tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31729684598881138542024-02-18T21:44:00.376-05:00Thoughts from The Quiet StormThoughts, quotes and emotions on life...KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.comBlogger269125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-45822760737357523652016-05-02T08:00:00.000-05:002016-05-02T08:00:26.753-05:00My Goals for 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I need to put these down on paper so that I can make them a reality:<br />
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<li>Get my editing web site up and running</li>
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<li>Post at least one promo video a quarter</li>
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<li>Enjoy my birthday doing something I enjoy</li>
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<li>Take a NYE trip</li>
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<li>Make my house my safe haven...again</li>
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<li>Take a trip to the beach</li>
</ul>
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<li>Pay my car off by the end of the year</li>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Until Next Time,</div>
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Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
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KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-42119059089251652182016-04-24T19:38:00.000-05:002016-05-01T11:39:06.457-05:00The NEW Normal...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last year (2015) was a year full of extreme highs and lows. From January through New Year's Eve, my life was serving me large doses of great and horrible. I experienced so many wonderful moments like spending my birthday outside of the country and experienced extreme lows like saying good bye the final time to my fur baby as he crossed the rainbow bridge.<br />
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I loved my house when I first moved in a few years ago. Now, I have lost both of my rescued fur babies and my house is very empty. It is the new normal for me. Even after almost a year I find myself rushing home some days to walk a fur baby that is no longer here. It is a hard habit to break after 13 years. I am hoping to break it soon.<br />
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I have started to change my house. I do not like saying renovation, so I will say I am making small changes. Things I wanted to change for years have been made a priority and I am taking joy in getting my hands dirty. A pry bar is a great stress relief tool. Seeing a finished project is a great feeling. The perfectionist in me makes it hard to say a project is complete.<br />
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My neighborhood is also changing and I am not sure if I want to stay or if I want to sell. I am debating on moving, to another side of the city, to another city, maybe even to another country. It is only me, I have no children, I have no real responsibilities and I am debating on making a major life change.<br />
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I need to find my NEW normal.<br />
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Until Next Time,</div>
Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-64990040312243201422015-08-21T20:01:00.001-05:002015-08-21T20:01:25.164-05:00Long Time Coming...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>*Stands in Superhero pose, steps nervously onto the stage, approaches mic and clears throat*</i><br />
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It's been a while. The last time I was here I was finishing a cleanse and attempting online dating. So much has changed. My life looks different and I am not sure where it will go or if I like it.<br />
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Stay tuned, I will update you soon...<br />
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Until Next Time,</div>
Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-20403698159340427802015-02-04T13:35:00.000-05:002015-02-04T13:35:20.889-05:00Adventures in Online Dating - Being Inconsiderate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEePtrRuLs1gUBO_zDLEyE9jaDwNpG2R7heiSww5P2uPpGRR32YM4OGKOx3Lx-LwQNUbXiLK-g5wLXqwDy1CN-hrAhnJylAIQjF4XhRkefmoXb-ukT8wHoek-lTWGzCrvVVNqaTNwLmtvM/s1600/find-love-online-dating-sites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEePtrRuLs1gUBO_zDLEyE9jaDwNpG2R7heiSww5P2uPpGRR32YM4OGKOx3Lx-LwQNUbXiLK-g5wLXqwDy1CN-hrAhnJylAIQjF4XhRkefmoXb-ukT8wHoek-lTWGzCrvVVNqaTNwLmtvM/s1600/find-love-online-dating-sites.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
After the holidays I thought I would try the online dating thing again. Part of me thinks this is a big waste of money and the other part of me remembers the man I had a connection with and thinks that it is possible.<br />
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The hopeless romantic in me is still alive.<br />
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And then...I got a message that warranted a response. It was clever, witty and made me laugh. I returned his message and enjoyed the conversation. The messages turned to texts and the texts turned into phone calls. I must admit that I was not wowed by him but it was a good conversation. (red flag, right?)<br />
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After a few calls we decided to meet. I suggested that we meet after he had taken care of a few things that morning. He insisted that we meet for breakfast. Everything seemed okay until that day. The morning came and I went through my normal routine. Around 11 am when I had not heard from him I decided to make myself breakfast. Around noon I decided to take the fur baby to the park to enjoy the beautiful day. There was no way I would waste a gorgeous day waiting on someone I had never laid eyes on.<br />
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After packing up the car with hiking equipment and starting on our journey my phone buzzed. It was after 1pm and I received a text....yeah, a text saying something like "Guess breakfast is out, huh?"<br />
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Needless to say it did not end well. My response was something along the lines of that was on you and his insisting that he was getting things together so we could meet soon. Soon is obviously up for interpretation because hours later it never arrived. I don't believe in texts so it was over for me when he didn't answer his phone. Why be inconsiderate? If you have plans then say, "I am not available. I have plans that evening." My response would have been, "Okay, no problem." After texts back and forth that evening our communication ended with a text from him, "No worries."<br />
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No worries indeed. The idea someone could think a text message hours after you insisted on meeting someone is appropriate is beyond my scope of reasoning. For a first date? I just have to laugh and shake my head. I guess I am old fashioned that way. I believe in letting someone know when plans go south, so that person can make other plans if needed. It is just being considerate of the other person's time. Because we all only have 24 hours in a day and their time is just as important as my own.<br />
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Have I heard from him since? Nope!<br />
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Do I think he will call or text? Nope!<br />
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My friends have a bet on how many weeks it will take before he contacts me again, because they always come back, right?<br />
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In this case, let us hope not.<br />
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Until Next Time,</div>
Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-23567072376232939062015-01-12T08:30:00.000-05:002015-01-12T08:30:00.218-05:00Paying off Debt (Part Four)...Simple Ways to Save Money<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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By the time I was serious about paying off my debt I had already cut my cable bill, cell phone bill and nixed the home phone. I fixed my meals at home and eating at restaurants became a treat. In short, I had already shaved the luxuries out of my life.<br />
