Reality is the leading cause of stress amongst those in touch with it.
-- Jane Wagner

Life is hard sometimes. Career stress, financial stress, family stress all can wear you down. What do you do to replenish your well? What activities help you to clear the problems - and the cobwebs - out of your head?

For me, there are a few "replenishers." I love people watching. I had a great time during Fiesta just watching people - all shapes, all sizes, all colors, all ages. I also love to go to art museums - a special treat that I don't allow myself often enough.

Some months ago, my friend Yvonne and I took a weekday afternoon off and went to the McNay. I hadn't been there in years and thoroughly enjoyed the grounds as well as the art. It refilled my creative well. Seeing the presentation about Marion Koogler McNay's life was worth the trip. (I love stories about people who live at full speed.)

When I'm totally stressed out, I drive out Highway 16 to Bandera. I find that the hills relax me - and the dipped cone at the DQ in Bandera doesn't hurt (except my figure, of course). Driving while listening to some of my favorite music helps, too.

Make a list of those activities that replenish your soul. Do one of them at least once a month. You may be surprised at how much you need the break.

Last month's puzzle was: Other than wanting a decent sized caffeine jolt, why might a mathematician use the following phrase? "May I have a large container of coffee?" The answer was that the number of letters in each word are the digits that represent Pi - 3.1415926. Dan Scanlon of The DosKas Group accused me of not making the puzzle hard enough. Since he was the only winner, it apparently wasn't too easy. Dan, a second time winner, will receive a $25 restaurant gift certificate.

This month, can you find a five letter word, which, when typed in upper-case, reads the same upside down? Email your answer to me. I'll draw one winner from the correct responses.

My friend Cheryl Cook has a wonderful newsletter (and if you like this one, you'll like hers, too.) Learn how to get more cash in your pocket, more sales in the door, and reduce the amount of cash leaving your business. To visit her website and sign up for this biweekly ezine, click here.

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