Deb Smouse

The work with my newest client will be (mostly) out of the DC area and my next trip in will involve staying 12 nights in a row. In one way, I am really looking forward to it….because the thing that stresses me on the travel is all the back and forth part. Once [...]

I spend a larger portion of my time communicating with clients, colleagues and friends via electronic means.  I keep appointments and reminders on my Outlook calendar.  But.  Sometimes.  There is nothing like paper.
Looking inwards and evaluating myself  is worthless if I don’t take advantage of what I discover about myself….then what is the point?
One and [...]

Other Airlines have started it, now American has joined in. Joined in on what? Charging $25 for a 2nd checked bag on Domestic Flights…..
We want to make sure you’re aware of the current checked baggage policies before you head to the airport. Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after May [...]

Today has been a somewhat leisurely day….breakfast, out to Arlington Cemetery, and then for a nice brisk walk down King Street.  I had a lunch that was kind of bad for me, but I figure the walk helped balance that out!
I didn’t realize how beautiful the cherry blossoms are after they have begin to fall.  [...]

I have until tomorrow on this trip….and I am thinking that tonight, I need to visit this man….or at least his Memorial.
I really enjoyed my visit to the Jefferson Memorial earlier this month, but it isn’t in my heart like The Lincoln Memorial is.  I think, tonight, after work, I will make a visit to [...]

Well, this is no longer a writing week.  I had one day where I was able to spend more than a few stolen moments writing, so I can’t exactly call that dedicated writing time.
I agreed to a new consulting contract yesterday.  The rates are inline with what I wanted for PM type work, so I [...]

I had some frustrating moments today, when I was just wanting to run away and be alone.  And  other moments when I wanted to get away from my own self, and just veg….
I didn’t do my brain dumping exercise yet, but plunged into some things for ATG….then we went to lunch and to walk around [...]

I am curious to see if I can begin to tune things out today and truly get into my writing headspace.  Work tends to be on my mind as does the list of projects I have going and want to complete, and I am thinking I need to buckle down and do a brain dump, [...]

I haven’t exactly written anything today, my mind is still going 90 to nothing and jumping topics.   It’s Writer’s Block in some ways, but not quite the same.  I can’t focus long enough to write much more than a sentence today.   I think because I am tired….since I didn’t go to bed until after [...]

I am waiting for my flight to board. I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve done an early morning flight like this… I had a car service pick me up this morning…..4:30 AM….my plans for the week have changed slightly, though. This was supposed to be a week where I hid out [...]

I will never understand parents who bring their kids to a salon and let them run around.  Then, when someone finally says something to the mom….she begins to yell.
Seems easier to just not bring them……

For some reason, I decided that pancakes sounded really good last night  - or rather - this morning.  I had gone to a BBQ at a friend’s house, got home about 1:30 and texted Miss O.
She decided pancakes sounded good as well, so she met me at IHop at 2 AM.
I had the painter coming [...]

If someone were to ask me, I would say that I am incredibly flexible and take changes in stride.  In recent months, however, I would agree that I do have some routines.  Today, I realized that I like the comfort of sameness in many ways.
I needed some new luggage because no matter how fabulous your [...]