I take private Pilate's instruction with a wonderful teacher named Brooke. She has been working with me over the past month or so on engaging certain muscles and muscle groups to become stronger.
At first I honestly didn't have a clue how I was going to ever get to the point where I could scoop out my belly and roll myself down onto the machine. I mean, yeah, I understood what she was saying, but understanding it and making my body do it are two different things.
I started noticing how I engage my muscles yesterday while doing some hill runs. In the past I would plow through them, but my back would hurt a little afterwards. Yesterday I decided to make a small shift in my spine (engaging my abs and pushing my hips forward just a little as I was running up hill) and do you know what happened? I ran faster and had no pain afterwards.
This morning, while in Pilate's, I told Brooke about the run. She just smiled (the kind of smile you get when you are trying to teach someone something and then all of a sudden they get it) and said she was proud of me.
OK - so I have been talking about working out in today's post - but the analogy I am trying to get at is that no matter what we do in life, sometimes it is the small adjustments that have the biggest impact. If you are a sales person, making just a small adjustment to a prospect call script could mean the difference between losing or getting the sale.
Think about the "business muscles" you either have not developed or have been resting for awhile. Are there any "strength moves" you could do to bulk them up? Can you lift heavier weights while at work (it's analogy folks - remember? I am not suggesting lifting actual weights - I am suggesting doing something harder, or with more effort). Are there more people you need to incorporate into your work "workouts"?
What can you gain today by putting forth more effort? Just engaging on a deeper level may have you running those hills faster and more efficiently in no time.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
What do you say?
Reba McIntyre sings a song called What Do You Say. For all my country music loving friends reading this, you probably remember it coming out in the 90's. I really like it.
The song is about what to say in uncomfortable situations. She gives a few examples. One is what to say to your young son when he asks what the XXX means outside of an adult bookstore. Another is what to say to your teenage daughter when she calls to ask you to pick her up from a party because she drank too much. Her last is what to say to a spouse on their death bed. Check out the 3 lines of lyrics below:
What do you say in a moment like this
When you can't find the words to tell it like it is
Just bite your tongue and let your heart lead the way
It seems that each day we all get an opportunity to speak the truth to those that we love or those that we lead. It is a privilege to get to be the person that communicates this truth to those in our lives. The catch is, sometimes it isn't something someone wants to hear. Or, we may not be speaking it with kindness or compassion.
Communication is tricky. We each have our own style, and it is comfortable for us to communicate in that style. For example - you may be a people person, social butterfly, life of the party type of communicator. You love to speak with enthusiasm and are optimistic that those you speak to want to hear what you have to say. Well, if you are speaking to a introverted, task oriented individual, you could come across as overly enthusiastic and disorganized - which in turn will shut down that introverted individual.
On the flip side, if you are an extremely detail oriented individual - loading up someone who is not with too many details is a no-no.
So, how do you figure out how to speak truth to someone who may not share your communication style? First, consider getting a DISC profile. It will spell out exactly how you like to be communicated to as well as take you through an exercise to identify those in your life and what style they fit into. Also, if you are a leader, consider getting your team profiled as well. Second, take a moment to slow down and think about the person you are talking to. Don't jump to conclusions about them or their specific profile. Ask yourself to pause before speaking truth to them, and then consider how to move forward with your communication.
The better you communicate with those around you, the more opportunity you'll have to positively impact their lives.
The song is about what to say in uncomfortable situations. She gives a few examples. One is what to say to your young son when he asks what the XXX means outside of an adult bookstore. Another is what to say to your teenage daughter when she calls to ask you to pick her up from a party because she drank too much. Her last is what to say to a spouse on their death bed. Check out the 3 lines of lyrics below:
What do you say in a moment like this
When you can't find the words to tell it like it is
Just bite your tongue and let your heart lead the way
It seems that each day we all get an opportunity to speak the truth to those that we love or those that we lead. It is a privilege to get to be the person that communicates this truth to those in our lives. The catch is, sometimes it isn't something someone wants to hear. Or, we may not be speaking it with kindness or compassion.
Communication is tricky. We each have our own style, and it is comfortable for us to communicate in that style. For example - you may be a people person, social butterfly, life of the party type of communicator. You love to speak with enthusiasm and are optimistic that those you speak to want to hear what you have to say. Well, if you are speaking to a introverted, task oriented individual, you could come across as overly enthusiastic and disorganized - which in turn will shut down that introverted individual.
On the flip side, if you are an extremely detail oriented individual - loading up someone who is not with too many details is a no-no.
So, how do you figure out how to speak truth to someone who may not share your communication style? First, consider getting a DISC profile. It will spell out exactly how you like to be communicated to as well as take you through an exercise to identify those in your life and what style they fit into. Also, if you are a leader, consider getting your team profiled as well. Second, take a moment to slow down and think about the person you are talking to. Don't jump to conclusions about them or their specific profile. Ask yourself to pause before speaking truth to them, and then consider how to move forward with your communication.
The better you communicate with those around you, the more opportunity you'll have to positively impact their lives.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Swing Vote
Today I watched the movie Swing Vote. If you haven't seen it - I highly recommend it.
