"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet." — James Oppenheim

GRADUATION PHOTOS!!!

News Report from the Hilltop

I feel as though my graduation from the Master of Liberal Arts program at Southern Methodist University deserves its own blog entry, but at this point when I finally have a little time to sit down and write there has been so much that has gone on that I have to just get it all out there at once. More to come on the big graduation...

So, I'll just say this for now - Graduation was awesome and it felt so good to walk across that stage, accept that diploma and shake the hand of the Dean as I was congratulated for going above and beyond what has been expected of me. I felt smart and beautiful and hot to trot (it was 88 degrees and I was wearing that silly cap and that gown that feels like a gorilla suit in the Texas heat!!). It was a momentous occasion.

In other local news...

I received an amazing gift from my sweet husband for graduating. A beautiful gold and diamon "O" necklace. I am very proud of my last name - "O'Neill" - and I have always "oohed" and "aahed" over the many "O" necklaces I see. My girlfriends gave me a very pretty silver and cz "O" for my birthday several years ago and I wore that bad boy out until the chain literally broke and was unfixable. Now, the "O" my hubby has given me is even more precious because it symbolizes the pride I have in us and the pride felt for this accomplishment. Thank you, sweetheart!!

Other treasures were bestowed to honor this special occasion as my friend Babsy sent me a pretty necklace that I can't wait to wear and gave me a yummy candle to light my home, my Baba gave me beautifully monogrammed towels and my best friend, Mandy, presented me with the most gorgeous bouquet of some of my favorite flowers at graduation that still brighten my home today. Aunt Kay and the Perrottas were equally as generous with the "lucky" scarf and the gift card for Bath & Body Works.

My Mother passed along cherished mementos that were property of one of the most important women in her life, her grandmother. Mom gave me a wonderful scrapbook and all of these precious items, including old school papers that my great grandmother wrote in high school back in 1908-1910. What a blessing it is to have these memories!! I will guard them with love and care and keep them always.

To wrap-up this special week and weekend report, I spent many fun and silly days and nights with Greg and my New York Ma, Nancy. The three of us got a kick out of our many antics during her time in Dallas and I think this may have been her best visit ever. Thanks for putting up with us Nancy and congratulations on your newfound smoke-free lifestyle. I know it's not easy, but I'm so glad you're making it happen.

To wrap up the news report...
A thief abounds in North Texas!! Someone managed to get their hands on my checkcard, name and addredd information and used it to purchase many expensive appliances at Lowe's in Allen, Texas. I tell this story of violation simply because I want others to be aware that stores now take credit card orders of high value over the phone with no proof of who the card holder is. They even deliver the items ordered in less than 24 hours to an address different than the billing address. I didn't realize Lowe's was quite so "customer oriented" that they would allow such a rush on so many expensive items all ordered over the phone!! (I hope my sarcasm is perfectly clear here!!!) This lesson is one we have learned the hard way.

"The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!" — Henry Ward Beecher

My thankful heart is blessed by...

a husband who loves me no matter what and puts up with me when I get crabby and irritable and emotional.

wonderful friends who understand, support and appreciate me and who allow me to be a friend in return.

a career that I enjoy where I'm working with people I admire and who inspire me.

family who are always there for me, remind me from which I came and who allow me to just be me.

the opportunities presented to me and the opportunities I have created, which have led me to achieve more and expect more of myself.

people who make me think, who listen, who contribute to my feeling smart and funny and beautiful inside and out.

A New Home

Almost every week since sometime in February I have been watching the metamorphosis of our home. From walls patched, paint slathered, ceilings scraped, moulding nailed in and furniture rearranged to a brand new covered patio with bright, comfy new patio furniture - it's all a part of our "New Home" executed through the hard work and vision of my "Home Improvement Hero" who, even after eight years, still amazes.

Our "New Home" is so much more than what you can see with your eyes, it's also something that can be felt with your heart. The love that's in every hammering, every brush stroke and every drop of sweat is evident as you wander through the house. I merely sit back and enjoy the love swirling all around me and it's such a glorious feeling. One room at a time, one project at a time building a "New Home." We may look the same on the outside, but on the inside we are getting better and better every day.

