Recess

Teagan enjoyed her very first time on the swing at the school playground! (Boston, however, made it clear that she would rather wait until a later time to do that.)

Just about time to go to the mall. Doesn't Lindsay look happy?



Where does Boston like to play? The best corner at Ninny's house.

Holiday vacations make for a good life.

Jurrasic Christmas

This is what it looks like when SANTA comes to your house on Christmas morning and brings you a dinosaur because that's what you told him at the mall that you wanted. How cool is that?



This is what it looks like from inside your kennel because you weren't allowed out to greet SANTA when he came to the house.

HO HO HO GOOD LIFE

Foodies

Introducing The Grub Club

This boisterous crew gets together about once a quarter (if Tina- the little one in the center isn't too busy with various engagements) for a dinner out. Each couple takes a turn choosing a restaurant where the others haven't been. Our city has a ton of great places, so it's been a hit so far. This evening was at Pasta Bar... a new, trendy downtown eatery. There was excellent homemade pasta- my carbonara was magnifique. We ended up at The Turf Restaurant & Pub dancing to a very fun sort of rockabilly band called Jump Back Brothers. They opened for Brian Setzer this week-- very fun stuff.

Get Down for a Good Life.

Carving a Memory

Yep...when I hear this song I know it is OFFICIAL.... Christmastime is here! Now why on earth does this song move me into holiday mode? (plus it has to be by Andy Williams) My all time favorite activity in high school was choir. I was one of the accompanists and this particular song had an incredible arrangement that sounded great. It was a very challenging piece for me and I loved it! The director, Mr. Judd, was my all time favorite teacher- he made me aspire to be a high school choir director! Not quite as tearful as Mr.Hollands Opus, but he definitely influenced me!

The Christmas stuff floods my mind with memories. It is amazing how those moments of time come back to you once you open the box that has been packed away for the past year.


This angel ornament was given to me by my grandmother, "Pompoonzie"(another post about that at a later time!) about 30 years ago. She was so proud that it was made from a corn husk! I can still remember her giving it to me and the box that it came in. At times I miss her so much... she was a very special person.



Both of these wood carvings were made by my grandfather "Popeye". He was an excellent woodworker and made many beautiful pieces of furniture in his retirement years. I remember that he made many items to make money for his favorite charities.

I love having these little bits of them around me.

Their past lives are part of my good life.

My Homies

The Traveling Wilbury's......Diane, Nancy, Leslie & Janet

State Golf Tournaments are really just an excuse to have a girl trip....and as I have stated in previous posts it doesn't matter how you play, as long as you look good. The main criteria is that the hotel should be within walking distance of a place to eat dinner for obvious reasons. Snacks in the room instead of dinner causes certain disaster the next day as Nancy can attest.

Our tournaments have taken us to parts of our beautiful state that I would never adventure to; Parker, Bisbee, Green Valley, etc. Our most recent tourney took us all the way to Glendale!(about 45 minutes from home!)But, being sure we couldn't possibly get up early enough to arrive for our 8 a.m. tee time with ALL the anticipated traffic, we bucked up and enjoyed the hospitality at the Holiday Inn.

Excitement on most evenings can consist of meeting new friends (a la "Shannon")in Bisbee or the usual routine of Nancy, Janet and Leslie reading on their Kindles while I settle for cruising the internet on my laptop.

Early breakfast is a must and we can always count on Cracker Barrel to 1)open at 6 a.m., 2) have pancakes for me and 3)play the super loud, twangy country music that Nancy loves.

We took a fabulous day trip to downtown Glendale for burgers, Cerritas Candy Factory and a stop by Cabellas (can you believe they had NEVER EVER been there?)


Here we are with super rock star Nancy admiring the Bass Tracker Boats. She definitely has "Attitude From a Distance."

The whole experience is one I look forward to several times a year. Nancy & I won 2nd gross in our flight this last time out! Tiger called me to offer his congratulations.

YaYa's instigate a good life.

The T Shirt Says

I put off writing this post because I couldn't decide WHICH song I wanted to attach!! I love almost every one of their songs...STEELY DAN....ahhhhh...it just makes for a good day when you hear one of their tunes!


