You’re probably wondering what prompted this “true confessions” post since #NicheAmnesty was a while ago as were other posts of this type. In interacting with people this week after #OccupyKlout or the Great Klout Meltdown, I stressed that it is people who matter, not scores or numbers.
Thus, I thought it only fitting that I let you know more about this person. If you have not done a similar post on your blog, please do consider doing so because that will help to give us an even greater appreciation of who you are and how you came to be the magnificent person you are.
1. To begin, I have two older sisters and three younger brothers with about a 20 year span between the oldest and youngest.
2. Growing up, I went to a private Catholic all girls school from grades 1-12. Probably the fact that my 2 older sisters went there ahead of me, honed my independent spirit. Because I constantly heard “oh, you’re Kitty & Sue’s little sister; are you like them?” I went through school saying, “NO, I’m nothing like them; I’m me.”
3. Currently I’m “owned” and am the full time staff for a magnificent 16 year old Maine Coon Cat named Kina’ole, a retired champion show cat.
4. When I was 13 I visited Hawaii for the first time; I told the family that I was visiting with that “when I grow up, this is where I am going to live; this is my home.” While I still haven’t grown up,” I have lived in Hawaii for over 4 decades with the time split 75% on Oahu and 25% on the Big Island where I now live.
5. In my early years in Hawaii, I belonged to an organization called Ski Hawaii. One of the things we did was ski on top of Mauna Kea. Then, as now, it is not designed for skiing. We rode in jeeps to the top of this 13,796 ft (4,205 meters) mountain and then skied down a very short distance until we ran out of out snow, hit the lava and then climbed back into the jeeps once again to return to the top.
6. Going in a different direction, not only have I enjoyed scuba diving in Hawaii, I also spent time in Micronesia diving. Diving amongst the sunken shipwrecks in Truk Lagoon is a wonderful experience because the water is so clear. Without a doubt the most memorable part of that trip was seeing someone give the signal for shark and the seeing a great white shark circling the wreck. Though I wish I could tell you I stayed calm and did what I knew I should do, I did not. With adrenaline coursing through my body, I shot to the surface and in one continuous movement lifted myself over the side of the boat while stripping the tank off my back. Fortunately, the shark did not find my movements of interest because I am here to tell the tale.
7. Learning new things brings me great pleasure thus I am an avid student of life.
8. Also, I am a serial entrepreneur. Over the years I have owned many businesses in diverse fields—a chain of health clubs, advertising in color on the back of cash register tapes and fund raising consultant to name a few.
9. When I was a fundraising consultant, I always, always, always wore incredible, outrageous or magnificent hats. Because I was extremely social and attended all different types of events, it was quite easy for me to call someone and say “aloha, my name is Janet Callaway. I met you at such and such an event; I was the one wearing the (appropriate description) hat. What I wanted to do is to make it easy for people to remember me as well as to make a connection that made them smile.
10. In one of my other interesting businesses, I custom made and imported sports equipment for early health pioneer Jack LaLanne. What an incredible man he was. An absolute pleasure to work with, he was authentic and transparent in every way.
11. Health and nutrition have long been an important part of my life because I would much rather prevent health challenges than have to correct them. Because of what I have learned through reading and research, with my commitment to health, I am 99.9% a vegetarian. If I am out in a social setting, I eat what’s appropriate for the situation.
12. Though I was first introduced to the network marketing industry almost 20 years ago as a possible fundraising vehicle for some of my clients, I soon realized it was the perfect industry for me. With network marketing, I could choose when I worked, with whom I worked and how much I make. Today’s technology makes it possible to do business from anywhere you are in the world. My love affair with network marketing has been going strong for almost 20 years.
13. For as long as I can remember, all my close friends have been wildly creative and talented people. How inspirational it is to sit and talk with them or see their latest projects. Much of the art that adorns the walls in my home was made by friends. Looking their works always make me smile and appreciate the fact they are a part of my life.
14. Speaking of appreciating life, one of my very favorite things to do is to go visit the wine country in California. The ambiance, the beautiful countryside, the delicious food, fun boutiques and marvelous wine tastings combine to make each trip a memorable experience.
