"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away"

Friday, December 31, 2010

EVERYONE EAT YOUR BLACK EYED PEAS!!!!



As long as I can remember My Mom always made a huge pot of black eyed peas on New Year’s Eve Day. I remember one New Year Eve Party where my mom must have had 20 spoons in her hand and a pot of black eyes peas in the other and making everyone eat a minimum of a spoonful. She said, "If you don't eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day, you'll have bad luck all year!" A few guests would just eat a single black-eyed pea while pinching their nose, just to satisfy my Mom’s wishes.
Not only is it a tradition in the Abston household but it is a tradition in the American South to eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. In the South it is said that black-eyed peas symbolize good luck and prosperity. Some believe that the black-eyed peas represent the "coins," while the winter greens they're often served with represent the "dollars." Eating them together on New Year's Day is supposed to guarantee many of both in the year to come. Others believe more generally that, like the peas swelling as they cook, the person eating them will swell with good fortune.
For myself and my entire family we have taken Mom’s advice about eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day very seriously! We all make sure to take advantage of good luck for the coming year. A New Year's Day doesn’t pass without us eating a big bowl of black eyed peas over sticky rice. So, my advice to all my family and friends is for everyone takes advantage of this limited window of opportunity to lock in a year's worth of good luck!




Thursday, December 2, 2010

Save a Trip & Shop On Line at Zappos


Between purchasing gifts, holiday parties, travel plans and family traditions, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Yes, the Holiday season has arrived! Time to start thinking of your Christmas purchases for the kids, that special someone, Mom, Dad, friends and co-workers! Wow, it’s a good thing at Zappos there have come up with more gift ideas for each and every person in your life. They have a vast number of great gift ideas for the entire family.
At Zappos they make gift giving easier.  You'll find gift ideas for the holidays, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, baby & wedding showers, and much more. They also provide an assortment of handbags, men’s & women’s sunglasses , personal leather goods, Cole Haan belts, top name beauty supplies.  You'll find that at Zappos your purchases go beyond just gifts, but they help you celebrate your special events with the little extras that help make life better.

Cole Haan carries leading styles and name brands. Every year they launch an exciting new assortment of high-quality men's & women’s, children’s & infant’s footwear, and glamorous handbags. This holiday season, instead of browsing the crowded malls browse my favorite online retailers, Zappos. They offer free shipping on all domestic orders placed on their website, with no minimuhttp://www.zappos.com/cole-haanm order.Unlike many other web sites that put restrictions on minimum purchases, as well as, lots of special exceptions.

Go Get Your Shop On!!!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Throw open the windows of your house and breathe in the fresh air!

“It raining it’s pouring the old man is snoring.” Remember that poem from when we were kids? When it is a warm rain, like it is today, I put on comfy clothes & go outside and stand in the rain. I then proceed to raise my arms above my head spin around & allow the power from the raindrops to completely saturate me. I clear my mind and listen to the rainfall focusing all of my spirit on the sounds that the rain brings. The sounds of the rustling trees, the wind blowing, & the sound of the raindrops hitting the ground. Simply amazing, a wonderful & powerful gift from God. Today it is raining and since I am still recuperating from knee surgery, I cannot enjoy today’s rain to the fullest. I cannot allow the rain drops to soak into my soul.


 Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It is about learning how to dance in the rain! So, for all of you who can dance in the rain go outside & raise your hands up to the dark cloudy sky & twirl! And just feel the rain hitting from face. Or better yet try jumping in the puddles beneath your feet while keeping your eyes closed & clear your mind. Dancing has been proven to release stress and deliver an overall sense of well being. Dance is a successful method of therapy for stress management. When I dance in the rain I feel the rain drops cover me and give me a source of energy. Keep dancing until you feel the release from all of your life’s burdens and stress!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15kWlTrpt5k