The photo doesn't do justice as it misses the 3 excellent girl singers that know how to "you got to shake it baby, you got to shake it baby" (Babylon Sisters)
Their concerts this year were unique in that they played a different album completely through in each of the cities! I went with a few friends and they played probably one of their best compilations, AJA. Great seats- 20th row center! Their sound guys are the best...you can hear every instrument...so clean...and Donald Fagan is a trip--he bites his words, throws his head back, and is just so "donald fagan".



Here you see my usual partner in crime, Nancy, along with hot Dr. Mike and his wild and crazy wife Tina!

I guess this is the 4th time I have seen them in concert.....evidence follows:

'02, '06, '08, & '09





What was your last concert? What was your first concert? :)

Steely Dan T Shirts ....good life.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

REAL football.


Joe, David, me (with my "are you sure you can take this photo?" expression), and Aaron


OU Sooner Football should probably be on your bucket list.

My middle child, Aaron, is a student in Norman and will graduate this spring, so we had to attend one more game before he's gone! These folks are into football. WAY INTO FOOTBALL. You stand for the entire game except for time outs and maybe halftime. No whining about it....even the 90 year olds at the game do it.



The mega huge big screen is about the size of the MetLife Blimp.



We got to see the Homecoming parade and the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band was great. They have a tradition that I really like....during the pregame festivities, the band faces the visitors in the stands and plays the opposing teams school song to them! Then the OU football team comes out and kicks their butt. Very fun!



I just had to include the Sooner Schooner with the white ponies that run out onto the field after every touchdown while a bunch of crazy guys called RufNecks shoot off shotguns. Those horses had to be plenty tired and lookin' for water by the end of the night after about 42 points.


Boomer Sooner translated is good life.

What You Are Made Of

A glorious consequence of beautiful fall weather in Oregon.


Slightly foggy Sunday morning overlooking the sleepy city of Eugene.



Meet Barbara and Ron Faunce.

Sometimes people come across your path in ways you least expect it! About two and a half years ago, Joe and I decided to start a home based business. (see post on Plan B) Enter the Faunces'! We met them at a conference in Portland where I knew I liked them right away because they were from the University of Kansas. You gotta love those Jayhawks. (preseason #1-Rock Chalk Baby) We have become such great friends....so great that they drove us all over the beautiful state of Oregon this summer for a little vacay...



golf several times


various waterfalls alongside the road


riding along the rugged Oregon coast


sunset horseback ride at the Longhollow Ranch with hot tub under the stars afterward


just had to show Joe on his pony....go, Cookie, go!



riding the ferry in the Willamette Valley after enjoying the taste of Oregon Pinot from a couple of wineries and pulling cherries from trees laden with fruit



We happened to be around for Ron's birthday a couple of weeks ago. Barbara had him share a memory for each decade of his life-- what a hoot! He told of a buddy that was similar to the wild and crazy scientist on Back to the Future who concocted all kinds of interesting things for them to try in the 70's! Later in life this guy received a nobel prize....who knew?

I absolutely love that in our Univera business we get to choose who we work with. We should do what we love and love what we do.

These dear friends have shown us such gracious hospitality, modeled leadership and cultivated our friendship.

True Colors aka Good Life

Better Now

This is Rosemarie and Lynn. They became friends through an affliction called fibromyalgia.




According to the Mayo Clinic, Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety.

Rosemarie had this debilitating disorder several years ago. She couldn't walk up stairs, was in excruciating discomfort and on many medications just to be able to make it through the day. She found great success in taking several of the Univera products. Her life is much different now. She can play golf, travel with her husband, and enjoy her family and friends. Because of her experience, she feels that it is her calling to share what she has learned with anyone who struggles with fibromyalgia.

When I first met Lynn, we had to get together at 1:00 in the afternoon because she had such a hard time getting up and around. She was unable to get out of her home except for about 4-5 days the entire month of May! She had absolutely no energy...she felt like it was a good day if she could get cleaned up and to the couch that day! She ached all over and just had NO LIFE! After I put her in contact with Rose Marie, Lynn began taking the recommended Univera products. In only 3 days she was out on a 45 minute walk, and later that month took her grandson to Six Flags! She is back to work now and off of the medication along with their side effects. She looks like a completely different girl today! As she says, "Now I have my life back!"

