Living each day to the fullest
I recently attended the Alzheimer’s OC gala event at the Balboa Bay Resort. Alzheimer’s research is something I have always believed in.
San Clemente Villas has an entire wing dedicated to Seniors who are afflicted with dementia or Alzheimer’s. My staff and I witness first hand what Alzheimer does to a person, and to entire families as well. It’s a disease that robs people of their ability to function and relate to the world. [Read more…]
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I like to look for ways of improving myself and keeping in touch with what others are doing to stay at the top of their game. This week I happened upon an article that I think offers some great advice. It was originally publisehd in primewomen.com
How much of a go-getter have you been? Self-management is one of the most difficult areas of life to conquer. Yet without it, it’s easy to end a year satisfied with less than you may have been capable of accomplishing. One’s go-getter potential is merely measured by one’s ability to be self-directed and follow through, despite barriers. Economic conditions may tighten, yet go-getters find ways to hurdle financial barriers by being innovative, creating new markets, even expanding existing contacts by probing deeper. What criteria will you set to measure your new year’s go-getter ability?
Poet Robert Burns was right when he wrote, “The best laid plans of mice and men go oft awry.” Things do go wrong. It’s recovery that provides the magic. Looking back on things that went wrong this past year, regardless of whose fault it was, ask yourself, how may of the wrongs were you able to make right? Sometimes righting the wrong means accepting a financial sacrifice, yet far more often it merely requires an honest, personal connection. Often it’s as simple as saying, “I’m sorry—I messed up.” What will your philosophy be to right wrongs in this year and how willing will you be to admit when a mistake is yours and yours alone?
Over-delivering should not be confused with the trite statement of “under-sell-and-over-deliver.” No. It’s important to sell right to begin with. Whether it’s a product, a service or a personal commitment, perhaps you’re able to not just deliver on time, but early. Or, in the case of a personal commitment, perhaps you can make a commitment to someone just when they least expect it. Should you be unable to deliver on time, how about taking time to do something totally unexpected, like writing a simple handwritten note? When is the last time you got a personal, handwritten note from someone who underperformed on a project for you? See what I mean? Most importantly, what new and unique ways can you use this year to pleasantly surprise someone by over-delivering?
Every gardener knows that in order for the best crop to flourish, it is necessary to occasionally weed out others. The same is true of your client list—and sometimes, even organizations you’ve been involved with as well as your personal relationship list. As you grow, it becomes necessary to re-evaluate where and how you spend your time. Unfortunately, there are always a few current clients, organizations, even personal relationships that may need to be weeded out so others more fruitful and meaningful can come into full bloom for this time in your life. A new year is an ideal time to evaluate your weeding, as well as your planting. Be sure you weed thoughtfully, with kindness and grace.
By incorporating these simple G.R.O.W. factors into your new year reflections and applying well thought out responses to your planning, you will improve your performance and growth in the year ahead.“
Did you enjoy this article? Were there things here you can relate to? I think for me, the paragraph that resonated most was the one about Weed Well. I think, all too often we get too bogged down in things that don’t push us towards our goals. For me, minimizing events and commitments that don’t enrich my life or the lives of my community, might be the thing to do this year.
Aileen Brazeau
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As Thanksgiving approaches and Christmas comes up,I am feeling this year draw to a close, perhaps more keenly that I have in past years. I am reminded of a song that goes something like this,
“It’s just another New Year’s Eve,
Another night like all the rest.
It’s just another New Year’s Eve,
Let’s make it the best.
It’s just another New Year’s Eve,
It’s just another Auld Lang Syne,
But when we’re through this New Year
You’ll see, will be
Just fine.”
While it’s not time to sing that song just yet, I feel it coming. Some years seem to pass more slowly, others just fly by. This one was one of those years where you wake up in October and say, “what happened, where did the year go?” Between running the Villas and the horse farm, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, not to mention the races, this has been an action packed year.
Some of the days were stressful, but I am grateful that more often than not, Paul and I have been able to spend time with family and loved ones. So many tragedies this year in our country it seems to wear us all down. But then a new day dawns and we get up and get moving again.
I wish for everyone who has lost someone this year to find solace in friends and family. I pray that everyone who has lost a home find some resolution and a warm place to lay their head.
Aileen Brazeau
by It’s still warm, but every so often you can get just the slightest whiff of fall in the air. I don’t know how to describe it, but the air just feels crisp and the smell is clean and fresh. It gets me excited. I am a Holidays kind of girl, and it really is my favorite time of the year.
I also love clothes and fashion, and at this time of the year, I get to pull out my sweaters and scarves and get a little more bundled up on
those chilly winter evenings. This is also the time of year when I get to attend some special events and to wear dresses one would only wear for a Holiday party.
I read an interesting post in the OC Register all about the coming Fall Fashion Season here in Orange County written By CARLY VIDAL WALLACE | OC Family:
” Top takeaways from the session on what to look out for this season:
“I was covering New York fashion week for E! and every fashionable girl was wearing something plaid, try and think of any and every way to incorporate plaid into your wardrobe.” – Catt Sadler, E!.
