Isn’t that a great title? It makes me hungry just thinking about it. What does it have to do with today’s post? Absolutely nothing! but you’re here aren’t you?
And now that you’re here, I’ll let you know what developments are taking place because we are HALF WAY THROUGH JANUARY PAULA.
God has miraculously and very coolly furnished me with a new friend and accountability partner. Just out of the blue, this lady who lives around here and whom I like very much as she has such a good sense of humour, positive attitude and great hair to boot asked if I wanted to get together sometime and I thought, yes, I’d like that very much. Now in normal busy every day life that usually means that yes, we like each other and maybe we should do something about it but the likelihood of that happening is slim to none. Well, not this time folks.
She called, we got together for coffee and we walked into a conversation like we’d been doing it since we graduated pre-school. And not just fluffy ‘how’s the weather, what kind of stuff do you have in your house’ conversation. Meaningful deep conversation that was fun and enriching.
It felt bigger than both of us.
So we have taken steps to become accountability partners which will cement time between us too so that our friendship can develop. I am very grateful. Because my daughter isn’t part of the school scene, I am not really a part of the tight circle of families around here. Don’t get me wrong- the people here are lovely and friendly- I just don’t have extended time with any of them for a friendship to develop. I have in the past but it seems there is too little time and too little commonality to draw us together anymore. Not complaining, just calling a spade a spade. Glad this is changing. 
Another development:
MY DAUGHTER IS GOING AWAY FOR THE WHOLE WEEKEND!!!!!! (Hallelujah dance!!!!!!!) Woo hooo!!!!!! YEAH BABY!!!
Ok, y’all know I love my kid but you know when the last time I had my house to myself for a weekend was? The last time was when I could balance a near-beer bottle on my big fat pregnant belly SEVEN YEARS AGO.
so do you know what this means? TIME TO WORK ON THE BIG SPEECH!!!! yay!!!!!! and helping Meg with her speech for the past few days has me chompin’ at the bit.
ALSO. Another gift from God will be beginning soon via my incredible Texas Toastmaster, Micaela Pennell. She will be embarking with me on a 100 day spiritual and practical journey to explore the depths of Paula Howley and help me scrape the dregs out of there so we can fill her up with happiness and sunshine!!!! LOL
And as if THAT weren’t enough, I have discovered the financial wizard of my dreams.
Mr. Money Mustache http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/ is brilliant, hilarious, simple, and Canadian. Did I mention he was brilliant and hilarious? I have been reading his blog with growing excitment, knowing that Lloyd and I can seriously improve our finances with some practical changes that will only help everyone. I am all over this guy. He, like my daughter, is a badass.
I am also still going to bed on time, praying and not swearing (mostly). My faith is stronger, I’m having fulfilling fun with the Toastmasters Youth leadership kids and I’m getting ready to MC an event for the World Champ of Public Speaking, Ryan Avery.
Oh yeah! This is also my 100th post of chocolately goodness!!!
Life if so amazingly excellent I can’t stand it. I think I’m going to go have sex with my husband just to make it better. Good night!
January 20, 2013 at 7:33 AM
Bahhh!!!!!!!! Awesomeness!!! After the week I have had, what a joy to read all your posts this lovely Sunday morning. You are a light!!!!
Can’t wait to hear all about your new friend. God is so good. This makes me so happy. Joy ten times over.
And the speech is developing? This is great! I love it!
When is the event with Ryan? Can you squeeze any more juiciness into your life?
=D
January 20, 2013 at 10:41 PM
the event with Ryan is Feb. 23. Scary scary fun fun!!!! I can’t wait to meet his wife Chelsea. She is so freaking hilarious. My new friend and I got together again on the weekend and we’ve decided to meet every 3rd Friday for a walk and a talk. Very cool. Speech is not being written yet- just being freaked out over. LOL Miss YOU!!!
January 21, 2013 at 7:52 AM
I think these experiences are wonderful fodder for speeches. Most of us are interested in places we have never traveled or people we unlikely to become. While most Toastmaster audiences are conservative they also appreciate when people are telling their authentic stories so I think they will be willing to embrace the edginess of your subject matter. As per how, focus on what you have learned from your experiences and when you deliver, seek out people who will give you brutally candid evaluations. You might want to take a focus group approach to your evaluations where you facilitate a discussion afterwards to draw out areas that might offend them.
I think I would very much enjoy one of your speeches and look forward to when our paths cross again.
January 21, 2013 at 9:53 AM
I thank you VERY much for your thoughtful feedback. The focus group is an excellent idea. I have to admit I’m dealing with some fear here. Your comments have certainly helped diffuse it.