Just Smile and Breathe

Some of my favorite Russell Simmons-isms in his book "Do You!" that I find useful, truthful and fruitful:

"Always speak from your heart, even if what you're saying isn't popular. Dissent built this country. There's no one good idea that we have to subscribe to. We can never be afraid to add our voice to the American voice, which is a collective voice."

Favorite of those Simmons Quotes: "Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it." - Buddha

"Get Your Body & Mind Right First - One of the first steps toward empowerment is having confidence in your physical form. What I'm really promoting is being comfortable in your own body, of having confidence in your physical relationship with the earth."

"Recognize the Real - Giving, not trading or selling, is the basis of success. The most rewarding thing you can do is just to give the world something good. And ultimately you will be paid so much more for that gift than if you had tried to trade it for something else."

"Stress Doesn't Equal Hard Work"

"God has already put a lot of time into you. When you put a little time back into God through prayer and meditation, that investment will always pay off. That's why when I start my day by reflecting on all the things I have to be thankful for, I'll have a much more rewarding day."

"Silence - There's a reason you have two ears and one mouth. Once you stop talking, you'll be able to start listening to your higher self. Of course, appreciating silence is easier said than done (pun intended). If you're like me, running your mouth comes much more naturally than shutting it. Sometimes I still talk too much and can't hear everything God is trying to tell me...stay with it, because eventually you'll understand that God has instructions for you and they will be heard if you're silent."

"When people ask me for advice on situations, I often tell them 'Just smile and breathe.'"

From Maria Shriver to Russell Simmons

I am spending more time just sitting quietly. I may sit and think or listen to myself as you learn so much that way, or I may take time to read something inspirational. Anyway, quiet time - though free and useful and integral to life - is hard to come by. More accurately, we don't make time for it! This past weekend I made time for it and it was blissful and wonderful and I learned so, so, so much.

At the urging of a friend of mine, I tuned in to an episode of "Oprah" while eating lunch on Saturday. The episode featured Maria. Some know her as the First Lady of California, others as Arnold's wife and others still may know her as the anchorwoman, Maria Shriver. I now know her as Maria. Maria wrote a little blue book entitled "Just Who Will You Be?" following a request to speak at the graduation ceremony of her high school age nephew. Maria didn't know why a high school class would want to hear her speak and, consequently, Maria began her journey to find out just who she will be and how she would show up for that graduation speech. Her story is one I completely identify with. Maria spoke of losing much of her identity when giving up her career. As long as she had her career, an achievement all her own, she had an identity. But once that was over, she felt lost. Maria also spoke about how she is constantly doing, constantly going without much time for anything else. She also spoke about allowing herself to be gentle with herself and those around her. Being gentle is something I definitely need to work on and something that struck a sensitive chord in my heart when I heard Maria talking about it. The ultimate message from Maria is to slow down, listen to yourself and decide each day who you will be, not what you will be to others or what role you will play that you feel is expected. This is a message I've been playing over and over in my head for the last few months and now I have a great role model and "mascot" for that message. And, of course, after seeing Maria on "Oprah," I ran right out and bought myself that little blue book and read it cover-to-cover in about an hour. I definitely recommend it.

The other book that slapped itself down in my lap this weekend was one my husband purchased late yesterday. It's the book Russell Simmons, of hip hop and Phat farm fame, wrote entitled: "Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success." I was excited to see Greg buying this book because what little I'd heard about the book (on "Oprah" of course!) it sounded inspirational and positive. So, as we left the bookstore, I nonchalantly reached over to see the book and began flipping through and reading the chapter titles, quotes from famous writers, spiritual guides and others that begin each chapter, as well as quotes directly from Simmons. All of these words led me to take a closer look at the book when we got home, and I will probably be sharing some of the more inspirational passages I have found in Simmons' book here as I think they deserve repeating. But here's one lesson I've known for a lifetime it seems, but that Simmons helped to reaffirm: You can't be a success unless you've got your head, your heart and your body right. These aren't verbatim, but I got the gist of it. How true, how true!!

From Maria to Russell Simmons...what a great weekend of quiet, introspective, reaffirmation of what life's all about. Can't wait to get home and read, read, read more!!!

One of the best birthday cards ever...

Princess-

I want you to have a day where everything goes your way. A day...when you can't help but feel all the deep and really beautiful thoughts that everyone thinks about you.

