Archive for September, 2010

This Life/Work Balance Thing

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

This balancing thing escapes me.† I think I am doing better at keeping track of what's what and then I go drop something.† I got two books on time management from the library and revamped my daily schedule ... but I still feel like a circus performer trying to keep plates spinning on sticks.† I run from one wobbling plate to another, giving each the amount of energy to keep it spinning.

Balancing Life in Your War Zones: A guide to Physical, Mental, and Spriitual Health

LeAnn Thieman's book makes me think and her personal story never fails to wow me.

So this month seemed like the perfect time to re-read Balancing Life in your War Zone: A guide to Physical, Mental, and Spritual Health by LeAnn Thieman.† Since it was published in 2008 I think I've read it cover to cover twice and skimmed through it several times.

Each time I glean something that seems appropriate for what I am experiencing at that time.† Like a devotional or collection of essays, there is always a tidbit that soothes my weariness or jazzes my bones. 🙂

Good reads are worth re-reading!
Anyone want to share a favorite book that stands up to reading again and again?

Posted in Book, inspiration, Maryjo "Mj" Morgan, Writer | 4 Comments »

Wall Street Revisited

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

A lifetime ago, my husband started his business career working for a now defunct brokerage company called Eastman Dillon. Young, ambitious, gregarious and good at what he did, he did himself and the company proud.

The original Wall Street movie brought back many memories of his co-workers/friends, brokerage procedures and business practices and the good that life we led. It is one of my favorite films.

Yesterday I went to see Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (title is a Gekko-ism from the first film). I was not only whisked back to another time and place but kept in the todayís-world-of-the-investment-game when Gekko says; ìSomeone reminded me I once said greed is good. Now it seems itís legal.î

Writers, Allan Loeb & Stephen Schiff, spun a tale of deceit, corporate thievery, financial doom and gloom, and the business and love struggles of a smart, young, ambitious investment broker. They wove the back-story of the original Wall Street into the filmóusing subtle and not so subtle techniques, and exposed the mess behind the recent bank bailouts we just experiencedóvery clever.

It's thorough, fast paced and engaging. I think director Oliver Stoneís work is impressive and the talented actors are well chosen for their parts.

Itís a good film and I suggest you go see it.

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Posted in Helen Colella, Author | 3 Comments »

Bedbugs

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

Bedbugs

They got you

Youíre infested

In your bed, you say.

Why not your couch?

Wherever there is warm blood, watch out!

Or maybe your favorite cushy chair, the one you fell asleep in tonight, before you were called by your mate to wake up and come to bed.

ìI am asleep and have been for most of the evening.†† Just incase you havenít noticed,î you yell back upstairs.

So you get up from your seat, straighten your back and scratch your head,

Oh well, you think.† Time to head up stairs and hit the hay.

Yes it is true you have become dinner, because wherever these creepy crawlers can move, by feet, they do as long as their reward is human blood and it looks like their next meal might be you.

Sleep well tonight.

That is where ever itís safe

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Posted in Fay Ulanoff, Writer & Puppeteer, Halloween | 2 Comments »

Love those Italians!

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

When my NJ friend, Rosemary Di Giovine Vaccaro posted on Facebook: ìI love being Italian.î I had to respond. With respect to my late husband and childrenís heritage, who also love being Italian, hereís what I wrote:

Italians immigrated to Colorado in the 19th century. They found work in Denver, Pueblo, Trinidad, Colorado Springs and Louisville. My late husbandís Grandpa Roma was part of this immigration (wonder if, in some strange way, destiny directed us to the wild, wild, west).

For years we have celebrated Festival Italiano ñ A Food & Wine Festival in Belmar, Colorado and as in the past the family will again enjoy this fun filled Italian celebration.

Weíll get in the mood as soon as we see the colorful flag decorated streets and mingle with the crowds of Italian Americans and others who come to enjoy the authentic atmosphere, aromas and amora of Italy.

Weíll stroll along the mall admiring the handmade imported wares of Italian artisans, vendors who sell novelty items and perhaps buy a trinket or two to take home.

Weíll enjoy the special festivities: flag throwers from Florence, Italy, sample regional Italian wine, watch chef demonstrations, try to learn Italian, laugh at the grape stomping vat for children, cheer at gamers at the bocce ball tournament, and listen to the Italian music as we sing along and dance.

Weíll sample local and imported Italian wines and down a few beers to quench our thirst.

Weíll graze at the many food stands tasting traditional dishes like sausage & peppers, calzones, pizza, ravioli and other pasta dishes to satisfy our ethnic appetites.

Weíll take pleasure in the homemade pastriesóNapoleons, Cannoli, Cheesecake and more just because these delicious and sinful temptations are there.

Weíll nibble the traditional cookies like your grandmother made; the ones that are hard to resist óBiscotti, Spizzele, Cannoli, Zeppole, Macaroons, fig, almond, hazelnut and more, then wash it down with a cup of Esspresso.

If youíre inclined, check this out the site of last yearís gala event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voWZyE5MJSc. Enjoy the photos & music.

And just to let you know, Ro, this Irish girl from Downneck, has become a pretty good Italian cook! After years of being Italian via osmosis, collecting recipes from the whole Colella clan and cooking it all, how could I not be???

P.S. For anyone with plans of being in Colorado this Fall, Festival Italiano will take place September 11-12. Two fantastic days of Italian goodness!

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Posted in Helen Colella, Author, Life Event | 2 Comments »

Purse Anatomy

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Until I was in my thirties, I refused to carry a purse. I didnít want to have to worry about misplacing it, like I did with keys until I started designating key drop-off zones throughout the house.

I carried my ID, a credit card and some money in a pocket, and if I didnít have any, such as when I wore a dress, I carried a tiny party purse, even if it was a non-party designation where I was heading.

I didnít want to be burdened, weighed down, responsible for something that could just as well fit in my back pocket.

But three years ago, I was diagnosed with asthma. I had to carry an inhaler, and that wouldnít feel comfortable in my pocket, so I bought a purse from Target on clearance for $14. I bought a wallet (Iíve had several over the years but kept them in my bedroom to store my credit cards, library cards and other number-identifying plastics), also on clearance.

I figured I should throw in, along with my cell phone that previously was attached to my hip via a clip, a 2-ounce lotion bottle, and then a 0.5-ounce hand sanitizer because of the craze about ultra sanitizing away the flu, meningitis and other germs. I realized wouldnít a hair pick be nice, along with extra scrunchies. And then along came the spot cleaner in case of spills (not oil, mind you).

On Jan. 1, I added a daily planner (no Blackberries for me! I still crave pen and paper) and later a mini-notebook in case I had a brilliant idea for a blog.

And this summer, I added a pen-size bottle of insect repellant, which did me in. I picked up my purse and realized it was heavy. How the heck did that happen?

Posted in Shelley Widhalm, Writer | 3 Comments »