My Pocketful Of Thoughts

Happy Valentine's Day Week!

2012-02-12T19:13:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again, where we embrace the commercialized holiday of St. Valentine. While February 14th is no longer recognized as the day to remember Saint Valentine, the martyred saint; his name is kept alive year after year. We fall in love with the idea of love. We hope that on this day, the love we give away is returned. We look forward to the gifts, the dinner, the cards and the sudden decrease of money in our wallets. We do this all with smiles on our faces! This year let's give this 'Valentine's Day Industry' a message and not buy the flowers, chocolate, jewelry and fancy dinners. Let's make cards out of construction paper, and bake cookies instead! Let's celebrate in March and tell this money-making industry 'WE ARE NOT GOING TO LET THIS RIDICULOUS PRICE GOUGING FIASCO CONTINUE!'

Who am I kidding? I sent my boyfriend an email with my wishlist of potential gifts on Friday; to which he laughed. I think that gifts should come from the heart. However, this month I have been trying to stick to not spending any cash towards items that are not absolute needs (#NoUnnecessarySpendingFebruary). Of course, the best sales are going on, now that the winter months are almost over, so I see so many cute things and I'm like adding things to shopping carts and then abandoning them last minute. It really is hard. Anyways, my whole point was to give an idea on this Soulful Sunday. Normally I would post sales going on and places to find awesome deals despite the price hikes that Valentine's Day brings. However I thought back to Christmas time, and the things I got or gave and I have to say that giving the gift of making memories was at the top of my list of favorites. Last month, my boyfriend and I used one of the Christmas gift's I got him, A Two-Hour Photography Workshop at Grand Central (NYC) with Judith from Sundays in New York.

We took the train into the city and had brunch at Michael Jordan's Restaurant in Grand Central Station. I tried my first Bloody Mary (didn't like it).

We got to visit the nooks and crannies of Grand Central. We laughed with the rest of the class as people tried to avoid the cameras. We learned things, together. It was an experience, a memory made to last in our book of memories. Isn't that what we really want anyways? Memories to keep us warm when we're bored in the nursing home at 93?

Simply Vera Platform Heels, Vera Wang for Kohls

Maybe I'm wrong, though :) Comment below and let me know what you're looking to get for Valentine's Day, what your favorite Valentine's gift has been thus far OR let my boyfriend know how great I look in these shoes!

Until then,

djRelat7

From Brian Tracy's Eat That Frog...Light, Camera, ACTION!!!

2012-01-17T07:13:00.000-05:00

"The key to success is action. These principles work to bring about fast, predictable improvements in performance and results. The faster you learn and apply them, the faster you will move ahead in your career- guaranteed!
There will be no limit to what you can accomplish when you learn how to Eat That Frog!" ~Brian Tracy, Eat That Frog, xiv

Its true, the words you just read, action is key. You can plan the most elaborate idea out to the very last detail, but if it just stays on paper, then that is all that it is; A plan on paper. Deciding to take action, while it is great, and awesome if you've gotten to the point to decide; it is merely a decision if you never actually act. So stop thinking, planning and deciding, just act. Whatever you have been running your thoughts over, act. Want to take a class? Then sign up for the spring semester. If you want to pursue baking, bake a cake, decorate it like you're in a competition and take a picture. If the goal is so large you're not sure where to act first, go back to your plan and start at step 1. The point is START NOW. Like the saying goes, Do not put off tomorrow what can be done today! With that said, take the action to find your way to Happyville! Take Charge! Giddy Up!

Until then,

Shout out to a wellness life!

2012-01-11T07:13:00.000-05:00

This morning I was thinking about my goals for this year and what I had contributed to them last year if they had been on my list as well. Today I wanted to share a recent positive experience.

In September, my boyfriend won in my name, a silent auction which gave me three training sessions at a wellness life . It wasn't until November that I was able to begin my sessions. I found out that a wellness life is more than just a place to get fit, its a mindset, its a way of life; its about getting right inside and out.

After each training session I was happy to know that it was a good thing to not feel like you're about to fall apart after working out. I learned that you should push yourself, yes; but not to an extreme. I think that everyone is accustomed to hearing 'No Pain, No Gain', so we push ourselves past the point of pain, and we shudder at doing it again.

I completed my third training session with Tammy right before Thanksgiving and I must say that I didn't expect to connect to a personal trainer the way I did with her. Not only did she make sure my mind set was in the right place before we began but I also got a taste of reformer pilates, strength training without using the bulky machines and TRX. I found them all to be equally challenging. After the three sessions I felt stronger and revved up to become the healthiest me I can be, inside and out. I HIGHLY recommend a wellness life!

Is being healthy on this year's list of resolutions? It's on mine. Next week I'll start sharing my story on my Getting to Healthy journey, so stay tuned. I hope that your year is off to a great start and everything is starting to fall into place.

Until then,

To set up a session with Tammy, her contact info is:

a wellness life

Tammy Gruber

203-470-9909

tammy@awellnesslife.com

(Studio is located inside Club NewFit, 32 Commerce Road, Newtown, CT)

http://awellnesslife.com/Contact.aspx

Oh, Hello

2012-01-10T19:13:00.000-05:00

I'm Shari, I am a personal stylist with a company that goes by the name of Bridge Parker Styling Co.