Lynn and Rosemarie got to meet in person a couple of weeks ago! I am grateful to see how their lives have changed for the better by these wonderful natural products and company. If you or anyone you know would like to know more, I can get you in touch with either of these great gals!

Good friends = good life!

Dr. J

You gotta love going to the dentist.


It ranks right up there with going to the MVD or trying on swimsuits. However, I have a very hot dentist-- Dr. J. He is always hiking extreme mountains around the world and buying every high tech gizmo invented for his practice. Plus, he does the best crown in town.





I met Dr.J through my husband. When you go in for your 6 month check up you get graded. The hygiene tech, Elena, does the dirty work and then they decide what grade you get based on if you were brushing and flossing as you should and how long it took her to make your pearly whites clean and shiny. Joe would come home and say I got an "A" or "A-". I went to my first check up and got a "B". It was then that I realized Joe just went in and LIED to the dentist because Joe NEVER EVER flosses. He just told them he flosses every day to get an A. Well, don't you know I righted that ship the next time I went in for my appointment!

Flossing is really important though...don't neglect it! Prevents bad breath and bacteria!


Smile. It's a Good Life.

SUPERFOODS

Do you have a health plan?

Now, I'm not talkin' Cigna or Medicare....those are your Health Insurance Companies!! They don't pay unless you are SICK! (I would call that Sick Care!)

Joe and I have put together a 20 year health plan! How do you want to look in 20 years? How much do you plan to weigh? How about your energy and flexibility? Now, what steps will it take to make that a reality?

One thing we can suggest is putting SUPERFOODS into your diet! Our goal is to try and consume at least 3 superfoods every day! It's really pretty easy to do once you start paying attention to it.

Apples
Avacados
Beans
Blueberries
Dark Chocolate
Kiwis
Oats
Spinach
Walnuts
Yogurt

This document goes into detail about each one.

Kind of fun!


Mmm Mmm Good Life.

When the Time Comes

I have been to three funerals this year.

I think I've only been to about 15-20 funerals in my whole life. I guess the reason these 3 funerals have been on my mind is because all of the people were about my age. Now to some of you...52 sounds ANCIENT, but in my world I feel I have another 50-60 years to go!





This sweet lady was Becky Mendoza, and she passed away not long after this photo was taken. She had the STUD,(and I do mean STUD) Diego, that sired the two litters our boxer, Lucy, whelped. Becky came to our home to help deliver the pups both times. She had a seizure right after all the pups were born in the first litter. Consequently, she found out she had a brain tumor. I was so happy she could enjoy helping with the second litter about 18 months later- boxers were her passion.
Beckys funeral was so sweet and inspiring. I learned so much about her and her faith in God that day.

The song for this post has been my favorite worship song for about the past 10 years. About a month ago I was driving to the most recent funeral. I turned on the radio and there was a quiet pause ... and then this tune came on. It was one of those "moments" that happen when you feel God all over you.

I am grateful for His love and our hope of eternal life after this one.

God makes life good.

Plan B

The Recession. It has had an impact on everyone I know.

I have given significant thought to what has happened to us through this economic crisis. We sized down and made some tough choices as to "needs" and "wants" and significantly tightened our belt. The real estate market in Phoenix took the biggest nosedive I have seen in my 18 years in the business. People are losing their homes, their jobs, their investments, their retirement. We must remember that economic downturns are cyclical and it will happen again. Now, more than ever, it is important to position yourself to be able to weather the next storm. How can you take whatever the economy throws at you?

How can you worry a little less? Plan a little more!

Most affluent retirees get 17% of their retirement income from Social Security. We must find ways to create residual income. We must find adequate protection from market downturns.

