Deadlines.......

I was surfing the web this weekend and actually putting off my writing (my goal is to post 3-5 times a month) when I came across this fabulous website called Sunday Scribblings.

Every Saturday, they post a “word prompt” to help those with their writing.  The word that day was deadline.  Mmmm-how apropos is that?!  I have so many deadlines at the moment, it is actually causing me to have stress!  The funny thing is, obviously, most of these are self-imposed in order to accomplish the things in my life that are important to me.  Clearly, when you have too many, they all seem to fall to the wayside as you don’t know where to begin.  So, I decided to just start anywhere and see what would happen.  Honestly, the Universe opened up so many windows of opportunity that day!  The little man TOLD me he wanted to take a nap and poof!  He was on the couch and asleep before the episode of Caillou was over!  I grabbed my IPhone and headphones (multi-tasking girl that I am) ran upstairs and headed straight for my closet.  An hour later, things were put away and set aside for cleaners, shoe repair etc.  Plus, I rehearsed all the songs I needed to 3 times each!  Seriously?!  I did that in 1 hour?!  OK!  What’s next?!  I finished a few emails, did a couple of yoga poses (learning a sequence for weight loss, more on that later) and even relaxed and read more of my current book, The Writer’s Diet (see previous post).  Sang thru songs a few more times and then poof!  Little Man was up and ready to go have fun!

When I set too many deadlines for myself, none of them get done.  Plus, flexibility is the key.  What really needs to be done?  We have a friend whose 3 day hospital stay has turned into 8 days!  What should I do?  Tell him, sorry, I have a blog to write and a show to rehearse and dishes to put away so I can’t come visit you?  Maybe the Little Man needs extra love and attention, so what do I tell him?  Sorry, honey-too busy for you.  Of course, not!   Better planning, flexibility and knowledge of what’s really important is the key to making my deadlines!  Thanks to Sunday Scribblings for the inspiration!  Do you need some fabulous music for your next event/party/wedding reception?  Check me out at Twitter and karenmerstikmichaels.com for lots of entertainment choices!  Enjoy your week, work those deadlines and live your life to the fullest! 

A Salute to Bill Fayne!

It was great fun last weekend to be a part of honoring and performing in a benefit for a man, not only filled with huge talent, but obviously so beloved by the performing community of Las Vegas and beyond.  Bill Fayne, who is probably best known as Clint Holmes musical director and founding member of the Las Vegas Tenors, had some serious medical issues recently.  You can read more about his story here.

Clint Holmes & Kelly Clinton not only hosted the show, but performed as well, along with the likes of; Terry Fator, Louis Anderson, Rick Faugno(Jersey Boys), Jerry Lopez (Santa Fe & the Fat City Horns), Pete Barbutti, Robin Leach, Lance Burton, Mark Giovi (Bite at Stratosphere),Michelle Johnson, Domenick Allen (former lead singer of Foreigner) and his daughter Cayleigh Capaldi, Susan Anton, Cast members fromMenopause the Musical (Skye Dee Miles, Sandra Benton, Vida Corimbi),Lena Prima, Voce Vegas, Frankie Scinta, Las Vegas Tenors, Tina Walsh(Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular), Gayle Steele, Vinnie Falcone, and so many more! It was absolutely crazy to be surrounded by the talent of Las Vegas!  My vocal group, Dangerous Curves, my sister, Lori and Michelle sang back up for the one and only Mark Giovi.  The song was called “Young Angels” and was written by Mark and Bob Grimes.  It kinda felt like we were in a rock concert!   

Now, this weekend is filled with building blocks and cooking and farmers market and cleaning and well, you know, Mommyland!  Maybe even a bit of rehearsing-the perfect weekend!  The sun stayed out until 647pm today, it was awesome! Have a fabulous week, friends!  Check me out at twitter and karenmerstikmichaels.com and dangerouscurveslasvegas.com!  

Spring cleaning-in my head, heart and home!

