Sometimes you have to do it

I have turned out to be a poor landlord. I let tenants get away with delinquency in paying rent and my heart melts when a tenant gets sick.

But, I've recently decided to get out of my passionate zone and take action.  Last month, I filed suit against one tenant who said she couldn't pay.  Yet, I bumped into her at a salon...lookin' good and spending' good. So, the lawsuit continues.

Then, my other tenant is so far behind that I'm embarrassed.  But, she has until September 1 to come up with 1/2 and if I don't get it, I commence court proceedings.

It's about time I began looking out for my interests.  About time.

Retaining a professional

OK.  I admit I need help...in my persona life.

Recently, I had a session with a relationship expert who gave me clarity about a situation in which I was involved and one that made me cry.

She was so professional and compassionate and so spot on with her assessments that I've decided to have a monthly session with her.

When your personal life is off kilter, it affects your business life.

And when that began to intrude on my livelihood, I turned to her again.

It's worth it to retain a professional because she keeps me grounded, provides great advice and gets me clear.

That's worth it!

Don't take a chance

Last night, I was going to go Downtown to see one of the films in the Black Harvest series.  I googled Harvey train stop to get the schedule for the train. The show started at 8:30 and there was a 7:01 train.

What popped up, instead, was a story about a recent robbery on the Harvey stop.  Two riders, waiting for a train, were robbed at gunpoint and their valuables, money and cell phones were taken. It happened in the evening.

I got spooked.  While the thugs were caught, the mere thought of this violation was enough to keep me from going.

I just couldn't take a chance.

So, I'll go again next week during the afternoon hours.

At least, I'll feel safer.

Break ups

Suddenly, he stopped calling...seeing me...texting me.  No explanation. No warning.  Just gone.

I am so hurt and trying to absorb and process this.  I am trying not to act like a psycho chick...but I miss him...miss the friendship.

So, right now, I'm trying to get past the pain.

It's hard.

Stop before you press "send."

Herman Edwards once said to stop before you press SEND when transmitting a message.  I agree with that.  Never send anything in haste. Wait an hour.  Email it to yourself and then get back to it.  But, STOP.

These messages never go away and what you send in haste will never go away.  It will reflect on you.

So, STOP, RESIST the desire to press send.

Everything will change but your message will remain out there.

STOP. RESIST. THINK BEFORE YOU PRESS SEND!>

Get help

In the last few weeks, I've needed help for personal -- and really personal -- matters. As a big busted woman, I have always had trouble fitting into bras.  It seems like I can never get fully fit into these bras.

Finally, I decided to go to a professional:  Tina at Tina's Closet in Lisle, Illinois was an Internet recommendation.  I went out there to the most beautiful town and street that was equalled only by Tina's kindness.

She gave me such great tips and was so wonderful and patient.  She pointed out the mistakes I've made through the years and I incorporated those tips into my bra fitting. I was impressed with her kindness. She fit and adjusted my bra and gave me great advice that I plan to use.

I was so happy that I made it there and met her. I bought two bras and plan to make a twice-a-year trip to Lisle for further consultation.

Thanks, Tina!

Forgive...even if it means changing plans

Yes, I planned to break up on July 4.  But, he was so understanding, contrite and loving...I changed my mind.

You have to forgive and give folks a second chance.

I did...and we are stronger for it.