“For me, what I’m most excited for fall is the colors. I really like the rich tones–the mustard oranges, and all sorts of reds, from aubergine to deep fiery red. I am most looking forward to dressing with more color. Also berets are super big for fall, and the vintage cat eyed sunglasses – two must haves for sure.” – Emily Cholakian, blogger.
“For me it is the casual dressing mega-mix, where you can take velvet and silk and shine and wear them for day in a causal way. Wear them back with denim, or take a cool sweatshirt that says Adidas and pair with a beautiful velvet pant.” – Jill Johnston, Nordstrom.
“Find ways to mix. I’m all about finding things you already have and finding ways to mix them in. Go to Neiman’s and get yourself a great pair of skinny jeans at a high price point and pair it with something you already have–it might even be a camisole–and it’s the perfect outfit” – Daniel Musto, Hollywood stylist.
But the definitive statement about what to wear now might have been from stylist Cheresse Pentella, whose advice we could all take to heart: “I’ll just say it is all about bringing out your own individual fashion. You create your own statement piece, and remember, there are no rules this season.”
Fashion is fun, and should reflect your personality. But always remember, it’s not what you wear that makes you who you are. What you wear can be a reflection of different aspects of our personalities, it’s true. Who we are and how we treat people is always more important than what we wear. So, have fun with your attire, but also remember to treat people with respect and above all, be kind.
Aileen Brazeau
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Today I want to write about communication. It seems to me to be something that needs to be addressed.
Communication is more than just talking. Communication is listening, comprehending and mirroring back what someone is telling you. It’s not simply listening and responding. These days it seems like people have lost the will, if not the ability, to communicate. They direct words at each other without ever giving thoughtful consideration to what the other person is trying to convey. That is not communicating. [Read more…]
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San Clemente is an enchanting beachside town and an up and coming community all at once. The closer you get to the ocean and Del Mar avenue, the more you see of the Ole Hanson style of old San Clemente . The other side of the hill is where the newer housing developments are. The news homes are often built with red tile roofs and stucco exterior, that mimic the look and feel of the older homes closer to the beach.
It doesn’t matter much, though. Everyone who lives in this beautiful beach side community is proud to be a part of it. There is always something going on here in San Clemente, and the San Clemente Villas is positioned in the perfect location to take advantage of all of it.
One of our biggest events each year is the Ocean Festival- Greatest Show on Surf. There is something for people of all ages In the morning there is a pancake breakfast prepared by our city lifeguards and other volunteers. the at beginning at 9:00 am there are different distance runs for children ages 4-12. each ages group gets to compete with their peers. There are Lifeguard Competitions for men and women, Rescue Relays, Ironman competitions and Paddleboard Rescue Relay.
There is also the great Rubber Ducky Race and on Sunday, the sand sculpting competition. If you have never been, try to get here, but I warn you it gets crowded, so the earlier you get here, the better your chances of seeing everything.
Throughout the summer, San Clemente also hosts concerts by the beach. On Thursday, July 27: Reggae band Common Sense will be performing as part of the free summer concerts series, from 6pm to sundown just north of the pier.
Aileen Brazeau
by I saw this quote the other day, and thought, how fortunate I am to have a career which I love. The work I do, in the San Clemente Villas and in our latest venture, Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms, is fulfilling, satisfying and makes me proud every day.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.
And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. Steve Jobs
If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. Steve Jobs
Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs”
Over 17 years ago when we decided to locate and build our Senior Living Facility in San Clemente, this was a passion project for Paul and myself. It wasn’t easy getting it built, but it was worth it.
We have been host to some incredible people and their families. Each and every person who comes through our doors has a story to tell. It’s a shame that so many people in our society see a wrinkled face and forget that the face they are looking at was once young and strong. The mind that now wanders a little was at one time brilliant. We are all going to get old, that’s a fact, but each of us has a story to tell. You should take the time to listen to those stories. They are fascinating.
Aileen Brazeau
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For several years now, Paul and I have hosted Cinco de Mayo Chamber Mixers and Networking events at our San Clemente Villas. This year was one of our best Cinco de Mayo parties ever.
We are fortunate to have a great photographer, Mark Montgomery snapping photos at many of our events held at San Clemente Villas. This month he did double duty, photographing the Cinco de Mayo event, and another very special event you can read about in our next blog post.
I am always delighted when the residents here at San Clemente Villas and the other business owners in our beautiful community come and join us for an event or mixer. There are so many businesses who support our community and make it a great place to live and work.
Would you like to see some of the photos?
by When you own and operate an assisted living home, you see lovely people every day. The residents who live here, our staff, the family and friends who stop by for a visit. We often arrange for local groups to come in and share with our people. Sometimes it’s people with sweet dogs, other times it’s children on Halloween, it doesn’t matter. All that matters is the joy that we get out of these events.
The smiles on everyone’s faces are just a joy to see. The simple act of petting an animal, or sharing an experience with a child can brighten up anyone’s day. I came across this saying on Pinterest and it reminded me that kindness and patients are two of the best gifts we can share with each other. I try my best to be kind to everyone, and most of the time I am successful, but not always.
Here is my thought to share today:
Aileen Brazeau
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