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Saving money does not always equal the bare bones of life. Sometimes you can save money without changing your quality of life. Here are a few ways I found to save a few dollars that are not complicated.<br />
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<b>Watching Television/Movies:</b><br />
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There is <a href="http://www.vigglestore.com/" target="_blank">an app</a> that rewards you for watching television with gift cards. It might sound a little too good to be true but I have used it for over a year. There are a few small catches to the app as it has evolved over the years. The gift cards are posted at variable times but for someone who loves television why not get paid to watch?<br />
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<b>Online Shopping:</b><br />
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There are a few ways to save money while shopping online that are easy and efficient. Let's start with the search engines:<br />
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<li>One of the first sites I visit when I shop online is <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=PnfdblU4%2BIkYhCB3TFtcqA%3D%3D&eeid=26471" target="_blank">ebates</a>. They offer rebates for shopping online by sending checks quarterly. Yes, they actually send checks in the mail. I have used this site for at least two years. There is also an app for people who shop via their cell phone or tablet. It is only one extra step before shopping at your store of choice.</li>
<li>Shopping portals are another way to save money. They list coupons for various sites. <a href="http://www.evrewards.com/" target="_blank">This site </a>will list rebates offered for various portals from the store you are making your purchase.</li>
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<b>Searching the Web:</b><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/KaySC" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a> is a web site that credits you with "swagbucks" that can be used to purchase gift cards. You sign into the web site and use their search function. Periodically, they credit you with swagbucks. Bonus: they post swagcodes to social media that you can enter for various swagbucks throughout the day. Another Bonus: the site also offers coupons for printing that credits your swagbucks account when you use them at stores. It turns into a great two for one deal. </li>
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<b>Discounted Gift Cards:</b></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>This site is great for <a href="https://www.raise.com/raise-rewards/Nzo1MCAtMMjgxMjc5" target="_blank">discount gift cards</a>. Gift cards are delivered to your account within 24 hours. In my experience gift cards are usually delivered within two hours. If you sign up for the newsletter you will receive notifications of gift card sales which offers an additional 5% off of the sale price. </li>
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Every penny adds up. Think about it this way, you can buy a discount gift card for 5% off and then use the shopping portal for an additional 3% cash back and it could save you a few dollars (if you were already planning to make that purchase). Remember, you can also earn free gift cards with the search engines/apps that can be used on the shopping portals to earn a percentage for cash back on the gift card you earned for free! </div>
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Just a few ways that I save a few dollars here and there that eventually add up. Questions? Post them in the comments and I will be happy to respond.</div>
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Until Next Time,</div>
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Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
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KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-3226608846958349842014-12-28T19:58:00.002-05:002014-12-28T19:58:55.123-05:00The Cleanse - Week Four (Looking in the Mirror)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Have you ever seen yourself in the mirror? <div>
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Have you seen the real you? </div>
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The person who hides the insecurities, the pain and the "stuff" that the world uses to try to beat you down?</div>
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I have horrible timing because the holiday season is all about magical Christmas love, finding love, couples finding their way back to love, blah, blah, blah....I almost threw a shoe at my TV the other day. I really want film writers to find another topic. </div>
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I am working on the other aspects on my journey. I cheated and sent a text message for a birthday on Christmas Eve. There was absolutely no reason for me to set myself up like that other than I wanted an excuse to reach out to someone who did not earn or deserve my attention. I must learn to let go. I am too damn loyal, my heart is much too big and I care way too damn much. Now if they have a cleanse that can turn that ish off? I am all for it!</div>
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What have I learned this week? Other then my rant from above? I have learned that I build my support system from my friends. They are my chosen family because my blood family is not supportive. Is that harsh? Maybe it is harsh but it is honest. And for me to move on and be able to heal and be whole I must know where I can turn for support. Why? Because we continue to hurt ourselves when we look for support in places where there are none. Luckily (or divinely) I have a few people in my life who may not be there everyday but they are supportive. </div>
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I have learned that everyone needs that.</div>
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There are three days left in this cleanse...</div>
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Until Next Time,</div>
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Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" style="color: magenta; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px solid rgb(68, 68, 68); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
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KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-83896623525267468932014-12-21T17:06:00.001-05:002014-12-21T17:06:46.848-05:00The Cleanse - Week Three (Realizations)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have made it through week three of this cleanse. The focus (for me) is to work on the residue that exists when things happen. Those things that you tuck away and forge ahead from but they still leave a little something that effects you, how you think, react, etc.<br />
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I had not realized that I was on week three until my co-worker pointed out that I had made it more than halfway through my 30 days. The hardest part is realizing how much effort I put into "being something" for other people. That being something can be a great date, great conversation, listening ear or sound board. It makes me a good friend but lousy person for taking care of myself. This cleanse has made me change a few of my habits especially around the holidays. Around this time of year I would be feasting on holiday movies that force feed you the girl-runs-away-from-troubles-falls-for-mr-right-enter-conflict/misunderstanding-then-realize-they-love-each-other-happily-ever-after-let-the-credits-roll type of movie. You know the movies I speak of. They are everywhere during the holidays making everyone feel some type of way about their own situation. No wonder the instances of mental issues, depression and such are so high around this time of year. Amazing how the U.S. culture creates it's own issues.<br />
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Another thing I have realized is that I do not allow myself to feel things. I do not mean wallow, what I mean is give myself permission to feel emotion no matter if it is good or bad before I forge ahead to the next thing. I have worked this week to allow myself to feel things so I can figure out why I feel that way and if there was something I could do to fix it so it will not happen again. Sometimes I can come up with a solution and sometimes it is what it is.<br />