15. When it comes to memorable, I am fortunate because I have a terrific memory. In fact, when I am talking with people and the conversation goes off on a tangent, I can always remember where we were before the tangent and bring it back.
16. Perhaps a part of that is that I am an excellent listener.
17. Also, I am very good at connecting the dots when someone tells a story that reminds me of story someone else told me, something they are looking for or want to know.
18. Matching people with people, places, products/services or situations that I think may be of interest or benefit to them makes my heart sing.
19. Social media is a natural for me because I love sharing information. With all the amazing people on the various platforms, it is easy to find, then share valuable information and fun tidbits.
20. Since we are talking about social media, this seems to be the appropriate time to mention my blog. When I started it earlier this year, I did it because I read that you are “supposed to” have a blog if you want to establish an online presence, so I did. Little did I know that along the way to developing my blog, I would make some fabulous connections with people who truly make a difference in my life. Your friendships enrich my life. #YouMatter
21. Something else that came out of my blog that was a big surprise to me is how much I enjoy writing. In the past, I have always written letters, reports, copy or whatever “needed” to be written. This blog is the first time I have ever written to express my thoughts as well as to share and explore ideas/concepts with others.
22. As with most people who enjoy writing, I love reading and always have. My friends are used to hearing me say “the other day I was reading a book and . . .” so they just nod and smile when I start in on my latest find.
23. Long walks have long been a part of my life. Living in Hawaii the scenery is always terrific. Sometimes I enjoy the solitude while other times I engage in stimulating conversation. Either way, such walks are a high point of my day.
24. Over my years in Hawaii, I have lived with the ocean at my back door, in a rainforest surrounded by 30′-40′ tree ferns and now I live in rolling pasture land of Kamuela. Ironically, Mauna Kea, which I first skied those many years ago is right outside my office window.
25. Back in my school years, I can remember a teacher telling me “Janet, you’re a natural born leader. The only problem is you lead in the wrong direction.” While it may have been the wrong direction from her point of view, it is absolutely right for me. My life is glorious; I appreciate each and every day. Thank you for being a part of my life.
So, were you surprised by anything you learned?
Have you written a similar post or did you participate in #NicheAmnesty?
If you did either or both, please drop a link to your post in the comment section below.
If not, will you share something personal about yourself or, better still, will you now write such a post?
If you, please do return to share the link with us.
Parting note: Our friends over on Triberr are nominated for the Up-and-Coming Social Media Service award on Mashable. Help me make them Number 1 by casting your vote right now.
If you think this would be helpful for others, please help me spread the word. “Tweet it” “Like It” “Share It” or “Digg It” or “Stumble” below.
Please do give me your feed back and comments. Let’s exchange ideas below. Leave any thoughts or questions you may have and I will get back with you.
janet@janetcallaway.com
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LOVE this list! I’ve been inspired ever since 12Most came along to do lists more…I even, for fun, did a 12Most about myself as a way to put down many of the variety of things I’m doing as it’s such an eclectic mix from hosting a radio show to writing and “starring” in my own comic strip.
BUT, the revelation about your love of skiing means we share something else indeed! THAT is my #1 passion – for fun passion. My wife and I are going heli-skiing in March, for the 2nd time (my third), and I’m still the OLDEST guy in the pipe…see this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSdFPIYM_G0
Bruce Sallan recently posted..NEWS OF THE MOMENT
Bruce, aloha. Let me begin by thanking you for that terrific clip. What fun to see you skiing the pipe–and set to such nice music too! WooHoo!
Prior to 12Most, I had not done very many posts either. What I have learned is that even though people grumble about “oh another list post,” they consistently generate the highest traffic. As you may recall, Dan did an experiment on his blog and found that to be true and Pam Moore (PamMktgNut) says her list posts always receive the highest traffic.
When you think about it, it is easy to understand why that would be so–the topic is well define and they are easy to read/skim. They tend to be very organized and to the point. Also, many “list” posts are “collector’s items” of information be it resources or quotes.
Bruce, I did remember being appropriately dazzled when I read your 12Most post about yourself. You have enjoyed quite an interesting life and you are just getting started!
Thanks so much for visiting. Enjoy a wonderful weekend. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Bruce owns that pipe!
