Kim, Mike and Stacey

I hope your week has been a great one. It's hard to believe it's the middle of the week.

I've known Kim since the mid eighties. We were both financial assistants for the same company, but we were in different cities and worked for different bosses. We used to say someday we would work together. Well in 1988, Mike (who is next in my blog), her boss, quit and I was offered the job; our prediction came true! I still remember my first day in the new place, Kim had a plant delivered to me, welcoming me to my new job. She even let me stay with her and her son for a short time. She is so down to earth was so easy to lead. Since I am directionally impaired, she was my right arm in finding my way around. I looked forward to coming to work with her. We were a good team. One year we dressed up as Laurel and Hardy for Halloween; it was a riot. She and her husband Mike were also a lot of fun to hang out with and we have a lot of great memories. She moved to Kentucky  years ago so we don't get to see each other that often.

Mike was Kim's boss before me and when he quit I had the chance for a promotion and was delighted to have the opportunity (he didn't get along with his boss). Mike came back to the company about 8 years ago. Although he is in a different city, we talk often about different issues and situations. I know I can call him to vent or get an honest opinion. He keeps confidences and is a good friend.

Stacey just celebrated her 20th anniversary with our company. She is in Virginia and takes care of the administrative work and has lots of other duties. I sent her an anniversary card and told her that I appreciated all her efforts in helping make the company so successful.

Here's wishing you a week full of love; it's out there all around us, we just have to be open to it and put it out there ourselves. Instead of judging someone who seems unfriendly to you, give them a smile and a kind word.

Love
Annie

Garry and Donna & Jay

Happy Monday to you. I hope you have put out good vibes since our last visit. Have you noticed any difference in the way people respond to you or to the way you feel?

Garry is my husband's cousin and Donna is his wife. I admire them both so much. They are both such dedicated family people. Luckily they have ancestory records on both sides that date to many, many generations and they have played a part in that research. Donna is a master seamstress and has made the most beautiful gowns (including wedding gowns) She recently made her new daughter-in-law's wedding gown and it was exquisite. They have raised two wonderful kids, Patrick and Becca. They have obviously done something right. I hope we can get together with them more often since they don't live that far from us.

Jay is the husband of my friend Liz. I met him many, many years ago when he worked for a competitor. He decided to get out of the wholesale credit arena and now works for a bank. He has worked so hard to pass the many, many tests needed to be qualified for his job. His hard work has been rewarded and he has his own branch to run. He is a great listener and gives great advice. I know this because his wife Liz ALWAYS sings his praises. I am so glad they found each other as they are a great match.

I got a call from my friend Terri who got my card on Saturday. She said it came at the exact right time as she was having a rough day and it really cheered her up. It is nice to get feedback, but is also rewarding just writing and mailing out these sentiments. It gives me a chance to focus on the individuals and to say a prayer for them as well.

Hoping your day is filled with blessings.

Warm wishes,
Annie

"Is Annie OK?", and Kristin and Sandi

I got the sweetest call today from my friend Peggy. She doesn't check her mail everyday but she wanted me to know that she really loved the card I sent her. Her daughters Katie and Rachael also got their cards. She said her younger daughter Katie said "Mom I got the sweetest card from Annie, is she OK?" I thought that was hilarious. She thought maybe I was on my last leg and was sending out my final words to people before I croaked!!

I sent my thanks and appreciation to both Sandi and Kristin. They both were my assistants at work until last May when Sandi took another position at another branch with our company. I think she really liked what she did but was afraid of being laid off.  I hired Sandi about 6 years ago and I really connected with her at the interview. She was calm and quiet but was convinced she would be the right person for the job. When I hired her, people in the office asked me if she talked; she was so quiet. But she gradually opened up and let everyone get to know the real "Sandi". She fit into the credit department so well and I really believe she had an inate talent for the job. It is not an easy  job but she got along with all the customers and all the employees. I hate that she left but I know she is doing a great job in her current position. I do miss her.

Kristin has been with the company for 11 years and transferred from Charlotte. She has a degree in Finance and is very smart. She does a great job. I never have to ask her twice to do anything. When I was out with my transplant she kept EVERYTHING going so well. I never had a minute of worry. Now who can say that, when they've been out of work for 2 months? I think that is a great testament to her ability. (PLUS, it's obvious she had great training isn't it ?  :-). She makes it a joy to come to work.

OH!  I got another wonderful call from my friend Liz. She said she got my note when she was having a really bad day and she said my words made her cry as she was so touched. We talked about gratitude and starting the day with words of inspiration and how that can change us and who we truly are. I can tell you that doing this adventure and keeping my nightly gratitude journal has been very good for me.  If you are feeling "lack" in your life or maybe suffering from a little depression, I encourage you to take a small step and start your gratitude journal. If  you are feeling that your life is in turmoil or nothing is good, you can be grateful for the smallest of things; for your toothbrush, for a safe comfy bed, for freedom of speech, for a full head of hair.... I think you get the idea.  Let me hear from you!   I know I am grateful for getting to go for blood work tomorrow at Duke!