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My spiritual journey has allowed me to keep control of my emotions. That is big for me right now with major changes at work. It was a trying week and I was extremely proud of myself that I was able to keep my emotions in check. Not only keep them check but not give people the power to upset me. Score one for KayC!<br />
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This journey is evolving and it came at a much needed time. Bring on week four!<br />
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Until Next Time,</div>
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Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
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KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-57523073248006555492014-12-15T13:42:00.002-05:002014-12-15T13:42:47.340-05:00The Cleanse - Week Two (Hitting My Stride)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I can not believe I have completed two weeks of this 30 day love cleanse. It is still not easy. I'm starting to receive round two of texts and messages from people who I know I have unbalanced relationships with but it is getting easier to ignore certain things and I've hit my stride with not dating, texting nor flirting. The thing that is not getting easier is my spiritual walk.<br />
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I have moments of clarity but they are short lived. My issue is the harder situations with inconsiderate people who demand you are considerate of them. Mainly the issue is work. My declaration is Friday was the last day I allow this foolishness. No longer will I allow work foolishness to get a bad reaction from me.<br />
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No more of this foolishness!<br />
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What is happening is a shift around me. My parents have talked about what happened between them many years ago and that brings me a sense of happiness for them. Hoping they can start to heal and move on as better people. That was big...for numerous reasons. My friends parents (both are dear to me) have started to become much more cordial to each other. They even danced together at a recent party. Once again, I am hoping that healing is on the horizon for each of them.<br />
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As for me, there is no ground shifting right now but I am only on halfway through this cleanse.<br />
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Until Next Time,</div>
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Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
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KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-13119063527674912852014-12-08T21:01:00.000-05:002014-12-08T21:01:44.718-05:00The Cleanse - Week One (It's Not Easy)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Week One:<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Week one was difficult and much harder than I thought it would be. This <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mastin-kipp/addicted-to-love-part-1_b_652919.html" target="_blank">30 Day Love Cleanse</a> is not easy. I've been asked out on more dates this week than I can remember. If I was available I can guarantee that I wouldn't be able to buy a date! Crazy universe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I still think of my Genesis, often. It has become less emotional but I am still unable to control the thoughts or memories. I'm hoping week two will be better. Because of the no interaction with exes and no flirting I have not been social dancing outside of my weekly class. The holidays must be the season of declaring romantic interest for men. Very ironic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have been able to work on a few things this past week. There is some clarity that it's slowly coming from the fog. It's not something that comes overnight but slowly, my clarity is unfolding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is only day eight.</span><br />
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Until Next Time,</div>
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Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
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KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-28052955436456598542014-12-04T13:37:00.001-05:002014-12-08T20:53:10.851-05:00The Cleanse - Day 1-3 (It's Raining Men)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Literally....it is raining men!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you read <a href="http://kaycthequietstorm.blogspot.com/2014/12/cleansing-no-better-time-than-now.html" target="_blank">my last post</a> I am in the middle of a spiritual detox and ran across a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mastin-kipp/addicted-to-love-part-1_b_652919.html" target="_blank">30 Day Love Cleanse</a> on a <a href="http://thedailylove.com/" target="_blank">site that I frequent</a> and decided, why not? Now is also a good time to cleanse my relationship juju (is that a word?) while working on the rest of me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It has been three days and I literally think I have heard from almost every ex and want to be next from the past four years. Including some I never knew were interested. Even one from the online dating world that I thought had fallen off. But the real entertaining one happened while treating myself to a brand new shiny flat screen for my living room a very attractive man (hey, I'm cleansing not dead) appeared out of what seemed to be thin air to ask if he could load it into my trunk for me. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm a lady who loves men to be men so I obliged. After being asked a few questions he offered me his card "in case I wanted to call him later." Um, okay I admit to taking the card. I also admit to texting a brief thank you for helping with the TV. I also admit to wanting him to have my number but now I'm sure he thinks I'm ignoring him because I found my bearing and put myself back on track for my cleanse which includes:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
No sex</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">No dating</span></span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">No flirting </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">No <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.0655px;">contact with former lovers (or anyone you have an unbalanced relationship with)</span></span></span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Increasing physical activity</span></span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Living healthy (no fast food) </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Journal my experience</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yeah, I failed at number 3 yesterday in the parking lot of the department store. This is not going to be as easy as I thought. I told my sister that God is sending men out of the sky right now. Her response was, "That's not God!"</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">My dearest Sis just might be right.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Until Next Time,</div>
<div style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-71685247557312153532014-12-02T18:54:00.000-05:002014-12-04T13:37:54.199-05:00Cleansing - No Better Time Than Now<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am such a slump for a variety of reasons. Many are self-inflicted, some come with the territory. I recently went to a seminar for people who are broken, struggling with residue from the things that effect our lives. The things we think we move on from unscathed but in truth we drag them around like scars.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was called out by a phophetess. Meaning, she had finished her speech and said "God is telling me to speak to two women in this audience." The first women was in the back literally sobbing and the second one...was me.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She picked me out of the crowd and locked eyes on me and read me.I remember she spoke enough for me to know that her words come from somewhere....outside of her knowledge...because there was no way she knew some of the things she hit on. I was blessed with a detox book of hers which I promptly went home and started. I also found the 30 day Love Cleanse online. I really need to clean every part of my life right now. The rules for my Love Cleanse:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. No sex<br />