Stan Faryna recently posted..Blog Soup 2011.10.31 Happy Halloween
That he does, Stan.
Hi Janet,
Sorry to hear you have to sacrifice everyday in Hawaii with the Ocean at your back door and surrounded by a rain forest. It must be challenging to say the least.
This is great to learn so much about you. I did the same on my own blog on my about page but I haven’t written a post about it. Right now I believe I have 55 or so fun facts about me. And they are not all self gratifying either. Most of them are though.
Ok you got my attention at the scuba diving at shipwrecks and being circled by Great Whites. I love the water too. Always have. Are you scuba certified?
Wow, you worked with the legend Jack Lalanne. Hearing that you are 99% vegetarian is some what surprising but I am not totally surprised. Thanks for sharing.
Justin | Mazzastick recently posted..Getting Beyond the Time Loop and the Matrix
Well, Justin, it’s a “tough and dirty job” but somebody’s got to do it. For you, Justin, I am making the sacrifice so you won’t have to.
Next time I am over on your blog, I will check out the 55 facts about you. Though I am sure I must have 55 facts I could share about me, 30 more don’t easily come to mind.
Justin, the great white experience I could definitely pass on, however, diving the wrecks was fantastic. And, of course, we have beautiful diving in Hawaii with all the coral and brilliantly hued fish. Yes, I am scuba certified.
Working with Jack was quite an experience. He was a very warm and caring with an incredible spirit. It was truly my pleasure to make equipment to sell under his name.
Justin, thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. Best wishes for a terrific weekend. Aloha. Janet
Janet – super read, I love it!!! You clearly live a fulfilling life & in Hawaii – WOW!!! I’m sure I’ll come back for reference but #9 is much to good to be reference material – it classifies as “GENIUS”, that has been tagged with “genius” & categorized in my “special memory” of “if you ever ABC, remember XYZ – it is GENIUS!” #THX XoXo, Mercy
Meo, aloha. WOW! Love being tagged as “GENIUS;” that makes my day. It definitely is a very effective gimmick and was certainly fun for me. Some of my hats were truly breathtaking. The band around the hat that I am wearing in the picture is all peacock feathers. In the light, it is quite iridescent switching from brilliant blue to green. In hindsight, I should have created a collage with some of the hats that I still have.
Even if you don’t go the hat route, Mercy, if you are going to an event and want to make sure people remember you, where something distinctive that will be a conversation starter at the event as well as an easy reminder later. Because no one else wore hats to the events, many, many people at the events started conversations with me because of the hat. Or, they would come up to me at other events or in restaurants and say, “Oh, I remember I met you or saw you at such and such a place; I remember your hat.”
Thanks so much for stopping by to visit; I truly appreciate the “GENIUS” kudos.
Best wishes to you and yours for a terrific weekend. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Ive learned so much about you…thnx Janet
Dino Dogan recently posted..You Are NOT My Audience – Video
Even though you now know, Dino, hopefully we can still be friends and I can still be a member of Anubis and Roving Bandits!
This is a very sweet post, Janet. Like you, from all the bloggers I am now connected to, I started to learn “stuff,” came to know “people.” I think 2012 is going to be the year in which we harnass the power of what we have been building, leverage our affiliations in the community of bloggers, and get real stuff done. You’ll be there, I’ll be there…
Saul Fleischman recently posted..Trim Post Titles for Reach
Saul, aloha. Like you, Saul, I believe that we are “coming into our own” and look forward to harnassing the power of what we have been building and leveraging our affiliations. We have invested the time getting to know, understand and appreciate each other. We are all different with varying beliefs, experience and goals. Thank heavens, one size does not fit all.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Saul. Best wishes for a terrific week. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Hi Janet!
Awesome post- as one gets to know you so much better now than before! I love your picture in the hat
Reading about your experiences in Hawaii and the scuba diving etc sure makes one want to visit the place as well!
I do see a few similarities in the list though your enriching life is nowhere similar to mine Janet. I am also a vegetarian and love connecting the dots, listening is another God given gift I would say. I would replace your cute cat with my adorable dog and yes social media and meeting people is another point!