I want you to reflect on all the love that is felt for you, all the wishes that are wished with you in mind, and all the thankful feelings you inspire in other people's lives.

And after this marvelous day is over, I want you to wake up every morning in the year to come remembering how appreciated and deserving and wonderful you are.

Happy Birthday!

I Love you,

Mommie

Love & Birthdays

So today I am 29 years old. I feel bright and shiny and new, and a bit wiser than before because I know how very little I know. The only thing I know for sure is how loved I am. My own mother tells of her joy at knowing how loved I am here: www.miaspeaks.blogspot.com.

I am loved and I am happy.

My birthday kicked off, as so often happens for me, days early. I arrived home on Monday and was greeted at the door by my big, crazy, loveable dog, Doby. Doby was more excited than normal to see me and I realized he had a Happy Birthday sign tied around his neck. I giggled and then laughed out loud when I noticed what had happened - my sweet husband had adorned the ceiling in the kitchen, our dogs and himself with these Happy Birthday signs to surprise me. It was so great! This special greeting was followed by a yummy dinner, chef-prepared of course! We ate steak and crab legs; ruch and tasty sauteed mushroom; garlicy, buttery corn; a fresh slice of avocado; and a chunk of queso fresco all paired with a tall glass of red wine. Mmm...good! I was completely satisfied as I sat outside on our new patio just enjoying the breeze, this great meal and my little family. Little did I know that my husband had dessert plans... As I lay on the couch watching something completely unimportant, yet entertaining, on TV, Greg brought in a piece if French silk pie with four candles (my lucky number!) blazing for me to blow out and make a wish. The candles were trick candles and, again, I giggled! A fantastic night...

Yesterday I received a card from a good friend and a package arrived from the "crazy Houston household" that is my sister's family. Inside the package was a sweet card, an awesome summer bag made by none other than the O'Neill company and both were a reminder of how loved I am and how great my sister is.

Today, my actual birthday, is long from over, but I must report that the text messages, phone calls, cards, e-mails, e-cards, flowers and gifts are going a long way in reminding me of the friendships and love that surround me. What is better than an entire day for people to express how appreciative they are that you're alive?! And what better way to feel so alive and vibrant than to take all of this love in and allow it to carry you through the next year of your life?

Thank you to everyone who makes my birthday so very special and who make each year that I am alive years filled with love.

You know you're having too much fun when

...the brunch with your best friend turns into three and a half hours of serious, wonderful heart-to-heart talks.

...you return one item at Trousseau and leave with three items of silk and lace and what not!! And one of those items is free!!

...you almost get run over by a fast walker and her dog when perusing the store windows and eating Paciugo on a fantastically beautiful afternoon.

...you go in the store to pick-out simple, classy graduation announcements and come out having ordered very fancy, expensive announcements.

...after an evening of cocktails and chatting it up with husband and friends, you find yourself having a dance off with your hubby in the kitchen.

Can you ever really have too much fun?! I don't think so!!!

A Baby Butterfly

I had lunch with two of my colleagues here at work - Allison & Tiffany - and we laughed and talked and talked some more. We found ourselves having serious conversation about life and not taking life so seriously. We also talked a lot about gratitude and how easy it can be to forget how much we have to be grateful for. Sometimes we come across challenging people or challenging situations and we want to tense up - fight or flight kind of thing - but as the three of us agreed, most of the time it's just not worth it and the person or problem has little to do with us anyway. Tiffany, in particular made us laugh and made us stop and think when she said that she'd decided to begin visualizing a more challenging person in her life as something that would allow her to handle the stress better. She chose to see this person as a baby butterfly!! I laughed so hard. Allison and I could just see this baby butterfly with this big human face on it fluttering around. What a fabulous way to handle stress, just make it a baby butterfly and suddenly it seems so small, not tense and stressful at all.

So, this quote is for Tiffany and Allison, my beautiful, mature butterfly friends:

"I think the next best thing to solving a problem is finding some humor in it." — Frank A. Clark

Outside the Box

I was wide awake a little before 4 a.m. this morning and as I lay in bed thinking about various things I realized why I'd awoken so quietly, yet so fully, at such an early hour. I am happy. I am happier than I've been in a long time. Of course the fact that I had gotten to sleep not a minute before 9:30 p.m. (much like a third grader!) and had already enjoyed an uninterrupted six hours of sleep made waking at 4 a.m. easier, as well. But my mind was ready to wake-up in that moment in order to tell me some things.