As a new'ish blogger, I jumped at the chance to be apart of an established blog such as My Pocketful of Thoughts! I am a stylist from Connecticut who adores anything vintage and everything desert. The latter part will not be showcased as much {^_^} he he! Fashion being my first passion, I plan to share outfit ideas and styling tips here regularly. My first few words may be few...but please enjoy these ideas and images.

Double Take will take you from night to day!

This outfit is one that I like to call Double Take

Just doing a little show and tell on how one outfit can be 9 to 5 ready with a small amount of glam as well.

Til' we meet again,

Bridge Parker

PS. Please feel free to visit me anytime on my blog, Bridge Parker Styling Co.

How NOT to Kill Your Co-Worker

2012-01-06T20:00:00.000-05:00

Please take a moment to read how this list came about if you have not already done so with the blog titled 'I welcome the NEW Fun Friday Series, How NOT to Kill Your Co-Worker'.

1) Try random things to annoy your co-worker. Check and see your co-worker's expression or change in mannerisms, until you find the random thing that works best. I find tapping your pen works well. You, however, might find your co-worker despises humming. The point is to find whatever annoys them the most.

2) Do well at your job!!! Chances are your boss will take notice and praise your name in front of your co-worker. Your co-worker will hate this! Do NOT detour your plans even when she spreads rumors that you are sleeping with the boss. Everyone knows this is not true! People will dislike her more. You are winning.

3) Ignore your co-worker. Limit your words strictly to hi, bye and mandatory work related tasks. Your co-worker wants the attention. Not giving it to her will make her angry. Do NOT detour your plans even when she makes up stories to her friends via IM. Your facial expression is serious on the outside, but on the inside you are laughing, your genius plan is working.

Stay tuned for more ways on How NOT to Kill your Co-Worker. In the meantime, if you're on twitter, feel free to say 'SURVIVED @djrelat7 @cpigrun #hownottokillyourcoworker' if you have survived the work week! Don't forget to share on My Pocketful Of Thoughts Facebook page and like it!

I've SURVIVED,

cpigrun

I welcome the NEW Fun Friday Series, How NOT to Kill Your Co-Worker

2012-01-06T18:00:00.000-05:00

Its Friday night and I feel alright...The party's here on the west side ....well I'm not at a party on any side of town but that was a really good song back in the day. The weekend has officially begun. Its 6 pm and I know where my children are! It was a short work week, productive and now done! Today is a special nod to Friday. Blogs that post today are a part of the FUN FRIDAYS topics. There hasn't been nearly enough fun as there should be. I have remedied that this evening.

While today is a nod to Friday; it is also a day to recognize all the people who have co-workers they would like to kill but didn't! YAY! I am fortunate to not have that issue at the moment. A little later today we hear from a blogger who accomplished just that this week and we're lucky to hear all the ways that helps her prevent killing her co-worker and how she keeps sane from 9-5 on Monday through Friday.

Feel free to share if you have ways to cope at work and successfully NOT kill your co-worker by weeks end, OR what they do that drives you bananas. Lets face it, your co-worker is not worth going to jail for, at least you can have a little fun! The most clever ways to cope may appear in a special post! If you're on twitter, feel free to say 'SURVIVED @djrelat7 @cpigrun #hownottokillyourcoworker' if you have survived this week! Don't forget to share on My Pocketful Of Thoughts Facebook page and like it!

Until then,

PS. Here's the link to How Not To Kill Your Co-Worker .

From Brian Tracy's Eat That Frog, We're on our way to Happyville!

2012-01-03T07:13:00.000-05:00

"Success Is Predictable....I had developed deep feelings of inferiority and inadequacy. I had fallen into the mental trap of assuming that people who were doing better than me were actually better than me. What I learned was that this was not necessarily true. They were just doing things differently, and what they had learned to do, within reason, I could learn as well." - Eat That Frog, page xii

It is normal that we take a look around at the people who surround us and wonder what makes them so special. If they are successful it is human nature to assume that they are "lucky", because that is usually the general consensus. We do not realize that these are not our own thoughts, but the thoughts of others, that have been repeated so many times that it because a false truth. Its easy to say that someone else is successful because they have something you do not. However, we are all successful, it all begins with taking the first step towards achieving whatever goal we decide to go after. The difference between "winning" and "losing", being special or not, is making the decision to act. ACT. If your thoughts lie with believing that everyone else is lucky, that you have all the bad luck, that things never go your way, STOP. We are our own worst enemy. Figure out what that special person is doing differently, learn it and see results.

Let 2012 be the year that we let go of all the silly notions of not being good enough. lets GET IT! Giddy up! Happyville, hear we come!

Until then,

Feliz Ano Nuevo!

2012-01-02T23:14:00.000-05:00

On this second day of the year of 2012, I would like to wish you a happy and prosperous new year! May it be filled with love, laughter and accomplished goals! I feel good about this year. Great things are going to happen for all of us if we stay focused, work hard and remember to play hard to! I hope that 2011 has been reflected upon, we've learned our lessons and are ready to take on 2012 by storm. After all, we were destined to do so!

