GBE 2: Comforting

As I sit here today on this lazy Sunday of the first weekend of my vacation, I am thinking about some of the things that I saw during the past week...

Practically every day, I walk one of the main streets that runs through the downtown area where I work. There are a lot of homeless people that hang out here; several of which whom ask me if I have any spare change. They ask me this same question every time they see me. I wonder to myself if they even remember that they have asked me already. Each time I say no because I don't carry any cash. Common sense dictates that we not speak with them or give them any money because they won't use it for food or bus fare, but rather, for drugs. While I feel sorry for them, there are a number of nearby shelters that can help, including Catholic Charities. I volunteer for this organization through my work. I find it comforting to know that I am helping out the best way I can. 

During the mid part of the day, there are a fair amount of artists that play their musical instruments and even a few cash-strapped students taking surveys for whatever organization that is being supported this week. Walking back to the office, one afternoon, I saw a man carrying a backpack and a bag. He stopped several feet in front of me, near a trash receptacle, removed his backpack, opened it and transferred the contents from the bag to his backpack. The bag held plastic bottles and aluminum cans. An overwhelming sadness overcame me as I walked by. I realized at that moment that all of these people, this very eclectic group, are a part of the microcosm known as downtown. Like the shops and restaurants that I pass by, each are just trying to make a living the best way they know how. 

So the next time, you pass an artist on the street, pay them some respect and drop them some spare change into their tip bucket. Tell that homeless person the name of the nearest shelter and if you get a chance to volunteer, do it. Your life will be forever changed. I think you'll find great comfort in it.

Wishing you moments of comfort!

 

***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #106 and the topic is Decisions. 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!

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!

GBE 2: My Wish

 As I gazed up to the sky,

I saw the twinkling lights by and by

I had so little that I wished for,

then I decided that I wanted more.

I gave and gave to everyone but me,

but realized that it was finally time to be free.

Storms outside started to brew,

sleep beckoned, it was time to say adieu.

The dream flew me through the winds of change,

where I landed on my bum at close range.

So near was I to the wishing star,

that I often gazed at from afar.

I closed my eyes and prayed with might,

to this star oh so bright.

I asked for something I wanted forever,

knowing that it would be a big endeavor.

But happily the star agreed,

and gave me just the thing I need.

To go to bed not feeling crappy,

and wake up feeling ever so happy!

Wishing you moments to wish upon a star,

 

***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #85 and the topic is Decisions. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.

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!

GBE 2: Decisions

Decisions, decisions...what am I going to do next?

This is certainly a great way to end the year, because I have been making a lot of decisions lately! After reflecting upon this past year, I have had to rethink a number of things due to my schedule and the like. What do I want to keep doing, discontinue, get rid of , keep. You name it? I feel like the last several weeks have been filled with nothing but decisions.

Overall, I think I have had a pretty good year. While there are a number of things I could have improved upon, and a few things that I wish never happened, I am pretty pleased with the way this year unfolded.

I made great strides in my writing career while maintaining a full time job. I had a kicka$$ vacation. I planted a garden that didn't die. I read a lot of interesting books and just finished writing all my reviews (see them on my Book Club Page!) I made some really great friends thru my writing.

The question is now...what am I going to do in 2013. I have a plan...and will let you know all very soon.

It's been a great 2012...

but now I am definitely looking forward to 2013!

Wishing you moments of great decision making!

 


***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #84 and the topic is Decisions. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.

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!

GBE 2: High School

I hated it. 

They were the worst four years of my life. The only good thing that came out of it was the few friends that I made, the four years of Spanish class and my guitar lessons. Overall my education was great, most of the people I went to school with...not so much.

I think back on it now and feel so empty. Well, actually, I think back on it and want to cry, but then I think, what the h3ll for! It's over and there's no going back. Oh and here's an extra kick in the a$$ for me...my graduating class has their reunion this year...and I wasn't even contacted about it...I found out thru FB. You would think somebody would have tried to get a hold of me. But NOOOOO! Nothing, no communication, nada! My family still lives in town, they are pretty prominent members of the community. I am not that hard to find.

Do I sound bitter?