Joe and I have found what we believe to be a very lucrative as well as rewarding home based business in Univera. It allows us to continue with our present jobs, but also work toward more financial security and time freedom in an extremely viable business model. The network marketing industry is growing by leaps and bounds as many major corporations are adopting this style of distribution as it is extremely profitable for them and allows people to create their own opportunities. The Robert Kiyosaki book "The Business School For People Who Like Helping People" explains the basic ins and outs of relationship marketing and the benefits of helping others grow and be successful.

What will the job market look like when all of this shakes out? The job lost might not be back again- then what? Right now the job seekers outnumber the job openings 6 to 1. The opportunity we have found with Univera gives us creative self employment. We must reshape our work life. It is a completely different way to think about the rest of your life.






We are looking for others who want to help change the health of those they know and love. That small beginning will mushroom and multiply into thousands of people through this business model. We can change the health and wellness of the world. Univera's mission statement is to bring the best of nature to humankind. It will be a significant outcome...and we can be a part of this renewal! How great to be a part of that change in others! We have found the secret to aging better!

We are looking for others who want to find another income source. Whether all you are looking for is to pay for these fantastic products or a six-figure income to replace the job you have now, the sky is the limit for everyone in this company, not just the few at the top. Univera's brilliant compensation plan is unmatched in the industry. It will be a significant financial renewal for many of us. How exciting to be able to help others financially! Is the time right for you? We have a place where you can create your opportunity! Let's go to the top together!

To Your Good Life.

Argyle and Country Clubs

A fairy tale golf-princess kind of day is what I had this week. I was invited along with 11 others to experience Silverleaf Golf Club in Scottsdale. Playing golf is one of my favorite activities, so to get the opportunity to play at this exclusive club was a real treat. It is a stunning venue- the fairways wind through the secluded canyons and valleys of the McDowell mountains. However, I didn't realize exactly what kind of a treat I was in for.

First things first, what to wear. Now you know that with golf it doesn't matter how you play, it's how you look....so I chose my understated and clubish argyle vest and matchy match visor with lucky Jayhawk ball marker. Check.





After the valet took the car and clubs away, I was ushered into the beautiful 50,000 sq.ft.clubhouse. Incredible views, awesome architecture, extremely country-clubish for sure. Then we got to the gorgeous locker room where I had my private locker with my name on it for the day! After an outstanding breakfast buffet we went to the pro shop to meet our caddy! J.D. was an ASU student and caddy-extraordinairre for our foursome! He read my putts, cleaned my balls, raked my traps (too often), found my ball if it happened to be in the desert instead of the fairway (only twice),gave me my yardage and direction, just basically made me feel like a golf princess! The greens were lightening fast(at least 12.5 or 13), the course was in the best shape of the entire year, the weather was sunny & 85 degrees...absolutely divine! The 50 foot putt I made on 16 was the best! Lunch afterward in the library topped it off. Just a HUGE BIG SMILE kind of day.

Isn't that what we need every once in a while? Experiences that knock your socks off and kind of take you by surprise? Those days that let you forget the commotion and goings on?

Life's good.

Journey

I'm not here to discuss the pleasures of that particular rock band, (although I think Steve Perry was an incredible voice and loved the use of this song by The Sopranos finale in 2007), but I am starting this blog in hopes of inspiring others to join me in a journey of health, wellness and renewal.

Over the past three years I have experienced a makeover in my physical health goals after coming in contact with a life changing company called UNIVERA. Simply put, Univera makes natural products for the purpose of changing the world's health....and it has definitely done that for little old Diane from Kansas. (and Toto, too) Check it out by clicking on the Univera logo on my sidebar.

I have learned that we can alter the way we experience the aging process. Because of this change in me, I am willing to learn this crazy computer gizmo called a blog in hopes of building a little community to be inspiring to and inspired by others.

P.S. Thanks to my daughter for her techno-saavyishness in helping me even though I must endure her ridicule because I can't remember how to do it a second time and she has to show me AGAIN!

I want to share things of The Good Life- --and this consists not only about health, but of spiritual, financial, business, family, and relationships as well. If we only have an allotted time to spend here on this earth, why not focus on these things and hopefully grow to the point where we have significance?

Gotta love A Good Life.