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

Thanksgiving is about more than roasting the perfect turkey, viewing the Macy’s Parade, and watching the football game. Thanksgiving is about gathering loved ones and sharing a magnificent meal together. It’s about giving thanks and being appreciative for the numerous things that you have to be grateful for in your life. Thanksgiving is a time of year for both grand and small gestures to show that you are thankful for all the good fortune that has come your way during the year. At the Abston household it is about spending extra time with family and friends. One of our rituals is once the food is put away and the dessert has been eaten it’s off to the movies.
Once we arrive home Jen & I go through the newspaper ads. We each have a copy of the list of items we each would like to get. We make our plan of attack for Black Friday! We decide what stores we want to go to & which ones to hit first. Of course, the order depends on the time the stores open and we figure out the travel patterns in relations to each store. Black Friday has been a family tradition for Jennifer & I for the past fifteen years. We head out for some serious shopping as early as 4am. 

Here’s to everyone having an outstanding & memorable Thanksgiving!!!

Monday, November 15, 2010

The Power of the Glad Game


A sad truth is not everyone accepts or believes in the power of positive thinking. Some consider the subject as just plain nonsense. There are individuals who scoff at people who believe and accept the power of their thoughts. How often do you hear people say, “Think positive!” when someone is down and out?  Most people do not take these words of encouragement seriously. Not only that, they do not believe these words to be useful, helpful, or effective.
Now I am dating myself here, but do you remember when ABC would broadcast Disney movies on Sunday nights? At 7pm my entire family would gather around the television with popcorn in hand and watch the Disney movie of the week. One of my favorite childhood movies is the 1960 Disney movie Pollyanna. It was a family favorite. In the movie Pollyanna plays a game with her father called “The Glad Game,” in which the two try to look on the bright side of every situation.
In today’s society being called a “Pollyanna” is often used as a negative term.  A “Pollyanna” is someone who is blindly optimistic about every situation, sometimes to the point of foolishness.  I however, disagree and whenever possible play “The Glad Game”. To me, “The Glad Game” is a way to empower one’s self with positive actions.
A positive mind anticipates wellbeing, happiness, bliss, and a successful outcome of every circumstance that life throws at them. Thinking constructively leads to an incredible outcome of every situation and action. If one accepts the mind set of positive thinking they open themselves for success! Positive thinking is a mental attitude that acknowledges into one’s thoughts, words, and feelings. Optimistic is conductive to growth, progress, and triumph over all. Maintaining an upbeat outlook supports productive and favorable results.
Being Positive is an outlook in life in which thinking daily positive thoughts, and using positive words, positive quotes and phrases in daily language, become the habit, priority and the guiding philosophy in life. In short, the power of positive thinking lies in successfully applying positive measures to one's life. I take pleasure in being a “Pollyanna”.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Little Guy

Pets bring us joy and unconditional love. When owning a pet they ultimately become a surprisingly important part of the family. Six years ago, my daughter & I took in a stray that we named Little Guy. Little Guy helped make our lives special and became a vital part of our family. Today, our cat of 6 years died suddenly. I and my family members are feeling awful about the loss of our dear cat Little Guy. We are thankful for the time we had with him. He had a personality that offered us exceptional companionship. Death is as natural as life and all of us must deal with death. Little Guy Rest in Peace and the happiness you brought us will never be forgotten.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined.

One of my favorite quotes "Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake." by Henry David Thoreau
In today's economy so many of us are just trying to survive. We all need to seek out our strength, passion, and patience. We all have great attributes but need to be reminded of them from time to time. My wish for myself and all other individuals is instead of just surviving that we all continue to dream. Keep your heart open to dreams. For as long as there's a dream, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, there is joy in living. So, I am throwing out to the universe that I support myself, as well as, others in their dreams! And I truly hope that in the near future we all fulfill the dreams that we have imagined!

GET YOUR SHOP ON!!!!

