Counting down the days........

grateful for relaxing days, and Charlie Brown Christmas :)

Grateful for the delicious taste of Gingerbread Chai Tea Latte :)

So today I caught myself with the insipid attitude of envy that had been lurking around for a while undetected.  The simplest form of wanting what you don't have, like nice clothes, looking pretty, and other material things like that.  And I then remembered that I needed to blog, and realized that I needed to practice the attitude of gratefulness, appreciate what I have.  So I popped in my favorite movie, did some assemblage of clothes that I did have and could wear, to appreciate what I've been blessed with, and remembered with humility others in the world who live in poverty and face bigger issues than wanting nice clothes.

Thank you God for my family and friends, and the community in which I live.

Today I am grateful for....coffee.  :)

Last final for the semester!    Few hours to go!

Today:   I am grateful for the inspirational leaders that collaborated with other great minds to develop products we use every day, like the computer:  http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/291636/robert-noyce-and-the-inventors-of-personal-computing
Thank you Robert Noyce.


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204770404577082500328478624.html?mod=ITP_pageone_0

I also have to add this article, in honor of the hard work that the mayor of RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan, Mr. Toba, has put into rebuilding his city.

today...I echo this sentiment:  http://www.youtube.com/tmobile?cm_mmc_o=Vzbp+mwzygt*-czyEwll*4bpCdAEEwk*4bpCdAEEwk

There's no place like home.  I am grateful for the trip home coming soon.

There is beauty in the simple things.

I'm a slacker, I know...falling behind on my posts.  But it's all good, finals are almost over, so soon life will be simpler.

Today, I definitely have to say that I am grateful for the blessing of employment for myself and my friends, and the continued provision in every day needs that astounds me.

Grateful for the brisk, cold wind grazing my cheek this morning, and for the snuggly warmth of big sweaters :)

12-2, 12-3, 12-4:  I am grateful for three days of productive studying, one final down and two more to go!  Plus two term papers.  But, I am grateful that it will be over soon...I'll keep on plugging away.  :)

Don't stop believing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NQIPVqLMUg&ob=av3n

I am grateful today for the chance to sit in the coffee shop, inspired by al the people around me working hard...envisioning a future where I can make a difference for small businesses, helping people getting ahead.  I believe I have found my strength...(being a little nerdy here by implementing what I have been learning in my classes of Organizational Theory).  I am what is called a "transformational leader."  My leadership style is to inspire others to believe in a common vision. I am a promoter, a fighter for a purpose, one who finds something beautiful and does everything in her power to make sure that it survives.  I already have seen so many influential and inspirational leaders during my three years in AmeriCorps, and so many organizations with beautiful purposes to aid those in need. I hope to find a job in the future that enables me to keep on pursuing what fuels my passion.

To quote a passage from a very good book on leadership:
"Leading Across Boundaries: Creating Collaborative Agencies in a Networked World" by Russell M. Linden

"Like chaos theory, which reveals the order beneath seemingly random events, there is an underlying structure to successful collaboration, a framework that helps people work across boundaries.  There is nothing mysterious about this framework; one doesn't need advanced training or magical leadership skills to learn it...the main requirement is a fierce desire to work in partnership with others on common concerns and common aspirations." (xix and xx of the Introduction)

To all of you who work hard in your everyday lives...remember the power you can have to influence those around you.  You may make more of a difference than you realize.

You inspire me.