Just a little, huh? I should have went to the public school...

All those people had their chance to get to know me and it's their loss. It's pretty sad since a whole group of us from grade school went on to the same high school I attended. Most of the friends that I thought were my friends in grade school, were really not my friends at all.

Somehow though all is not lost...

there are still a few that I can count on...Barb...Carol...Liz. We all went to the same high school. And after all these years, I can still say you all are true friends, along with the handful of friends from college...Shelli, Angie, Mary Ann, and a few that I met thru jobs I have held over the years..., plus my new friends I've met through my writing groups.

You're all I need. 

(plus my husband!)

High school is long gone...just a bad memory. I'm over it...time to forget the past and live now. I'm ready.

 

***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #55 and the topic is High School. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.

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!

Guilty Pleasure

I am sure you're probably thinking that I am going to write about my love for chocolate. I could do that, but perhaps that topic has been overdone by many and what more could I really say about it.

Maybe I'll write about wine. I was in the industry for close to 10 years. Oh the stories I could tell about what I saw and what I did while I worked in one of the most interesting and intoxicating industries ever! Surely I have a lot to say about wine...but...that part of my life is over and I really need to move on.

Aren't these writing prompts suppose to reveal a little part of our personalities? Give the readers a little more insight to the writer? Oh! How about....no...I'm not ready to write about that yet. Ahhh...I have it. I know exactly what I will write about for this topic.

Let's go back in time. It wasn't that long ago really. It was invented during my lifetime...do you have any idea what my guilty pleasure is yet? Let's see...how about another hint or two. It has to do with technology. No, it's not the computer or anything related to that. But... you might be on the right track.

It's something related to an object that most of us use every day. Actually, it's an object that you put inside of something that attaches to the thing that most of us use every day. Come to think of it...it's what is on the object that you put inside of the something that attaches to an object that most of us use every day.

Are you totally confused yet?

Ok...I'll tell you! My guilty pleasure is...

...my ever growing, extensive, and totally cool collection of ....

Christmas DVDs!!!

Yes, you're probably thinking, "Lame, lame, lame, lame, lame!". 

Sorry, but these are my "Go To, Totally Comforting, Gotta Have It, Calgon Take Me Away From All the Negative Distractions in My Life". Seriously, when I can't take it anymore, I just pop one of these movies in and I can go to bed with happy thoughts in my head instead of crappy thoughts in my head.

I must have over 50 movies now and the collection grows every year. I used to just watch them in December, but then I started to watch them twice a year. I called it my Christmas in July marathon and the Traditional Holiday Movie Watching Bonanza. Now, I watch them whenever I am feeling blue and need a pick-me-up or if I need a little noise in the background while I am cleaning, doing the dishes or writing. 

So my guilty pleasure is my Christmas DVDs and I am proud to admit it. Now I love chocolate too and I am currently working my way thru a bag of Dove Chocolate as I write this, but my Christmas movies...well...they really do bring me a lot of pleasure!

What's your guilty pleasure? I'd love to hear about it!

Wishing you moments of whatever guilty pleasure you choose!
 
 

***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #52 and the topic is Guilty Pleasure. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.

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 Lurks in the Mirror

Mirror…mirror…on the wall,

oh how I wish you weren’t there at all.

You look at me when you’re in my room,

what you must think, I can only assume.

I took you down, but you reappeared,

in my dreams, just like I feared.

I can’t hide from you, you’re always there,

I yell at you, oh how I swear.

Please go away, I beg you to cease,

I can’t take the staring, please leave me in peace.

I covered you up to lock the gate,

that secures the entrance to my restful state.

‘Cause what lurks behind that shiny reflection,

must stay locked away without introspection.



Wishing you mirror-free moments,

 

***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #45 and the topic is Mirror. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.

