'Cuz You GOTTA Have FAITH!

This has been cut out and taped to my monitor on my desk for about 3 years now.  Every morning I start my day at work by reading it and believing in it.  I share this with you, the world, in the hopes that it brings you the same peace of mind it does to me.


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May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing that you are a chid of God. Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of you.
~Anonymous

Summer

Ahhhh, summer.  My favorite time of year!  The sun is hot, the bikinis are small, and the smell of tanning oil is prevalent through the air.  What more could a Miami Girl ask for?! 

But - what is it about summer that makes one want to regress to a childish state?  What is it about the aroma of salt water that makes irresponsibility kick in almost instantly?  Personally, it makes me want to run through the surf, catch fireflies and eat BBQ, all while quitting my job and deciding to live each day on a whim.  That would just be fantastic!  However, who can afford to do that?!

So my newest challenge is to find a way to satisfy these urges of irresponsibility and yet cater to my inner child in order to make myself happy. 

Wish me luck...

Life in Six Words...

Sometimes there is much to say and it takes paragraphs to explain a single thought.  Other times, we are forced to condense those rambling thoughts into just a few words.  I found that to be the case with www.smithmag.net. 

I can't quite remember how I stumbled upon the website, and for some reason I think Flavorpill had something to do with it; but anyhow, I am glad I found it.  In a nutshell?  Make a profile and tell your story in just 6 words.  No more, no less.

Here are some of my favorite examples from my profile: http://www.smithmag.net/community/people.php/SabrinaAnna

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• I find I'm still finding me.
• Soul searching my way through life.
• I'd be nowhere without my friends. 
• Adversity showed me who I am. 
• In pain there is hopeful pleasure.
• Miami Girl: loves beach; hates snow. 
• Love literally ran right into me.
• Sun, sand, Palm Trees, ocean. Heaven.
• Six words expresses more than enough.
• My Daddy is my super hero.

 So give it a whirl.  Let me know if you start writing in 6.  Would love to see them.

April Showers...

I love the rain.  Tap, tap, tapping on my window pane...

Peaceful droplets coming down from the sky, unite in their journey, becoming one as they land.  I love the sound they make as they hit the world beneath on this journey; tapping, rapping and pounding on the ground.  Cleansing of the earth begins; washing away the old and giving way to the new.  Suddenly, there's a second chance; a renewal.  Rebirth.

I love the rain.  Tap, tap, tapping on my window pane...

Another day in Paradise...

I have the pleasure of working in paradise.  Literally.  However, you wouldn't know it with the stories I live through to tell.  But every once in a while, I actually have a resident worth talking about.

Friday was a day like none other.  I was busy to the brim, had employee issues, had resident issues, and to top it all off, the police department showed up to give someone a bit of bad news.

Just when I was about to award Friday with the Worst Day Ever, things turned around enough to end the day on a positive note. 

I always go above and beyond when giving customer service.  I expect amazing service, so therefore, I naturally have learned to give it in return.  One of my annual snowbird residents was getting ready to head back north for the summer and needed assistance with closing out her accounts.  Her husband had already fled the coup a day early and she was left to handle all of the "business".  Men.  So typical.  In order to make the process run smooth for her, I ensured to find out the balance due on her account, helped her complete the security deposit return forms, and even took care of dealing with the Accounting office on her behalf.  All in a day's work, right?  Well, I took it one step further.  After asking about her family and her plans on returning for later this year, she advised that her daughter just recently got engaged.  I ensured to send her back home with a brochure and all of the details for planning a wedding at our club.  Tickled at the thought, she turned and smiled, picking up her belongings.

As I walked her out of my office, she turned and slipped a little something into my hand.  As she left, I thanked her profusely for this unknown gift and wished her safe travels back home.

I looked at the bill later on in the privacy of my own car, and teared as I noticed the denomination.  $100 for doing what I do every day.  I was just speechless that I made that kind of an impact on another person.

I have to be honest.  It's days like this that make my job so worthwhile.  And not because of the $100, but because of the fact that someone thought my assistance was worth it.

15 Minutes of Fame...

http://www.smithmag.net/

So we've been on the front page now for a few days...  :)  That's my 15 minutes of fame.