End of the World?

There are quite a few people who truly believe the beginning of the end of the world will happen tonight. They have looked into a variety of biblical stories and have determined that major earth quakes will start tonight - the rapture begins. I'm not going to dicount what they're saying, or try to say they are wrong - everyone is entitled to believe in whatever they want. Hopefully, panic is not running rampant in any families.

So what is the positive that can be found from this (since I don't think panic is a positive). If this belief, and the media coverage around it, makes even one person take a moment to tell someone they love them, or call that long lost friend to catch up, then some good has come from it. Whether or not the world is coming to an end, it is important to reach out to the important people in your life. Make sure they know how much they mean to you.

I Graduated - Sort of...

Sorry I've been out of touch - things have been super busy! But I'm back... with a picture of some special shoes. These shoes are the shoes I wore when I walked across the stage at my MBA graduation this past weekend.

It was a great ceremony, and we had a blast. It is ironic, then, that I am currently avoiding homework and have classes until the end of June. It was 100% symbolic - they let us participate in the graduation so we could celebrate with our families and friends.

I'll take it, though. Last weekend was awesome. It reminded me how much the people I have been taking classes with mean to me, and it reminded me how many people support me through my life. I love my amazing friends and family!

The Spider War Has Begun

It seems as though my favorite topic lately has been the gorgeous spring weather, and how great it is to feel the spring sunshine, which all continues to hold true. I love this time of year. What I don't love are the critters that are showing up various places. Particularly spiders - I am deathly afraid of spiders and they seem to be popping up everywhere.

I know it is totally irrational, but I see a spider and I freeze. I have to talk myself through the process of killing it. Ok, move your feet to step on it. No shoes - ok, move your feet to get a shoe to kill it with (yet another reason I love shoes). Or, go get the can of Raid and coat it with that. No raid, you can try hair spray, but it doesn't kill them right away. Wow, I'm sounding cruel! I have my reasons, though.

The other day, I was taking a shower, and I looked up to see a spider glaring at me from the corner of my bathroom (way up on the ceiling). I know he was plotting a way to fall onto me and cause my demise... Needless to say, I took the quickest shower ever, and then I got my trusty shoe, climbed on the tub, and crushed him. Only to go out into my hall where I saw two more spiders, also hiding in the corner of the ceiling. Sadly, I could only reach one of them, so the second is still creeping around my apartment somewhere.

So, along with the happy positive thoughts spring brings, I need to accept the critters that come with it as well. Easier said than done when I'm being stalked by an eight legged monster!

Does anyone know what shoes Kate wore?

The dress was gorgeous, the bride and groom were beaming, the guests looked amazing, the hats were spectacular, and England has a new princess. I swore I wasn't going to get sucked in, but I have to admit I woke up this morning and watched the recap, and then went online to catch the pictures, and even waited to get into the shower until after the kiss (X2). It was an exciting and joyous occasion (and I wonder if Catherine Middleton truly knew what she was getting into).

I did see some amazing shoes on the guests, but with that amazing train on that amazing dress, we have no way of knowing what shoes she wore. I'm curious... maybe we will see some gorgeous shoes with the reception outfits - keep your eyes peeled. At least we had the hats to look at - I guess accessories will have to do (and even though it isn't a hat, the tiara was gorgeous).

On a serious note, as all of the news channels focus on William and Kate, I want to take a moment to send prayers to everyone whose life was changed forever by the horrific storms the South faced. Last I heard, the death toll is close to 300, and that doesn't even take into account the families that lost their homes and belongings. Let's not forget those that are mourning and in need on this day. Send them love and prayers.

Whether you think you can or you think you can't

I was at a networking event this morning (shout out to the Rensselaer County Chamber for a great breakfast) that focused on women leaders in business. This event was inspiring, and it was great to hear how women have overcome a variety of obstacles, or opportunities, to be successful in the world. The quote that was repeated twice was Henry Ford's "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you are probably right." Although I have heard this before, it is an important thing to remember.

We put limitations on ourselves daily, focusing on what we can't get to, or what we can't accomplish. I'm a believer that if you don't challenge yourself, and believe you can be successful, you won't be able to move forward and meet your goals. You won't go anywhere standing still. Hmm... can I throw any other cliches in here? It doesn't make them any less true.

Another positive note about these networking events - great shoes. I love seeing the spring shoes that everyone is wearing - I saw lots of great ideas for growing my collection/obsession... I'm have to wait until my snakeskin sandles are delivered before I buy any more though :-)

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone! I know that not everyone celebrates Easter, but I am sending love, joy, peace, and hope out to everyone on this spring day. The sun even decided to make an appearance on this spectacular day! It's hard not to feel positive on a day like this.

Easter is also traditionally a time to break out (or purchase) the spring clothes (and shoes). I always love seeing the Easter dresses and cute sandals everyone busts out for the day. I did give in and bought sequened flats for the occasion... I'll have to post pictures soon. It was a little too cold for my peep toes when I left at 5:30 this morning (my parents and I helped out at our church's breakfast before 8:30 mass). So, big surprise, it gave me an excuse to expand my shoe collection. I know... I have issues.

As the grass is getting green, flowers are sprouting, and, best of all, the snow is disappearing, it is a time to celebrate life and all of the joy it brings. Take a moment to let all of those close to you know you care. Reach out to a friend you haven't talked to in a long time. Enjoy this time, and it never hurts to get a little dressed up to celebrate.

My nephew just said to me: "today is going to be fun - I am going to eat and play." I hope you all enjoy your day!

Rain Boots

April showers bring May flowers, right? It's another rainy spring day, which means running quickly from work to my car, my car to the gym, and back to my car, and then into my house. I will melt, you know.

I'll take the rain, though. At least it's not snow, and it does help the grass turn green and the make flowers bloom. For every rainy moment I know there will be a sunny day. Besides that, I don't own a pair of rain boots, so I can look at each rainy day as a chance to buy a new pair of shoes ;-)

Still, it's hard not to be gloomy on a rainy day. It takes extra energy to be, well, energetic. It always surprises me how much the weather plays with my moods. I guess recognizing it is half the battle, and I have to say I managed to say pretty positive today (although it didn't really start raining until later, but oh well). And now, I can use the sound of the rain to help me fall asleep, stay asleep, and dream of sunny days and adorable spring shoes...