Besides the humor, the great cast (Kevin Costner, the late/great Denis Hopper, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer and more) and the wonderful daddy/daughter moments in the movie, I really felt drawn in by the overall message.
Or should I say the overall two messages that I took away from the movie.
One - never trade in your convictions and your long term goals for a short term victory. It was pretty comical how the Democrat (Denis Hopper) was spouting pro-life support and anti-immigration in order to get Kevin Costner's character to like him. It was equally laughable to see the Republican (Kesley Grammer)running an add for gay marriage and green living. What wasn't funny was the fact that many of us out there today (me included at times - I don't sit here in judgement) toss aside our beliefs if we feel it will "win" us something in return. I don't mean we'll kill people to get the last iPad, I mean the more important, everyday stuff like respect, humility, patience.
Two - when are we going to wake up and realize that if we don't start helping people now, tomorrow we may not have a chance (yes, I understand I say this a lot in my posts - repetition is after all the mother of persuasion isn't it). A great line from that movie goes something like this, "If we are the richest country in the world, why can't so many of us afford to live here." Wow, that really hit me pretty hard today. I ask myself, what am I doing to change that? What can I do to step up my commitment to helping? How can I be more proactive?
So, for a little movie I thought would be a refreshing 2 hour break from all of my thinking, it made me think the whole way through.
If you don't have a set of values that you live by, by all means, figure them out, write them down, and share them with those important to you. Then, the next time you have to make a decision, pull them out and ask yourself if the decision will honor your stated values.
Also, if you aren't contributing to this world we live in right now, consider how you can. What talents, hobbies or interests do you have that can make a difference in the lives of those around you? If you are already doing something, consider if you feel it is enough. It may be - and if that is the case - I want to thank you. If it isn't - step up and do more. You'll be the better for it, and so will the rest of us.
And finally, if you haven't seen the movie - rent it. It was a great one to watch and I believe Denis Hopper's last.
Besides the humor, the great cast (Kevin Costner, the late/great Denis Hopper, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer and more) and the wonderful daddy/daughter moments in the movie, I really felt drawn in by the overall message.
Or should I say the overall two messages that I took away from the movie.
One - never trade in your convictions and your long term goals for a short term victory. It was pretty comical how the Democrat (Denis Hopper) was spouting pro-life support and anti-immigration in order to get Kevin Costner's character to like him. It was equally laughable to see the Republican (Kesley Grammer)running an add for gay marriage and green living. What wasn't funny was the fact that many of us out there today (me included at times - I don't sit here in judgement) toss aside our beliefs if we feel it will "win" us something in return. I don't mean we'll kill people to get the last iPad, I mean the more important, everyday stuff like respect, humility, patience.
Two - when are we going to wake up and realize that if we don't start helping people now, tomorrow we may not have a chance (yes, I understand I say this a lot in my posts - repetition is after all the mother of persuasion isn't it). A great line from that movie goes something like this, "If we are the richest country in the world, why can't so many of us afford to live here." Wow, that really hit me pretty hard today. I ask myself, what am I doing to change that? What can I do to step up my commitment to helping? How can I be more proactive?
So, for a little movie I thought would be a refreshing 2 hour break from all of my thinking, it made me think the whole way through.
If you don't have a set of values that you live by, by all means, figure them out, write them down, and share them with those important to you. Then, the next time you have to make a decision, pull them out and ask yourself if the decision will honor your stated values.
Also, if you aren't contributing to this world we live in right now, consider how you can. What talents, hobbies or interests do you have that can make a difference in the lives of those around you? If you are already doing something, consider if you feel it is enough. It may be - and if that is the case - I want to thank you. If it isn't - step up and do more. You'll be the better for it, and so will the rest of us.
And finally, if you haven't seen the movie - rent it. It was a great one to watch and I believe Denis Hopper's last.
A Change Is A Coming
As I mentioned I am making some changes to my blog.
First - I will be merging this personal blog into a professional blog with Building Champions. I am very excited. This will take my viewership from about 60 to over 400 - yeah.
Second - I bought a car. Yes folks, I said it, I bought a car. A Mercedes to boot, so the four month experiment turned into a two month experiment. I guess I should be upset or disappointed with myself but in actuality I am quite proud.
Proud because I really learned a lesson about myself. I learned that I wasn't as shallow as I thought I was. That I wasn't as vain as I thought. That I love the city I live in and the people who live here. That I am kind and that I give back.
Now, I am not trying to pump myself up and brag about myself. I am just trying to show you that when you reflect on yourself, really reflect, you come to realize that you aren't a horrible person and you free yourself up to fall in love with yourself.
How many of you need that today? How many of you reading this beat yourself up for all the little things you do wrong and forget to pat yourself on the back for all the things you are doing right?
First - I will be merging this personal blog into a professional blog with Building Champions. I am very excited. This will take my viewership from about 60 to over 400 - yeah.
Second - I bought a car. Yes folks, I said it, I bought a car. A Mercedes to boot, so the four month experiment turned into a two month experiment. I guess I should be upset or disappointed with myself but in actuality I am quite proud.