Yours truly,
Annie

Greg and Loretta

I like to recall the lyrics to a favorite James Taylor song:  "Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel. Things are gonna work out fine if you only will. Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel. Things are gonna be much better if you only will".

Hopefully you have showered your loved ones with love and they have showered you with theirs.

Greg is another attorney that does work for us (he is with the same firm as David). He handles a lot of collection cases for us and does such a wonderful job. He really spoils us when we have to use attorney's in other states. We expect the same caliber of work he does and the other firms never match up. He is a big family man; a devoted husband and dad and is a great example to others. Those attorney jokes definitely don't apply to him!

Loretta is a friend we have not seen in about a year or more. But I know whenever we see each other it would be just where we left off. We met her when her husband Richard came to work with us. They were both from Tennessee. We clicked with Richard right away and when we met Loretta, my first impression of her was "This girl cannot possibly be real, no one is THIS nice". Turns out, Loretta IS this nice. She is smart, hardworking, geniune and loyal and fun. We have so many fun memories, starting with going to NC State football games together for many years, cook outs, and just being together. Nick always loved to see Loretta and Richard and just had to sit next to them when we were together. When Richard passed away about 11 years ago she was just devastated. He was the love of her life. She continues to work, work, work and work. We don't see each other much as we now live about 90 miles away but I still love and miss her very much. I pray she finds someone to love and share her life with as she is amazing.

Hoping you are open to all the goodness around you. We usually find what we are looking for and focusing on, so try to find and focus on the good in all.

Warm wishes,
Annie

Encouragement, Appreciation and Sympathy

My friend and former co-worker Veronica is going through a very rough time right now. She recently called and just sounded so incredibly overwhelmed with everything. She lives in a different city but  I sent her a card of encouragement and wanted to let her know that I am here for her; whether it's with a phone call, a note or a visit to see her. Of course I have her in my daily prayers and pray that God gives her strength and comfort.

I sent a note to Terri. She is the wife of a co-worker who works at a different location than I do. She is a mom, wife, friend and is a full time art student. She is so very generous with her time and talents and sees the good in all people. The compassion she has for others is inspiring. At Christmas time, she donated her time and talents from 7am to 7pm to The Christmas Store ( a church mission). She took Christmas portraits of families all day long. She was so loving and patient with each and every family. We share a lot of common interests and I am looking forward to getting to know her better.

Danny is one of the managers in our Wilmington location and he lost his mother this weekend. She had suffered from Alzheimers and was in hospice. He lost his wife many years ago to cancer and I just wanted him to know I was thinking of him and praying for him and his family. Even though you know your loved one is ill, you are never really ready to lose them.

I got a phone call today from Jerry, a former manager who retired in 2003. He and his wife Ann just got back from a three week trip to Florida and in his pile of mail was my note to him. He said he was so touched and wanted me to know the joy that my note brought him (as well as the memories).

It is so rewarding getting calls and letters from people I have expressed my sentiments to.

In case you didn't know, you cannot be depressed and grateful at the same time. I have found that by keeping a daily gratitude journal, I am more open to all the positive things in my life. I also try to practice random acts of kindness on a regular basis. One thing I do (each pay day) while I'm going through the early morning drive thru is to pay for the person's bill behind me. I love to see the look on their face in the rear view mirror when they find out their bill has been paid.

I would love to hear your ideas for random acts of kindness.

Warm wishes,
Annie

Rachael and Katie and feedback

Rachael and Katie are sisters and wonderful young ladies they both are! They are the daughters of my husband's best friend Johnny and his wife Peggy. Rachael is the oldest and Katie is just a few years behind her. It's hard to believe they are both teenagers. They get along so well and are so much their own person. Rachael is driving now and both are so smart, mature and loving. It is so nice to see young ladies who are so respectful of themselves and other people as well. I know they both have a bright future and I believe they will achieve whatever it is they set out to. I am very proud of both of them.

I got feedback on the notes I sent to a few people this week. I had to go to the dentist for my cleaning on Monday and the dentist said he really appreciated my card and my kind words and that he had kept the card I sent him.

Yesterday I received a card in the mail from my former boss Dave who is retired and lives in Virginia. He said he was happy to hear from me and appreciated my words of praise. He said as a boss you just never know how the people you have supervised over the years felt about you. He said he learned as much from me as I did from him (hard to believe!) and that he never wanted the job to be all work and no play, which is why he was so much fun. I really miss him and am glad I told him how he impacted my life.