Until then

Happy Holidays and Happy Massaging!

2011-12-26T19:13:00.005-05:00

Picture yourself here :)

I hope that everyone had a fabulous holiday weekend filled with lots of laughter, love and warm memories! This past week I gave my boyfriend and myself the gift of massage! I got a Groupon deal with Massage Therapist Janice Strileckis and I was thankful. Who doesn't want to pamper themselves at a deal on this Money Monday? She seemed to find every spot that ached and at the end I was super relaxed! Everything a massage should be!

I got to talking to her for a bit and we both agreed that if you didn't take advantage of the Groupon deal, that doesn't mean you still can't treat yourself for an after holiday treat! So for My Pocketful of Thoughts readers, we're saying Happy Holidays with a 60 minute Swedish Massage for a whopping discount for $60! Mention code DjRelat7 from My Pocketful of Thoughts to get the discount. Appointments are required and are subject to availability. See the PS below for contact information! This is available for a limited time, so take advantage of it today!

Happy Holidays from myself and Janice!

Until then

PS: Black Rock Bodywork's licensed massage therapist, Janice Strileckis can be reached:

Phone: 203-371-0506
Email: janice.strileckis@gmail.com

Black Rock

2889 Fairfield Ave.
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06605
Get Directions
located inside Black Rock Physical Therapy in Bridgeport, right above Port Coffeehouse

Hair Therapy and Pantene Commerical Hair, yes please!

2011-12-22T07:13:00.218-05:00

These last few weeks, I've been going over my New Year's Resolutions from this year and I realize I've just brushed the surface with most of them. It just occurred to me that I can't possibly do well on just one goal, if I'm trying to tackle 10 others that I think are all equally important. In reality most of the items we add to our resolution list are wishes, things we'd like to happen. However, if they do not happen then we go back to remembering, 'well they were only wishes anyways'. I've read this in many books, but you don't really believe it until you take a look at YOU. So after seeing all my wishes not come true, the list is going to be only two things next year. The first of course being having healthy finances. Shopping has put a dent in that goal this year.

Retail Therapy, a very well known phrase to many. Many of us use shopping as a way of relieving stress, cheering us up after a hard day, or calming the anxiety that creeps up when we haven't had a shopping fix in a while. My addiction to satisfying my wants instead of my needs has caused my finances to not be where I want them to be. Debt Free. Instead of paying down my debt with the extra amount I might make for any given month, I've gone out and bought the cute shoes I haven't worn yet and the hot sparkly top that is currently collecting dust. 2012 means focusing on my spending and making sure my debt goes down faster than it has been. So instead of retail therapy I am relying on HAIR THERAPY.

While I won't be giving into my every whim when I see something pretty, the one thing I will not be giving up is my hair cuts at the Antonio Prieto Salon. I first heard about this place from an email blog from Latina.com in 2009, Recession? But what about my hair? By Angelique Serrano. It read: "...I have some insider dish to help you get an appointment with a major hairstylist for a fraction of what they would normally charge to touch your tresses. Muy major Antonio Prieto has a salon in NYC, and he’s started a “New Talent” program where he rigorously trains for months new colorists and hairstylists, and while they are working their way up the prestigious ladder, you can score a service with them on the cheap!...They have Apprentices, Senior Apprentices and Junior Stylists training, each offering their services at discount prices. ... ". Who doesn't want fabulous hair for less?

When I read blogs from magazine's, I like to believe what I'm reading, so I called up the salon, asked about the program and booked my appointment. When I sat in the waiting area the first time I went and saw the people walking out, I silently thought to myself, wow, will I look like that? I want 'Pantene Commercial' hair. I have thick, curly hair and I've never been wowed at the local salons I've visited. Even when blowing my hair out straight, my hair looked big and not at all the sleek vision I had when I showed the picture of I wanted to look like.

I remember sitting in the chair and discussing my vision with Jen, someone came over and discussed with her the approach to take with my hair to achieve my request and a lovely conversation later....I had pantene hair. I was super impressed with The New Talent Program at this salon. It allowed me to not only make an investment in myself but at a fraction of the price. I fell so in love with Jen's work that I stayed with her throughout her progress in the program and could not imagine switching stylists when she graduated the program. I have such a connection with her that I was not at all expecting. Not only is she my stylist but she is my part-time therapist. I look forward to every haircut!

For my 30th birthday, I decided to add color to my hair after seeing all the colorist hard at work and seeing the beautiful results. Jen recommended me to Lindsay. At the time she was also in The New Talent Program, so it was a nice way to get introduced to color at a lower price. I've been nothing but pleased since. Lindsay has also graduated the program and she's phenomenal.

Before

If you don't believe the magic of this duo, Lindsay's color expertise and Jen's magical shears then take a look at the before and after. I cannot wait for my next appointment in April.

Before


after

after

Try out the salon with The New Talent Program by making an appointment today by calling 1-212-255-3741. Or ask for Stylist Jen B and Colorist Lindsay. Its located at 127 West 20th Street, New York NY 10011.

I take Metro North into the City, jump on the subway take the S to Time Square Station, then onto the 1 line Downtown to 18th Street, cross the street and walk up two blocks.

We all work hard for our money, if we can pick one thing that makes us smile and makes us feel good about ourselves then its worth it. Hair is such a major investment in YOU. You can have on a cute outfit but if your hair looks crazy then your outfit goes from cute to ok. I get loads of compliments on my color and my cut, I've never been happier with my hair!

What one thing can you not live without next year? Let me know by posting your comments on the Facebook Page of My Pocketful Of Thoughts! Haven't been there yet? Be sure to LIKE it to :)

Until then

PS: In the meantime I'll be whipping my hair back and forth with my Pantene Commercial looking hair, Thanks to Jen and Lindsay from the Antonio Prieto Salon :)

Why wait for the New Year to start working on you?

2011-12-15T07:13:00.001-05:00

I was reading my email the other day and found a friend of mine had started a blog series called 30 Days to a Stellar You! Every day there is a new post of a new assignment that gets you really thinking about ceating the life we all think about when we're making our New Year's Resolution list. She wants you to think of it as free coaching in a blog. Who doesn't love free?

I personally have had a few coaching sessions with her and I thought she was awesome and I got results. If you were ever thinking about it, she's the woman to get in touch with.

SO...start your list early, start day 15 of the month taking charge on this THERAPEUTIC THURSDAY!! YAY YOU! I'm starting it today and I'll be posting my progress on Facebook. If you don't follow me yet feel free to check me out, My Pockeful of Thoughts!

Check out the blog series 30 Days to a Stellar You!

Until then,

Where to Shop...Parte Dos!

2011-12-05T19:13:00.012-05:00

With all the deal sites out there, we no longer have to be strapped down to a particular day like Cyber Monday to find the right gift for the holidays. My only tip to you is that if you see something you like or that screams 'buy it for danny' (fill in a name), then get it RIGHT AWAY. Do not wait and think about it. I have done that on a couple of deals and then I decide let's do it, and then its SOLD OUT. Check out my PS in The Giving Season is Upon Us...where to shop for your holiday gifts for you and for everyone on your list! for how to handle seeing a lower price after you've made your purchase. Keeping that in mind I give you another batch of sites to find the deals!

Ideeli - I have purchased quite a few things over the last few years from this site. It is by far one of my favorites! Here you can find clothes for women, men and children. Shoes, jewelry, outerwear, high designer items, new designer items, travel, houseware, experiences and they are always adding more things. YOUR INVITATION

Ruelala - This is a site I recently discovered. This covers items for men, women, kids, clothes, accessories, footwear, home, wine, gourmet food, local services, travel and special fixes :) This site has a nice feature 9.95 covers shipping for a month. YOUR INVITATION

Groupon - This site offers tons of great things that are in your neck of the woods. Support your local businesses in your area while making memories to boot and not hurting your wallet. YOUR INVITATION

LivingSocial - This is another great site for getting to know your local businesses and if you buy a deal, refer it and 3 friends also get it, yours is free! How awesome is that!

Vacations To Go - Get daily deals to vacations of all price ranges, including river cruises, hotels and resorts, escorted tours, and African Safaris. Feel free to email Alan any inquiries, he's emailed me back on numerous occasions.

Until then, Happy Shopping,

PS: Look for the Where To Shop Page...Coming Soon!

The Giving Season is Upon Us...where to shop for your holiday gifts for you and for everyone on your list!

2011-12-05T07:13:00.020-05:00

While Cyber Monday has come and gone, fear not there are plenty of sites to get daily deals for the best gifts for your friends and family. Some deals are so good you might just want to get it for yourself!

Daily Candy - Here you will get an email of articles of things to read that come from their site. Topics range from fashion, beauty, food & drink, home & garden, travel, culture, gift ideas and deals. I am signed up on their New York version but many of the major cities are represented; just pick the closest to you! The nicer feature is the deals that you get from different vendors in the area that you live in. Be creative and pick up some deals to create memories with various experiences around town. I have actually picked up quite a few deals on here, including Christmas gifts!

Swirl by Daily Candy - Sample Sale site :) Items vary but mostly clothing and accessories

Gilt.com - Invitation only website that has a few categories to choose from...clothes, accessories, jewelry, shoes, luggage, beauty products, men women and children ...all higher end goods at deep discount prices, don't have an invitation? But of course you do :) YOUR INVITATION

Gilt Taste - Get the goods on meats, seafood, cheeses, prepared goods, pantry items, sweets, produce, beverages, wine and equipment...

Gilt City - Another great website that gives you deals for your city...choose your local and enjoy exclusive dining experience, sold-out show tickets, luxury salons, spas, cool shops...etc YOUR INVITATION

PARK & BOND - A site for the fellas; clothing, accessories, footwear, designers, vintage watches :)

JETSetter - Luxury Travel Deals - YOUR INVITATION

Portero Luxury - Premium Pre-Owned Prized Bags, Totes, Scarves, Wristwatches, wallets, cluthes and other things including vintage. You can also sell items on this site. Does not require an invitation.

