Lessons Learned

This past year and a half has been one of revelation, growth, reflection and at times revolution.  During this time I have done a lot of introspection and change.  Here a few things that resonate with me as I prepare to enter 2012 with expectation of nothing but greatness and resolution!

1. Forgiveness ain't easy but it is necessary.  (Remember, what would Jesus do?)  Forgiveness is not for the other person, it is for YOU.  It is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.  Forgive yourself AND forgive others.   Forgiveness opens doors that resentment and bitterness slam shut.   
2. Resilience and Prayer are essential for traveling through life's trials, tribulations and sometimes tragedies.
3. Giving up is NOT an option.  You are stronger than you think---dig deep.  
4. You are what you think and say you are.  Words have POWER.  
5. No one is in charge of your joy and happiness but YOU.  Find joy and happiness in yourself.   Look for the silver lining in all gray clouds.  If you look hard enough, you will find it.
6. Be content, in all situations, while you are moving toward change.  You will not always like a particular situation, but remember, there is a reason for everything.  
7. Count your blessings.  You can't complain when you are counting your blessings.
8. Lead by example.  Walk the walk and Practice what you Preach.
9. Practice random acts of kindness.
10. I am not my hair.  Beauty exudes from within and the exterior things are just bling.
11. Seek to encourage, uplift and inspire others.
12. Treat yourself (body & mind) like it is Golden.  Do not abuse your body, or let anyone else abuse your body or your mental well-being.  Exercise, eat right, nourish your body and soul.  Input positivity into your mind.  Read daily affirmations or devotions.  Get a personal positive mantra.   
13. Do not be afraid to pray for others in need---even if you do not know them.    
14. Remember the divine order for things: God, Family, Everything else.

 What are your lessons learned?

Why Wait?

What are you waiting for?  I always joke that I'm waiting to exhale....  There are times in life when we have to wait--in line at the grocery store, in traffic, in the waiting room at the doctor's office,  at a red light, just to name a few.  These are examples of times when we have no control over the "wait".  There are numerous other things in life that we do have control over and we still wait.  One that comes immediately to mind is the majority of women do not use their fine china very often.  We WAIT for a special occasion or holiday.  We WAIT until our children are gone and grown to pursue our interests; or in some cases we WAIT for our husbands to give us the green light for something.  We WAIT until Monday to start a diet or exercise plan.   We constantly put things on a "waiting list".  A large amount of people don't live to the fullest or live a great and fulfilled life.  People focus on what is not working, what is not happening or complain about all the wrongs of life.  People WAIT until the sun, the moon and the stars line up and their bank accounts are overflowing to live fully or to be happy!  Most people do not show or share their expressions of love until it is to late.  We WAIT.  I have two childhood friends that I have talked to within the past two days....One had a serious car accident that could have ended his life in the matter of minutes and the other, she needs a heart transplant.  Both are in their early forties.  Both are looking at life very differently.  They are not WAITING to live anymore, they know all too well, that tomorrow is not promised... They have made a command decision to live more, complain less; live fully.  I would like to encourage everyone to stop waiting to live and live fully now.  Everyone's definition is and will be different of what a full, great or fulfilled life is.  Yesterday, I answered this question:  What is your definition of a great life?  I wrote my definition down and I will reflect on it daily to remind myself and keep me accountable to how I want to live a great life.  I recommend you do the same.  I want a full life now, no more waiting.  I'm dusting off my fine china!  I am making a decision that I do not want to live with my goals, dreams, interests and aspirations on the "waiting list".   Think about it....What are you waiting for?

What have you considered.....