I could hear birds beginning to chirp outside the open window. I could feel the warmth of my slumbering husband next to me and hear his even breathing. I was also completely aware of how at peace I was in those moments. I was so at peace within myself that my mind began unfolding an idea for my final school project more complete than I could ever have imagined. It will be the last mark I make on this masters degree career of mine and, in a way, it is a culmination of all the learning I have had within this program to date. I tend to put this type of pressure on myself in such situations and so I was having a very tough time deciding what to research and present in a few short weeks. I put it out of my mind when I went on vacation and it didn't arise again until I was wide awake this morning!! And it all came together so perfectly...

I am also very happy because I am still on Cloud Nine from my time spent in the sun and sand and surf of the Bahamas. The afterglow is still a-shinin' and I am still a-smilin'!!

Happiness abounds because my husband and I are doing so well and feeling so good together. He and I laughed our way through the weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet kisses that have an extra perk associated with them as he's grown almost a full beard from having not shaved since his last day at his previous job - 13 days unshaven and very sexy!! I am also so proud of all of the incredible work he is doing on our home. These are so much more than home improvements, they are home make-overs.

There is also another happiness I feel over things seeming to come together for me - personally, professionally, scholastically, emotionally, physically - I feel better about life in this moment than I have in a long time. I am more accepting of myself than ever before. I am completely open to possibilities because I know less now than I ever have before, and that's o.k. I also feel the most free than I have probably ever because I am living 'outside the box.' My Box of Life was so constricting in so many ways for so long...it's so nice to move outside of that.

So, as I lay awake from 4 a.m. to about 5 a.m. this morning and plotted my final project for school and counted all the ways I am happy and feeling free, I couldn't imagine how I was going to remain in bed and not spring up and enjoy this early morning energy and excitement. But the next thing I knew I was being awakened again by the faint sound of the ocean waves crashing on the shore...my alarm clock was telling me it was time to capture the day and live in those moments of gratitude and energy and excitement and enjoy living a life 'outside the box.'

"You have to leave to come back..."

Tears filled my eyes as the charter flight began making its way back to Nassau from the island of Staniel Cay where I'd spent six glorious days and five incredible nights with my husband, one of my best friends from college, her husband and her father. I told Casey, John and Greg how sad I was to leave such a beautiful place after so much time spent relaxing, having fun and just not having to think about anything except sunscreen and my next meal for so many days. The words above are those that Casey spoke in reply to my sadness. I took those words and keep them with me because I must return and I must hang on to the wonderful memories we've now made in this unbelievable place.

Top Ten Reasons You'll Never Want to Leave Staniel Cay

1. It's a remote island where cell phone, television and computer use is unnecessary and somewhat unwelcome.

2. If you want to spend the day reading on the boat dock, splashing around in some of the most beautiful water ever seen, spying on underwater creatures, napping in the hanging chair or boating for adventure, you have only to walk a few steps out the back door.

3. Spending quality time with a long-time friend who is so patient and so kind to her "athletically challenged" friend when it comes to snorkeling, boating, etc. makes the vacation so much more enjoyable and relaxed.

4. A "gourmet chef," that I like to call husband, who made some of the finest foods I've ever tasted from local fare and interesting odds and ends in a kitchen he was unfamiliar with. What a treat that just made this one hell of a vacation!!

5. Water so clear that I could see all the way to the ocean floor and see all of the millions of fish swimming around me as I snorkeled for the very first time!!

6. The gorgeous boats docked around the island that I'm sure housed men and women of intrigue and mystery...at least that was my fantasy anyway.

7. The ability to forget about time (there wasn't a functioning clock in the place!) and responsibilities and go with the flow.

8. The laughter, the good conversation and the complete and utter fun whether it was stories shared, playing Twister for the first time since middle school (and winning!!) and the many rounds of Scattergories we played most nights. It felt so good to just enjoy life.

9. Seeing my husband completely relaxed.

10. Knowing that even though we had to leave, we are always welcome back to Staniel Cay.

Thank you to the Dressendorfer's and to Jim Sherman for an amazing six days in paradise!!