Beyond The Rack specials for October 28th- 31st, 2010

For an easy and enjoyable shopping experience I recommend that you view this week’s specials at Beyond the Rack. http://click.lthosting.com/~adclicks/mavnt/click.php?tid=503815
I ordered the Argento Vivo three weeks ago and I just love it! I have received several compliments from clients and family members. One of the main features that I love on this site is “My Shopping Bag” if someone doesn’t finish their purchase the item will be delete in 20 minutes and put back on line for fellow shoppers to purchase the item.

Beyond the Rack has a variety of materials for a great value. BTR offers you with a great selection of merchandise at even greater prices every day; which is what an exclusive shopping club is all about!  They have name brand clothes; cell phone accessories, cannon ink jet cartridges, make up, and skin care products, shoes, and designer bags dinnerware, cameras, and baby items. They have luxury watches, such name brands as, Welini, Invicta, Pulsar, Swiss Legend, Versus, Technomarine, and much much more.

When you refer a friend to shop you earn a$10.00 for your future purchases.
BTR makes ordering and shipping easy and convenient. Once you place your order from BTR they ship your order within 2-3 weeks from the time you click the Process Order button. You will receive a confirmation email along with a tracking number as soon as BTR receives your order and your order is then shipped promptly.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Make "me" Time

Make time for you today! Take a reprieve from any of your stressful circumstances. Schedule an appointment today for a relaxing body treatment that is tailored just for you. You will enjoy the “me” time that you treated yourself to while you rejuvenate your spirit. It will ensure that your body and mind is prepared for the coming week and help with stress management.
Giving the body time to heal and restore energy is a very important way to keep from having complete muscle failure. Most people do not make the time to give their bodies the amount of rest they truly require to function at their highest capacity. One way to help people with their daily grind is by having routine massage sessions.

Take a moment for yourself from your busy life. Give yourself a little time to experience a fantastic therapeutic massage. Schedule your appointment today. It's the perfect, thoughtful gift of relaxation that you can give to yourself or purchase a gift certificate from Catch Your Breath Massage, for a loved one.

Call Christine from Catch Your Breath Massage to schedule your appointment today. Same day appointments are often available. (916) 410-7691

Friday, October 1, 2010

Happy Halloween


Yay! Finally October 1st. That means the Halloween decorations are going up today BABY!!! To me, Halloween is the second most indulgent and frivolous holiday there is in American culture. Yeah, yeah… I know but I love it!!! Halloween is my second best favorite holiday. I know that Halloween should have a negative religious connotation for me, but I am a bit sad to say it does not. And only a bit sad because my parents do not approve. To me it’s simply a chance for us to escape the triteness of our lives and be creative and playful.

It makes me smile thinking of all the fond memories of shopping with Jen to get just the right costume. It meant seven years of endless baking for the PTA and helping with the Halloween parade at Jen's school. Decorating the house and carving Jack-O-Lanterns. And don’t forget shopping for the perfect treats to pass out to all the little goulish Halloween visitors.

I will be volunteering again this year at Fright Planet Sacramento Haunted House. There are currently taking applications. It’s for a good cause and I hope to scare you there! www.frightplanet.com/ca/2008/jobs.html -

Halloween to me is just something that is so incredibly fun!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Spa Diva (530) 392-0039


The Best part of my day was getting an absolutely fabulous facial at Spa Diva!! I'm in the spa business and have been getting monthly facials for over fifteen years. I have had the chance to get a variety of facials, skin peels, microdermabrasions, you name it, but by far Lisa at Spa Diva is the best!!
She has been working on my face for over three years now. She uses top quality product. My skin is the clearest it’s ever been. I believe the main reason that I do not look my age is due to Lisa. After my microderm treatment my skin looks radiant & has a smooth texture. My skin is noticeably brighter, hydrated, & plump the next day. Lisa always does an amazing job! I so love her & I highly recommend her!!!! And YES I am biased when it comes to her!
 If you love magnificent looking skin & love to be pampered go visit Spa Diva!!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Beginning to Rebuild