After seeing "For Colored Girls", I started thinking, what do people really consider when the chips are down, they are disappointed, disgusted, disenchanted or downright depressed.  We all have issues, baggage, situations, and challenges that we deal with.  They can be simple or complex.  They can be easy to solve or downright near impossible.  They can make us want to buckle, bend or collapse under the pressure or at times they might make us consider giving up....At some point when we are "considering" what to do, we should stop and pray.  This will stop any immediate emotional or physical decisions or outbursts.  Yes, I said physical, (I'm keeping it real....)  When we stop and pray it allows God to intervene in the situation and will help us make a Godly decision.  Next, we need to adopt a mantra that will get us through.  Do you have a mantra that will get you through a situation.  Do you have a phrase, a Proverb, a saying; something that your Grandmother or Mother told you, that you can repeat in your head to "snap"  you out of what you were considering....Prayer coupled with positive thinking/positive phrases can help pull us through.  I strongly believe in mind over matter (I started to adopt this 12 years ago--when I delivered a 9.6 pound son with no drugs.)  Positive self talk and positive internal or external messages are essential.  You are what you think.  Even if your situation doesn't appear positive and you don't like what is happening, you can have a positive outlook on it.  Look deep within.  Know there is a reason for everything and a lesson to be learned.   There is always victory after a battle.  You have to fight to win.  Let me encourage you, keep fighting--victory is ahead.  Most importantly, tell yourself that giving up is NOT an option.

Friday Confessions-Beautiful Belly's

I must confess, nothing beats a not-so-good day at work, than a night of fun, laughter and dancing with girlfriends!  Something about laughing and dancing, or laughing while you dance, really cures what ails you, or me in this case.  I signed up for Belly Dancing.  Yep, I sure did and the cool thing is, as much as I've been working on getting a 6-pack; I am delighted to know that in the Belly Dancing world, a 6-pack is not required.  As a matter of fact, voluptuous belly's in their most natural or un-defined state are actually beautiful, sexy even.  Sure, small, thin belly's are in, but in the belly dancing world, big belly's are to be embraced and exposed!!!  I may have found a comfort zone for the belly!  Now, under normal circumstances, I would never consider exposing my belly, however, last night, a girlfriend said--"next week we should wear mid-driffs!"  As I laughed hysterically at her suggestion, I must confess I'm actually contemplating it.  You see, in belly dancing class, I could actually get away with wearing a mid-driff, but no where else!   As you become more seasoned in life (read: as you age) you do gain a certain amount of confidence that you didn't previously have.  However, with that, you have to be a little cautious that you don't get to over-confident and take it too far!  For example, if I do decide to wear a mid-driff for belly dancing purposes only, it will be worn to class, under another longer shirt, then exposed, and re-covered prior to exiting the dance class.  I am one who always "when in Rome--do as the Romans"...so, since I have the dance scarf with coins--shouldn't I add the mid-driff?  I want to encourage everyone on this journey with me, to get involved in something that will really boost your spirits (get your body moving) and add some happiness to your day.     Focus on the positive it will help to cancel out all the negative....be inspired and I hope you dance!

30 Days

I'm back!!! Football season is OVER and I can resume life as I knew it pre-football season.  Before I begin--Make sure you get out and vote.  Be heard, be counted.  Our ancestors didn't have the same rights we have and they paved the way for us-- make sure you do your part and VOTE!  If you don't know the candidates or the issues, check your State Board of Elections website-all the information is there.

Give me 30 days---30 days to re-focus, re-direct, re-charge and re-discover ME.  Football season and back to school causes me to shift most of my focus, time and energy towards my boys.  (it's easier to maintain more of a balance-in the off season)  While I still maintained an exercise routine and ran one race since the last time I blogged, football season leaves me with a ounce of energy and I use that for self-care and self-preservation.  I thought I could do it ALL, but somehow, I wasn't able to.  I learned a valuable lesson this football season.  I CAN do it ALL, just NOT all at once and definitely NOT during football season.  I also learned that when you make a promise to yourself, you should keep it....otherwise the regret isn't worth it.  I don't regret much, but I do regret I didn't keep a promise I made to myself prior to football season.   So, the next 30 days will be about me getting back on task, setting/readjusting some goals, and making some changes.  Anybody with me?  The changes can be whatever you want--and I bet after 30 days---the changes will stick!!! So, who is in?

I Think I Can!!!