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."

— Anne Bradstreet

Words of such truth are hard to come by and so treasured when found. I do find that spring is such a sweet, sweet reprieve from the dark, cold days of winter. I also think that we go through times of trouble and disappointment only to find that happiness and fulfillment is that much more meaningful. When we ask 'why?' should it not be more appropriate to ask 'when?'

I Can Take a Hint

"Balance is the key to happiness in your life, and you need to work on getting some of your old equilibrium back. Get started as soon as you can. The still, quiet moments in life hold just as much reward for you as the dramatic, glamorous ones. See for yourself!" - Horoscope 3/16/08

On this glorious St. Patrick's Day, I find that the Luck of the Irish is with me because I see the important message in my horoscope from yesterday. I don't usually put much thought into astrology, but after having not one, but three, doctors tell me recently that I am suffering physically from mental or emotional stress, I think it's time I put some serious thought into following the advice of this simple horoscope. I've also had a friend of mine, who knows much about diet and nutrition, advise me to eat more cleanly and stay away from artificial flavoring in my food and drink. She particularly advised against using artificial sweetners. Then I read some of the great book, "Skinny Bitch" yesterday and learned way more horrible, disgusting information than I ever wanted to about all of the foods I love. That helped put into perspective how my emotions and my choices for this body can lead to the physical ailments I am enjoying. So, my St. Patrick's Day pledge to myself: eat clean, breathe deeply and work on getting some of my equilibrium back through more still, quiet moments in life. I'll let you know where this pledge leads me...

"Genuine listening means suspending memory, desire, and judgment — and, for a moment at least, existing for the other person." — Michael P. Nichols

This quote, which arrived in my e-mail inbox last week, seemed, at that time, very appropriate as it applies to my job as a development professional. It is my job to build lasting, meaningful relationships with alumni, friends, students and staff of SMU. While away in Chicago at a development conference, listening seemed to be a recurring theme.

The message conveyed in this quote is also essential in marriage - my top priority. To listen is to genuinely and fully give yourself over to the other person, if only for a short time. Listening, it has been said, is the greatest gift one can give to another. My husband has a real knack for listening, even when I may not think he's actually doing so. And listening to one another has saved us many, many times.

But listening - existing for the other person - truly came into play last night as a heartbroken close friend called to speak with me about the tragic, unexpected loss of her father over the weekend. As I listened to her cry, listened to her tell of her sadness over the memories they will no longer be able to make, the unfairness of his death and just her utter confusion and shock over this loss, I felt my own tears, my own shudder at the thoughts which came flowing from my friend. I wasn't crying for myself, or the thought of losing someone I love, I was crying with my friend because of her pain. I was existing for her, feeling some of that heartbreak with her. And when she was ready to end the conversation, I merely said, "I love you. I'm here for you," and then we said "good-bye." Suspending memory, desire and judgment in those moments on the phone with my friend...genuinely listening, is really the only gift we have to offer our friends during times of unspeakable sadness.

Celebrating Favorite Photos

One thing anyone who knows me well can tell you is that I LOVE photographs. I have book after book of cherished memories that I look through often. My office is also filled with wonderful photos of those I love. Since I notice a lack of photos on this blog in many, many months. I thought I would share some of my favorites here today.

My beautiful, super smart, crazy Mother - Mia, aka Spicy!! Age 18. Happy belated birthday!!

The kid-os:

Loving Jake...

Daisy Davan...

Sweet boy Jace...

Crazy, Cool Carman Girls- Paris & Alexis...

Oscar, the teddy bear.

The ones who started it all...

Freddy, Mr. Smooth...

and the love of my life...

Hannah, who will be 14 in a matter of weeks!!

Of course there is The Fellas:

And one of the best times of my life with my Hubby:

Photos are a forever reminder of the most important parts of your life. I am so blessed and grateful for them all!!!

I have much to blog about-some sad, some glad, some in between.