Proud because I really learned a lesson about myself. I learned that I wasn't as shallow as I thought I was. That I wasn't as vain as I thought. That I love the city I live in and the people who live here. That I am kind and that I give back.
Now, I am not trying to pump myself up and brag about myself. I am just trying to show you that when you reflect on yourself, really reflect, you come to realize that you aren't a horrible person and you free yourself up to fall in love with yourself.
How many of you need that today? How many of you reading this beat yourself up for all the little things you do wrong and forget to pat yourself on the back for all the things you are doing right?
Monday, July 19, 2010
What If?
If you ask anyone from the ages of 10 - 35 what time is it - they don't look at their watches - they look at their cell phone for the answer. Have you ever noticed that?
If you drive down the street and look at the drivers in the cars next to you - they are talking on their phones - not looking at the road in front of them. Have you ever noticed that?
If you go to a restaurant and observe the patrons sitting around you - they are surfing the web or texting their friends - not talking to the people at the table with them. Have you ever noticed that?
One more for fun. If you have to connect with a prospect or update a client of a product or service - you email them instead of picking up the phone and calling them or getting in the car to go see them. Have you ever noticed that?
Now I am not saying that we shouldn't use every resource we have to live a more efficient life. I don't believe in wasting time just for times sake. Heck - I even coach my clients to use their time more efficiently in order to be able to get more done. But what I do notice is that we have gone from a society of relationship builders and maintainers to a society of "get it done as quickly as possible so that I can get to the next person" people.
What if we just focused on the people in front of us? What if we gave the gift everyone of us desires and deserves - the gift of undivided attention. What if we made a little less money - but we impacted peoples life more positively - MORE. What if we just put down that phone during a family meal and asked our kids how they are doing?
I know that earning a living and being more efficient is important. But is it more important than raising good kids, than being a good spouse, than loving our neighbors?
I hope you all consider this today - as you start a busy work week. Where can you be more present in the lives of the people that matter most to you this week?
I just hope that once my boss reads this I don't get a "Jerry McGuire like" send off.
If you drive down the street and look at the drivers in the cars next to you - they are talking on their phones - not looking at the road in front of them. Have you ever noticed that?
If you go to a restaurant and observe the patrons sitting around you - they are surfing the web or texting their friends - not talking to the people at the table with them. Have you ever noticed that?
One more for fun. If you have to connect with a prospect or update a client of a product or service - you email them instead of picking up the phone and calling them or getting in the car to go see them. Have you ever noticed that?
Now I am not saying that we shouldn't use every resource we have to live a more efficient life. I don't believe in wasting time just for times sake. Heck - I even coach my clients to use their time more efficiently in order to be able to get more done. But what I do notice is that we have gone from a society of relationship builders and maintainers to a society of "get it done as quickly as possible so that I can get to the next person" people.
What if we just focused on the people in front of us? What if we gave the gift everyone of us desires and deserves - the gift of undivided attention. What if we made a little less money - but we impacted peoples life more positively - MORE. What if we just put down that phone during a family meal and asked our kids how they are doing?
I know that earning a living and being more efficient is important. But is it more important than raising good kids, than being a good spouse, than loving our neighbors?
I hope you all consider this today - as you start a busy work week. Where can you be more present in the lives of the people that matter most to you this week?
I just hope that once my boss reads this I don't get a "Jerry McGuire like" send off.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Inside or Out?
Today I have to do what is called Fartlek's. For those of you out there that aren't runners, they are when you run at a regular pace, then sprint during certain times, and then return - all within the distance allocated on your run sheet for that day.
I enjoy doing them on my treadmill for several reasons. The primary reason being that I can monitor how fast I run and increase or decrease my speed in a controlled environment. This is the control freak in me I guess (ok, no guessing, this is the control freak in me).
I know that when you are training for something it is best to mirror the conditions of the race, but I really hate to do speed work outside. Also, I don't plan on sprinting or doing any speed work during my 3 legs of the Hood To Coast race in August, so am I really hurting my training by being on the treadmill? I mean, does it matter if I run inside during these days?
So I got to thinking, how much of the things we do right now or the choices we have to make today are do or die situations? What if we allowed ourselves to just relax and take a different path to doing what needs to be done. Now, I am not endorsing mediocrity I promise. I am just saying it is ok to give ourselves permission to do something not deemed "the best way" every once in awhile (or in this case - each Thursday). What do you have on your to do list today that you can accomplish differently?
I enjoy doing them on my treadmill for several reasons. The primary reason being that I can monitor how fast I run and increase or decrease my speed in a controlled environment. This is the control freak in me I guess (ok, no guessing, this is the control freak in me).
I know that when you are training for something it is best to mirror the conditions of the race, but I really hate to do speed work outside. Also, I don't plan on sprinting or doing any speed work during my 3 legs of the Hood To Coast race in August, so am I really hurting my training by being on the treadmill? I mean, does it matter if I run inside during these days?
