Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan will provide a winter wonderland including 1.5 million holiday lights, a 52-foot rotating Christmas tree, a life-sized Gingerbread House, 12,000 ornaments, and Santa Claus himself, just to name a few. Find out more here:

An earlier visit to the Gaylord Hotel featured a film on how the Ice Production was created. I saw that it entailed Chinese workers that were flown into the Hotel to create ALL the Ice attractions by hand! There was an ice slide, Charlie Brown characters everywhere, and my favorite was the last room that featured this:

Family Christmas for me is all about having a great time and creating memories. This Christmas trip I’m sure has created memories that will last a lifetime! Are you creating memories?? Where? Please share in the comments!! I’m always looking for fun places to visit

Here is another link on the “Making of Ice”

P.s. This is a personal experience and this article is not written for profit in any way! I would take any donations from The Gaylord if offered! Just saying

Jason Mraz comment was “I heard the song, and it was just a tremendous, tremendous horror of a tune,” he said. “I noticed a few similarities in the melody, but it wasn’t enough to pick up the phone and argue with somebody about it. If anything, I just wanted my $1.29 back that I spent on iTunes.”

Jason Mraz tune was a 2008 hit! It is still popular today and too well known to be copied. What a shame that the “Jonas Brothers” would even try!

I normally don’t like celebrity gossip but this was important to me because I feel like an artist your “originality” is what defines you! More than any field, being original as a musician is called “surivival of the fittest”.

No need to copy if you “got it”. I do fall into that trap myself though. I read a great blog and want that style, that lingo, that vibe!! But it just isn’t me. Being ourselves in all aspects is key. I do wonder if it’s enough, if I’m good enough, if I’m giving enough and then I just have to trust myself!

If I could copy other great bloggers because I love the way they write it would be: @shaunaglenn , @joycecherrier , @erinlynn76 , @SharonDV or dang it make it @ChrisBrogan But I’m so stuck with myself!! Who is a great writer you like? Please share in the comments!

There are a lot of sour grapes out there concerning the World Champion undefeated Miami Dolphins of 1972. Legend has it that the surviving members of the team gather every year to celebrate when the last undefeated team, of any particular season, loses but – according to Snopes – this is not true. In addition, because the season is longer now, the Dolphins undefeated season seems to be less meaningful. Okay, whatever.

I still remember those days and those players. It may surprise you to learn that my favorite player on the team was Larry Csonka. I loved the way he would rush for extra yards dragging along a half dozen players with him. Kind of reminds me of pictures of hermit crabs with “hitchhikers” hanging off of them.

There were so many other great players: Jim Kiick, Larry Little, Mercury Morris, Paul Warfield, Jim Langer, Manny Fernandez…

Naturally, Bob Griese deserves a lot of credit but my hero is Earl Morrall who stepped in for Griese in Week 5 of the 1972 (undefeated) season after Griese’s ankle was broken. Morrall carried the Dolphins the rest of the regular season and must remain enshrined in every true Dolphin lover’s heart.

The Dolphins went 12-2 in the 1973 season and defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the Super Bowl 24 to 7. Critics have said that this season was actually more impressive than the 1972 team because of the caliber of teams they played against. That may be true but whatever is said, you cannot take away the fact that the Miami Dolphins played in three Super Bowls in a row (’71-’73 seasons) winning two of them back-to-back with an undefeated season right smack in the middle of it all.

Miami lost in the playoffs in the 1974 season and afterward had their offense decimated by the departure of Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick and Paul Warfield to the World Football League. At the time, average salaries of NFL players were among the lowest in the four major sports (Wikipedia). The three players were guaranteed $1,000,000 each whether the WFL ever took off or not (newsflash: it didn’t). I don’t know how their fellow players felt, but I know it was a sad day for me. Still, it was understandable and frankly, salaries quickly began to rise in the NFL after this so…you’re welcome, Peyton Manning.

The Miami Dolphins have eight players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Don Schula, head coach during the Golden Age and beyond, is enshrined there also (and his restaurants make a killer steak). From 1966 to 1968 they had a live dolphin (Flipper of TV fame) at their games. The Dolphins had the “No-Name Defense” and the “Killer B’s.” Oh, and in case I didn’t mention it, they are still the only team to have an undefeated season. Deal with it.

