The 'Funnest' Award - Quintet of Radiance

Awards are so unexpected - I suppose that is what makes them so special.  One of the rules for this award is to describe yourself using the letters of the alphabet.  At first, this seems a bit difficult because it feels like you are bragging.  However, it is just sharing with others the way you see yourself.  Hopefully, there is some accuracy.  When I couldn't decide which adjective to use, I used more than one - so sue me!

 

I received the Quintet of Radiance Award from Tina Basu and I graciously accept.   Knowing that there are fellow bloggers that appreciate your writing, is reward in itself.  Thank you, Tina

Be Honest - We Love To Know What Goes On Behind Closed Doors

Come on... be honest.  You know you would like to know what goes on in other blogger's homes!  Here's your chance.  Join us each month at Fly On The Wall and you can see what goes on 'behind the scenes.' Here are some highlights of my past month:

The Pencil Skirt

I was asked to speak at a prestigious women's club and needed a new outfit.  I found the most gorgeous deep purple knit pencil skirt with a lighter shade sheer shirt.  I had the shirt altered by 'pleating' the back to make it even more stunning.  All set, and I was so pleased with the snug fit of the skirt.

After the meeting, I noticed that the skirt was sagging in the back and took it to the store, complaining.  The lady asked if I wanted a refund and I said "No, I want a replacement that will not lose it's shape."  She said she couldn't do that but would give me a 30% discount.  "What good will that do me?  Can't you just call another store and find me another?"

An Interview That Digs A Little Deeper (Ask Away Friday)

Today I am swapping questions with fellow blogger, Rea Alducente of Reality Bites.  She is a beautiful young woman from a beautiful country, the Philippines.  Rea is married and has a three year old son.  She has a challenging job as a Lead Trainer in a BPO company.  She handles new hire classes helping people become better at their jobs.  Her passions are photography and blogging.  Please visit her blog - she shares her thoughts on parenting, life, happiness....... and of course, chocolates.

Here is our interview -- I loved the intense questions she asked me

I'm a Lead Trainer in a BPO company. I handle new hire classes and help people from all walks of life become better at their job, but there's actually more to that than meets the eye.  - See more at: http://www.reaalducente.com/p/abou.html#sthash.X3SwJQMD.dpuf

I'm a Lead Trainer in a BPO company. I handle new hire classes and help people from all walks of life become better at their job, but there's actually more to that than meets the eye.  - See more at: http://www.reaalducente.com/p/abou.html#sthash.X3SwJQMD.dpuf

I'm a Lead Trainer in a BPO company. I handle new hire classes and help people from all walks of life become better at their job, but there's actually more to that than meets the eye. 

- See more at: http://www.reaalducente.com/p/abou.html#sthash.X3SwJQMD.dpuf

I'm a Lead Trainer in a BPO company. I handle new hire classes and help people from all walks of life become better at their job, but there's actually more to that than meets the eye. 

- See more at: http://www.reaalducente.com/p/abou.html#sthash.X3SwJQMD.dpuf

I'm a Lead Trainer in a BPO company. I handle new hire classes and help people from all walks of life become better at their job, but there's actually more to that than meets the eye. 

- See more at: http://www.reaalducente.com/p/abou.html#sthash.X3SwJQMD.dpuf

1.  Laughter is one of your greatest weapons in dealing with life.  What makes you laugh the most?  What generally makes you frown?

7 Deadly Sins To Ensure People Won't Follow Your Blog

Your opinion please?  As most bloggers, I read numerous blog posts a day.   When setting up my blog, I did hours of research to determine what works and what doesn't work.  Even though I was new to the blogging world, I quickly recognized 7 Deadly Sins that would make me X out and go to the next blog.

There is so much information in social media venues that tell us what NOT to do and what we SHOULD be doing.  The more blogs I read, the more evident it becomes, as to what works and what doesn't.

When Pushed Out of Your Comfort Zone, How Do You React?

Did you ever force yourself out of your comfort zone in hope of reaching your intended goal, but terrified you might fall flat on your face? Sometimes we are pushed out of that zone by someone we love.

My mother-in-law's mission was to motivate me to start a business selling desserts to restaurants. It was an incredible idea but I had never done anything remotely close to that and didn't know where to begin.

6 Tools To Keep Your Reader's Attention

All of us wrote essays in school. Many of us took various forms of creative writing classes. Most of us like to write and all of us would like to improve. If you want to write, there is an abundance of information available to help you.

1.  DO YOUR RESEARCH. The crazy thing is, I did my research about creative writing after I published my memoir last year. I certainly do NOT recommend it, but I was totally unaware of the help available in blogosphere before I had completed the book.  I was terrified when I started reading all the blogs about what to do and what not to do.  I imagined I had done everything wrong and was more than shocked when I discovered that almost all the advice that was given, I had done.  I had applied common sense, one of our senses that has our best interest at heart!