Lot 18 - An invitation only Wine Store that has recently added gourmet items and experiences. YOUR INVITATION

Snique Away - An invitation only Discount Travel Site YOUR INVITATION

Open Sky - Tailored Shopping by creating a team of celebrities that recommend their favorite things and how to get it at a discount. YOUR INVITATION

This is just the tip of the iceberg! Stay tuned to more places to shop for yourself and others this holiday season and into the next year.

Until then, Happy Shopping!

PS If you happened to notice that Cyber Monday seemed to extend for the entire week and you feel like you should wait for a better price, don't. I have made several holiday gift buys over the last few weeks only to find it at a lower price the next day. Check out the return policy of where you purchased the item. Some places will give back a price difference after a certain amount of days, typically seven. However some vendors have strict no price difference policies. If you run across the latter, simply contact their customer service. Let them know you just purchased an item that has appeared at a lower price than what you purchased it at. Ask them what is the best way to go about getting the price difference. Be clear and let them know that you are aware that they do not issue price difference refunds for items purchased when the price drops but that you were wondering if there was an easier way than returning and repurchasing. You would be surprised how accommodating vendors can be. If they happen to be a stickler for their policies than re-buy at the sale price and return the one at the higher price.Good Luck and feel free to share your story!

Give a pair of shoes to a child in need with TOMS on this Soulful Sunday

2011-12-04T07:13:00.006-05:00

While we are all out thinking of what to get our family, friends or even ourselves for this holiday season I would like to plant the seed of doing good at the same time. Kill two birds with one stone and feel good about it to. I overheard a conversation in August about how TOMS gives a pair of shoes to a child in need with every pair purchased and I thought how awesome is that; Get your kids school shoes and do a good deed at the same time. While it left me feeling warm and fuzzy I completely forgot to write about it. Although I am sure I am not the first to hear about TOMS, I personally had never heard about them so that means that out there somewhere you might not have either. A friend of mine came back from her cruise in Europe in September and told me how comfy they were, but even more, they were super cute. COMFY AND CUTE, say no more right? TOMS offers shoes for women, men and kids so why not give a gift that keeps on giving? Isn't that what the holidays are about anyways, giving instead of receiving? Nordstrom has a large assortment on line as does the official TOMS website. I'm going out and getting a pair for myself. Merry Christmas to me and to a child in need. GO TOMS, lets help them out with their ONE TO ONE program!

Until then,

PS: Not into buying shoes for people, how about glasses? With every pair of sunglasses you purchase TOMS will help give the gift of sight to a person in need with their ONE TO ONE program.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:13:00.001-05:00

Let today be a day of thanks for all that we have, for all that we are, for all that will come, and for all that we'll be. Thanks Be to God!

Until then

What's sucking your time?

2011-11-17T07:13:00.015-05:00

It was the best of times and the worst of times. Last September I caved in and got the DVR from my cable provider. The DVR opened up an entirely different world for me, and after a while I realized I wasn't doing much else. Every now and then I think to myself that it was the worst decision I could have made. I was perfectly fine with the handful of channels that Cablevision was providing without the cable box. Friends promoting it and the extra five dollars for the box enticed me though. What is an extra five dollars anyways?

A year later and now its an extra ten dollars a month, but I do not think I have the will power to give it up. Back in September and into October I cut my watching the DVR down to an hour a day to study for an exam. The shows I recorded piled up and til this day I have not caught up. This is sadly what I have been doing with my time. Instead of picking up my lap top and writing about all the ideas I say in my head, I watch the DVR. I find myself feeling nervous if I let too many shows stay without being watched. I freak out a little if I cannot find another time listing for a show that happens to fall under the same time as two other shows being recorded. This past weekend I finally made a dent in it and discovered some new shows that I really liked.

Instead of feeling sad about getting the DVR, I decided I would make this an Ode to all the talented writers out there that keep me hooked to the TV like an addict. One day I'll give it up, but right now I'm not ready.

So shows that started this season that I am excited to watch:
Once Upon a Time - Terra Nova - Ringer - Revenge - Hart of Dixie - Two Broke Girls

Returning Shows that I love:
Bones - Covert Affairs - Modern Family - Happy Endings - Blue Bloods - Sons of Anarchy - Psych - Vampire Diaries - Nikita - Super Natural - Grey's Anatomy - Private Practice - Body of Proof - Mike & Molly - Hawaii 5-0 - The Real Housewives of Atlanta - The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - The Nate Berkus Show - Ugly Betty - Burn Notice - NCIS - NCIS Los Angeles

Shows that are on break:
Pretty Little Liars - The Nine Lives of Chloe King - Suits - Royal Pains - In Plain Sight - White Collar - Fairly Legal - The Closer - Rizzoli and Isles - Jersey Shore - Falling Skies - Leverage

Shows that are on my DVR that I still have not watched yet:
GRIMM - PAN AM - Secret Circle

I do NOT want to even count how many shows this is and I am more than sure there are shows that I have forgotten to mention; The shows that were recently canceled or were canceled on my DVR myself have shortened my list. I didn't give any info, aside from the name, on any of the shows because you'd be reading FOREVER, so if you see something that sounds good to you, just click on the show name and it will take you to where you can get more information.

So again, Today I am thankful for all the creative writers out there that keep me addicted to their shows and keep me waiting for the next episode to happen! I find it therapeutic to escape reality for a few minutes or in my case hours a day. What shows can you not live without? What do you self prescribe for therapy purposes?

Until then, don't judge me :)

Thought of the Day

2011-09-26T07:47:00.001-04:00

"All the so-called geniuses probably gained their reputations because, by mere chance or otherwise, they formed alliances with other minds which enabled them to "step up" their own mind vibrations to where they were enabled to contact the vast Temple of Knowledge recorded and filed in the ether of the universe. " ~ From THINK and GROW RICH Every Day, 365 Days of Success From the Writings of Napoleon Hill with Joel Fotinos and August Gold

Our thoughts emit frequencies. Are you keeping your thoughts in check? Are you sending out positive thoughts?

Do you pin?

2011-09-23T07:13:00.006-04:00

As if I do not have enough things to distract me, in July Ms. Pillowz introduced me to a website called Pinterest. Pinterest is a virtual pin board. I have actual pin boards in my room with future goals, current goals and things to keep me focused on those goals. I wonder if she knew that I am a sucker for pin boards.

So I clicked on the link and it told me that I must have an invitation to the site as there are already many users. Ms. Pillowz sent me an invitation and a few moments later I was on the site. I skipped the intro and dove right in. I look around and realized that I should have NOT skipped the intro. The site is confusing at first but then after a while you get the hang of it and you're hooked.

Why would you use Pinterest? I am in the process of remodeling my room, getting rid of the old and onto the new. On this site I have found ideas, organizational techniques and the greatest part is if I see something I know will work in my bedroom, I click on it and it sends me to the site where I can purchase it. If you're creative you have access to tons of DIY projects. If you are planning a wedding, there are tons of ideas for inspiration. If you share a love of art, there are pins for you. If you are trying to pick your next vacation, there are tons of ideas of locations to view. If you're a photographer looking for ideas for some really great shots, this can be one of the places to find inspiration Looking for yummy recipes, yup you guessed it, you can find that to on Pinterest. Another nice feature is that if you see something you like on a website, you can pin it to your board by copying the URL and adding it to the pin under the ADD column. How great is it to have everything pinned on a board so you can revisit it later?!

The site is really simple. First create your boards, or if you didn't skip the tutorial, you can use their suggestions. Follow suggested boards to start. 'Pinboards you follow' links you to different pins. I personally like clicking on the EVERYTHING link, then picking my category and pinning away. Hover the mouse over the object you'd like to pin to your board, click on the repin icon in the top left hand corner, a pop up window will appear, the drop down shows you the boards you have currently, click on the one you'd like the pin to appear on. If there isn't a board yet for it then you can scroll down to the last option of the drop down and Create A New Board. When you are done with that click PIN and you're done. It should return you to your prior page of pins to surf.

If you request an invitation from the website and get told no, then shoot me your email to
djrelat7@gmail.com with the word pinterest in the subject and your email address in the body and I will send you an invitation to the site. Happy Pinning!

Until then,

People with glass houses should not throw stones...

2011-09-13T08:49:00.001-04:00

I am at the laundry mat this morning. I got up super early to be out of the house at 6 but procrastination seems to always get the best of me. I left a few short seconds shy of 7. I got all the clothes in and sat down to study for an upcoming exam. A woman came in about 15 minutes after me and I noticed her leggings were black and umm... see-thru. All I saw were stripes and I thought to myself I would never walk out of the house not knowing if someone can see my undies without intentionally showing them (this is not to say that I go around showing people my undies).

The buzzer went off to let me know my first load was done and for some reason or another I looked down and noticed a tag on my shirt. Sure enough I have my shirt on inside out. I would never leave the house with my shirt on inside out, who does that? Well, apparently me.

Today's lesson is people with glass houses should not throw stones. Well the buzzer has gone off for the second load's completion and I have glass shards to clean up. Have a terrific Tuesday!
Until then,
DjRelat7

When Hurricane Irene hit were you prepared?

2011-09-12T07:31:00.049-04:00

A road at Seaside Park

It was 16 days ago when Hurricane Irene hit Connecticut as a Category 1 hurricane. She knocked out the power, flooded roads, delayed school openings, and did a good amount of damage. The photo on the right is of my feet standing not on the beach, but on a main road. Sand washed up and covered areas of the beach side of Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT, where sand usually does not belong. Employees of the Park and Recreation department worked feverishly to get the parks ready to be used for the Labor Day holiday.

Connecticut was not the only state hit. Hurricane Irene left her mark in the Caribbean, the entire East Coast of the United States and the Atlantic part of Canada. News reports indicated that Connecticut had not seen a storm of Irene's magnitude since Hurricane Gloria in 1985.

On Friday, August 26th, I went out grocery shopping with my mom and was a little surprised at what I saw. Granted, having worked in a grocery store for ten years, I have seen people always panic in times of potentially dangerous storms. However, some things made me wonder if people actual know what to do in case of a storm. For example, shopping carts, while they were overflowing with bread, canned goods and water; there were tons of perishables to. Question: Why stock up on meats that need to be refrigerated if you might lose power? If you had a generator at home in case this happened, then you are fine. But if not, then :( .

