Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
- Albert Schweitzer

Tim has a very important meeting/interview tomorrow. As I sit here and watch it snow, I think about all the pressure and stress he must be feeling. He has worked so hard and come so far and this is such a reflection on his work ethic, his intelligence, his dedication, ,his way with people, his complete knowledge of the business, etc. I don't know if many of you are aware that a friend of Tim's from Nebraska was killed in a trench accident. I apologize if I get his name wrong, but I think it was Donny Bleckah. So, in a way this is a labor of love for Tim; a way to educate others so that they don't have to go through such a tragedy.

Additionally, Tim has taken a Start-up branch in Utah and made it a multi-million dollar store. He meets and or exceeds his goals and has done this more than any other store in ANY district in the region and in some cases the nation. His branch also had the largest total dollar sale. A record for not only Trench Safety but for United Rentals as well.

He deserves this promotion/recognition more now than ever. We are so absolutely proud of you Tim! Do your best! We love you and support your decisions!

We love you-Boots, Bean, Mike, Isabella, Midnight, The Notorious Mr. Biggest and even old man Wiskey

"The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes."
- Benjamin Disraeli


Say Goodnight Gracie....

Potty Talk

I received an email from a friend today that made me laugh and then reminded me of my own little potty story. Wanna here it, here it goes:

A friend of mine, we'll call her Cherie (the names have been changed to protect the innocent) and I were shopping at Nordstrom one afternoon. When we decided to take a bathroom break. There wasn't a line, so we each chose a stall and proceeded with our business. I finished first, so I washed my hands, checked the mirror (oh, the horror), applied a little lip and powder and began to wait. And wait, and wait. I was curious as to what the delay could be, so I put my eye up as close to the crack between the stall wall and door then asked (in not so quiet a voice; assuming we were the only ones in the restroom), "ARE YA POOPIN'?! Well needless to say it was not the stall that my friend was in as she instantly exited the stall on the opposite side of the one I was in. The woman who actually occupied the stall with my peering eye invading her privacy was never to be seen. I just hope she tells the story and smiles, laughs and makes everyone else around her hearing it laugh as well.

Say Good night Gracie..........................

Where is the F*%@#*& Geek Squad at 11:00 p.m.

Had the best idea for my Mom's birthday, and ipod. So, that she could listen to all the music she enjoys in addition to various podcasts, audio books, NPR, etc...So, here I am while the rest of the family is sleeping soundly(well not her heiness-Lady Issabelle). I need to get this done tonight because tomorrow there are other pressing things to attend to. So, you can understand my delima: Say F*@# it and go to bed or create more pressure and that sense of being overwhelmed. Hum...what would Brittney do? Shave my head and pretend that I am in crisis? Nah, I haven't flown over that cookoos nest yet. So I will do my best to finish what I can, do a few yoga poses, meditate, write in my journal(and you all thought you had an insight to my most personal, intimate thoughts and feelings). Now, I regret to say those are saved for my therapist. But, Do not dismay! Where else could you find such whit, irony and deep spiritual thought? Come on give the girl a break! At the least, I have been a little more consistant!

I couldn't decide which poem to end with, one that seems more appropriate to my rantings or one that is so passionately beautiful. So, here are both:


"Who would have thought that all things are the manefestation of the Essence of Mind!"
- The Sutra of Hui Neng

I love to see the big white moon,
A shining star in the sky;
I love to see the little stars,
When the shadow clouds go by.

I love the rain drops falling
on my roof-top in the night;
I love the soft wind's sighing,
before the dawn's grey light.

I love the deepness of the blue,
In my Lord's heaven above;
But better than all these things I think,
I love my lady love.
-Langston Hughes



Okay so it is bedtime, so I couldn't resist


Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life ia a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
-Langston Hughes

'Say Good Night Gracie......."

