A New Path and a Speech

I've been getting into the swing of a whole new gig for 2011.  Major decisions have been made that are taking me down a whole new path!

Big Decisions:

1. December 23, 2010:  I decided to get out of Real Estate.  This decision deserves a entire blog entry (or three), but in less words...there is something else I would like to accomplish.  Which leads us to..
2. December 31, 2010:  I've made the goal to write a book this year.  I met with my writing buddy, Beth, on this day and we put together our writing plan.  Much more to come about this!
3. March 9, 2011:  In order to keep balance in my life I've found an 8:30am - 5pm position for a company that recognizes employees for their strengths.  Not only am I in a great environment but have the means to follow my dreams (while job hunting for this position I worked as an independent contractor in advertising and mental health).
4. Along with my writing, I have been putting myself into as many speaking opportunities as I can.  Most recently is the International Speech Contest.  There are six levels to the contest.  I have advanced through two so far and will be speaking at the third level this weekend!  Here's a link to my speech that was recorded in the Area contest (the 2nd level).  Nicole's Speech

Sprinkled throughout these big decisions have been many side adventures along the way:

• met with Bobbie Staten, a nationally recognized Motivational Humorist
• three and half days of water fasting with my hubby.  Greg made it 7 days!!  He is amazing.
• many great books (Fall of Giants, Siddhartha, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, Philosophy for Dummies, Nonfiction Book Proposals and The Agony and The Ecstasy, A Biographical Novel of Michaelangelo) 
• visited the Buddhist Temple in Bolivia
• reveled in a fun filled girls weekend in Myrtle Beach
• met with Tom Morris "who just may be the world's happiest philosopher", author & professional speaker
• explored a Labyrinth
• did my first Adventure Race (with my brother and hubby), 
• was the Murderer at a Murder Mystery dinner party
• plenty of birthday, baby shower, engagement, and other celebrations throughout these 3 months

I realize now that blog entries need to be dedicated to many of these experiences!  Much more to come!