I did something really kinda crazy the other day...and honestly, I'd do it again.  Saturday I participated in the Marine Corps Run Amuck-3.5 mile race.  Now, this is not just a run, it's a run with mud, obstacles and some Marine motivation to keep you going.  Now, I was somewhat prepared for the mud and I knew what obstacles would be included, but NOTHING could prepare me for Devil Dog Run.  The sign for Devil Dog Run greeted me as I entered the off road terrain, after I did about 1 mile.  The first mile included a few hills (oh my) on paved road, 10 jumping jacks, a run/jump/high knees thru tires, a run thru the 1st mud pit (wow my shoes are heavy now!) and a jump/climb/crawl over hay bails.  By the time I got to Devil Dog Run, I was thinking, I don't like the Devil, I don't like Dogs...and I'm really not liking this Run right about now!!!!  The off road terrain was comprised of more obstacles, sit ups, flutter kicks, pipes to crawl thru and hills, which really seemed like mountains.  And don't forget MORE MUD at least they said it was mud.  When I had to crawl under the barbed-wire portion--the mud had an odor that reminded me of well, let's just say, NOT mud.  I started thinking wow, people actually sign up for the Marines to do this stuff ALL THE TIME? oh, and it didn't help that they had Marines stationed at each obstacle and throughout the course to "motivate" us.  Ha, Motivate? well, let's just say, something about being yelled at thorough a mega-fone--is really motivating or really aggrevating--you decide!!!  I will say, as with everything, I thought long and hard and got a little philosophical... The sacrafices the Marines and other armed forces make for our freedom, is noteworthy, so while I was "running amuck" I did think about that and thought in amazment and gratitude.  I even tried to imagine how they run that trail in the dark...(no, I didn't start running with my eyes closed!)  All in all, it was a life changing experience and it not only really challenged my body, but it challenged my mind because at one point I had to revert back to the famous saying by the Little Engine that Could....I think I can, I think I can!!!   I pushed myself to step outside the box and into the mud--literally--and I can say, I have a really clear picture of how to overcome obstacles (no pun intended).  I encourage everyone to find something that will cause you step outside your box and overcome the obstacles!  Just remember, me, the mud and the Little Engine that Could!  You can do it!!!

Resilience & Willpower

I recently had an interesting lesson in resilience and willpower all in the form of getting rid of a reptile from my garage.  Yes, reptile seems extreme, but snakes are reptiles right?  Have you ever been challenged to the point where you either show resilience & willpower or you retreat?  My experience with my slimmy invader was that of resilience and willpower.  My strong will for him to leave and find residence elsewhere versus his resilient will to live and not retreat.  The "adventures" leading up to the snake adventure and those that followed were nothing short of comical, yes, another Lucy experience!!!!!!  Afterwards, when Calgon took me away, I thought about it, and said, wow that snake (Sammy) was resilient and had alot of willpower.  I attempted numerous extinquishing techniques and Sammy continued to raise up like, is that all you got?  I was like Glambo (Rambo, but glamorous) in my attempts.  The only thing that was missing was the Uzi and the combat gear!   I just wanted to stun him enough or "drown" him in my extinguishing cocktail, so I could get him OUT OF THE GARAGE!!!  (for all of you thinking, grab a shovel...it just wasn't that simple-Sammy was in a bucket; and for those who are saying grab the bucket and dump it, again--it wasn't that simple).  Suffice it to say, I ended up, running out of the garage, with a full bucket of my extinquishing cocktail and Sammy, and I HURLED it into the wilderness where it belonged!  Needless to say, my cape needs replaced and so does my bucket. All in all, I want to encourage all of you to learn from Sammy--you should rely on (God first) resilience and willpower to get through the journey and challenges of life.  Never give up despite people or circumstances trying to extinquish your will, spirit or your mission.  You have the resilience and willpower, you just have to use it!  The only retreat you should have is at a Spa!

Get a Life!

When we hear or say "Get a Life" it is usually for any number of reasons.  Sometimes we say it to someone or about someone---sometimes somebody says it to us.  Recently someone told me to "get a life" and to be honest, I was shocked and floored, because prior to them telling me this, I thought I had a life and a good one!  It is always interesting to have someone tell you their perception and opinion of and about your life.  Sometimes they have a good and accurate perception and sometimes they do not.  Sometimes we should take it under strong advisement, sometimes we should bank the information for later reflection and sometimes we need to discard it.  When I started to reflect on this declaration spoken to me--I started thinking that when we "get a life" it should be lead and directed by God, otherwise our lives are not worth getting.  I will say this, everyone is not going to agree on "your life", how you live it, where you live it, and who you live it with, but what is important is--how you live your life for and with God and are you walking towards His purpose for your life? Ultimately, would God agree with "your life"?  Yes, we make mistakes, we fall and we sometimes stay down too long.  However, it is essential to learn from our mistakes, our falls, dust ourselves off, put a band-aid on and keep it moving.   As we "get a life" we need to seek God and fall into line with His word and direction for our lives.   Now that we are into the second 1/2 of the year, think for a moment...do you need to Get a Life?  