Dot the Great

As I am sure many have already heard through the family grapevine, Dot the Great is in the hospital. She spent a few days in ICU beign poked and prodded, three blood transfusions and not a lot of restful sleep. I am no medical person. But, as I understand it, mostly from Sandee (who by the way has been more than helpful in understanding all the medical terms and possible conditions), Grandma has the heart of a 25 year old, but there is bleeding in her groin area that they can' t find the cause of or fix right now. But, she is getting the best care possible, lots of visitors and calls. I was there yesterday for a few hours and in just that short time I was amazed at the show of love for her. I want to share one of the most touching examples with you and I hope that Grandpa doesn't read me the riot act for doing so. So, in advance Grandpa, I'm sorry.

As the three of us were sitting there in Dot the Greats room, me on the end of the bed, Grandma with all kinds of tubes and monitors and Grandpa in the chair next to her bed. Grandpa gently reached out and took Grandma's hand and wispered, "I sure miss you Dot."

I'm sure it wasn't meant for my eyes or ears. But, I am so thankful that I was able to witness such love and tenderness between two people. It was a breathtaking, beautiful moment that I will never forget.

My Kharma is my Darhma

Okay, bear with me because to some this may seem as if I have actually gone over the edge. But, hear me out. The past year has been a diffucult

one for the Badberg's. More specifically-Me. I have struggled with depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder(this was one psychiatrists diagnosis), I'm not bi-polar and as for this Dr. I would rather call him a Mad Scientist because he had me so pumped up with medications including adderall, psycotropes, valium etc. that I was litterally high as a kite during the day and virtually comotose at night. Great form of therapy! I am now off of all of those meds and have found an increddible Doctor that is truely helping me in my journey to wellness. She really cares, listens and doesn't want to just prescribe a majic pill so that I will be fine. As I have found, it doesn't work that way and anyone who thinks it could or should or has a Doctor that believes this should do more research and find a new Doctor.

The actual point of this post is to share a journey that I have embarked on that, If you find at all intriguing or promising, I can make some recommendations or share some of what I have learned. I am just profoundly touched by the lessons I am learing and the experiences I am involved in. Please also keep in mind that these books, yoga sessions, webcasts, lectures and the Zen Center may all be based in Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. but they encompass all religions and faiths and don't proselytize. The main goal is mindfullness and spiritual awakening.

Keep in mind, my journey has just begun so don't be expecting and guru advise or wisdom

Thank you all for your patience and understanding over the last year. Your support has been most important. Especially thank you to Tim and Gracie! How lucky I am to have such a devoted family. Shanti-Namaste.

Where have those crazy Badbergs been?

So much for New Year's Resolutions! Actually, I didn't make any resolutions. I knew that I didn't need to inflict failure on myself. I've never been one for keeping them anyway. Sure, each and every year I've made the perfect list of behaviors that need changing; weight that needs to be lost; notes, thanks and gifts that need to be sent on time (don't laugh! I really do try); lists of friends and family that I need to keep in better contact with. Yes, it's very laudable. But, does it every really happen? I can't remember a year that even one resolution was kept. But, is a new year really a time for such negative self reflection? Why set ourselves up for failure and disappointment? How about this year we all stop wasting time trying to find the negative and concentrate on the positive, try to do our best and enjoy each day!

Now for some Badberg family updates.......

Gracie had a great Christmas (much thanks to family and friends)! She even received a call from the man himself. No, not George Clooney. That would be Mamma's best Christmas. Santa Claus called her! It was quite remarkable (note the pic of the phone caller id). She talked to him for near ten minutes and he even asked her about kissing Simon! Now how did he know that?

We are back in school now and having a great time watching and listening our little scholar learn to read. Everyday is a new word. She is spelling, sounding out, writing and reading. One of the first words she read to me was Saturn!

Her teacher, Mrs. Peterson is so creative. Everyday this month has a theme. We have had backwards day, slipper day, hat and teddy bear day. But, the best yet was 'crazy hair' day. I think it is fair to say that Bean had the most clever and creative hairdo in the class (all thanks go to Gracie's friend Sammy. who came up with the idea). And well, you be the judge...

yes, those are playing cards

a mouse, a q-tip, a comb,

and even a gum wrapper! It