Since the weather is getting a little crazy, earthquakes included, I thought we could go over basics today. An ode to hurricanes if you will.

If you are like myself, and do not partake in the daily ritual of watching the news, have no fear, someone will mention it in passing. Once you do hear this though, LISTEN TO THE NEWS. Potentially dangerous storms will get news coverage on TV and on the radio. They give constant updates on the weather, and any information that is important for you to know in your area.

We then listen for what kind of announcements are being given. If we hear Hurricane Watch, this means that the storm is 36ish hours away and you should stay tuned for upcoming advisory warnings. If we hear Hurricane Warning, this means that the storm is 24 hours away. At this point, if you are in areas that require evacuation, GET OUT!

During the Hurricane Watch you should take into consideration the following:

Check to make sure that all flashlights have batteries
Candles, if needed are available with lighters or matches.
If a generator is required, good luck. As we saw from this past storm, generators sold out quickly and those who had them to sell, raised prices.
Fill up your gas tank. I put gas in the car that Saturday afternoon and I wish I had thought about it earlier. Cars were pouring out into the street as they waited their turn to get to the gas pump. Why is this a good idea? In case power lines go down, gas stations may not have power to get their pumps running or power to take your money to pay for the gas. Also in case you have to evacuate, it is better to already have a gassed up car, then to have to scramble for some at the last minute.
Have clean water to use for drinking and other minor household needs. Keep this in mind especially if your home relies on well water.
Take a shower. Most homes have electric water heaters. If the power goes, there goes your shower. I know a few people that lost power but had gas water heaters so they were able to have hot water to take a shower.
Secure your home. If you need to board up windows and surround the house with sand bags, it might be a good idea to do so at the first signs of warning.
Make arrangements for pets. Because of prior hurricanes, where home owners did not leave their homes because they did not want to abandon pets, this last storm took that into consideration. Pets were allowed in local shelters and that eased some of the worry.
Take pictures of your property. My mom had me do this right before the storm hit. Some insurance companies require proof of the homes condition prior to the storm to approve insurance payouts.
Think about loved ones and neighbors if they need help. It might be a good idea to have family members that live alone come and stay with you, or vise versa.
Do you have a land line? Telephones that plug directly into the phone plug still work during power outages. Unfortunately, cordless phones, require electricity and do not work during power outages.
Have telephone numbers handy to your power supplier (ex: UI) and listen on the radio/TV for who to call in case trees come down/flooding. Keep 911 free for emergency calls only. In the event that a tree does come down on a wire and the power goes out, do not assume that officials are aware of it. Also do not assume that your neighbor has already called.
During the storm and after, stay indoors. Debris and flooding will make it difficult to drive around. Strong winds are not something to get caught in.
Stay away from fallen trees and down power lines. The first fatality that I heard on the news was one where someone went near a tree that knocked down power lines. He died upon impact. Report it to the number you wrote down in step 12.
Be prepared to have power out in your area from a few hours to a week. My household was very lucky. Our power went out for a total of hour hours during the storm. I know people that did not have power for over a week.

Pier at the end of the park, ripped to shreds, only the skeleton remains

If you'd like to get more information on hurricanes and what to do in case one comes your way you can do so by visiting The National Hurricane Center.

You can check out the damage of Hurricane Irene on the beach of Seaside Park by visiting the photo album on My Pocketful Of Thoughts Facebook page titled After Hurricane Irene. If you haven't already, click like, if you like the Facebook page.

Until then

Where were you?

2011-09-11T07:13:00.007-04:00

I woke up this moring at 5am. I got out of bed, brushed my teeth and jumped into the shower. I was overcome with this sense of dread. A nervous twinge lingered in the air as I replayed the summer months in my head, wondering what I could have done differently. September was off to a good start with the end of a friendship. She said I had replaced her. It was not my intention, but I guess thinking back now, I did. People come into our lives for reasons. I stand strong to that idea.

I got dressed for work. Black pants, white shirt, and sneakers. 5:40 out the door. The local A &P didn't open until 7 but book keeping required you to be there a little early to start reconciling the previous days sales. I jumped into the old Dodge Dynasty, flew to the closest Dunkin Donuts and then back to the grocery store with minutes to spare before 6am.

I did my work quickly and efficiently, like I did every day that I worked. At 8 am I was done and ready to open the customer service window. It was a slow morning. Co-workers came in and out of the office with casual conversation. Then I saw her. Its a little awkward when you have to work with people that tell you that they do not want to be your friend, especially being friends for a good chunk of time. You cannot make someone be your friend.

At 9am, things changed. The feeling of dread grew stronger. Chatter from customers pierced through the air like shards of glass. Did we hear what happened? Wanting to hear the latest gossip, my coworker and I listened intently. Its always the bad accidents, you don't want to watch, but can't help to stare at. Someone's bombed the Twin Towers. WHAT?! A phone call follows a few short moments later. My mom's voice is on the other end and she has just informed me that another plane has crashed into the Pentagon. ...Another plane has gone down with the believed intention of hitting the Capitol or the White House, but was diverted. My co-workers and I gathered in the office and listened intently to the radio; hearing the rest of the day's events unfolding felt so surreal. I looked at my friend, well ex-friend, and thought to my self, are we going to die?

