Our wonderful Finance team greets unsuspecting employees each Thursday with the “Random Acts of Kindness” award. They gather the entire team and parade through the office buildings spreading joy (and gift cards!!) to employees across all departments.

I caught up with Michelle S., one of the lucky recipients, to see how the “Random Act of Kindness” inspired joy in her life.

Question: What is your favorite Random Act of kindness that you do for others?

Michelle: “ If you walk in or out a door while I’m around, I’ll hold the door open for you.”

Question: What “Random Act of Kindess” do you think could change the world if everyone did it?

Michelle: “If everyone covered their mouth after sneezing it would change the world.”

Question: What is your favorite core value?

Michelle: “Do more with less.”

Question: How did you feel when you received the award?

Michelle: “Amazing!”

Question: Did you wear the hat around all week?

Michelle: “No. I actually gave the hat to someone else
to wear. She loved it!”

Question: Name 5 things that make you happy

Michelle: “Pancakes, Rain, Traveling, Wi-Fi and Dry Humor.”

This is the first of two essays I’ll be writing about hikes I’ve done in Sedona, Arizona.

Sedona, Arizona is so beautiful that only pictures can really tell the story. You will see the most magnificent rock formations and some of the oldest exposed rocks on earth. When people told me they “had to go to Sedona” I pictured a forest; a state park. I didn’t realize that people actually could live in this beauty all the time.

Sedona is known as a spiritual Mecca. Some people think it is one large Vortex; they come from all over to be in a place that is more alive and healthy than any other. It is a fantastic spot for hiking. I highly recommend the four-mile roundtrip Broken Arrow Trail, which begins one quarter of a mile past a road called Morgan Drive, where you must sign in and sign out.

Broken Arrow Trail is not for everyone and, as usual, going up was much harder than coming down! I’m over fifty and we had a dog, and I found that this trail, which is listed as moderate to strenuous, lived up to its reputation (especially in June, when it is very warm). There was very little shade, although we did find some on the trail. Jeep tours are popular here (they don’t drive on trails, but on rocks). The end of the trail is called Chicken Point. This is a great place to have a snack. You will be on top of the world!

This was a tough climb, but actually much of the difficulty was the heat, so bring lots and lots of water. You’ll find a lot of rocks and red dirt; some steep ascends and descends but you won’t be doing any rock climbing.

We lost the trail once, so be careful. There are well-made cairns (rocks piled on one another surrounded by metal in this case) that are staked down, so they can’t be moved. If you lose the cairns, turn right around and you will find them again.

Getting back always seems easier than going. You’ll find some tree roots to make your way over. You’ll also see gorgeous huge leaf cacti and beautiful views all the way down. As we walked and the sun changed the colors of the sky, the rock formations changed colors as well, making amazing shade patterns.

As always take only pictures, leave only footprints and kill only time.

With the summer months upon us, what better time to look at celebrity bathing suits ? Some celebrities opt for the teeny, tiny bikini and others keep it more modest with sporty bikinis. Some celebrities even wear bathing suit cover-ups over their bikinis. Let’s take a look at the most popular styles.

The string bikini is probably the most common bathing suit among celebrities. Not everyone can wear one, though. Most string bikinis do not provided enough support for larger-chested women. One of the exceptions was when Fergie hit the beach in a red and black string bikini that had metallic rings at the top of the straps. The triangle top was actually supportive for her. On the other hand, small-chested women usually have no problem with the string bikini and the triangle tops. Celebrities like Kate Hudson, Mischa Barton and Hilary Duff have been seen sporting string bikinis. In fact, Kate Hudson had several string bikinis that she wore when she was in Miami a couple of months ago.

The halter top bikini is another very popular style among celebrities, because it is actually a flattering pick for any size. The straps on the halter top will make your shoulders look smaller and will also balance your upper body with your lower body. Most halter tops are very supportive, so you can be more comfortable if you are going to be doing some actual swimming or playing on the beach. Audrina Patridge from The Hills was seen wearing a bold, turquoise halter top bikini from J Crew. Carmen Electra sported a blue and white halter top bikini while on the beach in Malibu. Lastly, Kate Bosworth was seen wearing a chocolate brown halter top bikini with tortoise shell rings in the middle of the top.

Whatever bathing suit you choose, you need to remember one thing, do not compare yourself with celebrities. Celebrities take care of their bodies because that is their job. Be yourself, be confident and enjoy the summer!