I believe that it’s important to be aware of your habits so that you can introduce new ones – ones that instill a healthy mindset.
I’m very aware of certain habits I have that I want to change. They are hedonistic habits that I’ve had a long time. I can see these some of these habits in my parents and even to some extent my grandparents. It’s that “If it feels good – do it” attitude. If one glass of wine tastes good- three would be better. Or I’ll stuff myself on 3/4 of a steak vs only be satisfied with 1/2.
Full confession. Geez. Don’t judge.
This book is a life changer. Especially if you want to be more aware of your habits;
I bought this book on tape and have listened to more than half of it. Then I bought it because I want to highlight and make notes.
Reading about her struggles with anxiety was very interesting because I would have never guessed she had any issues. I met this blogger a few years ago when I attended her photoshop class. I love this piece on her way to show self-love.
There is something about peeking in other women’s purses that is fascinating to me. Like I’m going to find something revolutionary or something. And I’m talking about articles like this – not me actually peeking in purses.
My boss would kill me if he knew I wrote this but I know he doesn’t read my blog and I won’t divulge who he is so it should be ok.
So, I’m in Hawaii working on a side project for my boss. Rough life, I know. I love it. Yesterday I told him I’d meet him at 5am to walk the pathway along the ocean. About 2.5 miles. Forget the fact that I haven’t exercised in over 4 months – this is because of 2 words: POLAR VORTEX.
Good excuse. Yes, I’m aware of my excuses thank you very much.
But I said yes to this because A)I never get to spend quality time with him andB) you say YES to most positive things because that is how you should live your life (says me.)
Waking up at 4:30am to walk at 5am is one thing but when it is raining – that is another. This is lesson #1.
He meets me and throws me an umbrella. That’s it. I PERSONALLY WOULD HAVE HELD OUT MY HANDS AND SHRUGGED. WELL, TOO BAD. IT’S RAINING! COFFEE?
LESSON #1
When it’s raining, grab an umbrella and keep going. That also means when times are tough and you don’t know how you’re going to get through:
This damn Wisconsin winter
Your divorce
Didn’t get the job
Didn’t get the guy or girl
Don’t want to work out
So we walked and I did fine. It did start to pour pretty good and we were dodging huge puddles but the water and air were warm so it really wasn’t that bad. Keep in mind it was pitch dark with the exception of the lights from the restaurants and resorts. So I kept repeating over and over in my head “Please don’t fall. Please don’t fall on your face.” Because that would completely be something I did. After all, I did greet him with HOLA instead of ALOHA.
Sometimes I want to kick myself.
LESSON #2
NEVER GET TOO BIG FOR YOUR BRITCHES. And treat everyone as you would want to be treated. As we walked the grounds, he stopped and spoke to all the people that worked at the complex. He knew them all. He also told me that he meets with an older gentleman that works there most mornings real early to just chat up all things life. As we walked and he drove me places, he stopped and chatted up everyone. My boss is a very successful entrepreneur with over 55 businesses.
One of my favorite entrepreneurs is Sarah Blakely. Follow her right now on Instagram. She’s a hoot. She said once that money amplifies who you are. If you’re a jerk before you have money then you’re a bigger jerk with money. If you’re generous and caring before you have money, then you are more generous and caring with money.
BONUS LESSON
Don’t burn bridges and pay attention to everyone around you. My boss and I met 22 years ago when we were both 27 years old. He worked for Ford and I worked for their ad agency, J. Walter Thompson. And here I am 22 years later, after a full and awesome career, working for him and having the time of my life.
Here are three things you need to know about on this blustery Wednesday…
1. THE BEST GIFT
GOLDBELLY – it ain’t cheap, but for those of you craving pizza from “back home” or ribs from Kansas City – this is your place. What a great gift for someone! This site has bagels from New York, Chicago hot dogs and so much more.
2. WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT TRADER JOES?
So this is the only retail place where I don’t mind if the person checking you out comments on everything you’re buying. I love the folks that work at Trader Joes. They are so damn happy. And knowledgeable. If I’m buying some seasoning or sauce, the checker will say “I love this on eggs, what do you put it on?”
Do you want to be a TJ’s fan but go there and are just swept away by the choices and the crowds? Curious by all the buzz out there? Here are my tips on what to buy and when to buy it. Believe me, it’s worth going – you’ll be addicted like me.
ON WHEN TO GO:
Don’t go on a Saturday morning unless it is first thing when they open. The best time to go to TJ’s is when you can sneak it in during an “off” time. Have a doctors appointment at 3 pm? Do a quick TJ’s run afterward.
ON INSIDER KNOWLEDGE:
Follow some key IG accounts to get the scoop on the latest and greatest products. TJ’s is ALWAYS evolving and bringing new products on and taking them away (drats!) Here is who to follow on IG:
traderjoeslist
traderjoesinsider
traderjoesobsessed
Check out their funny newsletter – the Fearless Flyer each month where they highlight new items and specialty items.
ON SLEEPING WITH THE FROZEN FOOD STOCK GUY:
ROF has had to put me on a frozen food moratorium more than one time. One time he said to me “ARE YOU SLEEPING WITH THE GUY WHO STOCKS THE FROZEN FOOD SECTION AT TRADER JOES ????” He’s kidding, of course. I mean, you would probably get some good insiders tips though.
It’s no joke that the frozen food section is off the hook. (do people say that anymore?) and you can google lots of opinions but I’m going to give you the only one that counts – mine. Here is what to load up on there:
Almond Croissants – frozen. These have been a staple at our house for guests or if I just want the house to smell good in the morning. It’s a frozen dough that you let rise on an oiled cookie sheet the night before on your counter. Pop them in your oven in the morning and POOF – breakfast. They also have plain, chocolate and a new ham and cheese version.
Mandarin Orange Chicken – frozen – a TJ employee favorite and mine too. ROF even likes it even though he first turned his nose up at anything frozen. Just grab a couple bags. Perfect for a quick dinner with side of broccoli and rice.
Organic brown rice – frozen-we always have these on hand along with the jasmine rice. It’s cooked to perfection then frozen. Three minutes in the microwave brings this yummy rice with a bite back to life. It’s a no-brainer.
4. Steel Cut Oatmeal – Frozen – At only 150 calories each, pop these in the microwave for 2 minutes, stir and then another minute and you have yummy goodness for breakie. I always toss in some fresh blueberries and a couple of pistachios
5. Shrimp and Walnut – Frozen This is so good with the lemony sauce that comes with it. Throw it together with jasmine or brown rice
Just put this stuff in your basket:
1. Everything but the bagel spice
2. Umami spice
3. Multi-grain bread (so yummy!)
4. Unexpected Cheddar cheese
5. Sesame rice crackers (get a bunch!)
6. Shelled pistachios
7. Dark chocolate peanut butter cups
3. THE BEST GIFT FOR GIRLS – ever!
Pick 4 words that are favorites or describing words. Man, this is cool! What words would you pick for me? Here is what I would put:
