear. I am obsessed with wearing long sleeved shirts layered under turtlenecks. REI and L.L.Bean have lots of options that are inexpensive. Check out http://www.llbean.com/ and http://www.rei.com/

Second...boots are great to keep the tosies warm, on the walk to work especially. If you already have rain boots, like Hunter boots, you can just invest in an inexpensive pair of fleece liners and voila, an immediate transformation into a winter cozeyland for your feet. Uggs are also a great option. Visit http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446171250&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492711042&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474399545537&bmUID=1257789419646

Third...your neck can be a major source of heat loss so hurry and cover it with a scarf! You will look posh all the while.

Finally...get your hands around a warm cup of something with someone you love. My favorite is an americano (novices be where though - its strong!) But whatever it is, let the steam comfort your red nose from the cold.

Hope this helps you stay beary warm this winter...hugs

Venus, you there? It's me, Bear

I am a believer in things happening for a reason. I am a believer that any small struggles I go through make the big picture bigger and allow me to enjoy the details even more. I am a believer in believing and dreaming, even when my horoscope tells me differently. This month though, my horoscope seems to think that my prince charming might someday come along. Read your monthly horoscope at http://www.astrologyzone.com/forecasts/ and start believing.

What I know for sure

I know that dancing makes me happy and hugs sustain my soul

I know that giggling is my favorite pastime and smiling can make a strangers day

I know that being a pumpkin or an M&M on October 31st has no age limit

I know that the yellow and orange leaves dancing in the wind remind me to look up every once in a while and that the countryside requires my purity of breath

I know that heroes don't speak of their conquests and that family trees as they age grow deeper and stronger roots

I know that home is always home and that I am forever my parents little girl

I know that mothers hang pictures in just the right place and have the intuition to know when the picture is a little askew

I know that luck does not always mean blessed and blessings are the wish to wish upon

I know that I have much more to learn as I say goodnight tonight

goodnight room

goodnight moon

goodnight cow jumping over the moon

goodnight light and the red balloon

goodnight kittens goodnight mittens

goodnight clocks and goodnight socks

goodnight little house and goodnight mouse

goodnight comb and goodnight brush

goodnight stars, goodnight air*

Good night from this bear

*adapted from Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown