Southern Oregon Living: February 2012

Soakin' up Sunshine!

Soakin' up SunshineSoakin' up Sunshine!  It's still winter in Southern Oregon, but there are signs of life budding all around.  Today, it's simply gorgeous!  The sky is blue with white puffy clouds, the air is crisp and clean and I can see the tips of daffodil buds in my front yard waking from a long winter's nap. 

I'm feeling rays of sunshine stretching out their arms and wrapping me in their warmth.  My family, friends and colleagues make my world a brighter place... and for that I am grateful!  Here's a excerpt from a lovely hand-written note I received from a fellow colleague today:

Melinda ~ Not that I'm any authority on this, but you're doing (have already done) a fabulous job in your position.  Owning an office keeps you busy enough, it would be easy to cruise in your GPMLS position.  But that's not what you've done!  Thanks for your continuing efforts on our behalf.  I've never been more proud and excited about the future of our industry on a local level, much of that enthusiasm is due to your efforts!  ~ Russ

Thanks Russ!  Your note makes it all worth it! 

18 commentsMel Peterson - The Naked Blogger • February 19 2012 11:06AM

She Was Convinced She Had It Under Control...

Melinda Peterson was convinced...

She was convinced she had it under control... or so she thought!  Sometimes life deals you a bad deck and you still have to play it...

For the past couple of months, my heart has been beating over 100+ beats a minute, all day, every day.  It's like running a marathon 24/7.  You'd think I would've noticed when I was short of breath and totally exhausted... but no, I just kept on running. 

I had a real estate business to run, I had an MLS to run, I had a restaurant to run.  After awhile, you simply run out of energy to keep on running.  Have you ever felt that way?  I have, but mostly because of my Graves Disease.  It has a mind of it's own and it raises its ugly head when I least expect it.  I was convinced I had it under control, but it taught me a big lesson these last few weeks and now I'm paying attention.

For the past 5 years, I've managed my disease without medication through a healthy lifestyle. Although, it's difficult to maintain a stress-free life when you're responsible for so many working parts.  Last week, my doctor told me that my disease was in a toxic state and if I didn't take the meds it could be life threatening.  That got my attention!  Add a couple of tumors to that equation and you've got a pretty alarming wake-up call.  

My body was in a HYPER state and it needed rest.  I've spent the last 10 days resting and re-evaluating my crazy schedule.  Sometimes, we get so damn busy that we forget to pay attention to what our miraculous bodies are telling us.  Some of you have been there and done that and you know exactly what I'm talking about.  And some of you are like me, who have to be hit over the head with a sledge hammer to get it (slow learners).  Our business and our busyness can wait... our health cannot.  Take care of yourself... I know I'm going to ;)  

62 commentsMel Peterson - The Naked Blogger • February 13 2012 08:18PM

Jack & Jill went up a hill...

Jack & Jill went up a hill... Oh the days of Nursery Rhymes. It all comes back to you when you hang out with a three year old princess.  Well, maybe not all... in this little video, you'll hear my granddaughter Ellie correct me when I make up my own ending.  She says... 'No, that's not the way it goes!'  Ellie is such a smart cookie!

Jack & Jill went up a hill.... 

14 commentsMel Peterson - The Naked Blogger • February 05 2012 03:14PM

Jazzing up the World of Biscotti

Jazzing up the World of Biscotti.  It's no secret, my friends know that I'm a chocolate lover.  And when one of my friends recently surprised me with a basket full of coffee and chocolate treats, I discovered a new love for biscotti.  Can you say Yummy?!

In my basket full of treats was a package of german chocolate biscotti made in Oregon by a company called Be-Bop Biscotti.  The company is located in Bend Oregon and they have an eye-catching website with a cool marketing message...  'We're jazzing up the world of biscotti, infusing fresh life into an old standard.'  It doesn't take much to engage my taste buds when chocolate is involved.  Did I say Yummy?!

Be-Bop Biscotti certainly jazzed up my life today!  Have you had your biscotti? 

Be-Bop Biscotti - Bend Oregon

   

19 commentsMel Peterson - The Naked Blogger • February 01 2012 02:03PM