Happy Mail

In this fast-paced world where emails have virtually replaced snail mail altogether, isn't it nice when every now and then you visit your mailbox and find a note card from a friend? Its the first piece of mail that you open, anxious to see what could have easily been sent as an email or text but your friend chose to write the thought by hand, place that little stamp on it and keep the secret until you found the sweet surprise awaiting your receipt. 

I'm a big fan of the handwritten note. I like creating my own cards and sending out little bits of sunshine. It only takes a few moments and can completely brighten someone's day. That just doesn't happen with a text message. 

Lets make an effort to keep the art of a hand-written note alive, despite the instant gratification that technology rewards us. Some things ARE worth waiting for. ;)

Lap Dogs

Its strange the things that you see that make you immediately miss someone in your life...even if the "something" is completely annoying. I saw this cartoon on FB and had to share it. Obviously someone in the world (that draws much better than I could ever think of drawing) lives my frustration. Today is one of those days that I would love to be dealing with that 85-lb. lap puppy. This is for you Burton. Mommy will be home in a couple more days. ;)

Burton crashes out on the recliner

Facebook Movie

My 17-year-old has told me numerous times now that Facebook is for "old people". If that is so, then I am totally good with that revelation. At least it keeps the twerking and party pictures to a minimum.

This "old" person happens to enjoy Facebook. How else would I be able to stay connected with family and friends in my crazy hectic world? What a wonderful history of family events, happiness, sorrows, vacations, engagements, recipes...the list goes on and on. Today was an extra special Facebook day. I made my Facebook movie. What a treat! Have you created yours?

You know, as I enjoyed the movies of my friends out there in cyberspace, I was reminded that Facebook has done something very unique, it has created communities of people. Connected thousands of us together so that no one should ever feel "alone". So, thank you Mark Z. and the Facebook team for the gift to all of us "old people" so that we can keep in touch with the friends that have crossed our paths over the years and and can still be a part of our life no matter where on this planet we happen to be.

Counting the Days

I've been taking this winter thing pretty well...at least until today, when all of Overland Park is closed and the snow intends to keep falling for another few hours. How fortunate I am to live where days like this are  few and far between. Reality check - I may "live" in a warm climate, but truth be told, I rarely "live" in a warm climate. Home is currently Kansas and this cold windy winter is my world. Better start embracing that idea huh?!

This year I intend to take a respite from the winter weather. Soon I will immerse myself in copious amounts of sunshine, imbibe on countless umbrella drinks, frolic in the ocean, and relax on the sand.

Oh yeah... just gotta suck it up for a few more cold weeks and then....PARADISE...... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....
ARGGGGHHHH.....Oh Great!...just caught the first twinge of pre-vacation OCD anxiety. Darn snow....its all your fault!

Chocolate Bags...the Edible Kind!

Few things on this planet are as delightful as a Chocolate Bag from McCormick and Schmicks (part of the Landry's restaurants). Fresh berries, white chocolate mousse, surrounded by a decedent dark chocolate bag. Incredible.

If you haven't figured out what romantic plans to make for next week and you have a Landry's Restaurant near you....may be about time to make a reservation for February 14th...ya know...I LOVE YOU DAY!

Exceeding Expectations

My idea of GREAT customer service - Consistently exceed your customer's expectations. What does that mean? Who knows? One person's expectations may be different from another...BUT...when its being exceeded...you know it.

Take my recent stay at the Sheraton, for example - I fall into bed last week in the middle of the afternoon. I was so miserable as my body conceded defeat to the flu bug. I just wanted to be at home in my jammies...doggies at my feet, under my favorite uber-soft blanket.

Around 6pm I woke up and felt the need for some food. I called down to the restaurant and was greeted by John, the restaurant manager. He heard the misery in my voice and asked if I would like some complimentary soup and Sprite. It was SOOO sweet. I nearly cried...no, I did cry. When the tray arrived it not only had my meal (comp'd) but a special get well card from the restaurant. This is what "exceeding expectations" is all about.

Thank you John and the Sheraton Hotel for taking such great care of me while I am working in Kansas. Your compassion made it bearable to be sick and away from the comforts of my home!

The Power of a Hot Toddy

You may have noticed my absence this past week. Aside from starting up a new project that has been massively time consuming, I managed to catch this nasty respiratory bug that has been floating around. Typically I find myself immune to illness. I chalk it up to years of flying every week around all sorts of icky germs and figured my body is impenetrable. NOT! 

Fortunately, I was feeling the worst of it when I had dinner with a few girlfriends the other night and our server...Michael...insisted that I allow him to bring over a remedy that his Irish Catholic grandmother swore was tried and true...the Hot Toddy. 

I must say, my voice was much clearer after drinking the concoction. I also recommend holding your nose when you drink it because that is one seriously STRONG beverage. I'm sure it killed every germ in my system. If you want to try grandma's remedy, here's the recipe. A good lo fashioned cure for what ails you.

Ingredients:
1 oz brandy, whisky, or rum
1 Tbsp honey
1/4 lemon
1 cup hot water
1 tea bag

Coat the bottom of a mug with honey, Add the liquor and the juice of the lemon quarter. On the side, heat water and add the tea bag to make hot tea. Pour the steaming tea into the glass and stir.