Something Political to talk about

New Hampshire economy is based on small business's, remember that when voting Tuesday. Fixing the economy is not about creating 'new' type of jobs that the adult worker has never done before, it's about holding on to our jobs. It's about our teachers, nurse's, CNA's, childcare, social workers, dentists, doctors, electricians, plumbers; even our white collar workers like lawyers, paralegals, accountants, those people have a right to own their own practices. Union workers are fine, as so long the union doesn't overstep their boundaries by trying to over take the small business's. It is hard to be against the Union, because they do have jobs and hold on to their employee's, but the Union has caused a lot of problems for the small business's of America. I know this from personal experience, by the way.
I want the government to downsize, and I want the people to choose their own health care, and their own education, their own jobs. This countries debt is embarrassing, and we shouldn't focus on extending unemployment, and we shouldn't be encouraging corporate companies to have 'temporary employment' - we should focus on permanent employment. Corporate America is taking advantage of the employee by hiring them temporarily, and when the worker has been there long enough to need a raise, or benefits, the companies lay them off to hire another temporary worker, the cycle never ends. With that said, I don't believe we need to be in a Union to hold on to jobs, nor do I believe everyone deserves the same salary when each worker has their own experience.
We pay into our unemployment benefits, and it should be available for people who can't get a job, not for people who are on temporary employment because the non-unionized Corporate American business can't retain employees.
 Four years ago, I campaigned for a Presidential Candidate. This year, I do not believe I will campaign for anyone. I have an opinion, and an idea for I will vote for when it's time to vote in North Carolina. I believe you should have a right to pick who you think is the right candidate, however, I want Barack Obama out of office, I did not vote for him in 2008.
As of right now, I have not changed my Political preference on a piece of paper, but I will say this, through experience, I've gained knowledge, and that changes perception; and yes, my Political party preference/opinion has changed since 2008.

Remember, this blog is about the Chapters of my life, so I do believe I'll post more about Politics, exercise, life, maybe dating, and NASCAR. I'm starting two new chapters this year, one is that I'm planning a big deal trip to LA; the second is that I'm not drinking alcohol anymore. So I guess that means my blog will be more interesting as time goes on. I sure do hope you check it out from time to time, and I'm grateful that you do.

12 Resolutions for 2012

Every year a lot of us make New Years Resolutions, and I hear so many people say that they just can't hold on to those resolutions. I ask, why? I believe you are responsible to follow through on your resolutions, and I believe you should aim to make those come true. I think it's important to face reality, and understand that some obstacles may jump out at us, and we must be prepared to face them head on, and not let them stop us from reaching our goals. Here's a list of some of the things I'd like to 'resolve' this 2012, and I'll add to the list 'why' they may not happen, and on my third list, I'll write 'how' I can make it happen.
There are 12 resolutions that I know I can make happen in the 12 months of 2012! 

In 2012, I Resolve to:
1. Get myself to Los Angeles, California hell or high water; rich, poor, whatever the cost. This dream of mine is 20 years old. Making this a reality is way over-due. I've decided to stop waiting for the perfect moment, and stopped waiting for friends to go with me.
 - Why this might not happen: I am scared to predict what could go wrong that would stop me. I'm only thinking positive thoughts. My question is: Why shouldn't this happen? Why not me?
 - How I can make it happen: To save my money, set a date, book my flight, and hotel early. To not think too much about it, not plan too much, and not worry so much about making it there. To just, 'simply do it!' Also, I've decided that I am not going to visit far away places such as: Canada, NH, Boston, New York, Maine or any other North Eastern state until I visit California. I guess that should be incentive enough.

2. To finish, and publish my book.
- Why this might not happen: I tend to edit it too much, and it's never perfect enough. I over read, over analyze, and over criticize.
- How to make this work: Ask an experienced friend for help. To not be afraid to spend a little bit of money to have it edited.

3. To find a paying writing freelance job or two.
- Why this might not happen: It's very specific, and it's very competitive out there.
- How I can make this happen: To keep applying. To apply in places beyond Charlotte; and maybe beyond NASCAR. Try Fitness sites, magazines.

4. To be a part of media at more than one track.
- Why this might not happen: It can get expensive.
- How I can make this happen: be prepared; plan ahead. Mark my calender.

