Off to the Windy City

I spent most of the night packing for a business trip... I leave for Chicago at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning. I am one of those "anxious travelers". No, I am not afraid of flying, I just want to make sure that I have everything I need.

I will be trying out my new laptop carrying case for the first time. I am going to test the theory of using a sleeve instead of a backpack. At least this is only a 3 day trip. Hopefully it will not be an epic fail.

It is hard to think creatively when I am struggling with the left side of my brain to recall all that needs to be done.

Maybe after a Guinness and a cigar I will feel more relaxed...

Comfortably Numb

I have not found a better antonym for passion. I have spent many days, if not years, living in a state of "comfortable numbness".



Living a life lacking in passion. There had been a time in my life that I did not listen to music. I had no radio. I had no stereo. This was all by choice. I had made an unconscious decision to withdraw from life. I was trapped in a world of darkness and despair. Such is the life of someone living in depression. A life devoid of passion.

How ironic.

That was another lifetime ago. Gratefully, I cannot fully remember those days. Maybe I just blocked them out. Regardless, I choose not to dwell in the past, but to live life to the fullest. Today I choose passion.

Today's passion reminder was music. I am one of the older generation who happens to still listen to regular FM radio (at least in my car). I know, the sound is not great and I have no control over the playlist, but still.. there is something about radio broadcasting that is very special.

Maybe it is because I hear the passion of the DJ's? We do know that passion is contagious.

Maybe it is the anticipation of what song will play next? We all like surprises, right?

Maybe it is just a reminder of days gone by... the way things used to be.

I had my music. I had my passion fix for the day.

Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my birthday, and as a dear friend of mine once stated, she and I are "Plenty-Nine" and holding.

I love the concept of agelessness. However, I have a great appreciation for the knowledge and wisdom that can only come with living each day of our lives to the fullest.

I have met some 15 year olds that have more wisdom than others that are 30. Just because you pass time on this planet does not mean that you are learning anything.


Today is my birthday and I will stay on the soapbox as long as I can.


Just kidding.


Actually, what I wanted to talk about today is birthday traditions. I used to get so excited about the family serenading me around a colorful birthday cake set all aglow with a plethora of candles, and of course, the presents.

What child did not love to admire the stack of presents brought over by friend and relatives. I remember thinking that the more you were liked (or loved) the more presents you received.

As a child, those were some of my best memories. No, not the presents.  The events.

Actually, when I think back, I cannot remember even one of the presents I received on any birthday.

But those memories!

Decorated back yard. Funny hats. Cardboard horns. Pin the tail on the donkey. Brightly colored plates and matching napkins. Homemade cake. Giant tubs of ice cream. Pancake breakfasts the morning after a sleep over.

I can even recall a particularly happy celebration. I was wearing white peddle pushers topped with a block printed triangle blouse and of course - the colorful foil and fringe hat. My mom had made the perfect banana cream cake. Back then, we never had store bought cakes and I am so glad of that fact. No one made a cake like my mom.

I still have a photo of that moment. The one just after blowing out the candles. I was so proud. My dimples emphasized my sheer joy. Again.. I don't remember the gifts, but I do remember the experiences and am very grateful for those cherished memories.

So, this year, when my family asked me what I wanted for my birthday I had one simple answer:

I want a memory.

I chocolate cake would not be a bad thing either!

My husband's passion (other than the passion for me) is writing. He has written and published two fantasy adventures (suitable for young adults too!). You can check it out on Amazon.

Planning for Passion

Today I spent a bit of time searching for a relevant topic for our bi-monthly magazine. I was hoping to focus my article on Passion.  I came across a book titled "The Passion Plan".

The book is supposed to provide a step-by-step guide to discovering, developing and living your passion. The author claims that following your passion will lead to profit. I was relieved to read in the except that profit is not always defined by financial success. Sometimes our definition of profit will change as we follow our passion.

"Whatever its nature, the Profit you find will further fuel your passion and propel you onward to even greater achievement and happiness." ~ Richard Chang, 1999

Well, sign me up! I just wish I had a copy in my hands right now.

Chocolate

Passion for food can be absolutely wonderful! I love chocolate. It cannot be just any chocolate. For instance, Snickers Bars or Butterfingers - even See's Candies. Sure, they taste "good" and the sugar gives you a nice little rush, but am I passionate about those? No.

What I really love is the rich velvety smooth European style chocolate. Ritter bars.

Dark organic chili laden chocolate. Trader Joe's dark chocolate triangles in the tin. Patsy's handmade chocolate from Colorado Springs.

There is nothing like the sensation of rich chocolate melting in your mouth and filling your tongue with earthy, sweet flavours.



That is the type of chocolate that I can savor. It does not even take much to satisfy, because it is quality over quantity. Yet, I find that my passion for chocolate is a double edged sword. I guess that is why I battle my weight. Over the past year I have been following Weight Watchers. It is a successful program and I am hoping to reach my goal.

I love that it allows me to be flexible. When I really need chocolate (yes.. it can be a NEED), I have the freedom and flexibility to feed my passion.

Dear Dad,

Happy Birthday Dad. Your 100th birthday just passed.  A centurion. Thank you for teaching me to me to fish, both literally and figuratively. You taught me not not only skills to survive, but instilled in me a passion to learn how to do more. It was one of your greatest gifts to me. I inherited your thirst for knowledge. You also taught me about how to be passionate in everything. You were was a great story teller and brought your past to life. I miss you dad, but you are with me still. Love always, Your daughter ~ Valerie