Guest Post by Anne Galivan

Her blog is a great Home Schooling Resource.

overcome the problem:

In the episode of Ramsey’s show the restaurant owner was a former pharmaceutical salesman and took the approach of “please everyone” to the menu. The “please everyone” approach was a disaster for the menu and the chef. No original taste, no original dishes, and in a speedy process to ‘please all’ the food tasted bland. The kitchen was overworked, the serving staff displeased with their tips, and the customers unsatisfied.

work with the problem and find more than one solution:

For an expert like Ramsey the problem with this Curry Cuisine restaurant was clear: new menu. No one jumped at his suggestion. Even with a restaurant with a short life line, they were all opposed to change. Ramsey had to take the Chef out of the kitchen to a local market to get him back to the roots of cooking and come up with a “special”. This “special” sold quick and the customers loved it because it brought the heart of the Chef back into the kitchen.

Ramsey also proposed a lunch special. A cute canister filled with a quick lunch to sell to local businesses. The restaurant was only seeing a profit on the weekend and this would be a daily fix.

get out and play

Playing outside of work in a team building exercise the kitchen staff and the serving staff finally connected. Ramsey stated that it is important for the “team” to know each other and care for each other’s best interests. It is not “just a job”. It is families earning their wages. Ramsey admitted that his own team gets together at least once a month.

be honest

My favorite part of this episode was when Ramsey actually took down a sign from the the window that read: “Best tasting Curry in Nottingham” because in small print it said “runner up 2007”. Not only was the sign misleading it was not necessary. Ramsey laughed at the sign and took it down against the Owner’s will. The Owner missed the point that good food sells itself.

My problem: I realized is just simply not making time. I have taken other fun tasks but I am not being responsible with my time. I do great in the “Get out and play” area of life I just need to be more devoted to my other tasks! Life is short but consists of simple steps that can keep my life in order!! I’m back in it!

Where are you?? Are you having fun and being successful or caught up in a Nightmare?

Check him out:

Wei’s victory means he goes on tour with Taiwan singer Jolin Tsai, a three month gig in Vegas, and possibly record his own album!

Who is Wei? All I know is that he lost his arms at age 10 during a game of hide and seek. Wei is also responsible for making “China’s Got Talent” one of the most popular shows in the world.

China government is desperately trying to control the shows and information in it’s country but I am SO excited that “China’s Got Talent” made the cut! We now have Wei, an international superstar that came out of the show to live out his dream!

Idol shows, Got Talent shows, and You Tube are making it easier and easier for talent to be discovered! I don’t ever want a limitation on that! Who is your favorite “Talent Star” that was discovered during one of these shows?

My favorite so far, is definitely Wei! Share your thoughts!

http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2010/10/11/china%E2%80%99s-got-toe-talent/

Joyce Cherrier @JoyceCherrier blog:  www.freakingfitness.com From giveaways to asking her fitness questions directly, she is here to help!  Her website is filled with great exercise tips, motivation, and makes working out fun! A great friend to have!

Tori @fitori blog:  http://fitoriblog.com/ A personal journey and she is bold enough to post her pictures!  Just getting to know Tori but she has a resourceful blog and always willing to chat.  A fun positive friend to have!

Carla @mizfitonline http://mizfitonline.com/ Dedicated, fun, and helpful!  A wonderfully designed blog that is there for me!!

Sarah @Searsfitness http://www.facebook.com/SearsFitClub A new voice of fitness on Twitter that I make time for!  So worth following Sarah and being a part of the #SFCFit chat!  Promoting fitness in a huge way on Twitter! Thanks Sarah!

Kelly @KellyOlexa and blogs here:  http://www.kellyolexa.com/ Kelly makes exercising look fun and is always up for a new workout!! She works hard and promotes fitness in a very positive way!  A huge support and great friend!

Paul @PaulSteele and blogs here:  http://www.baldhiker.com/ Following his hiking adventures is a workout in itself!  Always a smile on Twitter and the pictures from his site are heavenly!

Todd @ToddWeissCFA and blogs here:  http://sunshineconsultingltd.com/blog/ A fitness friend worth having who is full of support!  Always positive and willing to help!

@blogomomma she blogs here:  http://blogomomma.com/ I love her because we can chat about unhealthy moments, as well as the healthy ones!!  Always positive, helpful, and supportive!

@CiaoFlorentina Florentina and she blogs here:  http://ciaoflorentina.com/ Ask her for any recipe and she has you covered!! She is an amazing chef that can certainly add flavor to any diet!