Thanks for sharing part of your life with all of us
Harleena Singh recently posted..Throwing a Teen Party for Halloween
Harleena, aloha. Thanks so much for your kind words, Harleena; I’m delighted that you enjoyed the post and saw similarities between us. Pets make a huge difference in our worlds, don’t they? Kina’ole is a constant source of joy, wonder and smiles as no doubt your dog is to you.
Interestingly enough, Harleena, I am finding there are far more people who are vegetarian inclined than I previously thought.
Harleena, thanks so much for sharing parts of your life here in the comments. Should you do a full post similar to this, pelase be sure to let me know as well as drop a link here in the comments section. Wishing you a spectacular week ahead. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Interesting indeed; however, having had the opportunity to get to ‘know’ you there were no real shockers in your list. Most of it was what I had envisioned.
Thanks for sharing, it did give me an idea for a future post however.
Hope all is well; Aloha.
Bill Dorman recently posted..Can social survive without me?
Bill, aloha. Because of the blogs we both comment on, it seems that we are always revealing some aspect of ourselves so it is not surprising that you already “knew me” from our interactions. As I recall, it was after you commented on Gini being a vegetarian that I told you I was as well.
Billi, I look forward to reading whatever post this inspired in you. If it is a “tell all,” please do drop the link back here. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Janet, I really enjoyed this post! People are defnitely like onions — more and more interesting layers as you pull away the outer ones! As for something relatively random about me that a complete stranger would find interesting …. I’m drawing a bit of a blank but I’ll say in addition to my full time job for a non profit and my side job as an editor/proofreader, I love being an extra in films. Mostly Florida State University Film School films given where I live but I also had the fun of working on Recount, which won a TV emmy (I ended up on the cutting room floor, sadly!). I love using social media to share about causes and help educate people and inspire them. Here’s an example: http://waytenmom.blogspot.com/2011/10/carla-is-my-starfish-mama-kat-writing.html
Take care!!
Paula Kiger recently posted..Dots, Stripes, and (Occasionally) Febreze – Welcome to My World (A Mama Kat Writing Prompt)
Paula, aloha. Welcome to my blog; it is always such a pleasure to greet first time visitors. Out of curiosity, how did you happen to find this post? Did you follow a tweet?
Great analogy, Paula; getting to know people is like peeling onions. Before replying to your comment, I took a quick trip over to your blog and look forward to exploring it further and “getting to know you . . .”
My fundraising days were prior to social media days. However, I can certainly see the tremendous benefits of using social media to leverage non-profit causes. In fact, many of my “regular” twitter friends either have their own non-profits or are consultants who work with non-profits. It seems that weekly there are articles in Mashable, Social Media Examiner and other such resources to help non-profits.
Best wishes for a Spectacular Sunday. Until later over at your place, aloha. Janet
Hi Janet, thank you for your in-depth reply. Yes, I followed a tweet to your blog (I don’t recall which one, though!).
Please do visit my blog when you have a moment; I look forward to getting to know you more!
Paula
Paula Kiger recently posted..Dots, Stripes, and (Occasionally) Febreze – Welcome to My World (A Mama Kat Writing Prompt)
Thanks so much, Paula. Look forward to visiting you on your blog and “getting to know you. . .”. Until then, aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
Loved the list and learning more about you.
I’m not surprised that you are adventurous since you do live in Hawaii. Skiing and scuba diving, sounds really cool. I mean it’s so absolutely beautiful there.
Now I know why you wear the hats. That’s brilliant! Really great way to get people to remember you and stick out in the crowd.
You worked with the legendary Jack Lalanne. Wow lady, you have done some fabulous things in your short life. He was one heck of a guy.
Well, you read both of my posts on Niche Amnesty week. That particular one and then my follow up birthday post. I’m sure there are some things I have left out but that pretty much covered my life up till now.
Loved the post Janet and really enjoyed reading more about you. Thanks for sharing!
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..Attention All Baby Boomers…It Is Never Too Late
Adrienne, aloha. Both your #NicheAmensty and Birthday posts shared so much of your self, that I had been increasingly thinking I should likewise return the favor. Somehow, it didn’t see right that some of my favorite bloggers “revealed all” and yet I was saying nothing in return. As one of the commenters said, now a few more layers of the onion have been peeled and you know more of me. Great analogy, don’t you think?
Jack, was indeed one heck of a guy. His wife, Elaine, was also quite delightful. They were an amazing couple. When I was at the studio for one of his television shows, he did something that stayed with me ever since. He had his dog on the show. He attempted to give his dog a cigarette which the dog declined as the audience screamed ‘NO! NO! NO1″ He then did the same thing with a cup of coffee and then with a doughnut.; all the while the audience is screaming “NO!” Then he said, “I don’t get it. You won’t give your dog a cigarette, coffee or a doughnut, so why do you start each morning that way?” Quite powerful! while I do drink coffee, I never did the cigarettes or doughnuts.
Thanks so much for encouraging me to do this post. Best wishes to you, my friend, for a magnificent week ahead. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Hello Janet Callaway,
You *are* “The Natural Networker” – Thanks for sharing, and letting us get to know you better. So glad the Great White did not find you to be a tasty treat. Wow – Truk Lagoon! I’m more of an armchair traveller. Discovery Channel had a very nice show about diving at Truk. Happy you got to see it for real.
Cool hat pic, and great advice on branding yourself at mixers.
We met thru Kim Garst – she has a new pic on LinkedIn, check it out.
Janet, so very good that you found out early in life where you wanted to live. I’ve met many “High Tech Drifters” (sort of like Clint Eastwood’s “High Plains Drifter”) – they have no sense of place in this world. Enjoyed your post, but leaves me wondering. Where was your Matrix, or point of Origin, before Hawaii?
I grew up in “The Valley of Heart’s Delight”, harvesting Apricots, Peaches, Apples, Plums, and Tomatoes. When I got out of the Service, it had become “Silicon Valley”. Which was good, more interesting (and higher paying) jobs. I’m still there, and loving it.
I was perfectly positioned for the Dot-Com Bubble (1995-2001).
When that collapsed, I took some “survival jobs”, also interesting.
For 2.5 years, I managed several Retail Vitamin stores. Was trained by a Ph.D. in Pharmacy. He also believed “much rather prevent health challenges than have to correct them”.
One of the biggest challenges there was to not “Practicing Medicine w/o being an MD”. But I could / can share what I know, and you know that I like sharing. One of the downsides of being a vegetarian, is you most likely do not get enough Zinc in your diet. Please consider adding a Zinc supplement, if you do not already take one.
I am no longer associated w/ any supplement company, nor on commission, getting kick-backs, etc. Just hoping you stay healthy and keep posting your interesting blogs. High end was Great Earth, did a “crash and burn”. Like a phoenix, reborn as Viva Vitamins = HQ in Valencia, CA. Run by Bernard Kash, phone = 661-255-2928.
Most likely the least expensive, yet quality, is from Vitamin Shoppe, HQ in North Bergin, NJ.
Check out their web at VitaminShoppe.com.
If one is paying attention, tough to work in an industry, and not learn a few things worth sharing.
Aloha, Ric
Ric, aloha. Good to see you again. Of course, I remember you. In fact, I think of you each time I look at my Zone Alert icon which is several times a day. The advice you gave and the time you spent sharing it is much appreciated by me and the others who followed it.
Kim’s new picture is great; I far prefer it to the one she was using before.
Prior to moving to Hawaii I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically the East Bay side–Piedmont, Montclair.
Ric, I do indeed get plenty of zinc and have long been into proper supplementation. Not to worry, Ric, I intend to stay healthy and keep posting–especially when I have readers like you that say such nice things.
By the way, my guess is that the reason the great white did not find me of interest is because there were so many of us milling around. She/he was probably so dazzled by all the choices that she/he couldn’t decide which of us look best. The entire experience was quite amazing. Since I went diving there about 35 years ago, I should imagine that it is much more modern in terms of plane flights and accommodations. Also, my guess is that what’s underwater has much changed. Quite likely these have developed coral reefs which they no doubt would have told you on the Discovery Channel.
Ric, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your always appreciated thoughts and perspectives. Best wishes for a great week ahead. Until next time, aloha. Janet
It’s my first time visiting, and it’s great to get to know you off the bat! I’m also a former fundraiser, and also a vegetarian. And of course, I also love writing! Thanks for sharing!