Happy New Year!!!

Yes, I said Happy New Year!!! No you don't need to check your calendar or rub your eyes and say huh....It's time to re-evaluate, re-focus, re-commit and re-start or start our goals and items we would like to accomplish this year.  How often do we start off the year with a "gung ho" approach to tackling resolutions or goals we set for ourselves, and by mid-year the "gung-ho" feeling has turned to "ho-hum?" Do you have items or goals that you haven't started? It's not to late.  Look at those items and make a realistic plan of how to accomplish those goals.  Write it out--develop a road map to follow.   Get those ideas and goals on paper, it helps with accountability.  If you started something or several somethings and have fizzled or lost the gusto to continue--shift how you are tackling the goal(s), maybe you need a new approach or re-evaluate if this goal is still important and feasible.  Often times we start on a path to change and we have to change the path we are on and go in another direction.  We should always be evolving and improving.  Think about it.  Consider this a chance to start or start again.  Come on, grab those noise makers (and a class of champagne if you want!) and start celebrating a New Year and a New You!! Don't wait start today!!! 

Friday ConFessions

It's Friday and I am glad to say it's a looonnnggg holiday weekend.  True Confession--yesterday, I was so done on so many levels...but only for a moment.  Everyone knows my moments last only for seconds, and nervous breakdowns have to be scheduled in advance so, I pressed on!!!!  It seemed that everywhere I turned yesterday there was a red neon sign saying "you should have stayed in bed".   As usual the week included a list of crazy events that only happen to me (Lucyyyyy!).  For example accidently being stabbed in the hind quarter (my son really does love me); running through the woods in heels after a dog that is obviously laughing at the spectacle of me chasing her (the family dog really does hate me); two strange dogs, on two different days hanging out in my driveway, one being a Rottweiler that looked like he was foaming at the mouth; being stuck in major grid-lock traffic and being late to pick up my son that's been away at camp for 12 days; should I continue with the list, because I think you get my point.  All in all, I must confess, I had to give myself a pep talk and get it together quickly.  I went into self-talk mode because quitting and throwing in the towel isn't an option and neither is having a pity party.  I resorted to my workout and released the craziness of the days that had been set before me.   However I was reminded that some people are stuck in a ditch, rut, pit, pothole, call it what you like, some folks are stuck. I want to encourage everyone to get a shovel, a rake, a bucket, grab something, and start digging out of that hole you are in.  I've talked to several of you and several of you have fallen off the wagon and can't get up!!!   Here is your Life Call---GET UP, actually JUMP UP, look at that wagon, and CLIMB BACK IN.   You CAN Do It!  For everyone that posts about getting back in the wagon, and how they plan to get in and stay in--I will send you a little summer treat!  Come on, the wagon is rolling.....

Hump Day Push

When was the last time you were pushed into doing something? When was the last time you pushed someone to do something.  Everyone needs a push, however, it's what we do with the push that counts.  Sometimes if you are pushed off a cliff (so to speak) you have to decide if you are going to try to fly or just let gravity take you down!!!  Today I got a push! (a push to do & redo several things)  A co-worker/fellow (expert) runner said--"hey what are you doing Sunday morning?" and I laughed and said, "Not running a 5K!".....(I already had a feeling his question was going to lead to information about running in a race on Sunday).  This discussion lead to realizing (and remembering) that you have the ability to make up your mind to do (or not do) something and conquer a goal, fear or obstacle.   A lot of times mental strength will carry you through.  If you think you can--you can, if you think you can't--you can't.  By nature I am a "pusher"...I am usually the one pushing people to do better, be better, live better.  Today I had an epiphany---every now and then I need a push.   I need a push to go farther, do better and be better.  I need a push to keep on keeping on and get over that hump.  Sometimes we get stuck on the hump!  I challenge everyone to run up the hump---stand on the top of the hump (do some jumping jacks) and then run down the hump and enjoy the victory waiting ahead!

