In Sickness and In Health

Yep, that's what I look like, right down to the blue bathrobe!

For the record, I hate being sick. It makes me feel maudlin. I think about things I shouldn't be thinking about and feel completely sorry for myself. It makes me wonder why I am doing what I am doing. Does anybody really care at all? Why do I bother? Is it all worth it?

The truth is that I am being ridiculous, and my head knows it, but the rest of me...well she doesn't want to believe it. I'm so used to taking care of everyone else, that I've forgotten how to take care of myself. The selfish side of me is wondering where everyone is right now. She's saying, "Hey everyone, I don't feel well. Will you take care of me?" Of course, no one came running; except for my husband who is completely supportive and helpful by the way.

So I am having a "what about me!" moment. Should I feel guilty? The good Catholic in me, says YES, but the realist in me says no, and I think it's okay to:

1. Have the "what about me!" moment, and
2. NOT feel guilty.

How many times do we, as moms, daughters, friends and women, feel like this? Probably more times than we can count.We work hard every day to take care of everyone and when we don't feel 100%, we feel guilty because we are not contributing to the universe. Nobody cares or wants to pay attention and I am a big fat loser....STOP!!!!

None of this is true, but it's hard to not ignore the feelings and thoughts going through your head. I am totally guilty of this and that's why I am sharing with you. So here is a news bulletin:

You are entitled to be sick every once in awhile. No one is going to fault you for it. Don't feel bad if your work would rather you stay home and take care of yourself than having you at the office. They want you well, at your best and not share it with the rest of the team. That's what sick pay is all about (I had to be reminded myself of this little tidbit earlier this week.)

So take this time to rest and get well. Don't feel sorry for yourself. Just be. And if you're all alone, enjoy the peace and quiet. But remember you're really not alone. You have all of us there with you in spirit...me included! Just remember to invite me over when you're healthy again :-)

Now if I could just take my own advice...ugghh! I feel awful...

Wishing you moments to recuperate if you're under the weather!

 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

TWW's Book Review: Moka Becomes a Water Dog by Jeff Stevenson

Dog lovers rejoice! Here's a great children's story about a black lab puppy named Moka and how she becomes a "water dog". It's clear that this little cutie loves her new family and spending time at their cabin in the mountains. There is so much to do and investigate at the lake, and Moka is just having so much fun playing with Ethan and Lucas, except for one small thing. She won't get in the water. 

The boys' father thought it would be a good idea to get Moka a floating toy to play with in the water. Once that toy hit the water, Moka took off running on the dock and flew into the water....Moka never had so much fun. It was like she was bred to be in the water like all other Labrador dogs.Go Moka, the Water Dog!

What a great children's book! As a former dog owner, I can attest to the fact that the behavior shown by Moka was spot on. The book shares a great message of love and friendship. The story is beautifully illustrated and is easy to read. I love the clean lines of this book; the large text on one page and the illustrations on the adjoining page. Unlike other children's books that I've read, where the text can sometimes get lost within the picture, this one is definitely easy on the eyes. Great for grandparents and kids alike!

Especially enjoyable are the activities at the back of the book. A note for parents: make copies of these pages so that the kids can do them more than once! Brilliant idea Mr. Stevenson! Can't wait for future editions from the The Dog on My Feet Series! Rating:

Wishing you moments of great reading!

 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Guided Misdirections

In my work life, misdirections generally mean that I wasn't listening properly because I was either distracted or simply not listening. Either way, these are poor excuses for not doing something the right way. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is when in doubt, ask more questions for clarification. It will save your bacon!

I find that as I get older the more I need to write things down. This comes in handy since I am a writer and tend to carry a pad or something to write with wherever I go. Now my notes might not be very neat, but they are my notes and I understand the scribbles, shorthand and notations. Taking notes has definitely helped to keep the misdirections to a minimum.

In everyday life, however, the universe tends to send out mixed signals. It is up to each of us as individuals to determine which way to go. While they might look like misdirections at first, looking a little deeper might produce a clearer picture. I try to not let these signals get the best of me as it usually just means I need to make a decision about something. 