2. No dating</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. No flirting</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. No <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; line-height: 22.0655422210693px;">contact with your former lovers (or anyone you have an unbalanced relationship with)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Increasing physical activity</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. Living healthy (no fast food)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6. Journal your experience, every morning
and every night. It will give you an excellent point of reference at the
end of your cleanse to go back and see how you grew and progressed and
even healed throughout the process.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This should be a great time to start this being the end of the year and me not wanting to carry over any baggage. It stops here. It should be okay knowing that I am not dating and will be spending New Year's Eve alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here goes....everything.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<div style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Until Next Time,</div>
<div style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-8711455255561433422014-11-23T11:22:00.000-05:002014-11-23T11:22:55.303-05:00Birthday Reflections 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am staring at my keyboard, making myself type. I have no clue where to begin...<br />
<br />
I am....grateful...for the many people that have crossed my life's path and have enriched me with wonderful memories, opportunities and strength along the way.<br />
<br />
I am...sad...for the many friends I have lost in the last few years who are no longer here with me. That makes me selfish and I can own that emotion because there is love for those friends that I never knew could exist on a platonic level. It is not easy to allow people access to your heart to set up shop and change you for the better.<br />
<br />
I am...dealing with the why/how/no mores of disappointments that could have been avoided. I can only say that God must have one WICKED sense of humor and is setting me up for something big. These last few weeks have been difficult and I am not ashamed to admit they almost broke me.<br />
<br />
I am...thankful that I was pushed into online dating by a friend. I have shared a few stories here but what I have kept is that I met someone who reminded me that "long-term" is possible with the right person. There will be no details and there is no relationship...for now. For the first time in a very long time I could see myself having a possible future with someone. That feeling has not been with me since...I honestly can not remember when. I was brave and I put myself out there. I was scared as I did not want to be seen as desperate, thirsty, (input whatever "hip" adjective is being used at the moment here) etc, but I wanted him to know that I genuinely liked him. Him as a person, someone I enjoyed laughing with and spending time with and getting to know. Whatever is meant to be with time...will be. But at least I put myself out there, as vulnerable and honest as I could and I believe he did the same. For that...I will ALWAYS be thankful. My experience with him has changed me and my views on relationships. THAT is/was not easy to do with me.<br />
<br />
Today, as I reflect on the many things that I am....the one thing I know is that I am still growing and I am still walking my life's journey. As I receive the usual texts, social media posts and receive unexpected phone calls from my new family in Cuba, I laugh as the people at the coffee shop stare at me trying to figure out "what" I am as we have a very Spanglish conversation that includes kiss your mother and tell her I miss her and I hope to see you soon.<br />
<br />
The one thing I know that I am....<br />
<br />
...I am NOT done.<br />
<br />
<br />
Until Next Time,<br />
<br />
Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-15176116154124511952014-11-20T08:30:00.000-05:002014-11-20T08:30:01.263-05:00Addictions Always Return, Don't They?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlLkKim9vgSU9KPCLDmJB8Rg-6ESCq72Kq169PeoM4YOHcpmdiqJ2A3Pv7kIW-o4_-cgvMpHfMWbk2wLfiwXEd1jCQfmTAIz0j_5-rEJ5p1R5O7UCf_eJBA5WNgkui73TJklwYjXzQTu7/s1600/Letting-Go.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlLkKim9vgSU9KPCLDmJB8Rg-6ESCq72Kq169PeoM4YOHcpmdiqJ2A3Pv7kIW-o4_-cgvMpHfMWbk2wLfiwXEd1jCQfmTAIz0j_5-rEJ5p1R5O7UCf_eJBA5WNgkui73TJklwYjXzQTu7/s320/Letting-Go.jpg" ps="true" /></a>It has been years since I have battled my <a href="http://kaycthequietstorm.blogspot.com/search/label/My%20Addiction" target="_blank">Addiction</a>. You remember <a href="http://kaycthequietstorm.blogspot.com/search/label/My%20Addiction" target="_blank">that</a>, don't you?<br />
<br />
I walked away.<br />
<br />
I RAN away and never looked back.<br />
<br />
Except to stare at my phone that year he called me on my birthday. It took everything I had to let my Addiction go to voicemail. But I did not answer...I was strong...and extremely proud of myself.<br />
<br />
Earlier this fall I heard my addiction was getting married. He was marrying the "girlfriend." You remember her, the "<a href="http://kaycthequietstorm.blogspot.com/2010/01/learning-to-let-go.html" target="_blank">girlfriend</a>" he swore was not the girlfriend. They had smiling photos on a wedding site proclaiming their undying love and how they met.<br />
<br />
Good for them. Everyone deserves to be happy, right? No sarcasm, just genuine "if you are happy, then I am happy for you." Did it sting a little? Of course but such is life. Build a bridge and get over it. <i>*But you know KayC did keep her eyes open for wedding photos. Ha! Come on, you were curious and so was I*</i><br />
<br />
So why the post? Because going through my email today I saw this on my Linkedin feed:<br />
<br />
<i>"Your Addiction's" invitation is waiting for your response...</i><br />
<br />
*KayC eyes the screen and wipes eyes to clear them*<br />
<i> </i><br />
Surely, my Addiction did not think enough time has passed to keep in touch? Seriously, he does not think that I would accept such an invite? And why on Linkedin and not any other social media? Is that because the former "girlfriend" now wife would see it?<br />
<br />
Surely, he does not think that KayC gets down like that?<br />
<br />
Now...where is the delete button....because Addictions always return. Right?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until Next Time,</div>
Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-8831111236949942262014-10-28T08:00:00.000-05:002014-10-28T08:00:04.270-05:00Adventures in Online Dating - Why Lie?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEePtrRuLs1gUBO_zDLEyE9jaDwNpG2R7heiSww5P2uPpGRR32YM4OGKOx3Lx-LwQNUbXiLK-g5wLXqwDy1CN-hrAhnJylAIQjF4XhRkefmoXb-ukT8wHoek-lTWGzCrvVVNqaTNwLmtvM/s1600/find-love-online-dating-sites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEePtrRuLs1gUBO_zDLEyE9jaDwNpG2R7heiSww5P2uPpGRR32YM4OGKOx3Lx-LwQNUbXiLK-g5wLXqwDy1CN-hrAhnJylAIQjF4XhRkefmoXb-ukT8wHoek-lTWGzCrvVVNqaTNwLmtvM/s1600/find-love-online-dating-sites.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
Installment #3 in this series. You can check out <a href="http://kaycthequietstorm.blogspot.com/2014/09/adventures-in-online-dating-single-again.html" target="_blank">installment one</a> and <a href="http://kaycthequietstorm.blogspot.com/2014/10/adventures-in-online-dating-did-he.html" target="_blank">installment two</a> if you wish to do so.<br />
<br />