I now have my calendar marked for Wednesdays to catch #SFCFit a Fitness Chat on Twitter where I find tips on health, exercises, and spend time with great friends!

“Try your best and forget the rest” (Tony Horton) words I live by!!  I started P90X back in March and do the workout as consistently as I can.  Not very consistent but I try!  My Hubby ( @andersonrob ) and I embarked on this healthy journey together for accountability purposes and love it!  We even spend more time together!   Support for me is imperative and I am lucky to have these friends in my life!

I am making simple changes in my life to stay committed to a healthy lifestyle! The more the merrier! Please share fitness blogs or friends that are helping you on your journey! I’d love to meet them!

Francis

Aaron Fotheringham aka “Wheelz” called his double back flip a “bible flip” because it took a whole lot of faith! Aaron’s attitude is: “if life gives you a wheelchair find a skate park!” The wheelchair did not stop him from being himself and limit his daredevil attitude!

It is what it is…

Aaron is eighteen years old and was born with Spinal Bifida, a birth defect of the spinal cord. For Aaron it means his legs don’t work. He is the third of six children, all adopted. Aaron hit the skate parks since he was little as a spectator for his older brother. At eight he tried the half pipe and fell.

For fun..

Try, try, try again! Aaron has won a few BMX free style competitions. What sets Aaron apart is his drive to attempt difficult tricks. Aaron has challenged himself to try progressively more difficult tricks; carving, grinding, power-sliding, and spinning are just a few of his accomplishments. Back flip and double back flip have allowed Aaron to receive international recognition.

The dream…

Aaron is living his passion. He wants to develop the “most wicked” chair in the world. His message is simple: “wheelchair is a toy not a restriction”. Aaron’s attitude in the videos is fun, friendly, and an inspiring role model. His work and his attitude towards life is admirable! A true inspiration!

I was researching for a new blog and found Aaron which made me think when was the last time I tried a “bible flip”? When did I just go out on a leap of faith? I have some goals I have to work on and Aaron’s story was what I needed to get moving! What about you? Are you on your “bible flip” or what are you waiting for?

http://www.aaronfotheringham.com/

When did you start blogging and why?
I started blogging a few years ago because one of my best girlfriends from college had a blog and I thought it was so cool. One day she told me I should start my own blog. I was incredulous and had NO CLUE what I was doing! Before I knew it, I’d created my Blogger account and it was easier than I’d anticipated (I’m not very techno-savvy). Back then, my posts were mostly just drivel — about the daily grind of raising twins, the challenges it brings— and the blog itself was a good outlet for me to vent my frustrations and fears. Lately I’ve made an effort to become more focused. I’m writing for me. And it’s not drivel anymore (at least I don’t think so!)

What advice do have for bloggers?
QUALITY, not quantity. Some might disagree with me, but don’t post daily
just because you feel you should or that you have to. I think the quality of my posts and writing improved dramatically once I began posting less frequently. If your post is about what you ate for breakfast and you find yourself actually typing, “hmmm, I don’t really have much to say,” then STOP. Do not pass go. Do not publish. Wait until you really have something in mind, something good and worthwhile and interesting. Of course, if you aren’t worried about attracting a readership/audience, then disregard this! Secondly, don’t let the cliques and the trolls get to you. BLOG ON.

I also try to keep my posts brief, 3-4 paragraphs. I read a lot of other blogs and so I don’t have time to read too many lengthy things; don’t misunderstand me—if it’s a kick-ass post, I will read it until the end no matter how long it is! But if you are rambling about nothing, I will leave and likely not comment. Reciprocity is another big thing. Blogging is give and take. Make an effort to visit others’ blogs and comment when you can. Do unto other bloggers as you would like them to do unto you!! Treat everyone with respect. If someone gets nasty, just walk away, do not engage.

What has and hasn’t worked for you?
I think I went into this a bit in the question above–posting constantly didn’t draw any more readers. I also don’t like Blog Hops/Follow Me Fridays, that sort of thing. I care about the number of followers I have, sure. But I don’t want you to follow my blog just because of some meme. I want you to happen upon me by accident, hear about me from a friend, etc. I want you to read a post, like it,
and decide to click on that “Follow” button (or subscribe) because you WANT to, not because you have to because of the Mr. Linky rules!