Ruth – The Freelance Writing Blog recently posted..Come Check Out My Shiny New Blogging Award….NOT!
Ruth, aloha. Welcome to my blog; It’s always such a pleasure to greet first time visitors. Out of curiosity, how did you happen to visit?
Obviously we were meant to connect as “kindred spirits” since you too were a fundraiser and are a vegetarian.
Look forward to “getting to know you . . .” through your blog. Thanks for connecting with me. Until next time, aloha. Janet
I enjoy getting to know more about each other and where we come from. We all come from such interesting experiences! Stacey Herbet’s #NicheAmnesty blogs started something wonderful. And I’m so glad to see you take it further, Janet.
Stan Faryna recently posted..What is Occupy Wall Street? And other social media DOHs #ows
Thanks, Stan. Best wishes for a terrific week ahead.
Hey Janet,
What a creative idea…To bring more originality and interaction on your blog by sharing more of who you really are.
I don’t need a PHD to be aware of your networking and leadership traits. People respond very well to you because you are naturally friendly open and kind. This is priceless as a network marketer and more.. as a human being.
Glad to hear that you’re passionate about wine, delicious food and new places with new people. I love this irresistible combination too
Scuba Diving.. wow. I haven’t done it yet but can’t wait to try it.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful “personal” post. It’s great to discover people that have similar passions and get to know them better.
Wish you a splendid day,
Radu
Radu Dascalul recently posted..4 quick tips for your home based business from… Ratatouille
Radu, aloha. Thanks so much for your many kind words which are much appreciated.
Radu, we all know the “faces” we see on posts/comments and we know what they say, however, I think it is nice to know a bit of the story behind the person. When you know a few little things about them, you feel closer to them and appreciate them more.
There is no doubt in my mind, Radu, that you will enjoy a magnificent life experiencing many wonderful things. Do add scuba diving to your list of things you would like to do because it is quite an amazing experience.
Best wishes for a fantastic week ahead. Aloha. Janet
Hey Janet, now I know why we get along so well! I go off on tangents all the time and forget where I came from! And I look positively silly in hats (though I love them) so I could be remembered as the woman with the woman in the hat. And I’ve never been killed by a shark either!
Very cool to learn how you ended up in Hawaii. I wondered how that happened.
Awesome that you have had so many different leadership positions! I can’t say that I’m surprised, though. You’re a fantastic leader in the blogging community too!
Thanks for sharing this, Janet!
Carolyn Nicander Mohr recently posted..YouTube Movies and TV!
Carolyn, aloha. My friends do like it that I can always remind them “where we were” in the conversation before we went off on the tangent. Whenever anyone wants to know something we did in the past, they always say “ask Janet; she’ll remember.”
Carolyn, I truly had and still have some incredible hats. When I moved to the Big Island, I gave most of them away as I knew I wouldn’t be wearing them. People used to look forward to seeing me at events to see what hat I was wearing. Many, many times people introduced themselves to me to tell me how much they enjoyed seeing my hats. They would quite frequently tell me stories of hats they had or how much they enjoyed wearing hats on the Mainland. They truly were great conversation starters and reminders.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Carolyn; I appreciate them.
Best wishes for a terrific week ahead. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
Love this idea. I feel like I know so much more about you, which is so fun. That is amazing that you made your dream come true to live in Hawaii. Most of us say the same thing when we are there, but it doesn’t actually happen, so good for you.
That sounds exciting that you used to ski on top of Mauna Kea. That’s a new one. I used to ski as well, and can relate to trying something a little different.
I will definitely consider writing a similar post on my site, as I do believe it gives the reader so much insight into who is behind all the blog posts.
Cathy | Treatment Talk recently posted..National Drug Facts Week: Did You Know?
It’s fun to read blog posts which are about 25 random facts…even if it is a blog i am reading for the first time… ever – such as now. I enjoyed finding out more about you.
you’ve lived in every type of place imaginable. WOW.
I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii. Blame it on watching Lilo & stitch and reading a Nancy Drew book based in Hawaii, but I find the place magnificent and absolutely beautiful in my perspective.