Friday ConFessions Part 1

I must confess, I almost let two negative things overshadow one of the important events in my oldest son's life.  Last night he graduated from elementary school and he is on his way to middle school. (wow-it seems like he was just born)   As always I usually reflect on things--the day after.  Today, I had to "slap" myself and "get over" the two things that were bugging me, because I realized that the devil is ever busy trying to steal joy and to overshadow good.  The ceremony was inspiring and memorable.  I was overjoyed (no I didn't cry) and very proud to witness seeing my son reach high academic achievement.  I really wanted to yell and scream and jump up and down, but this wasn't a football game, so I stayed seated and "refined"....   In the entire scheme of things, there really wasn't anything that should have taken away from this moment, but  I almost let it creep in there.  I was reminded that if we aren't careful, the devil will steal our joy and then we have a party stewing in the theft!!!!  It was a wake up call that staying positive, being positive and thinking positive is an action and a way of life that requires work, constant work.   I'm doing the work....are you?

Friday ConFessions Part 2

 A few Things I Learned in 5th Grade (the second time - through my oldest son)

1. Time flies and you wake up one day and realize your children are growing up.
2. It is important to be open, available and have honest discussions about everything--even when the topic makes you want to run and hide.  
3. Kids can be mean and you have to teach your child the tools to overcome being the target of bullies, insults and mean behavior.
4. Being "smart" pays off even if everyone thinks you are a Geek, including your younger brother. (ha-look at the Geek Squad!)
5. Girls are mean one day and want to talk the next.  
6. Reading is fundamental.
7. Setting Goals and Expectations are necessary for success.
8. Make a decision to be who you are and proud of it no matter what people say.
9. Be proud to say "I pray" and that you are a Christian.
10. Prayer works!

MonTuesday's Motivation

As I approach the eve of my oldest son's elementary school graduation, it has caused me to do some reflection.   While reflecting over the last 11 (almost 12 *gasp*) years of his life, it made me think,  everything in a child's life is marked my milestones.  When they need shots, when they say their first word, their first tooth, when they take that first wobbly step, the first day of school, the first dance, the first date...well you get it.  I started thinking--at some point they emerge into adulthood and we stop counting the milestones (usually after college graduation) unless it is their wedding or the birth of a baby, or some other life event.  It made me wonder, why do we as adults stop counting milestones.  Why do we stop attempting to reach milestones.  I know that life, careers, children and partners, cause us to reshift our focus away from ourselves, however, I think it's important to have a parallel focus.  If you do not work towards reaching milestones, it sends a message to your children and others.  And if you have children--they do leave and then it's just you....  Have you noticed that most middle age people go through a phase where they "re-invent" themselves?  They decide to live in an RV and travel the country.  They leave steady jobs after umpteen years to go raise goats in the outback.  They change themselves so drastically others sometimes don't recognize them.  I think these drastic measures are the cause of them not setting and reaching intermittent parallel milestones during their early years and now they go to drastic extremes to "live".  I'm saying all of this to say--don't wait until you need to make a drastic attempt to live because you are drowning as a result of your focus being tilted so far away from your needs and wants.  It's time for action!!! Do it now, get out a piece of paper,  a journal or notebook and start to write some milestones you want to reach.  Call it what you like, but make a "bucket list", sometimes we have to do things like this to realize, tomorrow isn't promised--Live TODAY.  Dance like no one is watching and enjoy the ride, even if it is a roller-coaster! (put your hands up and scream!)