A funny story you would tell me if I met you.
I would tell you that back in the spring, @ShellyKramer’s husband threw her a surprise party. I was there and it was a blast! As Shelly (and most everyone else) knows, I’m a little OCD and I also didn’t want her to have to clean up after her own party, so I was dutifully at the sink washing dishes. I didn’t know it at the time, but apparently my “whale tail” was visible. I didn’t even know what that was until I asked. I was mortified. And it wasn’t like I was wearing some midriff-bearing top, either!!! Not sure how it happened. I guess I was so wrapped up in the suds and taking the trash out that I didn’t notice. Oops. #fashionfail.

When you get writer’s block how do you snap out of it?
I walk away and do something else. I read. I hang out with my kids and my husband. I try not to stress about it, because that only makes it worse.

What inspires you?
Other women. Strong women. Women who are taking life by the balls and there’s no stopping ‘em. You know who you are.

What is the BEST advice you ever received?
Just keep writing. I love Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. She talks about how you just have to write a bunch of crap to get down to the good stuff buried underneath. We can’t just write perfection right off the bat. It takes time. Writing takes practice, just like anything else. I need to remind myself of that!

What is a funny memory that makes you laugh?
Sooooo many. Most involve my being klutzy. Once when I was in high school, I tripped in gym class while we were running laps. I knocked myself out, hit the floor, total face plant. Out for a full minute or two. Woke up to see everyone leaning over staring at me. Oy!

Ways to follow:

My Blog

Follow me on Twitter here: @erinlynn76

Jason created “Silicone Alley Reporter” a sixteen page photocopied newsletter in 1996. It grew and expanded into a 300 page magazine making Jason very successful. The Dot-Com bubble came to end and the “Silicone Alley Reporter” was a fail.

The punch.
Jason states that he was an entrepreneur who learned everything on the job. He states he was having fun. Jason described his failure as ‘getting punched in the face’. He said it comes out of no where, leaves you on the ground looking at the ceiling, and wondering what happened. Jason’s credibility was lost and he went from: ‘Hero and visionary one day to a goat and hustler the next day.’ Jason stated that it was psychologically brutal to lay people off.

Walk the House of Mirrors.
Jason would: “Look in the mirror and say I screwed up”. It was during this phase that Jason attributes to developing character. He said it just makes you hungry for more! The easiest way out is to check out he said. People can say anything about you, just don’t let it get you down. He described this process as walking the ‘House of Mirrors’ because some will say you are tall, you are short, you are fat, but if you know who you are, then none of that matters.

Refresh.
Jason was ahead of the curve on blogging. He began blogging while he was working for a boss. Jason cofounded Weblogs and asked his friend Mark Cuban for $100,000 to hit the ground running. In 2005 AOL bought the company for an estimated 25-30 million dollars. Jason was sitting at his computer with $15,000 dollars left in his account and said he hit the ‘refresh’ key until he saw A LOT of zeros. Jason said he just cried, he cried, and when his Fiance asked him why, he said: “Because I knew I could do it.”

Be the Sumarai
Jason was giving a speech to a senior college class in Penn State and he dared them to be the Sumurai. To have their passions, their ideas, and their beliefs and to fight for them. “Don’t give up on yourself.”~Jason Calacanis

Where are you today?? Are you being the Sumarai or are you hitting refresh? I do believe that timing has to meet opportunity but we have to put ourselves out there in order for that to happen. Don’t check out!

All my info today came from this video:

Is a base worth it? The only player in history to win both the All-Star Game MVP Award and the World Series MVP award in 2000. Jeter does not need to cheat his way into base, he is known as the Yankees Hit Leader! Jeter is paving his way to the Hall of Fame so why?? Why do this??

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5580539

Jeter acted hurt. Jeter had no apologies he said: “My job is to get on base.” The Commentators encouraged Jeter’s behavior. There is no instant replay in baseball so the umpire asked Jeter if he was hit and Jeter said “yes”. Joe Madden from Tampa Bay even said “I thought Derek did a great job, and I applaud it, because I wish our guys would do the same thing.”

What message is that sending out to the fans? What is that saying to our children? I value the work that leaders and professionals like Derek Jeter stand for. I am a fan of all sports but I lost respect for the sport on this day. No cheating is needed to play the game or up your numbers. I now support the “Instant Replay” implementation in baseball to hold players accountable.

How did you react? Do you support the thought: “My job is to get on base?” Coming from a role model?

Read more here