2006 ... Almost here

Well another year has nearly passed us by, and here I am gathering my thoughts on the year. I continue to say that I've learned so much, but the truth is I've learned so much during the course of every single year that has passed. The year I enlisted in the Marine Corps was probably the year that I learned the absolute most, for I left Calhoun County a kid and returned an adult. I left a somewhat insecure teenager who had no idea what I wanted out of life and came back a grown woman who through the challenges of Marine Corps boot camp learned that pride is earned through much effort and hard work, and I knew I had a long way to go.

But 2005 was a year filled with many learning opportunities, many of which were challenging and fulfilling all at the same time. The truth be told, I'm not only talking about my experiences in the field of music but also in my profession, as I completed my administrative certification and became employed at a private post secondary institution, a new job that has given me much satisfaction; however, learning many of the new responsibilities can prove to be trying.

Other than a new job and starting out with a new band, I have been blessed over and over again and am so thankful to God for that. My children are healthy, my husband is supportive and wonderful, and I have been provided for in so many ways. To Him I will always be indebted. Now my daughter Korrie is pulling on my shirt and saying "Come here, Mommy" so with that I must sign off. I wish you and yours the very best for the coming year in the hopes that all your blessings are secure and that a prosperous and healthy New Year is in the works for you!

With much appreciation,
Lori

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We wish so much for you!
We hope this year is special and that all your dreams come true.
For Santa’s on his way to bring you
All that you request.
For he wants nothing less for you than the very, merry best.
So this note is sent with greetings,
Wishing, hoping with such might.
That you are blessed with many things: morning, noon and night.
A delightful day, a wondrous week,
A month that’s filled with cheer.
We are praying that you have a healthy, prosperous year.
And don’t you fret about a thing,
For all you need is love.
Just do the right thing every day and model God above.
Remember, yesterday is gone
And tomorrow’s not far behind
So spend your day in happiness and be merry with your time.
But for now our thoughts are with you
As we celebrate Christ’s birth.
Please thank him much for giving us the best darn life on earth.
And keep your heart an open door-
Your mind so free from fear.
As we wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy Brand New Year!

With Love, Lori

Making promises or saying the word "never" can both be problematic...

Well I've done it again. I know what I said, and now it's up to me to say what I mean: I'm sorry! I said I would continue this blog, writing religiously, presenting some inspiring words of wisdom that will keep me motivated if no one else. The thing is...when I make these promises I generally end up breaking them. Darn it! Darn it! Darn it! I even put my obligation of the blog in one of the three planners I own. The problem is I forget to look at my planners simply because I have a datebook on my computer that helps keep me organized. Well, I'm on my computer every single day, so it just made sense to look at my computer for those very important "things to remember," the problem being that I generally make appointments in my planners when I'm out and about but then forget to add them to my computer datebook. Duh??? Am I a blonde or what?? Okay, I really didn't mean to offend anyone, especially those intellectual blondes that I know exist!

Okay, now that I've said I'm sorry for failing to keep my word about keeping up with my blog, I would like to add to it: I'm sorry to all those people who have helped me achieve what I've achieved only to turn my back on them. I absolutely admit my faults and realize now more than ever that communication is the key -- the lack thereof will certainly create problems and hopefully the initiation of conversation through relationship-building processes will begin to fix the problems I created. Many people have assisted me in my musical endeavors and I was responsible for making bad choices along the way. Now I feel stronger and am certainly more capable of making choices that are to everyone's benefit.

I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the various professionals in the music business. I'm proud of where I've come from and where I'm going. I hope I have the opportunity to communicate my sincere appreciation to those who've stood by me and helped me along the way. To you all, I thank you!

A blogging I will go, a blogging I will go, I'm so embarr -- i -ous, a blogging I will go!

Catch ya later! But I refuse to PROMISE to be back tomorrow or say I will NEVER not write again, but I can't PROMISE such a thing as it's not something I would ever (NOT NEVER, though) say!

Catching up!

I'm really glad to be back in the swing of things. I've been so busy with the responsibilities of a new job, taking over the management side of my music endeavors, and then trying to be a mom and wife. Life certainly provides new and interesting challenges, which is what makes everything so worthwhile. While I love to express myself on a daily basis, I rarely have time to do just that. My promise to myself is that I will make an effort to write in my blog every single day. It certainly helps me unwind. So for now I have a little five-year-old who wants to know if I'm ready to watch her do a front flip down in the basement. We also have to read some books, and I have to hear her count to 100, as she is one of the smartest children in her class, you know. She was just welcomed into the "I can count to 100 club," which is a privilege!!

I will be back tomorrow to add to this blog. Now I have internet at home (Yes, the high speed kind!), so I can write for a while, a very long while...

Bye for now!!