I have dance listed on my profile as something I enjoy doing in my spare time. I thought it was interesting when an older man contacted me and said he also loved to dance. He mentioned that he danced ballroom competitively and he was looking forward to learning Argentine Tango. Right up my alley, right? I replied to his email and it went something like this:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: I see you like to dance Salsa and listen to it often. What artists are on your playlist?</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Him: ...</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #010101;"><i>I don't really have a "list." I like all kinds...a lot of what is played at the clubs though...I do enjoy Gypsy Kings, Santana, Marc Anthony, etc.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #010101;" /></i><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #010101;">I know my way around the Salsa/Bachata/Cha Cha/Etc. scene…..Learning Argentine </span><span class="il" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 204); color: #222222;">Tango</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #010101;"> is on my wish list….ideally I'd learn it with my life partner and love. What kind of dancing do you perform?</span></i><span style="color: #010101;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #010101;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: O_O *crickets* </span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
Okay, let me break this down. As someone who "dances salsa on a regular basis" he would have a list of artists that he likes. Especially if he dances Salsa competitively. How do you dance as serious as he proclaims and not know who you are dancing to?<br />
<br />
Strike One....<br />
<br />
The next thing is the artists he listed. Even in the mainstream clubs they would NEVER play Santana nor Gypsy Kings risk having the dance floor clear out. You might get one or two Marc Anthony songs but those are rare. Clearly this was either someone pretending with a fake account or someone lying about what they like to do. Why lie? Did he really think I would fall for that? Hell, I even listed an artist that I like in my profile. Why not google them and see what pops up? Geesh....<br />
<br />
Strike Two....<br />
<br />
And for lying about it...Strike Three....<br />
<br />
Moving on....<br />
<br />
There are good exchanges but the bad ones make for good reading :-) Stay tuned, I am sure there is still more to come<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until Next Time,</div>
Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
</div>
KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-12519629725350706452014-10-13T08:00:00.000-05:002014-10-13T08:00:05.330-05:00Adventures in Online Dating - Did He Really Say that?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEePtrRuLs1gUBO_zDLEyE9jaDwNpG2R7heiSww5P2uPpGRR32YM4OGKOx3Lx-LwQNUbXiLK-g5wLXqwDy1CN-hrAhnJylAIQjF4XhRkefmoXb-ukT8wHoek-lTWGzCrvVVNqaTNwLmtvM/s1600/find-love-online-dating-sites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEePtrRuLs1gUBO_zDLEyE9jaDwNpG2R7heiSww5P2uPpGRR32YM4OGKOx3Lx-LwQNUbXiLK-g5wLXqwDy1CN-hrAhnJylAIQjF4XhRkefmoXb-ukT8wHoek-lTWGzCrvVVNqaTNwLmtvM/s1600/find-love-online-dating-sites.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
It took some convincing for a few friends to talk me into this online dating thing. There are a few people in my social circles that have met using an online forum and it has worked for them. One of the couples married this past weekend. Congrats!<br />
<br />
I tried the free trial first and it was...okay. It was really interesting that most men were only interested in women under the age of 35 and listed every ethnic group instead of African-American/Black. Man, there is very little love for black women in online dating. I can not even say women of color because they all seem to favor Latina/Hispanic and even Asian or Pacific Islander. They really listed EVERYONE except black women.<br />
<br />
I mean.....WOW.... O_O<br />
<br />
Well, I had about 30 emails before I decided that I would actually go on and check this thing out. Most of them were from the typical black men, hat over his eyes, chest out in photos, using emails that were obviously copied and pasted to every girl he saw. One even asked me to lunch in the first very email. Try at least asking my name first, okay? What was really interesting was that most of the men who seemed to take the time to read my profile and try to make an interesting conversation were white men. And they were not playing with their approach, which made the other men pale in comparison.<br />
<br />
But there was one IM message that took place that was worth sharing. It went something like this:<br />
<br />
<i>Him: I can help you with your career</i><br />
<i>Me: My career?</i><br />
<i>Him: Yes, I can help you. I can show you some moves</i><br />
<i>Me: *crickets*</i><br />
<i>Him: Do you make money dancing?</i><br />
<i>Me: How can you help me with my career?</i><br />
<i>Him: I can show you some moves</i><br />
<i>Me: You don't know what type of dance I do</i><br />
<i>Him: I can help</i><br />
<i>Me: Are you a strip club owner? Manager?</i><br />
<i>Him: No, I can just help</i><br />
<i>Me: I'm ending this conversation now. Good Bye</i><br />
<br />
and then I hit the block button. Laughed at him and signed off. That was my first and last instant message conversation on that site. I never said dancing was my profession. My profession is listed and it is NOT dance. Anyone else thinks he was a pimp? Yeah, I do as well.<br />
<br />
Did he really say that?!?<br />
<br />
Stay tuned, I am sure there is more to come<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until Next Time,</div>
Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-46282962616785509142014-10-09T08:00:00.000-05:002014-10-15T12:46:52.525-05:00Bucket List....I did WHAT?!? WHERE? (Dancing in Cuba)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I put together a bucket list back in 2009 (I think) which included all kinds of things I want to do but never really thought I would accomplish. After I started dancing I put "salsa dance in a club in Havana" on the list. Never did I think I would actually ever have the opportunity to go to Havana, Cuba let alone salsa dance in one of the oldest salsa clubs in the world. Little did I know...<br />
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In May of this year I went to Cuba. </div>
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There are always live bands performing there. Wonderful bands that we choreograph performances to here, yeah, they perform there daily. They are right in front of you, they talk to you, take photos with you and pose for photos from stage. There were two guys there who were tearing up the dance floor. My friend and I watched them for a while until I said, "I would love to go dance with him." My friend took my drink and phone and said, "go ask him."</div>
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With the liquid courage from a few rum and cokes I walked up to him, (with my familia de Cubano wondering where I was going) simply held out my hands, and this happened...</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/b5DaV5ax8Cs" width="480"></iframe></center>
<br /></div>
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THIS is why I love dance. We said not one word to each other as he took my hand and danced and laughed through the song as the band jammed on stage. At one point I looked up and we had an audience watching who were enjoying our dance just as much as we were. When the song ended I offered him a hug and said "Thank you" in English. I caught the look of surprise on his face as it registered with him that I was American. My Cuban family clapped as I walked back to our tables and I bowed playfully as it sank in that I had just crossed off that bucket list item.<br />
<br />
Something I thought I would NEVER get to do.<br />
<br />
Man, sometimes I look at this video to make sure it really happened. More on my trip of a lifetime later.<br />
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Until Next Time,</div>
Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
</div>
KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-64866643957942461362014-09-29T08:00:00.000-05:002014-09-29T08:00:11.803-05:00Adventures in Online Dating - Single Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEePtrRuLs1gUBO_zDLEyE9jaDwNpG2R7heiSww5P2uPpGRR32YM4OGKOx3Lx-LwQNUbXiLK-g5wLXqwDy1CN-hrAhnJylAIQjF4XhRkefmoXb-ukT8wHoek-lTWGzCrvVVNqaTNwLmtvM/s1600/find-love-online-dating-sites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEePtrRuLs1gUBO_zDLEyE9jaDwNpG2R7heiSww5P2uPpGRR32YM4OGKOx3Lx-LwQNUbXiLK-g5wLXqwDy1CN-hrAhnJylAIQjF4XhRkefmoXb-ukT8wHoek-lTWGzCrvVVNqaTNwLmtvM/s1600/find-love-online-dating-sites.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
