Fab Five: Blogs I Love

Over the last several months I have discovered some fantastic blogs that I enjoy reading. From leadership and growth to pure comic relief, there is something here for everyone.

1.  Michael Hyatt  I just love this guy.  From email etiquette to creating a life plan, Michael Hyatt offers insight and processes on a number of topics related to leadership and productivity.  He is the Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers, and he helps people live and lead on purpose.

2.  Leadership Freak  Winner of the Best of Leadership blogs in 2010, Dan Rockwell helps leaders reach higher in 300 words or less.  His posts are short, digestible nuggets of wisdom that any leader can apply immediately.  Whether you’re a mom running a household or an executive running a business, you will find Dan’s posts useful.

3.  Goins Writer  Jeff Goins is a writer who is wise beyond his years.  He produces excellent content about writing, creativity, and making a difference.  I always learn something new from his posts.  Plus what’s not to love about a guy who moved to Tennessee for his wife, and who wants to change the world?

4.  The Bearded Iris  Oh, Iris, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!  I have a blogger’s crush on her.  She is the Chris Rock of SAHMs. There hasn’t been a single post of hers that hasn’t made me literally laugh OUT LOUD.   I embarrassed myself on an airplane last month by spitting out my coffee, I laughed so hard.  The best part for me was discovering that not only did we attend the same college, we are in fact sorority sisters!  I learned this after blog stalking her for quite some time.  The woman is a genius.

5.  The Coach’s Corner  Mike Van Hoozer is a leadership expert and peak performance coach to business leaders, entrepreneurs, and elite athletes. He is an expert in the psychology of human performance and helps individuals and organizations reach their potential in sports, business, and life.  Not only that, he is a colleague and personal friend of mine who has mentored me and had a huge impact on my life.  He also has an incredible jump shot.

I hope that you will take the time to check out these great resources and that they make a difference in your life like they have in mine.  What blogs do YOU love?

My Grandmother is Younger than my Dad

Wait, what?  It’s true, and yes, you read that correctly.  My grandmother gave birth to my mom when she was 16 years old.  When my mom was 25 she met a tall dark and handsome man (yep, my dad) who was 42. My father is one year older than my grandmother.  Sometimes I like to imagine the scene when my mom brought him home to meet the family! My dad is also the same age as my late grandfather.  That always made for tense family gatherings great golf and fishing trips.  (BTW, my parents just celebrated their 37th anniversary and my dad is still telling my mom how to correct her golf swing even though her handicap is better than his.  They’re awesome).

So you’re wondering why I’m sharing this personal information about my family.  The main point is focused on my grandmother, who at age 15 found out she was pregnant.  She was pregnant and she needed help.  Are you pro-choice or pro-life?  I have close friends on both sides of the issue, and I would rather swim to Alcatraz than engage in the political debate. Why? We’re so busy arguing over choice itself, that we’ve forgotten about helping the women who are faced with the choice.  One thing we can all agree on is the fact that women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy need help, like my grandmother and so many others.  They need support, unconditional love, and a complete understanding of the choices available to them.  I serve on the Board of Directors at the Valley Pregnancy Center (VPC) in Dublin, CA.  It’s a non-profit organization whose vision is to be the center of hope and healing for women facing critical life choices.

The VPC provides the following services, all free of charge:

• Pregnancy tests & ultrasounds
• Early pre-natal care as a fully licensed medical facility
• Pre-natal and childbirth classes
• Maternity/baby clothes and furnishings
• Compassionate counseling and support, with complete lack of judgment
• Post abortion counseling

Sounds like an amazing place, right?  It is and I’m asking for your help.  This Saturday, April 30, is the VPC’s 22nd Annual Walk-a-thon.  Sponsor me, won’t you? It’s so easy. Just send an email to Tracy@TimeWithTracy.com with the following information:  Your name, snail mail address, and phone number.  Please also indicate which amount you’d like to pledge ($15, $24, $50, $100, or other amount).  This will allow me to fill out my pledge form.  You will then receive a bill in the mail from the Valley Pregnancy Center with all the details regarding your tax-deductable donation.  Will you help me make a difference?