5. To exercise regularly in weight lifting, running, and yoga. To train others.
- Why this might not happen: There is no reason why it shouldn't. I hope, God forbid that I (do not) injure myself or I fall seriously ill. My back aches may get worse, those three mentions are the only acceptable reasons.
- How I can make this happen: To keep doing what I've been doing. To keep a written schedule. To keep posting video's on my blog (here or on Skirts and Scuffs). To keep my diet in top shape. To keep my ipod updated with motivating music. To keep up with sports messages, and regular doctor visits, especially for my back.

6. To not allow negative people in my life.
- Why this may not happen: Negative people are everywhere, and you sometimes don't know one until you get to know them better.
-How to make this happen: If and when I do meet negative people, ignore them, and not allow them to close in my life.


7. To eat healthier, non-processed foods.
-Why this might not happen:  There is no reason why this can't happen, but I love pizza, lasagna, cheese, and breads.
- How I can make this happen: find substitutes for the above mentioned foods. To limit myself, and keep track of what I do eat, so I can afford to have a pizza, or a slice of lasagna once in awhile.
I am healthy and I work everyday to eat healthy every-day!!!! IN PROCESS

8. To re-design my blog, to build a nice web page.
- Why this might not happen: I don't see why it shouldn't happen.
- How I can make this happen: Set aside a day/night to research pages, to invest a little bit of money, and to have a clear picture as to what I want, and how I'll build it.
IN PROCESS

9. To forget the past; forgive the bad.  To live in peace.
  - Why this may not happen: There's no reason why this shouldn't happen.
 -  How to make it happen: Focus!

10. To de-clutter my house, and life. To get rid of all the unnecessary junk. 
- Why this may not happen: There's no reason this should not happen.
-How to make this happen: Put things away, throw things away, right away!


11. To live with God in my heart, to put him first, and to aim to be the best Christian I can be.
- Why this might not happen: No reasons why it should not happen.
- How I can make this happen: to keep my Bible near my bedside. Make friends with those who believe.
IN PROCESS....

12. To mediate, to attend a yoga retreat.
- Why this might not happen: A yoga retreat is very expensive.
- How I can make this happen: 1. Find a place near Charlotte; 2. Add a one day retreat in my 'things to do in LA,' list. 3. Find a retreat in NH, near my parents home.

Fond Memories of 2011

I am being honest when I say I survived 2011 by the skin of my teeth. This past year is not one to brag about, and I hate say the hardest times, the heartbreaking times unfortunately outweighed the good times. Knowing a family member is fighting, and then loses her battle with cancer isn't anything to smile about. Though, there's no reason to believe that there weren't some happy times. I'd like to mention those days. I know it's easier to focus on the bad, but sometimes, you need to dig deep inside and remember the good days, even if at that time they seemed to be moments you wouldn't believe to remember.