It’s been a rough couple of weeks in Karenland.  Which, of course, means I did learn a few things.  There has been quite a bit of pressure at the straight gig, and although I do sing there, its not like a regular gig.  Very corporate is the best explanation I can give without going into what’s happening to me there.  Everyone has tough weeks at their straight job, I know.  But , it doesn’t make it any easier to get through.  And, I have decided to use what’s going on as impetus to get my booty in high gear!  

Now, the good news is that all of this is my choice!  I can choose to stay unhappy in this or I can take all the steps I need to take to get out and move on and still take care of my family!  Obviously, that doesn’t mean all these choices are easy.  I can already think of a few that are tough.  Perhaps its those tough choices and challenges that will make the winning so very sweet.  

One of the best things I heard this week was from a friend who, while we were enjoying a glass of one of our favorite Chardonnay said, “You are the average sum of the 5 people you hang around the most”.  Her boyfriend heard this quote at a seminar he was attending.  Wow.  We sat there determining who we spent the most time with and we had to account for the people we work with and ugh!  Not really spending time with loving, caring and uplifting people as much as we thought!  Back to those hard choices!  

Tomorrow is the first of March and the signs of Spring are everywhere here in Las Vegas.  Time to make great choices, do some Spring cleaning in the head and heart and home and spend time with those who lift us up!  

Follow me on Twitter and check out my band site here!

Do you control your feelings and your destiny?

Mmmmmm.  If you had asked me that question even 5 days ago, I would have answered (rather smugly too, I think), well, of course!  Back to mmmmm.  This week at work and in the recording studio, was extremely revealing to me about my personal pysche.  My feelings and moods are clearly and totally influenced by the comments and events that take place around me and about me.  I am not in control of my feelings at all and I am not choosing how I feel!  What?!!@!?  I mean, I do have a backbone and very strong opinions and very strong ideas and...blah, blah, blah.  Maybe sometimes I do.  This week, I did not.  Many other times, I have not.  And, it has  injured my soul.  My actual living, breathing, vibrant,  beautiful soul.  That internal piece of me that is such a precious gift from God that no one has the right to get near, unless I allow them to-and apparently I offered up my soul on a silver platter for viewing and commentary and judgement.  I have been doing this sort of thing more and more and let me tell you, it ain't workin'.   What am I doing?  Is this living?  Is this the example I want to set for my son?  Why am I not doing what I am supposed to be doing?  Why am I not believing in myself?  Fear?  Fear of what?  That I will be judged or found out?  Its already happening because I am allowing it!  So, why not do what I love-do what is my destiny-singing and performing and writing and know that the money and responsibilities will be met.   Is that the key?  Simply an innate knowing and believing that it will work out?  That is what "The Secret" says to do.  Do what you are supposed to do and the rest will work itself out.  I remember a time in my life when it seemed easy to think that way.  Now, with a husband and a baby and a mortgage, it seems so much harder to do that.  Other people are relying on me. Other people are counting on me.   And that's what makes this so important!  I must do what I am destined to do so that I can take care of my family both financially and spiritually.  Have I hit on the answer?  I believe I have. Mmmmm. 

The Summer Olympics are here!

I love the Olympics!  It brings back memories of my family all watching and rooting for Team America together.  Such happy thoughts!  Then there are the atheletes...the sacrifices, the discipline, the hard work!  It is absolutely awe-inspiring!  These people, whom I don't even know, actually make me work harder on my own personal goals and dreams.  Which is precisely why I have decided to watch the Olympics this summer.

You see, originally, I was feeling very self-righteous in my decision not to view the Olympics.  I mean, I couldn't possibly support, in any way, a country that controls its population and does not value its women.  A country who does not support any of the freedoms we hold so dear, like freedom of the press, religious freedom and the aforementioned, reproductive rights.  If I were to support the Olympics, why then I must be supporting the whole ideology of China!  