I have to restore my spirit. I have strayed from my belief that happiness comes from inside of me. I misplaced how significant it is to find happiness from within. Instead, I started turning to a man to make me happy. I am once again, focusing on finding happiness inside of Christine. Presently, I am getting in touch with my “authentic self”.   
Every time you lose control to negative emotions like anger, disparagement, resentment, or rage, you allow those negative feelings to have power over you. It is easy to remain in a state of frenzy. It is an undertaking to leave behind these detrimental behaviors. You need to persevere & thwart all destructive mind-sets.
My intention is to reclaim my unadulterated self.  To fill myself with creativity and oodles of positive energy! I need to “dig down deep” for my inner strength. Thank goodness I do not need “to dig” too deep! The power & strength that comes from inside one's self cannot be lost like a set of keys. Once you create a life with meaning, purpose, and vitality, it can never be taken away from you!

My Theme Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4NA7-EGwYI

We went round for round til' we knocked love out
We were laying in the ring, not making a sound
And if that's a metaphor of you and I
Why is it so hard to say goodbye

I can't wait to hate you make you, pain like i do..
Still can't shake you off..
I can't wait to break through these emotional changes..
Seems like such a loss cause I can't wait to face you,
Break you, down so low there's no place left to go..

I can't wait to hate you..

My Authentic Self


     I just committed one of the biggest mistakes most people make when they get involved in a long term relationship. I fell into the trap of giving up many of my own opinions and beliefs for the sake of my partner. I got so caught up in him that I lost my own identity. I gave up my social life with friends in order to spend time with him. I feel like I lost a part of who I am.  I lost my personal identity. I started to feel as if I was slowly dissolving away. I didn’t realize it of course, until the relationship was over.

     I feel in all my previous relationships I did a fantastic job of maintaining my own identity & was able to invest a good portion of myself into my other relationships. I was always able to share my life with that “special someone” & maintain a sense of personal fulfillment & happiness that wasn’t as a result of my relationship with my partner.
     In healthy romantic relationships both partners need to be willing to compromise. We both did our share of compromising in the beginning. Than it constantly felt like a power struggle so, in the end I did all the compromising. I was so “In Love” that I ignored the “red flags” of his dominating personality and control issues.

     I am a believer that whenever a relationship ends that there is a lesson to be learned. I have been mulling over my life lesson and I couldn’t figure it out. My dear friend Tim said, “My lesson is to be true to who you are & you haven’t been with Ken.” So, in my next relationship I will remember to hang onto my own identity in my "future committed relationship."  
So, I now need to rediscover who I am again!!!


Sunday, September 26, 2010

Job & Health Care Fair

I will be providing free chair massage today, September 26, 2010 at Antelope Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is located at 4219 Antelope Road, in Antelope, CA 95842. The church is hosting a Job & Health Care Fair for the community of Antelope. It will take place in the Fellowship Hall from 11am to 3pm. Hope to see you there!!!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Yippee Skip NO more roots!!!

Okay normally I get my hair colored and cut every six weeks. This time I waited a whole nine weeks my roots must have been 2.5 inches worth. So, the best part of my day so far is going to Shear Magic and having Kitty Coppin fix my hair. I have been going to Kitty for almost 3 years now. So, has my daughter, Jennifer and many of our friends. Kitty is awesome does an amazing job and I LOVE MY HAIR AGAIN!!!!! If Jen & I ever wait too long to schedule an appointment and if we have an event to go to Kitty always squeezes us in. We may be double booked but again she makes sure our hair looks great for whatever event it may be!