So I got to thinking, how much of the things we do right now or the choices we have to make today are do or die situations? What if we allowed ourselves to just relax and take a different path to doing what needs to be done. Now, I am not endorsing mediocrity I promise. I am just saying it is ok to give ourselves permission to do something not deemed "the best way" every once in awhile (or in this case - each Thursday). What do you have on your to do list today that you can accomplish differently?
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Irresistible Revolution
First I would like to thank my friend Jen Jones for recommending the book Irresistible Revolution by Jim Wallis. I just started it yesterday - but - Oh My Gosh it is GREAT.
Yesterday Rich and I ate dinner on our patio. The weather was perfect. It was during our after dinner - relaxing time - that I told Rich how overwhelmed I have been feeling lately. It is like I woke up last week and said "how the heck did I get here?" When did I become an adult. One that has to take care of a household, hold down a full time job and be a step mother to GROWN kids? I am not sure if what is going on with me is just a stressful time or the fact that I turn 40 in 6 months and maybe the concept of a mid-life crisis isn't so crazy after all. Anyways, I was feeling overwhelmed and sharing my feelings with Rich. I stared whining about how I wanted a car - a nice car - any darn car - but I wanted to give up on this experiment.
So this morning while I was riding my bike (no dog walk, those poor beasts, they are so neglected) I decided to just stop, grab coffee and read a little of my book. For those of you that don't get up early, I encourage you to try it out. The weather is usually amazing and you can actually sit back and relax a little. It was heavenly.
While reading page 21 I was struck by a statement. Check it out:
What if a fragile world is more attracted to God's vision of interdependence and sacrificial sharing than to the mirage of independence and materialism?
Yes - yes - yes people. This is what I have been talking about, blogging about, reflecting on. When we sit down and realize we are here together, like it or not, we can then start making changes for the greater good. We can do for others before we do for ourselves (without neglecting ourselves of course). We can share our resources versus hoarding them away for a day that may never come. We can share our hearts, our homes, our lives. WHAT IF we put aside our desire for more and put forth our desire to serve?
It was like the switch of my inner most thoughts was flipped. What a refresher.
Not sure what else to say other than this. So have a nice day.
Yesterday Rich and I ate dinner on our patio. The weather was perfect. It was during our after dinner - relaxing time - that I told Rich how overwhelmed I have been feeling lately. It is like I woke up last week and said "how the heck did I get here?" When did I become an adult. One that has to take care of a household, hold down a full time job and be a step mother to GROWN kids? I am not sure if what is going on with me is just a stressful time or the fact that I turn 40 in 6 months and maybe the concept of a mid-life crisis isn't so crazy after all. Anyways, I was feeling overwhelmed and sharing my feelings with Rich. I stared whining about how I wanted a car - a nice car - any darn car - but I wanted to give up on this experiment.
So this morning while I was riding my bike (no dog walk, those poor beasts, they are so neglected) I decided to just stop, grab coffee and read a little of my book. For those of you that don't get up early, I encourage you to try it out. The weather is usually amazing and you can actually sit back and relax a little. It was heavenly.
While reading page 21 I was struck by a statement. Check it out:
What if a fragile world is more attracted to God's vision of interdependence and sacrificial sharing than to the mirage of independence and materialism?
Yes - yes - yes people. This is what I have been talking about, blogging about, reflecting on. When we sit down and realize we are here together, like it or not, we can then start making changes for the greater good. We can do for others before we do for ourselves (without neglecting ourselves of course). We can share our resources versus hoarding them away for a day that may never come. We can share our hearts, our homes, our lives. WHAT IF we put aside our desire for more and put forth our desire to serve?
It was like the switch of my inner most thoughts was flipped. What a refresher.
Not sure what else to say other than this. So have a nice day.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Living in the Present or Planning for the Future?
On my walk today I started thinking about some of my first posts back in the Spring. The lilacs were in full bloom and the air was crisp. I was truly happy and living in the moment - and telling ya'll all about how you should to.
Then Summer hit and I was taking in the smell of honeysuckles and fresh cut grass and living in the moment - and telling ya'll all about how you should to.
Today there were no lilacs in bloom or honeysuckle scented winds. But there was the beauty of the sun coming up early over the creek and the warmth of a morning that will soon turn into a 100 degree day. So I did what I do almost every moment of every day - I reflected.
I reflected on how many times I (or the news, a magazine or a friend) has mentioned how living in the moment is so important. How we must be grateful for this day because we aren't necessarily promised a tomorrow.
Then I remembered all the times I have helped clients plan for their future. Telling them to cast a vision today so that we will be set up for the future. About how planning helps us get to where we want to go and without it who knows where we will end up.
Wait a minute - does this make sense. Can we truly live in the moment while planning for the future? And if so, how do we do that? Do we devote 1 hour a day living in the present while devoting 23 hours focusing on the future? Do we split our time between the two? Isn't this called multi-tasking, and if so, isn't it discouraged in the world of productivity. Is "father time" in a tug of war contest with "father right now" for our devotion?
Maybe this is some sort of defense mechanism. Maybe we are future focused when the things right in front of us aren't so pleasant (like an unhappy marriage or recently diagnosed illness). Maybe we live in the moment when the future is kind of icky (like realizing that one day our parents will die, or that our children will leave the nest). Maybe having both situations helps keep the balance between not caring about anything at all and caring too much about everything.