1. Having dinner at my sister's house on her 32nd birthday. It was a very long time before that night that I got be with her on her actual birthday. It was a quiet night at home, she had made cup cakes for everyone, and my niece, then 1 years old, refused to eat any. She's not much of a sweet foodie.
2. Attending the Miss Sprint Cup Unveil party at Whisky River. I know, this seems silly to say, but, it was a night out, and I did meet new people. It was a networking opportunity for me, and I'm glad I went.
3. My friend M's 32nd birthday was a fun night. I thought it was cool to dress up, and go out to a nice bar we normally wouldn't hang out at on any other given night.
4. My 35th birthday. I spent it with my niece, and we just kicked it around the house. She tried on every shoe in my closet! I also ended the  night with two friends at a nice wine bar here in town. It was a quiet, uneventful nice, and relaxing day.
5. My very first press conference for the All Star Race announcement at the Whisky River with Kasey Kahne. That wasn't my favorite day, but, in the midst of all the chaos and sadness, I had one amazing hour. You never forget the first, star-celebrity athlete you get to interview for an article you are writing about. I am very thankful I had that one hour off, it was short, sweet and very much needed in the middle of a tear-jerking, hectic work day in Corporate America! This was one of those days that taught me: even if you're having a bad day, something good can really happen, which is why it's important to live in the 'NOW!'
6. Attending the Nationwide race in Bristol, Tennessee. What an awesome race track that is! I also had the chance to meet (then) fellow contributor to Skirts and Scuffs Whitney. I honestly hope to have the chance to go back to Bristol, that is a weekend of fun that I know is well worth it.
7. My niece's 2nd birthday. I had the chance to see her earlier in the day, and we took her out by the lake; the most memorable moment was when she ran around in circles as fast as she could. The wind was blowing fiercely, and for a moment,  she looked like she was going in slow motion. What I remember the most about that moment, was that she looked so free, so happy, so innocent, and so positive. She gave me inspiration that day. I'm thankful I moved here, to see her often.
8. Dale Earnhardt Jr's press conference at the Charlotte Motor Speedway when they showed off the largest HDTV screen at a race track. I was so nervous, and so excited. I didn't get to talk to him, but I did get a lot of picture's. Later that same day, I have to admit, I visited someone I knew  (who works for Hendrick Motorsports) at the shop; he gave me a tour of HMS, and I did get to see a lot of amazing things. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to experience the turn of events on that particular day.
9. The All-Star Race: I had the chance to meet Skirts and Scuffs photographer Debbie; and writers Melissa, and Rebecca. I was excited to be there, especially since I had won the four tickets, so it was a free night out. My friend Nicole also met a man. They have been dating since! I'm so happy for them.
10. The Coca-Cola 600 was my very first race event as a member of the media. Trust me, I don't think that I've had a happier first day/weekend then I've had that entire weekend. The entire weekend tops some of the better days of my life, such as the first time I competed as a fitness model, but I wouldn't say that it was better than the birth of my niece. I'll never forget my first weekend.
11. The first time back in NH, after a year of absence was in July, for the NH race. I finally attended my home track as a member of the media, and that too was an experience of a lifetime. All three days were amazing, and I'll cherish my memories forever.
12. One random Saturday, Labor Day weekend, my family and I went on a boat ride on Lake Norman. We went so far out on the lake, it was seriously a good day, and nothing especially exciting happened either. It was just the six of us enjoying a hot summer afternoon on the lake. Well, my niece did an awful lot of cute things, but this blog would turn into a novel if I were to mention everything she did!
13. The Bank of America 500 was my third race event as a member of the media. I'll never forget that Thursday night when I walked into the media. I felt a huge rush of relief, and happiness. I felt like I was in the right place, and that I belonged there. That entire weekend is filled with memories I will hold near to my heart forever.
14. Christmas morning with my niece. She is starting to understand what is happening, and that morning was one to remember.

So that's that. I have listed more good memories then I thought I would've. I look forward to putting the year away, and starting a whole new journey come 2012!

In the end...

It is the end of the year, there’s only 12 more days until 2012. Around this time I sit and reflect on the past year, and today I can honestly say I am not the same person I was last Christmas.

I will not tell you 2011 was an absolute wash, but, it certainly wasn’t the best year of my life. We’re told to always count the blessings, and not the hardships. We’re told to learn from the bad, and the mistakes we’ve made. So I figured I’d put a list of things I’ve learned this year.

Valuable life lessons:

1.     You can’t take advice from people who do not have what you want in life.
2.     You can’t be offended if someone doesn’t want your advice.
3.     Bad news can come during the best moment of your life.
4.     Terminal illness can happen to the healthiest person.
5.   You live what you learn.
6.   Just when you think you can trust someone, they can deceive you.
7.   It is possible to love someone too much.
8.   It is possible to want it too bad.
9. Your friends and relatives may want the best for you, but they may not know how to help you.
10. If the only time you see your friends is when it’s time to party or get drunk, they may not be your real friends.
11. Only you know what’s right for you.
12.  It doesn’t matter if you have a good attitude, you treat people with respect, or if you work hard, bad luck can happen.
13. Most people only look out for themselves.
14. The “Don’t give a shit about no one,’ attitude is actually positive, only you can make your life better.
15.  Those that mind don’t matter and those that don’t mind matter.
16. Just when you didn’t believe your heart could break anymore,  it actually does.
17. You honestly do not know what it’s like to be in someone’s shoes.
18. What’s right for you may not be right for someone else.
19. The person that hurt you the most, is the one person you may never be able to hurt in return. 
20. Your dreams can come true, but not necessarily how, or when you want them to.

In the end, we learn something new everyday. We change everyday, and if we still see life the same way we did last year, if we don't allow ourselves to change, we're not growing.
Have a Merry Christmas!