Check out this quick video to explain my whereabouts. . .also be sure to sign up for my newsletter to get updates on my new book release and design specials! 

I wrote this post on my blog, Phenomenal Mama back in 2013. It bears reposting a million times:

Bucket lists have become very popular over the past decade. . .you know, creating a list of things you want to do or try before “kicking the bucket”, a rather colorful euphemism for dying. Most of the time the lists contain extravagant things like fly first class to Paris. Or death-defying things (how ironic) like jumping from an airplane. And pretty ordinary things like take a road trip to Grand Canyon.

Well, what about striving to do things in your every day life that will make it more meaningful? I mean the Eiffel Tower is amazing (I’ve been there!) but don’t spend so much of your life trying to check really big things off your list and miss out on doing some of the simple things that could mean even more:

Don’t Die Without. . . .

. . .loving yourself unconditionally

. . .forgiving yourself for every mistake

. . .forgiving someone else

. . .telling someone you love them

. . .expressing gratitude to God, your parents, your family, your friends, your dog and the mailman

. . .taking responsibility

. . . standing up for yourself and someone else

. . .making liars out of all the naysayers and critics

. . .having a friend who will erase all your emails and text messages when you’re gone

. . .learning to tell a really good joke that people will pass on

. . .running through water sprinklers fully clothed

. . .blowing bubbles for little children

. . .hearing how an older couple met and fell in love

. . .dancing wildly around your living room and singing your favorite song to the top of your lungs

. . .spending an entire day only doing what YOU want to do

. . .taking photographs to document your life for those who come after you

. . .watching at least one sunset and one sunrise

. . .hearing a church choir sing Christmas carols

. . .donating food and clothing to those less fortunate

. . .living and being as present as you can in each moment!

©2013 PhenomenalMama.com (T.Momie)

My plan is to become a successful author with a flourishing graphic design business. But I also have a contingency plan. I know some people suggest NOT having a Plan B because it makes you work harder to ensure Plan A is successful.  I'm just not wired that way. Even if I NEVER, EVER use my cushion, I like having it just in case!

My back up plan is returning to Human Resources. I was in the industry for over 15 years and I am a certified PHR (Professional in Human Resources). I considered letting my designation expire (they're good for three years) but all I have to do is get 60 hours of recertification credit. It doesn't make sense NOT to. . .I don't have any plans to return to HR. . .unless some six figure position opens up where I can work from home, write and do graphic design in the role. . . .hey, it could happen!  Do you have a Plan B?

I still have some editing to do and comments to review from beta readers but I went ahead and ordered a copy of my book to make sure the layout and physical copy is good, so that I have more than enough time to make all the necessary changes before the May release date. 

Seeing this tangible book in my hands....the feeling is indescribable. I am filled with extreme joy and I am looking so forward to this journey and sharing my work with the world! 

Pre-Orders will start next month! Stay Tuned!

I am an avid reader. That's actually an understatement. I am a voracious reader. I devour stories, words and anecdotes. I think one of the secrets of being a good writer is reading. . .a lot.

I have no favorite genre or favorite author for that matter. If the story makes me feel something or challenges what I thought I knew. . .then it's time & money well spent. I'm currently reading Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. My feelings are all over the place because I can see the writing on the wall with the ending. But I respect the author and like I said, I'm feeling something- having an experience- so regardless to what I think should happen, it's still an entertaining and well written book.  The title kind of  gives away the basis of the relationship in the book. It's a story of love, self discovery, loss and self love.

At the beginning of the year I read, Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. This one is a must read for entrepreneurs. A great resource guide about networking and building relationships. One of the things Ferrazzi says in the book that I find to be true:

Other titles on my 2015 reading list:

What are some of your favorite books?