Hump Day Helpers

Have you ever noticed that if you don't water your garden or flowers, even your lawn, they begin to wilt or depending on how long it's been, they start to die.  Did you know that our bodies are like flowers? Without the proper hydration our bodies respond in a negative way.  We get sluggish, we feel irritable, sometimes we get a headache; lack of water affects our organs/tissues and their ability to function properly.  Our bodies are over 70% water and to maintain a healthy body it is important to drink water regularly.  Yes, juice and sports drinks are viable options to help with hydration, but nothing does a body good, like water.  (okay, I know the slogan is about milk) As we are approaching the warmer days of summer, I decided to  remind everyone about drinking water and how to get it in.   There are numerous benefits to drinking water: it helps keep your organs, tissues, and joints functioning properly; it increases your energy level; improves concentration and focus; helps increase the strength of our immune system; it rids your body of toxins and waste; it helps improve your skin and give it a healthy glow and it can help reduce overeating and eating when you are not hungry.  Now aren't those some good reasons to grab some water?  One of the easiest ways to get it in, is to decide how much water you need to drink and plan out when and how to drink water over the course of the day.  Another suggestion, have a cute water bottle or fancy drinking cup within arms reach, filled and ready to drink.  Adding lemon or lime can give water a little boost or add a low calorie flavor packet, like Crystal Light every now and then.  For me, a different twist is to try the flavored sparkling waters.   Don't worry about how many times you have to go to the bathroom, trust me--being properly hydrated and running to the bathroom beats the alternative.  Okay, go grab something to drink---water of course.

MonTuesday's Motivation

the Blessed breakdown.  Sunday, I had the blessing of sitting in my truck for about 2 hours reading a book.  Now I'm sure you are wondering why I sat in my truck for 2 hours and why did I consider this a blessing.  I consider it a blessing because God was probably saying I'm giving you some time to yourself and he knew this was one way I'd get it.  I had dropped my boys off at the movies (they were meeting someone there) and when I returned to my truck to go run errands.....the truck wouldn't start.  It was dead!  Now as I sat there, I checked to make sure nothing was plugged in, like my boys games or my cell phone charger--nothing.  I started thinking if there had been any warning signs--nothing.  So I commenced to digging in my wallet (note to self: clean out my wallet) and found my AAA card.  After calling and waiting (and enjoying my book) the friendly man showed up, tested everything and determined I needed a new battery.  He explained that AAA carries them (something I never knew) but unfortunately for me---he was sold out of the one I needed.  He said they had a record number of vehicles that needed the same battery and they were out of stock until Tuesday.  (he said this was unheard of)  He did offer several suggestions of where to get a battery and I said "at this time of day?"  it was after 7, on Sunday.  Thank God, he mentioned a place that was open until 8 and they install for free.  I called, they had the battery and after some begging, the manager agreed to wait for me. (it was 7:30)  Now you are probably wondering where the blessing is?  Well, 1st of all, I was in a safe location.  2nd, I didn't have any where I needed to be and my errands could wait.  3rd, I was able to remedy the situation the same night and didn't have to miss time from work.  Overall, it couldn't have happened at a better time.  I had a few hours to kill while I waited for the boys and it didn't impact anything or anybody other than me.  The boys didn't miss a beat and really were not affected expect for waiting for a few minutes (with hungry stomachs) while the new battery was installed.  I started thinking that a lot of times when we are inconvenienced by a flat tire, a broken down vehicle on the highway or a dead battery, we curse the event,  get irritated, aggravated and or impatient.  But I want to encourage everyone, look for the blessing in your breakdown.  The silver lining in the grey cloud so to speak.  There is a blessing in everything negative or irritating that happens to us.  It is up to us to find the positive in the negative.   Take a battery for example--there is a positive and a negative end- both work together to supply power....just think about it!

Friday ConFessions

Refresh and Recharge!!! that is what I've been doing since my last post.  I recently participated in two major events that required planning and effort and mix that in with everyday life, I decided to take a "pause for MY cause".   The Relay for Life and running the 5K were two events (back to back weekends) that I planned for but required a lot of planning and energy.  Did I mention I had the nerve to squeeze in a round of golf (in 90 degrees) the Friday before I ran the 5K.  (probably not highly recommended).  One thing I can say is, I'm learning to push myself beyond where I think I could.  I'm learning that we can't allow our minds to limit us, we have to dare to push and try.   I believe it's never to late.  So, now that I'm refreshed and recharged...I'm looking for the next challenge? Any suggestions?