I remember September 11, 2001 like it was yesterday. It was a day that made everything trivial going on in my life shadow in comparison. It was a day that brought the United States of America into mourning. It was day where thousands of lives were taken prematurely. It was a day where we questioned our safety. It was a day that we will never forget. We will always remember where we were and what we were doing the day the first plane collided with Tower 1.

As a country we learned how to get back a more confident peace of mind in our day to day lives. Not really. There are times when I ride the subways in Manhattan and think, What if something happens? On a brighter side, since 9/11, our country has gotten much better in handling attacks and potential national crises. While most people complain and find all the extra security frustrating at times, I find it comforting. Osama Bin Laden was caught and killed in May of this year. I wonder if we, Americans, are holding our breaths waiting for something else to happen?

This photo is from http://www.911memorial.org/

This weekend the National September 11th Memorial opens with ceremonies and prayers to those that lost their lives that day in 2001. I am sure that it will draw crowds forever. I hope that as we visit it, we all silently pray for peace and forgive those who have done us wrong. Although the day will never be forgotten, forgiveness moves us into the direction of healing.

Where were you? Do you remember what you did on September 11, 2001?? Do you feel safe in our country? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Until then be safe,

Are we doing everything we can be doing to make ourselves happy?

2011-09-08T07:31:00.010-04:00

Happy Almost Friday to you! I wanted to start the day off by asking a few questions, directed to you and to myself. Are we doing everything we can be doing to make ourselves happy? Now this is a very loaded question! What makes us happy? If I wake up in the morning with a smile on my face and an excitement to start the day and take on the world, I would define that as happy. Except that I haven't felt that in a little while.

Life has a tendency to throw apples and oranges at us. We slip, fall down to the ground and the direction we go in when we get back up has changed. At least that is how I see it. It doesn't have to be that way and I know it. Sometimes we forget that we've done the research and have already figured out what makes us happy; Whether it is in the moment we are in or we know what to do to get there. So if you happen to be on my bus going to Happyville or have already reached your destination by all means share what you are doing! If you are not sure or have come to a crossroads, you can share that to. It is never to late to get a ticket for the bus.

I have always been an avid reader. Over the last twelve years or so I have amassed a collection of books from people who have gotten to a success in life that made them happy and have shared their stories. I am currently working on tackling Procrastination. I want to leave you today with something I read in 'Eat That Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time.' by Brian Tracy. If you are not familiar with Brian Tracy, he was in sales, made it big and applied the principals he learned to everything in life and now he's bigger. The great thing is you do not have to be in sales to take away from this book.

"The Power of Written Goals...When I could no longer find a laboring job, I got into sales, knocking on doors, working on straight commission. I struggled from sale to sale until I began looking around me and asking, "Why is it that other people are doing better than I am?"

Then I did something that changed my life. I began to ask successful people what they were doing that enabled them to be more productive and earn more money than me. And they told me. I did what they advised me to do, and my sales went up. Eventually, I became so successful that I was made a sales manager....

This process of learning and applying what I had learned changed my life. I am still amazed at how simple and obvious it is. Just find out what other successful people do and do the same things until you get the same results. Learn from the experts. Wow! What an idea." - Eat That Frog

Wow! is right! Mind you, that kind of information starts in the preface, so you can imagine how the rest of the book is. I am excited to read it and excited to share my thoughts with you! Is procrastination one of the things that holds you back from doing things that might make you happy? Pick up the book, you might read something that turns a light bulb on. Amazon has it for 9.03 and if you spend $25 you get free shipping.

I had the honor of meeting Bran Tracy at his seminar.

If you see someone that makes you say, "I want to be doing that!"; Ask them what they do and how they did it. Most people love to share their story. You never know it could lead you to Happyville!

Until then,

Happy Monday

2011-09-05T07:58:00.001-04:00

May everyone have a safe Labor Day!

Labor Day Weekend, I've been waiting for you!

2011-09-03T07:13:00.002-04:00

Yesterday the thought popped into my head....Labor Day Weekend....YES! I am happy that the three day weekend is finally here. We wait all year for the major holidays to come and they seem to go just as quickly. It also occurred to me that I have no clue as to why we celebrate Labor Day. I know on the 4th of July we celebrate an Independence Day, but the first Monday of September...no clue. I asked around and got the same answer, "Umm, no clue." So aside from some pretty good shopping deals, Can anyone tell me why we celebrate Labor Day?

I am camping this weekend with friends in Rhode Island and maybe someone will have the answer. Stay Tuned to find out what I learn.

May you have a safe and festive holiday weekend! Feel free to share your plans for this weekend or reveal the mystery behind Labor Day in the comment section :)

Until then

Thought of the Day

2011-09-02T07:13:00.000-04:00

Never use this pick up line...LOL" Can I get your picture to prove to all my friends that angels really do exist.".
Does this line work? What lines have you tried or have been tried on you? Did it work?