I would love to hear of any stories you have about people you are grateful for!

Pay attention to the positive and you will see and experience more positive things in your life!

Make it a great day!
Annie

Bobbie, Ron and Sharon, Walt

I hope your Valentine's Day was filled with love; love for yourself and love for others. I know mine was overflowing.

Sharon is my husband's cousin and Ron is her husband. I admire them so very much. They are such a wonderful example of how to keep a marriage going strong. They are so loving and giving and they both love to have a good time. They have raised three beautiful daughters who love to hang out with them. That is no accident as family means so much to them. Now they get to enjoy their beautiful grandchildren and they get to influence the next generation.

I met Bobbie many years ago when I decided to join a Toastmasters group. She was the group's President and she just filled the room with enthusiasm and energy. She was the heart of the group. I knew right away she was someone very special. Her light illuminates all those she meets. She is a devoted Christian and I truly see Christ through her actions and her words. She recently got her PhD and is such an inspiration. She has a definite gift and she has touched my life is so many ways. I want to be a better person because of her. The only thing I would change is to be able to spend more time with her. I am truly blessed.

A customer (Walt) dropped in yesterday to pay his bill and we talked for a while. He told me that the 13th was the second anniversary of his son's death by a drunk driver (his son was in the car with the drunk driver). I felt such compassion for him as he told me his story and can't imagine his sorrow. So I wanted to send him a card to tell him he was in my prayers and that I prayed that God wrapped his arms around him and gave him comfort and strength.

I pray that you are comforted and strengthened as you go out into the world and that you may be a comfort to others.

Sweet dreams,
Annie

Tammy, Chris, Earl & Mary

Yesterday would have been my mom's 86th birthday. I have so much to be grateful to her for. She raised my sister and me as a divorced mom and taught us self-reliance, honesty and integrity. She led by example. She was an RN and stressed education and taught us the value of a dollar and that we had to work hard to make a good life. Every night before we went to bed she said "Good night, sleep tight, I love you". She used to let me sneak into her bed when I couldn't sleep. Even though we grew up without much money, we always knew she loved us and she sacrificed so much for us. I love her so much.

Last week I sent a get well card to Tammy. She works in our Roanoke branch and is out on leave after having surgery. She keeps all the administrative work up to date and is so knowledgeable. I definitely miss having her at work and can't wait for her to return. I hope she is recovering well.

Chris is my friend Liz's mother. Although we haven't been around each other on a regular basis, I have enjoyed the times we have spent together. I have fond memories of times together with her and Liz at Smith Mountain Lake and the VA wine festival. She goes with the flow and is willing to try new things. She has survived the loss of her husband and her son and also survived lung cancer. She is a strong woman. I hope to see more of her in the coming year.

I then sent a card to my husband's cousin Mary and her husband Earl. They live in Canada. The first time I met them was 25 years ago when they came down to our wedding. She is a nurse and he worked at a nuclear plant. They have 3 grown kids and they are so laid back. Sometimes I think we are kindred spirits. They have made such an effort to come to family events all the way from Canada. We took a trip a few years ago to their place when their daughter got married. It was loads of fun & was especially great meeting all of their relatives. I hope to see them soon.

Here's hoping you have a wonderful evening and sweet dreams.

Warm wishes
Annie

Liz, Patricia and Charlotte

I hope you were someone that others were grateful for this week. Did you find joy in what others had to offer? I hope so.

I have known Liz for over twenty years. We met back in the early 90's as we were both financial managers (for competitors). We have sons the same age so we have a lot in common. We were both  "green" managers and over the years we relied on each other so very much; both professionally and personally. She was a divorced mom, raising her son. She went back to school to get her B.S. in business while she worked full time. She is such an inspiration. We have so many fun and fond memories and I so adore her. Now she is getting her masters degree and I have no doubt she will get her CPA when she is done. I still call her for advice as I cannot think of anyone else who is so wise and gives just the right feedback. She is an amazing woman.

Patricia is my husband's aunt (she was married to my husband's father's brother). Although we haven't spent an enormous amount of time together, I have always enjoyed her company. Before she retired from banking years ago, we used to go to lunch together periodically. She has such a calm manner about her and is a very good listener. She is also very adventureous. I hope to spend more time with her in the coming year!

I sent a get well card to my friend Dawn's mother Charlotte. She was supposed to have cataract surgery but ended up having to have  a pre-cataract surgery to remove a bump in her eye. I just wanted to encourage her and let her know I was thinking of her and wishing her a speedy recovery.

Here's wishing you a wonderful day. May you see the miracles that surround all of us.