A while ago I promised myself to <a href="http://kaycthequietstorm.blogspot.com/2013/09/following-my-intuition.html" target="_blank">stop being superficial with my writing</a> so here goes.<br />
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Yep, you read that right. I am back on the singles scene. One of the things that happened while I was on blogging hiatus was the ending of the relationship with Theo. It was pleasant split (in the end) and I once again learned that I need to follow that small voice inside you. I had reservations at the start. There were questions of maturity and such things that made me realize I was not his wife.<br />
<br />
He was happy but I was not. I was not happy and I knew there was no way I could be happy in that relationship, for a variety of reasons. As more pressure to marry and cohabitate was put on me daily I felt like someone was pushing me into a corner. Yeah, you read that right. The woman in the relationship literally had a slight panic attack at the counter looking at rings. I could not get myself into another marriage that was not fulfilling, not supportive nor emotionally balanced as I gave too much and received too little.<br />
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But, all of that happened a while ago and I have now been talked into online dating. I thought about it and said "sure, why not." My main reason was/is to meet someone who is not in my social circle. People think my city is large but in reality it is not. If you went to high school and college here, chances are there is only one or two degrees of separation between you (or your girls) and that new guy you met while hanging out. And I refuse to have my partner have a "past" with anyone I know socially. The last thing I want to happen is to have one of sorority sisters try to "compare notes" with me at a function because she "knows" the guy who is currently trying to fill my life partner position. And yes, that has happened before which knocked him right out of the running.<br />
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I also refuse to deal with the crap that comes from your guy having a past with every woman on the dance floor because he uses dance as his dating pool. There is also the "secret relationships" on the dance floor with the married folk and their side pieces while their public partners are usually none the wiser. Yep, been there as well.<br />
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So, here I am. A woman of a certain age, trying something new.<br />
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There will be stories, trust me.<br />
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Until Next Time,</div>
Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-67087607924921841632014-09-08T08:00:00.000-05:002014-09-08T08:00:05.906-05:00Nothing Constant in Life...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
About a year ago I took a lateral move at work in hopes of upward mobility later. I lost a few perks with the move (a few that I can not get back) but my main focus was to be make myself more marketable if I need to relocate or find another position with another company. The position was a total career change and it really took some time to adjust. It has been about a year and there is now some restructuring in my department which means yours truly is being moved into another position.<br />
<br />
Just as I was starting to get my footing in my current position I am being moved. I was hesitant about my last move but I knew that I needed this position to round out my career background. This new move will also put a major point on my board but I know it will be difficult. During the last year I was exhausted every day and there was very little in my life outside of work. I just did not have the energy after a long day at work. I loved the weekends because it meant I could just relax. I was just getting to a place where I was starting to have energy again but....<br />
<br />
there is nothing constant in life except change.<br />
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Until Next Time,</div>
Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-13537805986512309192014-09-01T15:56:00.001-05:002014-09-01T15:57:31.122-05:00Beautiful In Every Shade<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello blog family. It has been a while, I know. Life is still going and the world is still spinning. Many things have changed and I promise to blog about them all. Life....life will NEVER be what you think it should be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.squarespace.com/static/53b2e24ae4b0cf569b682ace/t/53b5a3ffe4b098ba14e53e77/1409581547990/?format=1500w" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.squarespace.com/static/53b2e24ae4b0cf569b682ace/t/53b5a3ffe4b098ba14e53e77/1409581547990/?format=1500w" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image from beautifulineveryshade.com</span></i> </td></tr>
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Change is the only constant.<br />
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For now, I will leave you with this. I attended a book festival and had the pleasure of participating in <a href="http://www.beautifulineveryshade.com/" target="_blank">this project</a>. I can't wait to see if I end up on a poster. Ha!<br />
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But for real, I love projects that try to get people to be comfortable in their skin. Now being comfortable in front of a camera? Not so much...<br />
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Until Next Time,</div>
Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-43144127229223597772014-06-12T09:44:00.003-05:002014-06-12T09:45:20.465-05:00Paying off Debt (Part Three)...Free Seminar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been a little while since my last post. I took a vacation of a lifetime but more on that later. (Yes, I paid cash and no lingering debt from the trip, but more on that on a later post).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mastering-your-wealth-tickets-11678262999" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://ebmedia.eventbrite.com/s3-build/images/6372593/57261132637/1/logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mastering-your-wealth-tickets-11678262999" target="_blank">Photo credit</a><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mastering-your-wealth-tickets-11678262999" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
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I mentioned in the two previous posts about getting my budget done and attending a few seminars that gave out valuable advice. There is another <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mastering-your-wealth-tickets-11678262999" target="_blank">free seminar scheduled</a>. This is not one of those seminars that bait and switch. He does not get you in the door and try to upsale you. The seminar is free, the information is free. Take a pad and a pen and take notes.<br />
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No, I do not get paid or earn a commission from promoting. I attended a few seminars over the years and the lessons helped me tremendously so I am passing it along. Usually they are held on a weekend but if you can swing it I highly recomment that you attend.<br />
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From the registration web site:<br />
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<i><span class="vevent"><span class="description"></span></span></i><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Mastering Your Wealth</b> - Is powerful life changer, this seminar show your how to eliminate debt, build wealth and secure your financial future.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We believe that there are </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">basic
steps that will start you on the right road to understanding your
financial freedom. Wealth building is a result of organization, proper
planning, and self-motivation. </span></span></span></span></i></div>
<i>
</i>
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<div style="margin: 9.25pt 0px;">
<i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Learn the following:</b></span></span></i></div>
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</i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1.
The first step to building wealth is the decision to do so. Set a goal
and then you can begin mapping out a strategy to achieve it. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />2. Money begets money. When you save and invest a portion of your income, you will begin to reap the benefits of money at work. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />3. Eliminate debt in a systematic way that allows wealth to be created. </span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4.
Earn interest ...don't pay it. Put your credit cards away, except for
emergencies, and reduce your installment debt to zero. This will help
you begin to pay yourself rather that your creditors.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />5.
Finally, put time on your side. If you have ambitious financial goals,
one of the best moves you can make is to start saving as soon as
possible.</span></span></span></span></div>
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</i><br />
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<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent">Register here: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mastering-your-wealth-tickets-11678262999" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mastering-your-wealth-tickets-11678262999</a></span><br />
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Until Next Time,</div>
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Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
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KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-11665736925712593792014-04-28T08:15:00.000-05:002014-04-28T08:15:00.674-05:00Paying Off Debt (Part Two)...The BEST Advice I Ever Received<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After my <a href="http://kaycthequietstorm.blogspot.com/2014/04/paying-off-debthow-i-did-it-step-one.html" target="_blank">last post</a> I know everyone bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0972106502/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0972106502&linkCode=as2&tag=lanoba-20" target="_blank">the book</a>,
listened to a few of the <a href="http://www.unlockingwealth.com/" target="_blank">podcasts</a> and made themselves a <a href="http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2014/01/18/rob-wilsons-create-a-budget/" target="_blank">budget</a>, right? Yeah, I
know but I had to ask.</div>
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The BEST advice I ever received for
paying down credit card debt I heard on the radio. Yep, I said the radio. Since
the radio is public domain I am hoping that person doesn’t mind me sharing it with
you.</div>
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Actually, I first heard it in a wealth building seminar and then I
heard it again (same person) on the radio a few weeks ago. Here it goes:</div>
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People advise that you pay extra on your credit cards every
month to pay them off faster, right? A few years ago credit card statements started including information that etimates if you pay an extra X amount a month, you will have your balance paid off in X months/years. </div>
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Don’t do it. I repeat do not do it! </div>
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Let me explain…</div>
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Let’s take a nice round number and say you
have a balance of $1,000 and you are sending extra which makes your monthly payment $100 a month. According
to the credit card company, you might have your card paid off in about 4 years
right?</div>
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Here’s the math $100 month X 48 payments = $4,800 total</div>
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You just paid them over 4.5 times what you ‘borrowed’ to call
it even.</div>
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The solution? </div>
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Pay the minimum. </div>
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Yep, pay the minimum and save the extra. </div>
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Why?</div>
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Because if you save the “extra” instead of paying it to the
company you can actually pay it off in 10 months. Here’s how:</div>
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Let’s say you can pay an extra $100 a month. Take that extra and save it. SAVE IT! </div>
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What is $100 X
10?</div>
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You got it! $1,000</div>
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And how much was that bill?</div>
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Yes… it sure was. $1,000 total.</div>
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It sounds so simple after you think about it. It sounds so
elementary when you realize that you are throwing your money away paying a
little extra a month while the credit card company is adding interest on your
balance monthly. A balance that is barely moving.</div>
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But what about the interest while you are saving and paying
the minimum? Does it really matter at that point? No, because you have enough
to pay it off…in less than a year (depending on your individual budget).</div>
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That is the best advice I have EVER received about paying
credit card debt and revolving debt PERIOD! I remember everyone’s face after he
finished explaining it. We were all looking at him like he had lost his mind but the next day I started a savings account to pay off those last two damn
credit cards!</div>
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Where do you get the “extra” to pay it off? You can find it
after you do that budget we talked about in the <a href="http://kaycthequietstorm.blogspot.com/2014/04/paying-off-debthow-i-did-it-step-one.html" target="_blank">last post</a>.</div>
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Until Next Time,</div>
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Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
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KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-24835670642245547072014-04-16T11:36:00.001-05:002014-04-26T16:36:01.119-05:00Paying off Debt (Part One)...How I Did It<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Since April is Financial Literacy Month I decided to make my "return" to blogging focus on finances this month. After the end of the marriage I was left with all of the collected debt. I guess someone usually ends up with the debt, right? Lucky me. It was the price I was willing to pay to get out peacefully. My credit was the better of the two so most of what we had was in my name. Once again....lucky me.<br />
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I am the average "working middle class" woman in America and am not claiming to be a financial planner. What I did was pay off all of the marriage debt, credit cards, overdue accounts, etc. in five years without receiving a pay raise in three of those years. The first thing I did was to pull everything together and realize the amount of debt I was facing. Luckily, I have always been frugal. You know, what some people call cheap.<br />
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<br />
<b>Step One: Get a budget (and know how much money you make)</b><br />
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Ah, that word budget. It might be uglier than cheap, right? It is a must. You must know what you spend and you must know where you spend it. My first response to a budget was, "But, I don't have any money!" You will be shocked at how fast a dollar here and three dollars there adds up. How much have you spent in fast food, a cup of coffee and the vending machine today?<br />
<br />
You can find a few budget guidelines online for free. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0972106502/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0972106502&linkCode=as2&tag=lanoba-20" target="_blank">This book</a> is a great resource. I have listened to the author for years on the radio during my lunch break. He is the reason I bought my house and got out of debt. I will forever be grateful for finding his radio show. He shows you how to manage your money without changing your lifestyle. That was a big plus for me because I didn't have much left to cut back. If you have the chance to attend one of his <a href="http://www.unlockingwealth.com/" target="_blank">seminars</a>, do yourself a BIG favor and go! Most of them are free.<br />
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I added <i>know how much money you make</i> for a reason. You may say, "Who does not know how much they make?" I said the same until I went to a building wealth seminar and the question was asked. Only three people out of around 100 knew how much was in their paycheck. Amazing...how can you manage something when you have no idea how much you have to work with?<br />
