Hi all. So I made a secret deal to blog more, and then haven’t been too disciplined.  I’m trying to find work, Ken is helping me build a website, and of course — Ken and I made a giant Halloween decoration that took us all weekend to get up (pics to follow soon).

However, in the meantime, I wanted to mention a fantastic blog and book that I’ve been reading lately.  The blog is Carrie and Danielle, two women who own a style consulting company in Vancouver Canada.  The book is called Style Statement.  Basically you survey all aspects of your life to find two words that define your style.  Of course they mean fashion and interior design, but also what you need to create and inspire yourself.  I’m only half way through the book, so I can’t tell you my words yet.  However, it has been a great exercise as I am working on personal branding for my consulting work.

One cool aspect of their blog is their “Daily Question”.   A few times a week I go over and ask myself some of the old questions to try and focus my work and intention.  So I thought I would share some Q&A for fun. . .

Q:  IN THIS VERY MOMENT, WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR? (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER OF THANKS. . .)

A:  In no particular order:

1. Ken — a boyfriend who makes me laugh, and dives into crazy adventures with me!
2. My family — I’ve been missing my parents, grandpa, cousins and sister like crazy, and can’t wait until the holidays.  But my sister in particular is being super brave and moving to Chicago.  It is an inspiration to see her move toward joy.
3. My cats – Lola and Blackjack.  For their companion ship and they keep reminding me to take it easy – a nap fixes everything.
4. My friends. I’ve got a lot of friends who don’t live here in Seattle and I think of them often!
5. Creativity.  I’m trying to view my life with creative energy and building a giant useless 15 ft ghoul to put on the house for Halloween is a good start.  To some it might be a waste of time, but when you hear kids giggle as they go by — it’s all worth it!
6. Lofthouse Cookies - From the supermarket bakery area.  Pure Frosted Goodness.

Q: IN WHAT WAY ARE YOU DELIGHTFULLY CONVENTIONAL?

A: I have a lot of masculine/non-traditional energy in my life.  I’m competitive; I like to lead; and a few times a week I feel the need to physically wrestle with Ken to relieve tension. However, there are true parts of my personality that are terribly conventional.  I love chivalry and romance.  I adore when Ken opens the car door for me, he has to call to order take-out food for us, and I still want him to think I’m pretty.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO WATCH ON TV?

A:  I love TV.  So I have quite a few favorites, but some current favs –  Project Runway, The Office, Inside the Actor’s Studio, So You Think You Can Dance (or any dance show for that matter — even junkie ones with celebrities), and political news.