A good leader is inspiring and they help you to do and be your best!

I’ve been very fortunate to work for some of the best leaders, the ones who see your gifts and talents and help you succeed. They also see your weakness and help to shore you up in those areas.

There has only been one time when I worked for a bad leader, she wasn’t a bad person per se but just was not a happy person. She was not someone you would want to imitate and often was referred to as “de-moralizing.”

The best leaders make work fun and they bring out the best in those they lead. When you click with good leadership, the sky is the limit. They inspire you by setting a good example and by modeling the behavior they want to see.

One of the leaders I had, she had such a high opinion of you that you never wanted to let her down. Another leader encouraged risk taking as he believed “even if you fail, at least you were trying” encouragement and support go a long way in making for a good leader.

But again overall good leadership is inspiring leadership!

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and Instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm

We have two beautiful Bichons in Bailey and her brother Buddy. We just can’t imagine life without them. This is our 4th and 5th of this breed.

Bichon Frisé are the best dogs as they are smart, friendly, easy to house break and they don’t shed. They are also known to be hypo-allergenic.

They are great company, keep us active with their multiple walks in a day. We travel with them. These two love their toys and their winter fleece jacket’s. Bailey and Buddy make us smile with their fun unique personalities. Each dog is different. Buddy latches on to a particular toy that he insists are taking outside during his walks. Neighbors love seeing him as he brings a smile to their faces.

I grew up on a farm with large German Sheppard dogs and have always been a “dog” person.

Great companionship and unconditional love make dogs great for anyone considering a pet!

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and Instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm #dogs #bichons #pets

I read this prompt and thought about it for a few hours. Initially I thought my engagement ring but my husband purchased it.

Then if not a home or a car, it would have to be dental work! I spent over $40,000 out of my own pocket. The results were upper dental implants and perfected original lower teeth. Together this made for my best and happiest smile. I love it!

The dental work created a smile that truly changed my life. I smile all the time and have so much more confidence. As a result I also lost over 20 pounds that I managed to keep off for a few years now.

The best investment and most expensive personal purchase hands down is my new smile!

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and Instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm

I am most proud of my marriage of 28 years and 34 years together! It has not always been easy as we surely have had our share of up and down life experiences.

The best and most proud part isn’t just how many years we have been together but rather the fact that we are so happy together. We really like and love one another. We enjoy being together and we like many of the same things.

We grew up in the 1970’s as teenagers and fondly remember the rock and roll music of that time that we still enjoy today.

We share many of the same views on life. Recently while dining with friends, I was told how many couples they know that aren’t happy and yet remain together. Sad.

It takes commitment and the desire to live together happily and I am most proud that we have achieved that in our many years together!

#marriage #longterm #commitment #happiness #pride #proud

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm on Instagram

What have I been working on, you ask. Myself and my happiness and being the best possible version of myself.

One of the best parts of retirement is the time you have to invest in yourself and in doing what makes you happy.

Finding the balance between alone time and socializing. It never occurred to me just how special this stage of life was going to be … the luxury of working on what you alone want.

I’ve been working on my writings and blog postings. I’ve been working on making yummy and healthy home cooked meals. I’ve been working on being a really good dog mom to our two precious Bichons. And last but most important to me is my marriage and 34 year relationship with my husband Brian.

Each and every day our goal is to maintain our peace and happiness. A large part of that is achieved by living so close to the beach and exercising every day. Enjoying the great outdoors no matter the season, and showing gratitude for all that we have together as a married couple.

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm

When we play the lottery I often think about this question, who would we give a million dollars?

Most probably a well run non profit that feeds people who suffer from food insecurity. In a country as “fat” as ours, I don’t believe we should have a single person who doesn’t have enough food to eat. I already support our local resource community that feeds the people!

The second most important donation would go to my Catholic High School that we donate to several times a year. They continue to do a great job education young people. I also feel that much of the career success I have enjoyed was a direct result of my Catholic education.

On a personal level some part of a million dollars would help an adult child get into purchasing their first home.

We would enjoy having a million dollars to help support and enhance the lives of others who would benefit greatly from a nice financial gift.

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and instagram @bernadetteamoyer and bernadettesahm

As a writer I like a good desktop and a laptop computer. Getting my writing out there is just easier and more professional using these devices.

However I was late to the computer game for writing and most often still take pen to paper for my first draft.

Computers help with many things like banking and news, learning how to make a certain dish too.

My phone is where I am writing this short bit but when I want to write about a more in depth subject, it’s definitely my lap top that I grab.

The computer whether it’s on my phone, an iPad or stand alone makes life easier. I believe I could function without these devices but maybe not as easily.

There was a time when only a desktop computer would do, yet today my preference is my laptop.

Like so many tools, a good computer can make a big difference in many day-to-day tasks!

Happy computing and happy I won’t have to do without mine …

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and instagram @bernadettesahm @bernadetteamoyer