While flying by the seat of my pants my be a good way to sail through signals, I'd prefer to chart a more well informed course. I think about the consequences of either direction I could take and then make the best decision possible to guide me through the misdirections and keep me on my journey. Sometimes there is no right or wrong decision...it's just a choice. These days, I choose to be happy, and the decisions I make are charting a nice course that keeps me on that path of blissful contentment.

Wishing you moments of guided misdirections!

 

This post is written for The Writer's Post Weekly Blog Hop.  Michelle is the host for this week. Check out her blog here. Interested in learning more, please check out the link below!

 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

GBE 2: Gusto

Let it never be said that when I set out to do something, I do it half way. I am, by my own admission, an overachiever. I like to do things with gusto; give it my all, and as my husband says "go overboard" every chance I get. My motto for most of my life has been "go all the way or don't go at all."

I've spent the better part of my adult years working hard for everybody, but myself. Consistently putting everyone else first; even to the point of putting my health at risk by going to work sick and forgetting to keep my annual checkups. Seriously! What was wrong with that? The answer...everything.

That was the old me. Today, I have re-evaluated my life and put things into perspective. I've figured out what I am good at (writing) and have cultivated a little following which I hope to expand in the coming months. Now, don't get too worried! I know my limits. I still work a full time job, but someday...

Yes, someday I hope to stay at home and be a full-time writer. I have lots of great ideas for how I am going to revamp things and I have been slowly working towards making those changes. Now don't worry! I have had a fair amount of time to think about what I have accomplished in the last several years of keeping this site going, plus all the other things that I have been involved in. In terms of my writing, I know what I love to do, so I am going to continue doing that. I've also decided it isn't a good idea to put all my eggs in one basket, so I am going back to diversification...just not a 100 different things! Maybe 50...well...maybe 10...if I get lucky!

I am sure you're wondering by now that this just sounds like the same old me. Actually, it really isn't. I'm just doing things smarter, not harder. There's nothing wrong with doing things with a little "gusto"; just pick maybe one or two of them instead of all of them.

When I started this site, I wanted it to be about me sharing my thoughts about life. I wanted to share my triumphs and my failures. I still want to do all of that...just a little bit more and perhaps better. I have been gone awhile, fluttering in and out like a butterfly when the muse strikes me. I've spent the last several months learning about a few things and figuring out how I want to take this to the next level. I think I am there now and hope that you will all come along with me on this new leg of my adventure.

Because, I am Today's Working Woman and I am living, learning and writing all about it...with GUSTO!

 


***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #92 and the topic is Gusto. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Valentine's Day Weekend Getaway to Monterey County, California

California locals won't have to search far to find the perfect weekend getaway this Valentine's Day Weekend!

Check out my latest article here and escape to Monterey County California!

 
Wishing you moments of great weekend getaways!

 


Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

What's My Song?

Ever since I can remember, music has played an important, and influential part of my life. It has always been there for me; like an old friend, a cozy sweater, or a warm blanket. Surrounding me with comfort, lifting my spirits, penetrating my soul and guiding my light.

My musical tastes have changed over the years, but I have still have my staples that I always fall back on. From old school 70's music to country to pop to Latin to classical, there is so many places to find inspiration. I am grateful for my mom and dad in the respect that while I was the only daughter, and the youngest, I was allowed to feed the artistic side of myself through books and music. I have albums that many of you probably don't even remember who the artists were. Come to think of it...I need to dig those out of the garage and convert them to mp3s.

I've always been drawn to the strong female artist. There are a couple that were constantly a part of my life that I am sure many of you know. Even my mom likes one of them, which is kind of surprising! For me, each of these women's music have done more for me than you could possibly no. Somehow, they've always released a song just at the exact moment that I needed to hear it. It's like they knew it; well probably not, but at least that is the way I would like to think it.

