Giving Back

At the beauty salon I work part-time in, we've been discussing how people are depressed from the economy, the time of year, and a number of other things depending on their lives.

So, in an attempt to brighten others' spirits (and ours in the process) we decided to have a contest within the salon. We had one week to do something nice for a complete stranger. At the end of the week, we told our stories and voted on the best one.

I went through a drive-thru and paid for the car behind me. When I asked the worker how much the car's order was, she told me and I said, "Add it to mine."

She looked a bit confused and said, "Do you know them?" I told her I didn't, but that I was hoping by me doing something nice for them, they would do something nice for someone else that day. The worker smiled and said, "I'll tell them that."

I was hoping to form a chain reaction. I know I can't enforce this on everybody, but if just a few people do this, the trickle down effect would be amazing...I hope;)

Anyway, now that the contest is over, I'm going to continue to do something really great for a total stranger at least once a week. This week I swept through my house and gathered up all my baby items and old baby clothes and gave them to a young teenage couple (just graduated last year). This couple is expecting their first child next month and they only have a crib. They are struggling to work and make a life for themselves and I want to do everything I can to help.

The boy (who doesn't know me) found out my phone number and called and left a really sweet message on my machine. He choked up in the middle of thanking me and my heart broke. I went back through my house with tears in my eyes and gathered up even more. I plan on passing them along through our mutual friend tomorrow.

The lady who delivered the baby items gave me $35 because she felt bad for me giving this stuff away. I didn't want her money, so I will take that money and go buy them some diapers and wipes.

So, I will now turn the challenge over to you. Can you find a total stranger and do something for them without expecting something in return? Let's see if we can't lift the spirits of those around us and try, one by one, to make this world a better place:)

BTW, I won the challenge at work:)

Hugs,
Jules

Electricity is Back...But for How Long?

I'm really, really ready for Spring! This ice/snow storm has taken its toll on this area. We've been without electric since Tuesday! I've been staying with my parents who have kept theirs, but phones are down. Thankfully they just came back up an hour ago and I can touch base with the outside world:)

Unfortunately, next week shows another round of bad weather. Hopefully it will miss us, or better yet, just dissipate:) Nobody should have to endure this.

I certainly feel for the elderly who live alone or the families who have nowhere to go and are forced to wait this out in the frigid temps of their homes.

If you comment, hopefully I can respond. If not, you'll know Mother Nature struck again:)

Stay warm!
Jules

BELLY DANCING!

I've lost my mind. I don't know what was running through my head when I decided to start belly dancing. But, now that I've done it twice, I LOVE IT!

Several months ago I started kick-boxing and I really, really enjoy that. It's a great way to vent:) But, belly dancing is so graceful and smooth...quite relaxing.

My hubby probably thinks I'm having some mid-life crisis when I mention new ventures, but I tell him they are all for research:) Honestly, I'm just having a blast!

Have you ever tried belly-dancing? I assure you, you may feel silly at first, but you will become HOOKED!

Let me know if you've done it or if you've tried any new exciting thing in your life!

Hugs,
Jules

Resolutions?

Personally, I don't do them because it's like saying the word "diet"...it's just not gonna happen:)

But, I do re-evaluate myself and reflect on the past year to see where I could've bettered myself. I also do this because my birthday is New Year's Eve and I want to make the next year of my life even better than the last.

Do you all do resolutions? Or do you do like me and just see where you can better yourself?

I'm always looking forward to another year. A new year gives everyone fresh hope and a clean slate to make the changes they need in their lives. Are you as excited as me to get started on 2009?

I hope you all have had a great year and have set some outstanding goals for '09!

Hugs,
Jules

Spring Cleaning!

No, this isn't an old post. I seriously cleaned the whole first floor of my house (excluding my bathroom). Wow, who knew you could pack this much junk into such a tiny cottage style home?

My poor living room took the brunt of the attack. Hubby and I pretty much tossed everything in the floor of the living room and decided what to put back and what to throw away. We used 6 of the super-sized black garbage bags and 10 thirteen gallon bags.

Now, I freely admit to being a pack rat and I'm sure one day I'll want something that got the boot, but I gotta tell ya, my house is looking pretty spiffy right now:) It's a nice feeling - even though I'm wiped out.

I can't wait 'til the girls come home and demolish it again, but at least there's less stuff to toss about. Right?

So, do any of you get in those silly, all day cleaning moods? I wish that burst of energy would come more often and then it wouldn't take as long.

Well, 'til next time, happy cleaning!

Jules

Sold to Silhouette!

Can you say thrilled? I can:)

I've been working my fingers to death for the last year in an attempt to sell to Silhouette Desire...per my agent's suggestion. She was insistant that that line was perfect for me and turns out she was right!

Unfortunately, as hard as Jenn, my agent worked, she was on vacation in the Bahamas and couldn't call me. Actually, I'm not even sure she knows yet. When her boss called, she said she had no way of getting in touch with Jenn. I can't wait to talk to her about this. We've worked and worked and our teamwork has paid off!

I've already got another proposal ready to go (as soon as I do one more read-through) and she'll send it on. Keep your fingers crossed for that!

My Desire book will be out in February 2010 - don't worry, I'll remind you. Also, I'll be revamping my website so keep you eye out for something new and fresh!

So, since I'm in the mood to celebrate, I'll be giving away a sterling silver bracelet with a cute dangling heart. All you have to do is leave me a post! See how easy that is?

Huge Hugs!
Jules

Family Photo

How can two innocent words come together and be so terrifying? Let me tell ya, I'm shakin'.

I've scheduled family pictures for the end of November so I have one month to get this last 15 lbs of baby weight off. I've been hitting the gym like crazy since I work right next to it now. Not only do I have my weight to worry about...WHAT THE HECK DO WE WEAR?

I'm not one of those people who do cutesy outfits with everything matching. I'd like us to all match in color and the girls will be wearing jumpers with black, pink and white in them. I guess I'll go with my old standby of...black:)

As for hubby, he's even less thrilled than I am. But, I know if we don't do this when the babies are, well, babies, we'll be sorry when they get older that we didn't. And, hey, I'll need something to blackmail them with when they get older:)

I look back at family photos from when I was a kid and I don't know whether to laugh at the puffy, bad permed hair or cry at the fact my mother let me leave the house looking like Young Frankenstein.

Anyway, I'd love to hear some family photo horror stories:) Why do we put ourselves through the misery? I can't figure it out...

Hugs,
Jules