*Last week was filled with emotion. A little over a week ago one of my Mother's very best friends passed away. Betty Engelking was such a vibrant spirit, one that danced and giggled often with the spirit of my Mother. Seeing them together over the years always made me and Betty's daughter, Tiffany, (a high school classmate of mine) roll our eyes, but we were always secretly thrilled that they had one another. I am sad for the loss of Betty's spirit here in our world, but I am glad to have her watching over us. We're all a little better taken care of with the strength and courage and unique love that is Betty now in Heaven. I am most sad for my Mother and for Tiffany - what a great loss for these two women, but I will always celebrate Betty as a hero of mine for being such a great friend, such a wonderful mother and forever leaving her special mark on all those she met.

*My Mom always said, "You are known by the company you keep." I have heard that in my mind and learned so much over the last couple of weeks with relation to who I am in the world and how I want to be known. I find my Mom's words to be ever so true and upon examining that statement and applying it to my life I think I have some work to do in that area.

*It is really something to be completely in awe of the man you love. I am in awe of his dedication to our home and his renewed devotion to our marriage, to me as his wife and to himself. I came home from class last Wednesday and experienced a whole new light in our home - literally. After all the pain and strife of trying to install the chandelier that would hang so high above the entryway in our home last weekend, ultimately "the chandelier won out." But Greg would not let the initial set back deter him, and on Wednesday he pursued this project once again with much success. His passionate perseverance, both in his home improvements and our life together, is truly inspiring to me. And isn't that what marriage should be all about - inspiring one another?!

*I have the most wonderful best friend. Mandy is her name and support and love is her claim to fame! She spent hour upon hour with me on Saturday and she showed me why the words 'best friend' should never be used or taken lightly. She is truly my 'champion in my absence and my friend always.' Mandy, thank you for always being the very best friend anyone could have. You are a genuine treasure to behold and I am blessed that you found me!!

*Last, but not least, I spent time with two people this weekend that we are welcoming back to Dallas after a long trip to the Northeast. I say it was a "trip" because in my heart they never really left. I am so excited and so happy to have the Shuff's moving back to Texas. I sat laughing hysterically as I was reminiscing with Jenn on Saturday night, and I couldn't help but grin in anticipation as the laughter subsided because I so look forward to many more fun, memorable moments still to be shared with our favorite 'Peanuts.'

Home Improvement Hero - Part II

As I slept really late on Sunday, I could hear the occasional singing, banging of the paint can and movement of the tall ladder downstairs where hubby was busily painting. So much work was done on the house last weekend that I think Greg had a hard time leaving anything alone this weekend, as well. So, we chose a new paint color for the entryway and hallways (Sagey) and he went to work. There's something very comforting about sleeping the morning away while your strong, determined man gets after the house work. I dreamt of beaches and ocean, sun on my face and wind in my hair as Greg worked and worked and worked. It was getting pretty late so I decided to finally get out of bed, though I could've easily continued to sleep. As the day progressed, Greg began getting more and more accomplished - he was on a roll. But then he hit a wall. He was committed to getting a new chandelier installed high in the ceiling of our entryway. It took him such a long time and so much determination and it was almost done when the whole thing fell to the ground. It was heart-breaking to see so much hard work fall apart, and the look on Greg's face was very sad, as well. He looked at me and said, "I failed." Wow, that was powerful. I was mad at the chandelier; Greg was mad at himself. Seeing his utter disappointment really said a lot about this man. Achievement is about the prize more than the journey to get there. I see this as a fundamental difference between me and Greg. I applaud his efforts where he sees complete failure and has forgotten about the obstacles he overcame to even make it as far as he did. I say how proud I am of him even trying to do it after working so hard all day, then to get as far along as he did with only one hand to work with as the other hand was latched on to the very tall ladder so as to keep him from falling. He only saw a failure. But after only a few moments of wallowing in the disappointment, Greg picked himself back up and said, "They won't get me down!" and proceeded to install a different light fixture in another area of the house. I guess that's what can be said about seeing the achievement or the failure as opposed to the journey - it allows you to pick yourself back up quickly because you've disregarded the long, hard journey leading to the failure and it allows the failure to spur you on to something else that's absolutely achievable. Hence the self-confidence is restored. Needless to say, this little study in the psychology that is my husband was important for me to experience. My Home Improvement Hero strikes again and though he can't scale walls, fly or blow fire, he has many great secret powers that serve us and our family very, very well...particularly the power to overcome failure and achieve more.

We're all like little mosquitoes!

"If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room." — Anita Roddick