So what is all this talk about the book, The Secret? After its first appearance on Oprah, my mom surprised me with a copy of the book. Not spending much time in front of the television, I was not exposed to all the "buzz". Then, I opened the book to be pleasantly surprised. Here is just one example of how The Secret has changed my life...

I have been, as my brother-in-law & sister-in-law say, "Secreting" a trip to Hawaii. My husband, Jim, is not a big vacationer.  So, I have been working on this with him.  I knew that the only way I could "sell" Jim on going to Hawaii this summer was if I (one) got a great deal, and (two) it was shorter than the ten day trip I want to take. 
Well, several weeks ago I went to the mailbox KNOWING I was going to receive something great.  I skipped to the mailbox & skipped back to the house, clenching the mail as if it were a great gift.  I had not been to the box for over a week, so it was a huge stack.  But, somewhere in the middle, out popped a beautiful opalescent, blue envelope with a return address of Maui, HI.  I knew it!!  Saving it for last, I opened up each item. Most were offers for 0% credit cards.  I also think we got an unexpected check in the mail for about $64.  Now I was really excited.  Excitedly I opened the envelope, revealing an offer to stay at a beach front resort in Maui for less than 50% of normal rates, and for 6 days/5 nights. Hallelujah!  (Ok, I know we will have to give them about 90 minutes of our time, but YES!!!!!)
The next day, I called to reserve some time.  Summer of 2007 is what I've been "Secreting".  I was not in my normal cheerful mood when I called, but thought I should call anyway.  Guess what, no openings, booked solid until September.  With my daughter, Andi, starting as a freshman at a new school this year, I knew I couldn't do it.  And that was not what I had intended.  My intention was to go to Maui this summer with Jim & Andi.  I politely said no thank you.


A little time had passed, and every once in a while I thought I should call to see if they've had a cancellation.  Well, one Tuesday afternoon, I had this STRONG feeling to call RIGHT NOW!! With my heart racing, a young man named Ross answered the phone.  He checked, put me on hold, and re-checked.  He came back only to say sorry.  Crushed, I hung up the phone.
Thirty seconds later my cell phone rang.  It was an area code & number I didn't recognize.  I hit the send button and said, "Hello, this is Lisa."
"Hi, Lisa, this is Ross.  I was just talking with you."  I bet you know what he said next.  That's right, something just opened up!!! 

Aloha, we just got back from Maui!  And now I am "Secreting" the next trip!