My love of music will never waiver. It it the glue that holds me together most days. Artists may come and go in my life, but the songs that speak to me will always be there. And even if it is only one song of a particular artist that haunts my dreams and works its way into the core of my existence, then that song will always and forever more be with me.So I guess you could say that I am...many songs.

So who are these women that I turn to in my moments of need. They are below...each with their own unique song. Each have their own styles and definitely different beat; speaking to me in a way that no other has ever done before. So enjoy a bit of each of them...I hope they inspire you. And if not these songs, then maybe something else that have done.

Wishing you moments of inspiring music.

 

This post is written for The Writer's Post Blog Hop# 67: What's My Song?, hosted by Suzy Que of Someday Somewhere.Interested in learning more, please check out the link below!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

The Little Things That Make Me Smile

It feels so nice to be back here on my blog. I feel like I have neglected you. Thank you for all my readers for your patience while I have sorted by life and re-evaluated my schedule. Here's my little list of things that make me smile:

1. A pair of warm feet on a cold night.
2. Unexpected presents from my husband.
3. Finishing a really great book.
4. An afternoon of girl movies...uninterrupted.
5. A glass of really good lemonade.
6. A great meal that I didn't have to prepare.
7. An afternoon in my garden.
8. Spending a lazy morning sitting in my Adirondack chair on my patio reading a book or magazine.
9. Listening to a baby laugh.
10. Softly falling snowflakes...as long as I don't have to shovel it!
11. When my husband does the dishes without me asking.
12. Chocolate...enough said!

I'm sure I could think of a whole lot more to this list, but since it is late and I've been up for a long while, my mind is tired. This has been a great prompt and was a nice way to ease back into the blogging again.


Wishing you lots of smiling moments!

 


This post is written for The Writer's Post Blog Hop# 66: The Little Things That Make Me Smile, hosted by Corinne Rodrigues of Everyday Gyaan.Interested in learning more, please check out the link below!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

TWW's Book Review: Accidental Romance (The Challenge Series) by Jessica E. Subject

This book, Accidental Romance by Jessica E. Subject was not quite what I had expected. I would say I was shocked after I started reading, but at least Ms. Subject ripped the band-aid off quickly and I got through the gruesome part rather quickly. However, I was somewhat disappointed.

Ok, so her boyfriend is a jerk and after one to many phone calls, it's over. She's distracted and doesn't follow proper farm equipment procedures and then...well, you'll have to read what happens.

If someone goes through an accident such as what Leanne had, then I would expect more of a grieving process rather than practically jumping into the arms of the farm help. "Now wait a minute!" you might be saying. "Let's step back a bit!" Nope! So sorry, but I am not buying it. Rating:

Wishing you moments of great reading!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

TWW's Book Review: The Jelly Bean Club Begins by Sally Butler

What a fun book for children! I had a wonderful reading experience with this book. In fact, after the last several books, this was absolutely refreshing!

The Jelly Bean Club Begins by Sally Butler is a modern Nancy Drew series for young kids to enjoy and develop a love for reading.

On an ordinary, normal day, sisters Audrey and Ashley start their day as detectives, searching for their father's missing tie. After successfully search, the two sisters head off to school. During class, Audrey's teacher reads to them from a  along with their friend Julianna start a club, they find themselves knee deep in a mystery. Of course their neighborhood schoolmates, start a club too and want in on the fun. Unfortunately, it's not going to be fun once things start to heat up.

Finding a flyer in the mailbox starts the whole adventure as the girls set out to find a missing show dog who's owners have offered a hefty reward. The neighborhood boys don't want to be left out so they follow the girls who are hot on the trail. They are lead on adventure they never thought they would encounter.

This is a great book about the importance of teamwork and friendship. All to often, children feel the effects of peer pressure and succumb to meanness and spite. While you start to see a little of normal taunting in the book from the boys, it ends with a really great message.

And the story is believable! Why? I have a memory and I remember what it was like to be in grade school and I seem to recall...Anyway, I highly recommend this for young readers to introduce them to something other than a video game. Great story, fast read and I guarantee you'll want to read the next one! Rating:

 

Wishing you moments of great reading!

 


Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!