The 5K

I DID IT!!! correction, WE did it.  My girlfriend Doris and I ran the 5K together.  Everything happened so fast, a casual conversation about wanting to start running (a month ago), turned into the two of us running a 5K.  Doris and all my friends now know--watch what you say around me--because I will make it happen for us!!!  Yesterday was one of those experiences where you say "did I really just do that?"   For some people a 5K is a measly 3.1 miles, for others it may seem insurmountable.   For me, a previous "non-runner" it was a BIG deal.   If you would have told me several months ago, I'd be running for fitness, let alone running in a race, I'd say NOT ME!  This was a big physical and mental hurdle for me to overcome.  For years, I've allowed my knees to be an excuse for not trying certain physical things.   Years ago, and I do mean YEARS ago, I had knee surgery (on both knees) and I've always been afraid to push myself to see how strong my knees and body really are.  What started out being a "I'm training as if I'm going to run at some point" turned out to be a "I'm running in a 5K, for real".  It was almost as if I was having an out of body experience.  Me running? I still can't believe it.  But I did it and I trained in a little less than 5 weeks.  The training itself was an experience of seeing how my body would respond, but more importantly, seeing how I improved week to week.  Listening to your body was key to pushing or easing off, depending on the day.  A month ago, I couldn't run 2 minutes without gasping for air or wanting to stop.   I see how the body can adapt and change with the proper training.  Along, with the physical training, you have to have the mental fortitude to believe you can do it and you have to have positive self-talk through the process.   Overall, it was a great experience and my finishing time was 45:55.  I did have to walk a few times-those rolling hills got me, but I ran more than I walked and more importantly, I DID IT!!!! so inquiring minds want to know---what's next??? stay tuned.... 

Journey to a 5K

I finally feel like myself again.  For the past few days I've been walking around in a dense fog--almost like I was trapsing thru cobwebs.  Sad thing is--in the back of my mind, I kept thinking...I need to finish training for my 5K, but my body felt like a lump of coal.  My body rebelled against me in the early part of the week and I didn't resume training until yesterday!! I'm glad to say that I got on the treadmill (because of the time of day) and I picked up where I left off.   I felt great, I'm up to 20 mins of running, on the treadmill.  Today, I ventured outside--in 70 plus degree weather...hmmmm, what was I thinking.  All I can say is, I had to keep repeating the famous verse I think I can, I think I can.  I'm not sure if it was the heat, or the fact that my nasal passages decided to shut down, I could barely breath--allergy issues...but I couldn't wait to get back inside.  The good thing is, I'm improving.  The interesting thing is how different running on the treadmill is versus running outside.  Sunday is fast approaching and I'm wondering at what point do you feel you are completely ready.  Two things I know for sure---1. Sunday is coming and 2. no matter what--I will be running across the finish line.  Now, here is my dilemma...what to wear!!!  Stay tuned. 

Determined Minds, Bodies and Spirits

It's been several days since the ACS Relay for Life and I think I have finally recuperated.  I want to thank my Inspired Girlfriends-Relay for Life Team for their determination and perseverance with respect to fundraising and keeping a positive, upbeat spirit through the entire event, even through the brisk hours of the night and early morning.  At the last minute one team mate was unable to travel due to medical reasons and another team mate came and enjoyed the early festivities, but due to a new discovery she couldn't stay all night.  When it was all said and done four of us stood at 6 a.m. for our victory photo.!!! WE DID IT!!! (we looked pretty ___ good for 6 a.m!!!! bright eyed too)  We were able to raise $1700, in a very short time.  The effort was incredible, e-mails, phone calls, text messages, scratch off's, talking to co-workers, family and friends--we worked hard to get donations.  I now see that my $500 goal was not that hard to attain....so next year, the bar is going to be raised.  I hope everyone will up the anty!!!  The real highlight of the evening was the Ms. Relay lap.  This is where men dress up as women and ask for donations.  We raised $129 just by having Ruthelle, do his/her thing!!! Ruthelle will forever be in our hearts and  minds....hopefully Ruthelle will be interested in a new look for next year!  I have vowed not to show pictures--but trust--he really did represent!   We incorporated our children in the event by having them participate in the Teddy Bear lap--they each carried a teddy bar around the track and then it was donated to children with cancer.   I confess, I underestimated the amount of walking and how much I would feel it the next day.  I also realized I have to rest up prior to the event--going in sleep deprived was not a good idea. I'm glad to say we all worked together as a team, no-one knew each other (I was the one who knew everyone).  We mixed and mingled well and laughed alot---I think this could be the beginning of something.....Let's raise those cute wine glasses!!! Cheers!