I don't know - what do you think?
PS - hey - looking to increase my following. Would my current followers be willing to post this on their Facebook page or other social networking outlet with a kind request for your network to follow my blog? Sure would be appreciated. Thanks.
Then Summer hit and I was taking in the smell of honeysuckles and fresh cut grass and living in the moment - and telling ya'll all about how you should to.
Today there were no lilacs in bloom or honeysuckle scented winds. But there was the beauty of the sun coming up early over the creek and the warmth of a morning that will soon turn into a 100 degree day. So I did what I do almost every moment of every day - I reflected.
I reflected on how many times I (or the news, a magazine or a friend) has mentioned how living in the moment is so important. How we must be grateful for this day because we aren't necessarily promised a tomorrow.
Then I remembered all the times I have helped clients plan for their future. Telling them to cast a vision today so that we will be set up for the future. About how planning helps us get to where we want to go and without it who knows where we will end up.
Wait a minute - does this make sense. Can we truly live in the moment while planning for the future? And if so, how do we do that? Do we devote 1 hour a day living in the present while devoting 23 hours focusing on the future? Do we split our time between the two? Isn't this called multi-tasking, and if so, isn't it discouraged in the world of productivity. Is "father time" in a tug of war contest with "father right now" for our devotion?
Maybe this is some sort of defense mechanism. Maybe we are future focused when the things right in front of us aren't so pleasant (like an unhappy marriage or recently diagnosed illness). Maybe we live in the moment when the future is kind of icky (like realizing that one day our parents will die, or that our children will leave the nest). Maybe having both situations helps keep the balance between not caring about anything at all and caring too much about everything.
I don't know - what do you think?
PS - hey - looking to increase my following. Would my current followers be willing to post this on their Facebook page or other social networking outlet with a kind request for your network to follow my blog? Sure would be appreciated. Thanks.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Change your Behavior, Change your Life
I just finished the book Influencers. It was a great book that teaches you how to be an influencer in your life. How to make positive change occur. Now the book was one of those books that you don't just read through and put down. It was one that you read a chapter, take notes, go back to your notes and then reread - so I will not be doing it justice in today's post by any means.
What I do want to discuss today is a little nugget I took from it about behavior. The book states that if you want to change something (for example, your eating habits or work environment) first you have to make a behavior change. Behavior changes are those little things we do that can impact us in a big way. Here is an example - if you want to lose weight - a behavior change for you could be to immediately brush your teeth after a meal. This helps with snacking after you are already full. See - by adding the behavior to brush your teeth after you eat, you lower your risk of unnecessary calories therefore taking in less calories resulting in weight loss. I am not saying that is all it takes to lose weight, but it is a simple and effective behavior that will help.
I write about this today because as I was preparing to take my walk with the dogs this morning I had forgotten to bring a bag to pick up trash along the route the last several times I took the walk. It wasn't that I didn't care about helping make my neighborhood beautiful and trash free, it was that I just kept forgetting to bring a bag with me when I went. So today I used the nugget from the Influencer book and decided to make a behavior change. My behavior change was to keep a pile of bags for trash pickup next to the dogs leashes. Now, when I go to get their leashes I will now be reminded to grab a bag - therefore being able to pick up trash on the walk - resulting in less trash in the neighborhood. See how easy that is?
What is one behavior you could do to make a change for something you have in your heart to change? I would love to hear about it.
What I do want to discuss today is a little nugget I took from it about behavior. The book states that if you want to change something (for example, your eating habits or work environment) first you have to make a behavior change. Behavior changes are those little things we do that can impact us in a big way. Here is an example - if you want to lose weight - a behavior change for you could be to immediately brush your teeth after a meal. This helps with snacking after you are already full. See - by adding the behavior to brush your teeth after you eat, you lower your risk of unnecessary calories therefore taking in less calories resulting in weight loss. I am not saying that is all it takes to lose weight, but it is a simple and effective behavior that will help.
I write about this today because as I was preparing to take my walk with the dogs this morning I had forgotten to bring a bag to pick up trash along the route the last several times I took the walk. It wasn't that I didn't care about helping make my neighborhood beautiful and trash free, it was that I just kept forgetting to bring a bag with me when I went. So today I used the nugget from the Influencer book and decided to make a behavior change. My behavior change was to keep a pile of bags for trash pickup next to the dogs leashes. Now, when I go to get their leashes I will now be reminded to grab a bag - therefore being able to pick up trash on the walk - resulting in less trash in the neighborhood. See how easy that is?
What is one behavior you could do to make a change for something you have in your heart to change? I would love to hear about it.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Know What's Worse Than Not Owning a Car??
Having no computer. Yes folks, today my computer crashed. First day back in Denver. No car, no computer. Here is what is the worst about all of this - I back up my computer monthly (read into this people - this is obviously not my first computer crash). So I have plans to wake up Sunday morning, take out my zip drive and save all my files, pictures, presentations, etc. to my zip so that I can feel protected.