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

Make a List & Title It

I keep lots of list...at work and at home. Usually they all have to do with what needs to be done today, tomorrow and this week. However, when I saw the challenge for GBE  2: Blog On, I felt lost. So after reflecting about it for the better part of the week, I still wasn't inspired. Then I took a nap today, because I was tired after this incredibly long week. When I woke up, I felt better and my spirit seemed to be renewed. I finally knew what I wanted to write about. Instead of a list of "to dos" or "to don'ts", or even a list of all the bad/good things around me, I want to share with you a list of things...about me. A sort of "getting to know me a bit more" list. I've entitled it:

Me

• I can't sleep unless the closet, bathroom and bedroom doors are closed. 
• I sleep with an air purifier on each night.
• In the shower, I always suds my hair, then wash my face and rinse it, then rinse my hair, then suds and rinse the rest of me. I like the routine and when I stray from that my whole day seems off.
• I dislike brussel sprouts...immensely.
• I love comfort food: meatloaf and mash potatoes, chili, mac 'n' cheese. 
• I love to bake, but my husband is the better cook.
• I do laundry once every two weeks. Two hours and I am done. 
• I have a mini-dvd player on top of the microwave in the kitchen because I love to watch movies while I do the dishes.
• I think the greatest invention was the dvd player so I can watch my favorite movies over and over...and over again.
• Since college, I have worked at 14 different jobs. Sounds like a lot, but some of them weren't that long and a few were at the same time.
• I love the ocean, but I can't swim.
• I wanted to be an oceanographer, but I can't swim.
• Being near the water relaxes me.
• I love the rain...weird since I am a Virgo, and that's an earth sign.
• I studied modern dance in college.
• I've worn a baby blue bathrobe for years. I'm on my second one since I've been married.
• I love candles.
• I produce some of my best writing from my bedroom. It has the best vibe in the house.
• Sometimes I have writer's block for days. Other times, I can get the words to shut off in my head.
• I have lots of interests including books, music, crocheting, playing the guitar and gardening.
• I don't watch mainstream television, but I do watch it...just the upper channels on Comcast Cable TV.
• I have secrets that only one person knows.
• I am adopted and there are parts of me that I am still discovering.
• There are things that I am drawn to that I can't explain.
• I have reoccurring dreams and I work out a lot of my problems thru my dreams.
• I have premonitions; some good and some bad.
• I am a creature of habit, when I find something that brings me comfort, I tend to hang onto it forever.

There are more things I'd like to share, but I am still on my journey of discovery. 


Wishing you all moments of self-discovery!

 

***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #44 and the topic is Make a List and Title It. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.

Simplicity

There is nothing more important to me at this point in my life than simplicity. My life has been really complicated for many years and frankly, I am just over it. To make it to this point in my life has been a long, long journey, and when I finally got here, I had a very difficult time accepting it.

To simplify ones life is difficult. We've become comfortable with the way things are, even though we have cluttered up our space to the point of suffocation. While we might complain that we need to purge some of the accumulation, we just simply can't let go. Sound familiar? I felt like this for a long time. Some days, I still feel like this, so it takes me a really long time to part with the things that have brought me comfort over the years. 

Unfortunately, if you don't clean out your space every once in awhile, you never get to have anything new. And I am not just talking about the material things. Periodically, I think it is necessary to let go of some of that emotional baggage. You know what I am talking about, right? The could have, should have, would have moments that sometimes hold us back because we just can't let them go. Frankly, don't you want to be sitting in your easy chair (my favorite chair is this adirondack one right here) and relaxing instead of stressing about something you did a long time ago? I know I do. If there is one thing that I've learned in my years (and I am not that old), is that the past is the past and you can't bring it back. So let's just leave those moments back there and think about the here and now.

Simplifying your life is suppose to make things easier. But one's version of simplify is going to be very different than the next person's. So while I am out writing for all my new projects and it seems like I have taken on more than one person could possibly chew, the reality is that I feel pretty good that I have actually downsized my life to a more manageable, comfortable and pretty simplistic state. 

 

And when it comes time to take out the broom, shovel and anything else I can find to scoop up the excess, or rest assured, I will have no qualms about taking it all to the dumpster and throwing it out or just sweep it out the door. Why? Because today, more than ever before, I am all about keeping my life as simple as possible.

Wishing you moments of simplicity!



***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #41 and the topic is Simplicity. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.

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!