Kitty Coppin (916) 410-9138
199 Cirby Way # 18
Roseville, CA 95678-6429

Monday, September 20, 2010

Bargain Shopping


As everyone knows, I currently cannot work for another 4 weeks. Needless to say money is a bit tight right now and I have two birthday gifts to purchase by Saturday. If you have never been to the web site http://www.become.com I highly suggest you visit this site! This is by far the most affordable and quality site to get earrings and watches that I have ever researched! They sell watches for both men and women at http://jewelry-and-watches.become.com/mens-watches/watches .The Watches come in every imaginable style that you could possibly want.
            While shopping for Jen & Mom I couldn’t help but purchase a watch for myself. This watch is extremely versatile. Watches are always a nightmare for me to find. I need one that is suitable for everyday use and great for dressing up. Normally I have to have two watches. A watch for work and a separate watch that works for getting all dolled up.  I’m so impressed with this site and would recommend it above previous earrings or "whole sale" sites I have been too!
Jewelry is so hard to find in a reasonable price range! The site was very easy to browse through and user friendly. I was able to find exactly what I was looking for from size, to color, to quantity at http://jewelry-and-watches.become.com/womens-jewelry/earrings! My personal favorites on this site after browsing through were these adorable Cubic Zirconia dear drop ring. They are very simple but yet so classy at the same time. A great gift for my Mom! Of course I fell in love with a pair of earrings for myself that I just couldn’t live without!!
I bought Jen an adorable Sterling Silver Heart Dangle Charm. She loved the charm said it was stylish and she won’t get beat up while she’s working!! I started X-mas shopping early and purchased several charms for my cousins. Shopping on  http://jewelry-and-watches.become.com/womens-jewelry/charms way to really get great quality items at a fantastic price!
GO GET YOUR SHOP ON!!!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Actual Nails

This may be a bit trivial but for the first time in 6 years I have fingernails! I have so missed my fingernails. I can scratch an itch again. Ken & Coco loves my long fingernails too! Obviously as a CMT I cannot have long nails. One of my daily rituals is to clip my nails. Normally they are not past the quick. I will be able to enjoy my long beautiful nails for 32 more days! Yippee Skip! The only perk from my surgery!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Awwee take a deep breath in!!!



I so love the smell of the Rain!!! Don’t get me wrong I am a sun worshiper but that first rain is literally like a breath of fresh air!! Rainy days and Mondays always get me down…Great song!  Yes, I am dating myself now “Rainy Days and Mondays” by The Carpenters.  So gathered up the pillow cushions on the patio chairs and covered up the furniture.  Jen & Ken moved some furniture under the patio covering. I saw you & him walking in the rain you were holding hands & I’ll never be the same. Was just singing that out loud. I love that one 2!!! Classic on my IPod of course! Watch tomorrow it will be 100. Hope not!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmeFrNPGXlc

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Random ?


 

What was the best part of your day?
My answer Seeing Jen, haven't seen my baby girl since Friday. Happy to have her home!!!

The Treasure Trove

Labor Day was pretty uneventful. Since surgery still can't do a whole lot. Was so so incredibly bored that I spent a total of ten hours cleaning out the treasure trove aka my garage. Now to all that know me, know that is a HUGE deal!! Especially since Ken has been trying to get me to clean out the garage for I'd say a year and a half. Please Ken has been willing to clean my entire garage by himself if I would let him. While means throwing out all my treasures. For those who know me & Ken they know he tells me I am a big hoarder! I agree but only where the garage is concerned!!!! So since I still cannot work for  a whole 5 more weeks the plan is to spend just 15 min a day in the garage until it is clean. Change one thing right!!!!


So, after  only 5 months Ken FINALLY has a space for a work area. Priceless!!!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Taking It Easy

It's been three weeks since surgery and I am officially going stir crazy. I am beginning to really stress out over finances all though I am trusting that every thing will work out in the end. Funny story, this week I had an attempt of 12 new clients and I am still stuck on bed rest! Ken has really been sweet and helpful waiting on me hand and foot! Lucky me! - and believe it or not I have been a big girl and not a baby. Only whined a few times, I am pretty proud of myself to be honest. I can not wait to get my clients back and begin working again soon. Sweet story of the month: Once I was home from the hospital I was up late at 3 a.m. for a glass of water, and Ken got upset and offered to get me water and told me to not move!

I should begin taking clients again on October 16th! I can't wait so here is the official count down beginning NOW! 45 more days and it's go time!