NOT TO BE DONE. I turn on my computer and all I get is a blank screen and a very loud beeping noise. I try everything to figure it out, no luck. So I end up taking my church time to head to Best Buy to figure it out with the Geek Squad. Looks like the motherboard is fried.
I am so sad for so many reasons. First I have been in Florida (as I have mentioned a thousand times already) for 3 weeks which means I have missed 2 Sundays of church. I love my church and my friends there, so I was bummed to miss them (hi church friends - see you Thursday). Second, I work from home on my computer. All my emails and documents are on that computer. Also, I have 3 separate email accounts that all merge into one Outlook account which is now gone also. No worries though friends, for $150 I am getting it all that backed up in 3 - 4 days. Lucky me.
What's worse, I woke up at 6 this morning to get all organized after being gone for so long. I figured I could do all the things I need to do (take a walk with the dogs, ride my bike to Safeway and get breakfast so that Rich and I could eat together before I head off to church, do some yard work). Well, the dishwasher broke (or so I thought), the dogs were a total wreck on the walk, the hot water heater was off so I took a cold shower and I had to scarf down breakfast in order to get out of the door on time. Also, I had a wedding shower to go to after church for a friend getting married in 40 some days and I had to cut that short so I could go buy another computer.
So - here comes the honest to goodness truth I promised ya'll when writing this. I literally had an emotional brake down and cried to Rich on the phone in the Best Buy parking lot. I was crying so hard that I had a headache for about 3 hours later.
Geez, what does a girl need to do to have a wonderful, church filled, girls shower Sunday??????? If anyone knows, please share.
My hope and dream - each of you had a wonderful Sunday, filled with only good friends, good family and good times. Good night.
NOT TO BE DONE. I turn on my computer and all I get is a blank screen and a very loud beeping noise. I try everything to figure it out, no luck. So I end up taking my church time to head to Best Buy to figure it out with the Geek Squad. Looks like the motherboard is fried.
I am so sad for so many reasons. First I have been in Florida (as I have mentioned a thousand times already) for 3 weeks which means I have missed 2 Sundays of church. I love my church and my friends there, so I was bummed to miss them (hi church friends - see you Thursday). Second, I work from home on my computer. All my emails and documents are on that computer. Also, I have 3 separate email accounts that all merge into one Outlook account which is now gone also. No worries though friends, for $150 I am getting it all that backed up in 3 - 4 days. Lucky me.
What's worse, I woke up at 6 this morning to get all organized after being gone for so long. I figured I could do all the things I need to do (take a walk with the dogs, ride my bike to Safeway and get breakfast so that Rich and I could eat together before I head off to church, do some yard work). Well, the dishwasher broke (or so I thought), the dogs were a total wreck on the walk, the hot water heater was off so I took a cold shower and I had to scarf down breakfast in order to get out of the door on time. Also, I had a wedding shower to go to after church for a friend getting married in 40 some days and I had to cut that short so I could go buy another computer.
So - here comes the honest to goodness truth I promised ya'll when writing this. I literally had an emotional brake down and cried to Rich on the phone in the Best Buy parking lot. I was crying so hard that I had a headache for about 3 hours later.
Geez, what does a girl need to do to have a wonderful, church filled, girls shower Sunday??????? If anyone knows, please share.
My hope and dream - each of you had a wonderful Sunday, filled with only good friends, good family and good times. Good night.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Heading back to Denver
Rich and I have been in Florida for about 3 weeks. I love Florida for all of the obvious reasons (pool in the back yard, walk to the beach, etc. etc. etc.) The other reason is that I have a full time car here. In Denver I don't. This stinks.
Here is the conversation Rich and I had yesterday over dinner.
Me - We head back to Denver tomorrow.
Rich - I know.
Me - I don't have a car in Denver.
Rich - I know.
Me - I want a Mercedes convertible.
Rich - No
Me - Why
Ric - Because you said you wanted to experience not owning a car for 4 months.
Me - I know. Darn it.
So, there you have it. Me trying to snake out of this whole thing for the pure pleasure of leather, Navigation and a hard top. So weak is the soul sometimes.
Thank God for Rich keeping me on track. I love that man.
Here is the conversation Rich and I had yesterday over dinner.
Me - We head back to Denver tomorrow.
Rich - I know.
Me - I don't have a car in Denver.
Rich - I know.
Me - I want a Mercedes convertible.
Rich - No
Me - Why
Ric - Because you said you wanted to experience not owning a car for 4 months.
Me - I know. Darn it.
So, there you have it. Me trying to snake out of this whole thing for the pure pleasure of leather, Navigation and a hard top. So weak is the soul sometimes.
Thank God for Rich keeping me on track. I love that man.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Vanity Takes a Seat in the Back
I was saddened to hear of the loss of a college friend/sorority sister this week - Paige Pruett Butler. I haven't seen or spoken to Paige or her husband (our friend Jeff) for many years, but I remember them as wonderful friends who were always up for a good time.