GBE2: Week #33 - Work

Work has already been a priority in my life. I've always given myself wholeheartedly to whatever I am doing. Full speed ahead, peddle to the meddle and all that jazz. I gave work everything in the hopes it would give everything back to me. Was it worth it? You bet...because it brought me to today.

But...I've come to learn a very valuable lesson...work is not everything.

This year, while work will be important, it won't be everything. Life for me will revolve around more than just work. In order to be happy, I need to be more well-rounded in my endeavors. This is going to be my new driving force this year. I will still continue to give 110% to my work, but I will let other things into my life as well.

My husband has a great philosophy about work..."You need to work to earn enough money in order to take the next vacation." I'll take that one step further..."I need to work to pay off my debts, put money away for retirement and to take that next great vacation."

I plan on enjoying myself this year and not let work be the only thing that consumes my life. I am more than my work. My name is Susan Dusterhoft...I am Today's Working Woman...and this is my year. It's going to be a great!

I Wonder As I Wander

I am a little late in posting this, but I wanted to share this anyway. When I saw the topic of "Wonder" for GBE:2 Blog On, this song immediately popped into my head.



As I said...music is my life. This rendition from Nevada and Mindy Brandt is so unusual that I just had to share.

Wishing you all moments of wonder,



***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #32 and the topic is Wonder. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.

15 Minute Free Write

So I was challenged by GBE: 2 Blog On to a 15 Minute Free Write. Here we go…

One year ago and a few days I took a huge leap of faith and started down a new fork in the road. After weathering several huge storms and surviving what I have affectionately referred to as the “implosion” of my life, I think I can finally see why this all happened to me.

I am a firm believer in destiny, but also making things happen to achieve that destiny. Over the years, I have learned to listen to my inner voice and tune into my surroundings. I heard the phrase once, “there are signs everywhere…”, and I can really say, that yes, the signs are everywhere, but you have to be able to read them.

I know that over the course of the last several years, I wore blinders to shield my eyes from what they needed to see. I guess you could say that I wanted to see the good in everyone, but I failed to see the flip side. Not only did I fail to see, I purposely chose to ignore the signs. While I thought at the time I was making the right choices, sadly, I think I was only causing more harm to myself. I can say this now, but then, well I guess I will just toss it up to naiveté.

2011 started off a bit rocky, but by mid-year, I finally let it go and then somewhere by the end of summer, things just started to click. Now, as I write this on the evening before the last working weekday of 2011, I can say that things have turned out quite nicely for me.

My accomplishments:
1. Started and successfully learned a new job.
2. Connected with several writing groups through social networking.
3. Completed my challenge of reading 52 books in 52 weeks.
4. Wrote some blog posts that have helped me purge my angst and challenge my mind.
5. Set up some tentative plans/goals for the coming year.
6. Made some really great friends by channeling my free time in a more constructive way.

All in all I feel pretty good about the way I spent my time in 2011. I probably could have started out the year a bit more constructively, but when I finally let it all go, everything just fell into place. I read the signs. I listened to my inner voice and heard what my surroundings were trying to tell me for the last several years. I don’t regret a single minute of my life. It all brought me here to this evening to write this for you. All I can say is thanks for hanging in there with me this last year.

2012 is going to be a great year. It’s going to be the year of Susan! I have so many ideas and things I am going to do and I can’t wait to share them with you!



***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #32 and the topic is 15 Minute Free Write. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.

Curiosity

 

There is nothing as splendid,

and I highly recommend it,

to view the beauty of the Christmas tree,

from the eyes of our little sweet pea.

                      

The lights how they twinkle…

Wait! Those shiny wrappings have nary a wrinkle,

and now put thoughts into her mischievous mind,

that hopefully will lead to a wondrous find.

Without a thought to the obvious generosity

happiness is watching our child’s curiosity,

as she sneaks a peek inside the box,

and finds two brand new Christmas frocks!

Wishing you all moments of curiosity,


***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #30 and the topic is Curiosity. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.

Snippets of Truth

I grew up with a strong foundation rooted in truth. There was no fibbing in our house because as my mom always said, “You might as well tell the truth because I am going to find out anyway.” Well even that was the truth because she really did find out if someone told her a lie. Now that I am older, I’ve perfected the statement by saying, “You might as well tell the truth, because if you don’t, it will just bite you in the a$$!”