Take care,
Annie

Peggy and Mary Lynn

How about those Giants?  Rah! Rah! Rah! I guess they're going to the Super Bowl!! :-)

My husband has known Johnny since first grade. He married a wonderful woman named Peggy. I told her how much I admire and respect her. She is an amazing and wonderful mom and is so very devoted to Johnny and their two beautiful young daughters. She  has beauty AND brains. She has a degree from UNC and previously worked as a chemist before she became a stay at home mom. She has set such a great example to her girls and I really admire her and enjoy her friendship.

I haven't see Mary Lynn for over seven years. She used to work for me in Raleigh. I really enjoyed working with her and mentoring her in credit. She was so eager to learn and was very professional in her job. She was also a friend and really liked to have a good time. I miss seeing her and hope we can get together sometime soon.

Is there anyone you haven't seen in a long while? Why not give them a call and touch base with them and tell them what they mean to you?

Try to bring out the best is other people, it can't help but bring out the best in you!

Sweet dreams,
Annie

Jerry, Pat and Maureen

Happy Super Bowl Eve! Are you into the Big Game or maybe just into the commercials? Personally, I love all of it. Even though none of my favorite teams are in it, we will all be rooting for the Giants! 

I am grateful for being able to get together and gather around the TV and eat all the delicious food that is not that healthy for us!

I sent a retiree from Raleigh a long overdue card. Although it has probably been over 15 years since Jerry retired, we did work together as managers for quite a few years. I was a brand new manager when I moved to Raleigh and he was a seasoned manager of customer service. From the very first day of my new job back in 1988 he made me feel right at home. He showed me the ropes around Raleigh and who knew Raleigh had SO many diners. I think  we ate at every single out of the way diners (including Joe's Mama's Diner) in the city. He was very inquisitive and detail oriented and he absolutely knew his stuff. I know he and his wife are enjoying their retirement.

My sister Maureen got my next card. How do you thank your one and only sister (older one) for all she has done for you your whole life? Well, I gave it my best shot. I told her how very much she meant to me and how much I love her. She was such a role model to me growing up. I thought the sun rose and set around her. We used to go up the street to the hairdresser Angie's place and we would PLAY hairdresser. She would do my hair and I would do hers. We used to take the bus to Haulover Beach with friends and stay all day until we looked like lobsters (no sun screen back in the day). We were in the high school marching band and competitive color guard. We had so much fun and she was not afraid to be seen with her "little sister". Now that we live in different states we don't see each other that often but we still love and adore each other.

My son's best friend's mother Pat definitely deserves a thank you note. My son and her son have been friends since high school. My son has spent so much time at her house that I think we need to send her money for room and board. I really appreciate her hospitality and her treating my son like one of her own.

I did receive a note yesterday from Mac. He said he really appreciated my "simple sentiments" and wished me and my family well. He extended an open invitation to us for visits to his place in the mountains. We hope to take him up on this invitation in the spring!

Hoping you're finding people to thank and things to be grateful for in your everyday life. Drop a line and tell me about it.

Make it a great day!
Annie

Gail, Heather and Eloise

Long time no post. Hope you found lots to be grateful for this week. Did you brighten any one's day?

I felt the calling to send a note to my only living Aunt's niece, Gail. She lives in the same town as my Aunt.  Although she has lots of other family members to look after and check on, she always makes time for Aunt Kae.  I really appreciate that, as Aunt Kae will be 93 on Sunday and she lives alone in a house in NJ (with a nice steep basement).  Aunt Kae has no kids and Uncle Charlie passed away about 10 years ago. I wanted Gail to know that even though we don't see each other that often, that I have always enjoyed being around her. I told her how I appreciated her taking such good care of Aunt Kae and that I hoped to see her soon if she came to NC (her daughter and her family just moved to Raleigh, after living with her for several years).

I have missed my friend Eloise as she was able to retire a year or two ago. She lives in Saluda, VA and I have known her for many, many years through our industry. She is such an amazing, energetic woman. Every time I see her, she enters a room with a dazzling smile and her loving heart comes right through. If you were in a bad mood or down about anything, you could always count on her to make you forget all that and be cheery too. She is now busy enjoying her daughter, sons and grandchildren.

Heather and I were both Financial Managers until recently when she accepted a new position within our company in marketing. I wanted to let her know how much I admired her. She was a bright young face when she started with our company and advanced to several positions. I told her I thought that she had a bright future with our company and I can see her heading to upper management. She is also a devoted mother of two young sons and loves to run marathons.

If you have any inspirations or have been blessed by anyone, I would love to hear back from you. Just keep your eyes and ears open as you go about your day. Blessings are all around us; we just have to pay attention to those instead of all the things we seem to want to complain about.

Blessings to all,
Annie