Please, sometimes I think I need to have my head examined.  First of all, I now realize how patriotic it is to support my team, no matter where they are competing!  It is our duty to support them by watching the TV and keeping up to date on their victories, via the internet or newspaper.  It also occured to me that by shining the bright light of publicity on China, it brings these issues to the fore front of people's minds.  I believe when that happens, the synchronicity factor kicks in! We are all talking about and thinking about these important issues and how to change them and make it better for the people of China.  I challenge you to think positively about the people of China, the issues they face and think of ways to improve their situation.  I challenge you to think about and pray for the leaders of China, that they take care of their citizens in a more democratic and spiritual way.  

Which brings me back to the original point.  I am watching the Olympics this year and praying that in my own personal way, I give spiritual support to not only my fabulous Team America, but also to the wonderful people of China.

Free Time?!

Good Morning!  I find myself with about 20 minutes of down time.....what??!!@#!  The baby is napping, the clothes in the wash, the husband still sleeping and I don't have to get in the shower for another 20-so I choose to share this time with you!

As always, I have on Fox News as I am really trying to keep up with the stock market and finance news and, of course, election information, and there was a story about an animal rights group that attacked the home of a biologist who does biomedical testing on animals.  They have used pipe bombs, graffiti and even one on one attacks. 

Honestly, I am a true lover of animals of all kinds.  We raised horses when I was a kid and always had dogs, cats, rabbits, birds etc.  I regularly give to different animal organizations for the protection and care of animals and own 2 beautiful dogs and a cat (a cinnamon Chow Chow, a Keeshond and a Russian blue) and would have more if time and money permitted.  I do not agree with animal testing and go out of my way to purchase make up, groceries, etc.  that I believe agree with my views.

However, I must state unequivocally that I do not and will not support violence against human beings.  We must use our brains and our educations for these most difficult situations.  It seems to me that it actually invalidates the message of the animal protector.  I admire their fortitude and determination in this important idea!  But, we must behave humanly and not like those of our dear animal friends, for that is what separates us.  We have reason and logic on our side.

The activist may argue that is why they take such extreme steps, because the animal, with their limitations cannot.  I hear you and I applaud your ideology.  But, please consider that children were nearby and in danger of injury or worse.  I realize that one of your goals was to get the publicity many of you so richly deserve.  I just ask that you find another way.  I will support you, but not if you are endangering a child.

Weekend Thoughts

Today is a great day in that my husband has the day off (not typical on Saturday) so we get to hang together as a family of 3, instead of the usual 2 with one at work.  Our first stop after lunch was Borders Books as we love to linger and walk around and enjoy the lovely anticipation of a new book or magazine.  I got "You Are What You Eat"  by Dr. Gillian McKeith and one of my favorite magazines, 'Artful Blogging". The husband got a writing magazine and a bargain book (something we absolutely love about Borders Books).   My book is, of course, about my all encompassing obsession with losing weight. I am really gaining interest in the raw food/greens ideology and so I am very attracted to those books. I feel it will be the way for me to finally conquer this personal problem.  But, it is slow going as it is not an easy thing to do.  I have just started to read this lovely, magazine-style book so I will give you a full review when I am done.

The blogging magazine is simply gorgeous and I am salivating to read through it so I am waiting for just the perfect moment of peace, tranquility and at least 20 minutes in a row! I am hoping for inspirational ideas for this blog to keep you interested and make it fun and creative for me,  too!  

By the way, I did tell you I would review fun things we have purchased and so at this very moment I have my Macbook sitting on a lap desk on my lap!  We purchased it from Target for under $20 dollars and it is fantastic! The bottom is soft on the skin and has a "cushy" feel and it has done a great job of keep my Macbook cooler than normal.  We found it in the back-to-school section.  We have also become big fans of the grocery store "Fresh and Easy".  Very well priced, fresh and often times organic food and very well priced wine, always a bonus!  Have a super fabulicious day and stay positive in your thoughts and your actions!