I know of someone who wears bright, bold big hats to events and it definitely gets her noticed and remembered… no doubt about that one!
Gabriella, aloha. Welcome to my blog; it is always such a pleasure to greet first time visitors. Hawaii is every bit as wonderful as you might imagine. Do put a visit to this glorious state on your “to do” list.
Best wishes to you, Gabriella, for a fantastic month ahead. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Wearing different kinds of hats in various occasions is a good idea to leave a mark! I would not be hard for people to remember you and it would not be hard to leave an impression. Thus, it is important that the hats you wear reflect who you are.
Having done business with several types of fields must be so fulfilling. I can just imagine how making custom sports equipment, for example has been very exciting. What I am thinking as the most exciting now, however is being around with a shark! I’ve been to the world’s most beautiful beaches and haven’t encountered one. Well, not that I’d like to be in danger, but I just want to know how it feels.
Thanks for sharing these random things about you, you really are inspiring!
Janet aloha. You know I have a bit of an aversion to “list posts” these days. I tend to find them just a little boring EXCEPT of course when the list is about a person and particularly when it is about someone I like and admire, such as yourself.
I am always fascinated by how people choose to live their lives and be who they are. To be honest there were no surprises to me reading your list. With each and every point, I found myself nodding my head and smiling.
We share a few common interests too Janet; writing, reading, scuba diving, good food wine and conversation to mention but a few.
I like the idea of this post though and am inspired after reading yours and few others like it, to write one too. I’ll do it soon.
Thanks for the inspiration, nudge and sharing more of yourself with us Janet!
~Marcus
Marcus Baker recently posted..October in Review and Plans for November | 2011
Marcus, aloha. It’s no surprise to me that there were no surprises for you. Heck, you could probably write a list post about me because I have shared so many things on your blog or in response to your comments over heret.
Though others were doing posts of this type, for whatever reason it did not feel “right” to me to write one. Then, all of a sudden, I felt I simply had to write it so I did.
Marcus, it was a rather fun exercise to think of what items to include on this list. Look forward to reading yours of a similar nature.
Best wishes, my friend, for an absolutely fantastic November. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
I have been missing your articles. I think I have not subscribed correctly to your site yet. Thankfully you have not run away with many articles. Only two so far. What a gem this is.
To me, the greatest stories are those that writers tell of themselves. I am forever intrigued by those little details you included here. I did not know that you like skiing and doing it on a volcanic landscape seems ironic. But it is always one experience that many people did not have.
I love skiing too. But coming from sunny Singapore, you know how difficult it is to have access to snow. But I always think back of the few times I have skiied at Lake Tahoe, Big Sky Montana and Whistler. The smell and feel of fresh icy cold air as I zoomed down the slopes are simply incredible. Do you know how I learn skiing? On our first ski trip, we were brought up to an intermediate slope after a brief lesson. The instructor left us at the start of the run and skiied down. In skiing there is no turning back right. Have you ever seen someone taking the ski lift downwards? We had no choice. We faced fear and just when down slowly. Along the way, we got better making the turns, and viola, we have learnt skiing. Intermediate slopes are not a problem now.
BTW I have visited Hawaii during my first honeymoon. What a fabulous state. I was at the Volcano National Park on Big Island. Stayed at Kona and had the best and freshest prawns there. Saw the 20 foot waves at Northshore and learnt surfing at Waikiki Beach. I can understand why you chose to stay there. It is definitely one place I would bring my family to after skiing.
Could I take this opportunity to ask you a question? I was wondering if you have been exposed to some form of personal development when you were young? If so at what age? What was taught to you and who taught you? I am doing a research that looks at how personal development can affect the lives of people. This is for my blog and also for me to put up a paper to lobby for greater exposure of this at schools in my country. I really believe that many of our children could be so much more effective in life if only their personal development have not been left to chance.
I could go on and over take your post here with this comment. But I will end here, and let you breathe a little. BTW, I am inspired to write a blog post about myself now.
Cheers
Jimmy recently posted..Using the Law of Attraction to Speed up the Attraction Process
Janet, aloha..
Like this and feel good that you have shared such a wonderful and interesting thing about you in just 25 points. As each point teach something new which really excite me.
Thnaks a lot for this.