As I was running today (I swear - that is NOT all I do, it just seems that way) I was somber as I thought of friends we have had in the past but lost. Lost in many ways - because we fell out of touch or because they have passed on to be with the Lord. My friend Liz from high school who was so distraught she took her own life (I was not in her life anymore either, so I have no idea why she was so distraught - shame on me). My friend Michelle who died while on vacation with me in Italy (I was only 1 mile ahead of her and didn't go back to see her before they took her by helicopter to the hospital where she was pronounced dead - shame on me).
My "uncle" John who died of a massive heart attack early this year. He was so kind to me, always stopping in to say hi to Rich and I when he was in Colorado. I wish I had told him how much he meant to me while he was here (shame on me).
My mothers best friend and good friend of mine Susan who lost her 10 year battle with cancer this year. I kept saying I was going to coordinate one more girls trip with all of us but never got around to it (shame on me).
Do you see a pattern? I do. I understand the cycle of life and that everyone has a time to live and a time to die. My head gets that, but I wish someone would tell my heart. I also believe that times like this make me reflect on the people still in my life and what I need to be doing for them. How I need to be there for them. So much more than I am doing right now. I think today I will make a list of people I want to reach out to. To thank, to ask if they need help, to just say hi and I love you.
Sure does make my luxury car vanity issues seem silly - DOESN'T IT???
As I was running today (I swear - that is NOT all I do, it just seems that way) I was somber as I thought of friends we have had in the past but lost. Lost in many ways - because we fell out of touch or because they have passed on to be with the Lord. My friend Liz from high school who was so distraught she took her own life (I was not in her life anymore either, so I have no idea why she was so distraught - shame on me). My friend Michelle who died while on vacation with me in Italy (I was only 1 mile ahead of her and didn't go back to see her before they took her by helicopter to the hospital where she was pronounced dead - shame on me).
My "uncle" John who died of a massive heart attack early this year. He was so kind to me, always stopping in to say hi to Rich and I when he was in Colorado. I wish I had told him how much he meant to me while he was here (shame on me).
My mothers best friend and good friend of mine Susan who lost her 10 year battle with cancer this year. I kept saying I was going to coordinate one more girls trip with all of us but never got around to it (shame on me).
Do you see a pattern? I do. I understand the cycle of life and that everyone has a time to live and a time to die. My head gets that, but I wish someone would tell my heart. I also believe that times like this make me reflect on the people still in my life and what I need to be doing for them. How I need to be there for them. So much more than I am doing right now. I think today I will make a list of people I want to reach out to. To thank, to ask if they need help, to just say hi and I love you.
Sure does make my luxury car vanity issues seem silly - DOESN'T IT???
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Death of a Bird
Today Rich walked into the house from the pool and said he was sad. I didn't think I heard him correctly so I asked him to repeat himself. He said "I am sad today." I wasn't sure why - I mean I had yet to make him made today, so what was there to be sad about. "What's wrong honey" I asked him. He replied "I found one of the birds I like dead in our yard."
We have these ugly, penguin, flying looking birds that hang in our neighbors tree just above our pool. There are a few of them that hang out there and they are the weirdest looking birds I have ever seen. Picture a hairy slim penguin with a big awkward beak and you pretty much have a picture of that bird in your head.
We noticed them last year, nesting in the neighbors tree and Rich has been talking to them and pointing them out to all of our guests ever since. This morning one was dead in our yard and he had to dispose of the body. The good news is he didn't feel the need to hold a funeral for it, so at least the deed was done quickly and without fan fare. I have a huge to do list today and ATTEND UGLY BIRD FUNERAL is not on it. Though he is still sad, and I get it, those ugly things were growing on us.
Anytime something changes for people (death of a loved one, job change, a move to a different state) it can be hard for us. I think by nature we are creatures of habit (just like those birds nesting each year in the tree above our pool). Even people who like constant motion and variety still understand that there is comfort in consistency. That is why it is so hard for many of us to fully grasp when something changes and we had virtually no control over whether it happened or not.
I think the best we can do is pick ourselves up and learn to grow into the change. Look for opportunity in the new versus mourning the old. It is only then that we can truly live the life we have today. For yesterday is already gone and tomorrow is not promised. All we can do today is say bye bye birdie and hope that he had a great life while here. I know that is what I plan to say as I eulogize that bird this evening.
We have these ugly, penguin, flying looking birds that hang in our neighbors tree just above our pool. There are a few of them that hang out there and they are the weirdest looking birds I have ever seen. Picture a hairy slim penguin with a big awkward beak and you pretty much have a picture of that bird in your head.
We noticed them last year, nesting in the neighbors tree and Rich has been talking to them and pointing them out to all of our guests ever since. This morning one was dead in our yard and he had to dispose of the body. The good news is he didn't feel the need to hold a funeral for it, so at least the deed was done quickly and without fan fare. I have a huge to do list today and ATTEND UGLY BIRD FUNERAL is not on it. Though he is still sad, and I get it, those ugly things were growing on us.
Anytime something changes for people (death of a loved one, job change, a move to a different state) it can be hard for us. I think by nature we are creatures of habit (just like those birds nesting each year in the tree above our pool). Even people who like constant motion and variety still understand that there is comfort in consistency. That is why it is so hard for many of us to fully grasp when something changes and we had virtually no control over whether it happened or not.