Swap Questions With Fellow Bloggers on #AskAwayFriday

Thank Goodness it’s #AskAwayFriday…Welcome to another amazing week of getting to know each other and our favorite blogger friends!
What is #AskAwayFriday? Well... #AskAwayFriday was created by the amazing Penny from Real Housewife of Caroline County who will again be joining us from time to time, as a way to connect with other bloggers with a great Q & A session of 10 questions and 10 answers, between two bloggers! This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know others while allowing others to get to know you and of course there is also the added bonus of making great friends along the way which is one of the best parts of this online world! Now to welcome our wonderful #AskAwayFriday hosts...
Tamara from Tamara Like Camera, Tiffany from Mrs. Tee Love Life Laughter, Christy from Uplifting Families, Stacey from This Momma's Ramblings and Amber from Bold Fit Mom Please welcome our co-host, the amazing...Carol from Battered Hope! Carol from Battered Hope is an author, public speaker, health coach and so much more. She shares all those sides of herself with you on her site. Carol is always willing to share her story and her encouragement with anyone who may need it because as she says, “If I Can Overcome Tragedies, So Can You." So...grab our button, follow our amazing hosts and co-host, hop through the great link ups and make some amazing new friends!
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It's FRIDAY!  It's Ask Away Friday which is an excellent opportunity to connect and interview your fellow bloggers. Bloggers swap questions and answer them on their own blog.  We would love to have you join us.

Today I am privileged to swap questions with Rabia Lieber, mother of three plus a career.  She has coauthored the Mother of All Meltdowns and I am happy to get to know her better.  Please visit her blog and read more about this awesome lady. Here are the questions she posed to me:

1.  What was the first job you ever had and what did you learn from it?

My very first job would have been in a grocery store as a cashier.  I was 15 years old and made 75 cents an hour.  My boss told me if I could name the song playing on the radio, he would give me a 25 cent raise.  I knew the song well, but I froze under pressure and couldn't think of the title.  I learned to not react under pressure and I rarely do since.

2.  You are quite organized while I am the absolute opposite.  Give me a new mantra to get moving and organize my house.

That's an easy one.  I have taught classes on this subject and recently wrote a blog called:   Serious help for procrastinators.  The problem most people who are unorganized have is that they put things off until later but there is an easy way to rectify this.  The 'mantra' is what my father taught me as a young girl DO IT RIGHT AND DO IT NOW.  Believe me it works.  I use it every single day.

3.  What first attracted you to your husband and how has that changed since you've been married?

I was listening to a guest speaker (my current husband) and I leaned over to my girlfriend and said "I am going to marry him someday."  I chased him until I let him catch me!  It wasn't how he looked, it is what he was saying that made me realize he was what I was looking for in a mate.

How has that changed?  Over twenty years ago, he was in a car accident and suffered brain damage.  Nothing has been the same since and although it has been very difficult, I have become the world's most patient person.  Considering I am a Type A personality -- not an easy feat!


4. In high school, which crown did you fit into (jocks, nerds, band, art, etc.)?

In high school the two groups were called the Frats and I honestly cannot remember the other name but they were the 'bad' kids.  I was studious and on the basketball team.  The Frats were getting ready for college.

5.  Tell us something happy that has happened to you in the past week.

I have met two awesome women on Google + that I will be working with and it thrills me.  But, more importantly, my 2.5 year old grandson calls me almost every day -- just 'cuz!

6.  What is your dream vacation spot?

I am not big on traveling and can take it or leave it.  We traveled a lot before my hubby was hurt and so glad we did that.  My dream spot would be Tofino, British Columbia at the Wickaninnish Inn.  It is his favorite place and I love going there and doing NOTHING.  

7.  Tell us in five words what describes you using the letters in your first name:  CAROL

C - Caring
My husband would say the AR = Always Right :)
A - Ageless
R - Responsible
O - Optimistic
L - Leader

8.  What would you rather watch - a scary movie or a funny movie?

I don't like scary movies.  I like nail biting drama that could possibly be categorized as scary but love comedies and a good funny movie is hard to find.

9. If you could spend a week 100 years in the past or 100 years in the future, which would you pick and what would you do?

My father was born in 1903 and my mother in 1907.  I would go back to their childhood and live like they lived to understand them even more.  Here are some lessons this amazing man taught me including how to stay organized! 
He is the little guy on the left.

10.  Do you have a favorite charity or non-profit that you support?

That's easy.  The local SPCA or Paws for Pets.  I do not give to organizations where I cannot see exactly where the money is spent.  Most of my research shows me that it is usually misappropriated.  My love for animals, dogs in particular, is where my funds go.

Those have been great questions, Rabia and I look forward to seeing your answers to mine.
Be sure to check out our Facebook page "AskAwayFriday" for a great place to meet up and send out a #BuddyRequest if you need a partner to swap with!
Would you like to join in on the #AskAwayFriday fun as a co-host? Click on the link below and fill out the form! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UhIFHDZT8-hFtNjHU7v5HHqM1N9JWq7eSd_5aO_MOdY/viewform By adding your email to this link up, you will be added to email correspondence that may be sent by one of our hosts, you may opt out at any time. Host's reserve the right to remove any links that do not pertain to the #AskAwayFriday theme.

One Heroic Dog's Story

One Dog's Story.  One Heroic Dog's Story. For all you dog lovers out there - this one is definitely for you. 

Meet Brutus, a military K9 at McChord.  He is the first K9 to receive the Medal of Honor for his tour in the Middle East.  Brutus tops the scales at 200 pounds.  He is part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff - quite the combo! 

Brutus is running toward his favorite - a TREAT

Here is his incredible story: