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Resolutions: Renegotiated, Revisited and Renewed

Lynda StarWriter shares the first part of a continuing humor piece on New Year's resolutions with an attached, SMILE video.

I resolve to smile (even when I don't want to), just to change the way I feel. I don't think I'll ever renegotiate this obvious, one-man, OPPORTUNITY.

This is my first, easy breezy resolution: Smiling is free AND I feel a little bubbly inside when someone smiles back. Sounds kind of selfish, especially since I'm already happy. I desire to tap into that wellspring of PERPETUAL BLISS, like an open spigot of sunshine bursting forth with bright light and cozy warmth on a cloudy day. When I'm waxing and waning about an issue (like moving to Temecula), I'll smile because I've the FREEDOM to choose.  Wherever I decide to light, I know the UNIVERSE will rise in support of my decision (just like those wonderful, hot air balloons in the Rancho California backdrop).

There are times (the exception, rather than the rule) when people, places and results are out of my hands. Most of my decisions are as simple as the following: Should I jog? Should I ride my bike, instead? My friend, Holt, calls and wants to meet up for surfing in Oceanside. There's a gym down that way. But, I want to take some landscape photos in Winchester and compose query letters as I peddle a few of my butterfly thoughts. I have to gather my tax stuff, make some phone calls, meet with the roof repairman, help my son with homework (type) and chauffer him, daily. I'd like to check on my elderly neighbors, attend church and community fellowship meetings, write a business plan AND breathe.  I work out of my home, which may or may not be conducive to productivity, efficiency and effectiveness. Sometimes, I wonder.

In 1997, I wrote a proven, undergraduate thesis, hypothesizing that the home IS an organizational enterprise, but who DOESN'T know that? I'll share the findings later. In the interim, I've got to wash the dinner dishes, fold clothes, balance the checkbook, turn off the sprinkler system and concoct legitimate ways to generate income (gross revenue: earnings before interest and tax) in creating my own 'Duck Dynasty' or 'Honey Boo-Boo' television series. I'll be right back... 

I know, I know. What's this got to do with smiling?  I'm getting there.

The Sumo wrestler of uncertainty grapples with my penciled-out plans, pinning me to the mat of flexibility; there are few things written in stone or blood. Hey! That's what an eraser's for, right? For example, I mapped out some diligent work time in the wee hours of the morning today, but I stayed up really late last night because my laptop refused to communicate with the printer. All's well and ends well with the appropriate check boxes marked on the printer configuration (ten hours later).

All's well and ends well with a smile. You can see for yourself on the attached YouTube video (from the Internet).  Since January 1, 2013, I propose to kindly smile even though I may be wholly preoccupied, a tad frustrated or floating in the rote ozone. Guess what I've received in return, thus far? Nothing short of phoenomenal, positive, fulfilling energy from others. Rather than subject you to my third-party objective, try smiling at every turn; here, there and everywhere.  Keep me posted.

To Be Continued...

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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
sandalina May 21, 2013 at 02:05 pm
This couldn't possibly happen in a worse place, given the proximity to the freeway, high school, andRead More numerous businesses. UGH! The following is the press release from MPD: On 05-21-13, at 3:27 AM, the Murrieta Police Department received a call of a water-main break in the area of California Oaks Road and Monroe Avenue. Murrieta Police and Murrieta Fire Department initially responded to the scene and discovered a large sinkhole in the westbound lanes of California Oaks Road just west of Jackson Avenue. The sinkhole was approximately 4 feet deep and about 20 feet across. The hydraulic pressure from the water-main break appears to have created this sinkhole and damaged all the westbound lanes of California Oaks from approximately Jackson to Monroe. As a result, the westbound lanes of California Oaks between Jackson and Monroe will be closed for repair until further notice. Rancho Water Officials estimate that these repairs will take approximately one week to complete. When traveling in this area please expect delays and plan an alternate route in order to arrive at your destination on time.
John Kirk De Ritis May 21, 2013 at 08:39 am
I called Rancho was told 3/4 hours from now water will be back up
John Kirk De Ritis May 21, 2013 at 08:39 am
Why hasn't anyone said anything about this my water died literally at 4 am the entire street has noRead More water
Dave Peters May 19, 2013 at 02:44 pm
Hey Maggie, I don't get a chance to talk to the help desk but the ad has gone away for now. I justRead More made a comment on one of Carl Petersons blogs and now the comment has disappeared and no trace of it in my comment history. Are comments still pending proof reading before they post? Was it taken down by the blog author? I realize you guys have made a lot of changes so I'm still not sure if there are bugs being worked out or if some thing else is going on. Any help would be appreciated.
Maggie Avants (Editor) May 18, 2013 at 12:56 am
Hi Dave, I don't see that on my laptop, but it must be annoying on the iPad. I suggest emailingRead More support@patch.com. We also have a feedback form: http://feedback.aol.com/product/patch/?tid=446&r=http%3A%2F%2Fmurrieta.patch.com%2F&ch=
Maggie Avants (Editor) May 18, 2013 at 12:53 am
Hi Heather, I'm glad you like! The design team has been working hard on this for so long. There areRead More still more features coming. :)
Philip rivers May 12, 2013 at 07:45 pm
It's actually UPPER COPPER CANYON PARK
Philip rivers May 12, 2013 at 07:06 pm
Wrong! It's copper canyon park! Yay for me!
Nancy May 12, 2013 at 12:07 pm
I'm going to guess...Mapleton Park?