I think the best we can do is pick ourselves up and learn to grow into the change. Look for opportunity in the new versus mourning the old. It is only then that we can truly live the life we have today. For yesterday is already gone and tomorrow is not promised. All we can do today is say bye bye birdie and hope that he had a great life while here. I know that is what I plan to say as I eulogize that bird this evening.
Monday, July 5, 2010
My Mission is Morphing
My mission is morphing. I started out analyzing vanity around driving a luxury car. I moved onto reflections on myself, my habits and my surroundings. It seems now I am examining my thoughts and feelings about being GREEN. I didn't realize that by limiting my driving I would become more aware of my carbon footprint. Everything I do, from not driving to recycling, makes a difference for our environment. I am starting to make a little life game out of being more responsible. Here are a few things I now do to help our environment:
1. I use the other side of printed paper. No one sees the stuff I print anyways, so who cares what is on the other side. Even more - I don't print unless I ABSOLUTELY have to.
2. I run, walk, bike and bus where ever I can.
3. I bring my tumbler to Starbucks.
4. I drink water from the tap versus using bottled water.
5. I use reusable grocery bags (and use the plastic I do have as trash bags and doggy potty bags)
These are only a few examples that I feel are really starting me on the path to being more green. What are you doing?
1. I use the other side of printed paper. No one sees the stuff I print anyways, so who cares what is on the other side. Even more - I don't print unless I ABSOLUTELY have to.
2. I run, walk, bike and bus where ever I can.
3. I bring my tumbler to Starbucks.
4. I drink water from the tap versus using bottled water.
5. I use reusable grocery bags (and use the plastic I do have as trash bags and doggy potty bags)
These are only a few examples that I feel are really starting me on the path to being more green. What are you doing?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Sea Shells by the Seashore
This morning my niece Taylor and I got up early and spent some girl time finding sea shells together. It was a great time.
If you have ever looked for sea shells on the beach you know that it actually takes a lot of concentration. Especially when your 10 year old niece really wants to find a sand dollar. We found many pieces of sand dollars - but not a whole one - which was disappointing to her (don't worry folks, I took her to Starbucks afterwards and she got the iced lemon pound cake and she is all happy now. I am not, though, because I have still yet to receive endorsement money from Starbucks).
It got me thinking about how the waves come in and deposit some of the shells onto the beach while some of the sea shells gently roll back to where they came from, with no wear and tear to mention. The ones that stay on the beach get lumped into two categories. The ones that break and the ones that don't. The ones that break usually end up untouched, left to break even more until they are just part of the sand. The ones that remain intact end up being picked up by little girls and boys, bragged about to friends and displayed proudly on little bedroom shelves or in glass vases.
Kind of like us humans, aren't they. Some of us roll gently through life, barely untouched by the world. Living in a place that is comfortable and safe. Some of us are deposited onto unfamiliar shores, but our bodies or minds remain intact and we move on to different happy and fulfilled lives. Unfortunately, many of us are like the shells that are broken on the shore. Broken physically, mentally or emotionally. Living in a world that might not be comfortable and safe.
Sorry to sound a little down today. I am on vacation and not down at all - but I oftentimes feel so grateful for being safe and comfortable that I like to point out that others are not so that I can hopefully bring attention to the needs of this world. And as I have said many times before, if we know what the needs of others are we are more likely to be able to impact them positively.
What are the needs of those around you? Are you in need? Reach out, help someone or ask for help for yourself. There are many unbroken shells around just waiting to take you home.
If you have ever looked for sea shells on the beach you know that it actually takes a lot of concentration. Especially when your 10 year old niece really wants to find a sand dollar. We found many pieces of sand dollars - but not a whole one - which was disappointing to her (don't worry folks, I took her to Starbucks afterwards and she got the iced lemon pound cake and she is all happy now. I am not, though, because I have still yet to receive endorsement money from Starbucks).
It got me thinking about how the waves come in and deposit some of the shells onto the beach while some of the sea shells gently roll back to where they came from, with no wear and tear to mention. The ones that stay on the beach get lumped into two categories. The ones that break and the ones that don't. The ones that break usually end up untouched, left to break even more until they are just part of the sand. The ones that remain intact end up being picked up by little girls and boys, bragged about to friends and displayed proudly on little bedroom shelves or in glass vases.
Kind of like us humans, aren't they. Some of us roll gently through life, barely untouched by the world. Living in a place that is comfortable and safe. Some of us are deposited onto unfamiliar shores, but our bodies or minds remain intact and we move on to different happy and fulfilled lives. Unfortunately, many of us are like the shells that are broken on the shore. Broken physically, mentally or emotionally. Living in a world that might not be comfortable and safe.
Sorry to sound a little down today. I am on vacation and not down at all - but I oftentimes feel so grateful for being safe and comfortable that I like to point out that others are not so that I can hopefully bring attention to the needs of this world. And as I have said many times before, if we know what the needs of others are we are more likely to be able to impact them positively.
What are the needs of those around you? Are you in need? Reach out, help someone or ask for help for yourself. There are many unbroken shells around just waiting to take you home.
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