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<b>Step Two: Track Your Budget</b><br />
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What good is the best budget if you ignore it? Don't have the time? Well, you have a phone. Chances are it is a smart phone that you have with you all the time, right? Guess what? There's an app for that. I use the free version of <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.handynorth.moneywise_free" target="_blank">this one</a>. There are many apps that track your expenses and there is a good write up on a few of them <a href="http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/android-finance-apps/" target="_blank">here</a>. There are always new apps available but bottom line is find one and use it. It takes about the same amount of time to make an entry in the app as it does to send a text. My main focus is four areas of my budget, food, gas, utilities and pet supplies. Those are my four areas that fluctuate so I try to keep a close eye on them. I use sub-groups to cheat the app a little because you can only track four "budgeting areas" in the free version of the app I use.<br />
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At the end of the year you can save a copy of your data and export it into excel to organize/manipulate it to see what you spend and where you spent it compared to your budget.<br />
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That is the beginning. A good first step. I have a few other things I have used over the years. More to come...<br />
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Until Next Time,<br />
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Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px ! important;" /></a></div>
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KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-11674525906357225112014-04-03T19:54:00.001-05:002014-04-03T19:56:46.350-05:00What is Your Truth?This an old speech and say what you want about her now but it worthy of watching. It should make you think about how you live everyday. Do you dance in the misery of others? What is your truth?<br />
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<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="412" id="flashObj" width="486"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=2469716108001&playerID=2835925913001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAACqviyY~,TD2CJWtQf284ctaC9VL3aku2oribrROf&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=2469716108001&playerID=2835925913001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAACqviyY~,TD2CJWtQf284ctaC9VL3aku2oribrROf&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="486" height="412" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" swLiveConnect="true" allowScriptAccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object></center>KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-91967513831254707572013-12-15T13:56:00.002-05:002013-12-15T13:56:37.230-05:00Heartbroken<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am heartbroken. A special person died this morning and I....feel so empty.<div>
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I have written about my Familia de Cubano many times here. Salsa has become so much a part of my life that it is strange to look back and not have a good memory that does not include someone who dances with me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQZRuNAdMedcA9DIKC2-wOpP3d9rk7jdHXbdbBwAywIe-QaLo-XH1JIzLFt6IqyO1Vof11TOmUgKQx0RxIuxnRP1LyFs8VxePlkdLW8eIs2GJPLskWDBalOcy_qbh-ATCssvL3q1FJvNI/s1600/Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQZRuNAdMedcA9DIKC2-wOpP3d9rk7jdHXbdbBwAywIe-QaLo-XH1JIzLFt6IqyO1Vof11TOmUgKQx0RxIuxnRP1LyFs8VxePlkdLW8eIs2GJPLskWDBalOcy_qbh-ATCssvL3q1FJvNI/s320/Family.jpg" width="320" /></a>I learned to dance Cuban style salsa from a wonderful couple. The man affectionately known as "The Papi" and his partner. A woman who has always laughed and opened her home and heart to me like I was indeed family. They adopted me, took me under their wings, opened their home for holidays and gatherings and lifted me up whenever I felt down.</div>
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In the past 8 years I have grown to know and love them both like family. </div>
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Today...this morning....one half of that couple has left this world....my heart is broken. As I type through tears I remember the good memories, her extremely bright blue (and sometimes green) eyes and the smile she shared with everyone. No one has a laugh as infectious as hers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlvKE-yCsmCYW8OEHxCmcWcjx4a32GLQ98xBeXTGY3QrChciPnetHRU7UD79khewHvJWYU5ZYx1oAgUMXF1n4LUmr9laMhp2YfhU2BbAjF5B1X7k_gPswPMYibfVEGys7fJVsMojXAUhI/s1600/16938_1321976291498_3185290_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlvKE-yCsmCYW8OEHxCmcWcjx4a32GLQ98xBeXTGY3QrChciPnetHRU7UD79khewHvJWYU5ZYx1oAgUMXF1n4LUmr9laMhp2YfhU2BbAjF5B1X7k_gPswPMYibfVEGys7fJVsMojXAUhI/s200/16938_1321976291498_3185290_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>My life was/is better because of them both, because of her generosity. My Cuban family has suffered a tremendous loss. My heart breaks for The Papi and it is so very heavy today.</div>
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I take a little comfort that she is not in pain anymore. And I am extremely lucky to have known her and shared the years of her life. She touched so many....</div>
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...but I am heartbroken.</div>
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Our last words to each other...</div>
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I said, "Smooches hun, love you. Feel better!"</div>
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Her almost whispered response, "Smooches. Love you too!"</div>
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KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3172968459888113854.post-2706419081482798692013-11-24T14:59:00.000-05:002013-11-24T14:59:36.110-05:00Birthday Reflections 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Where does the time go? I have a habit of taking care of everyone except myself and this year is no different. I found myself in a bit of a situation on my birthday. It was one of the worst days ever! Thank God it is over. I spent the day dealing with a dying car, tow trucks, arguments and disagreements. Not what a celebration of another year of life should be. All of which is making me withdraw, sit back and reflect on my part in it all. Time to make changes, make an assessment of what, where and how and keep living life. Happier..<br />
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I am researching cars now to replace my slowly dying 14 year old ride. When did cars become so expensive?!? Even the entry level models are more expensive than I expected. I am not the type to go out and get a luxury brand just to show people my 'status' or lifestyle. I want a car that will last, with little to no repair costs and a reasonable price tag. I have been searching for a few days. My luck is not so good as of right now. Hoping my car will last until I find that great deal I am looking for. Meanwhile every trip is started and ended with a prayer and a "thank you Jesus!"<br />
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I have a new job and a new career path. I took a lateral move from the only career I have ever had to hopefully make a better move for myself. It has been about three months now and I feel like a teenager. There is so much to learn and man, people will try their best to run over you in this position. I am standing my ground and holding my own now but at first...well, things were more than a little hairy. I would come home every day thinking I might not have made the best move. I will feel even better after a promotion. That should come within the next 6 months after my training period is complete.<br />
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I hope all is well with you blog fam. As for me...things will get better. There is always peace after the storm. In fact, some of the most peaceful moments come after violent storms.<br />
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Until Next Time,<br />
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Peace & Blessings...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3172968459888113854" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/192/1BF8CE445C6190C2528F996B02FFF3C0.png" style="border-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
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KayC, The Quiet Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04906296213022463052noreply@blogger.com0