Mark Twain's House

Mark Twain once said, “If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.” Well, duh! Telling a lie inevitably turns into telling another lie to cover up the first lie. Then later on, you have to remember who you told which lie to and then the lies just keep getting bigger and bigger. It’s exhausting having to remember what you said and to whom you said it! I rather tell the truth and feel refreshed!

In my book, truth and trust go hand in hand. Albert Einstein was so right when he said, “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” If I ask you a question about something, even if it is trivial, I really want the truth. I don’t want you to sugar coat it. Be honest with me, that’s all I ask. If I can’t expect the truth when I ask you if this hat looks stupid on me, how can I ever trust you with my deepest, darkest secrets? You know, the really important stuff that I keep locked up inside and that I rarely let out.

 

 I could go on and on but let me share this final item, “The worst thing about being lied to is knowing you're not worth the truth.” It’s like a slap in the face, and frankly, I am not in the mood to be slapped.  So if you’re going to lie to me, I hope you’re prepared for the consequences when I find out. Because at this stage of the game, I really don’t need you in my life if you think I’m not worth knowing the truth. I need people around me who are going to support me, tell me the truth (even if it hurts sometimes) and love me for who I am. If I am not worth it, then you don’t merit being a part of my life.


For those of you, near and far, who are a part of my life, yeah...I know, sometimes the truth hurts, but thank you for making me worth it!



***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #29 and the topic is Truth. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.

My Bucket List (at least right now, anyway!)

To some, the concept of a bucket list might seem daunting. Others may think it is nothing more than an expanded version of the New Year’s Resolution. As for me, well…I never really thought much about it as I always have a list of things I want to do. Whether a chore, something fun to do, or going to visit a fabulous place, the list of ongoing things I want to accomplish ebbs and flows depending on my mood and the time of day.

For example, I have been saying for over a year that I didn’t want to own a Kindle, and now, I think I want to become the proud owner of one of those devices so I have unlimited access to #8 below. So much for my staunch vow of ever owning one of those things! The good news is that I try to keep an open mind about things and constantly update my list for more fun and sometimes not so fun things I want to accomplish.

Frankly, I'd rather just take my bucket and go to the beach!

But, for the sake of putting myself out there, I will share with you some of my list that might be interesting:

1. Pay off all of my debts.In progress
2. Get a real job so I can pay off my debts and have some fun. DONE

3. Be a mom. The conventional way isn’t going to work, but I am working on another plan!
4. Own a house.
5. Finish my novel. In progress
6. Get my novel published.
7. Continue to write as much as possible. In progress
8. Read as many books as possible.

• Read books outside of normal genre. In progress
• Write weekly book reviews. In progress

9. Become a published writer (online or in print). DONE
10. Take a Cruise. DONE
11. Visit a Caribbean Island. DONE
12. Visit all the Hawaiian Islands:

• a. Big Island
• b. Maui
• c. Oahu
• d. Kauai DONE

13. Travel overseas:

• Visit Australia.
•  Visit Italy. 
•  Visit Ireland.

14. Learn to play the violin.In progress
15. Play the guitar again. Already took lessons, just need to start playing again!
16. Take a yearly vacation with my husband. (I guess I have traveling on my mind!)
17. Give back to my community and help people as much as I can. In progress
18. Be happy every day. In progress
19. Live life to the fullest every day. In progress
20. Love as much as I can. In progress

I live a pretty simple life nowadays, and my needs and wants have changed over the years. What I wanted when I was younger, I don’t want now and what I didn’t want then, I want now. Some days I feel like dumping everything out and starting over, but this is what makes life so interesting and challenging!

I’m sure I will go back and update this list from time to time, but for now, I think I will just leave it as winter is almost upon us. This is the time of year that I go into semi-hibernation and do some of the things on my list that I didn’t post here. Hmmm…where do I begin? Maybe I should just put the bucket on my head and take a nap!










***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #28 and the topic is Bucket List. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.