1. Coffee. This could be the whole list, honestly.
2. No makeup, which is awesome just because, but also translates into your skin being able to breathe better during and after your run, as well as no extra awful sweat-stinging of your eyes mid run.
3. Great reason (excuse, if you need one!) to go to bed early or at least, at a reasonable hour. #sleephygiene
4. Nothing will wake you up like a morning run.
5. Taking your morning shower post run is a super efficient use of time! There is no need to shower multiple times in one day.
6. Getting your run done in the morning beats the heat of the day during the summer time! The sunrise during any season is beautiful and invigorating.
7. Nothing that happens during the day can ruin your motivation and/or time for your run...because it's done!
8. Energy, mood, and focus is all impacted for the (way) better for the remainder of the day.
9. You will be hungry for breakfast after your run, setting yourself up for better health by actually eating breakfast. (I'm talking to you, meal skippers!)
10. Happy and healthy groovin'. Enough said.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Monday, July 17, 2017
The Daydream is Over
Good morning!
Totally have a fake smile on this morning because today I go back to work after ten days off!
Wow, did I enjoy that break! I found myself in a different kind of groove, a song and dance instead of a ball and chain! Some ideas about the way I want to live in the future were born; it was an exciting and creative few days.
Over the years my job has changed a lot. The pace has quickened, minor issues immediately escalated, work off shored. Our job title has changed to "Coordinator". I no longer DO the work I once enjoyed. Balance went out the window with the ability to work from home. It's sad to see the days of a "normal workday" no longer around. It's even more upsetting to feel what that feels like.
So, like my writing project that I haven't yet pinned down, I'm not sure where I'd want my career path to take me next. What am I looking for? What do I have to offer? How can I contribute something meaningful to the world, while being able to support my little family financially? Could it be done within the company I'm working for now? I need to ask a lot of questions at this point in my life, and remember to keep a positive perspective. This is a beginning (it can easily feel like a dead end).
And now, of course, with my findings and all of my thoughts...another great question to ask is how I'll show up to work today and do my best?
What do you do for work? How did you choose what you do? Has your job changed during your time there? What do you like to do when you take time off?
Totally have a fake smile on this morning because today I go back to work after ten days off!
Wow, did I enjoy that break! I found myself in a different kind of groove, a song and dance instead of a ball and chain! Some ideas about the way I want to live in the future were born; it was an exciting and creative few days.
Over the years my job has changed a lot. The pace has quickened, minor issues immediately escalated, work off shored. Our job title has changed to "Coordinator". I no longer DO the work I once enjoyed. Balance went out the window with the ability to work from home. It's sad to see the days of a "normal workday" no longer around. It's even more upsetting to feel what that feels like.
So, like my writing project that I haven't yet pinned down, I'm not sure where I'd want my career path to take me next. What am I looking for? What do I have to offer? How can I contribute something meaningful to the world, while being able to support my little family financially? Could it be done within the company I'm working for now? I need to ask a lot of questions at this point in my life, and remember to keep a positive perspective. This is a beginning (it can easily feel like a dead end).
And now, of course, with my findings and all of my thoughts...another great question to ask is how I'll show up to work today and do my best?
What do you do for work? How did you choose what you do? Has your job changed during your time there? What do you like to do when you take time off?
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Never Give Up, Even When It's Terrible
I can say with certainty that over the years I've engaged in a slow, rolling start to my dream of being "a writer". I absolutely want to write. I've always wanted to write, and here and there I have written a few different things. Nothing very noteworthy, though some pieces more significant (to me) than others. It's really that I need to write. A living, breathing story is ready to burst, but my odd dilemma is that the face of it remains a mystery to me. Oh how I want that certainty!
I'm hoping that with practice and invitation, the creation will come forward. It may not, but if I don't try, we will never have the chance to meet.
So I'm starting again, now. In a year, if I haven't written anything, it will just be a year later, a year of inaction, a year of the same dreams burning a hole in my heart. What good is that? I know my writing will be terrible (and look, it is), but I'm going in anyway. Up until this point, my life has had a low grade fear fever fueling most every move - including trying to write - and I'm ready to apply the ice. I'll save fear for it's correct application, battling a fiery dragon, say, or running from a hungry tiger. I would have something to write about, then...
I'm hoping that with practice and invitation, the creation will come forward. It may not, but if I don't try, we will never have the chance to meet.
So I'm starting again, now. In a year, if I haven't written anything, it will just be a year later, a year of inaction, a year of the same dreams burning a hole in my heart. What good is that? I know my writing will be terrible (and look, it is), but I'm going in anyway. Up until this point, my life has had a low grade fear fever fueling most every move - including trying to write - and I'm ready to apply the ice. I'll save fear for it's correct application, battling a fiery dragon, say, or running from a hungry tiger. I would have something to write about, then...
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
On the Eve of Pie
Happy Thanksgiving Eve!
The holidays are officially upon us! The traditional work stress-storm was right on schedule, alerting me that something big is happening tomorrow. Must. Get. Everything. Done! And then eat pie and leftovers and slog around in pajamas for a couple of days. Yeah!
Here's an embarrassing BEFORE shot of my nails. All these years I've called them my nails but let's be honest...there's not much nail there to really consider. They ARE growing, however! I have been obsessed with making sure I'm moisturizing, going as far as wearing cotton gloves to bed to encourage these nubbies to do something interesting and inspiring while I sleep. I also bought a giant pair of kitchen gloves to use while I do the mountain of dishes that appears in the sink every day. I know, sexy.
I'm super excited.
Then...remember my incredibly eager plan to exercise 6 days a week?
1. I DID IT! For two weeks in a row. It was great...and hard to motivate, even though I could feel the beginning of an addiction being born.
2. Week three, THIS week, is, well, not nearly as successful. Work got crazy busy, which totally killed my time and energy. I'm also just not sure I could maintain a six day a week exercise program. It was a lot to juggle, though like I said, I enjoyed the actual exercising part.
I need to go GRAB MY PUMPKIN PIE OUT OF THE OVEN but I just wanted to pop in, say hi, display my extremely short nails so I have amazing documentation of the first day of the rest of my (nails) life...
Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy every last moment and morsel.
xoxo
The holidays are officially upon us! The traditional work stress-storm was right on schedule, alerting me that something big is happening tomorrow. Must. Get. Everything. Done! And then eat pie and leftovers and slog around in pajamas for a couple of days. Yeah!
Here's an embarrassing BEFORE shot of my nails. All these years I've called them my nails but let's be honest...there's not much nail there to really consider. They ARE growing, however! I have been obsessed with making sure I'm moisturizing, going as far as wearing cotton gloves to bed to encourage these nubbies to do something interesting and inspiring while I sleep. I also bought a giant pair of kitchen gloves to use while I do the mountain of dishes that appears in the sink every day. I know, sexy.
I'm super excited.
Then...remember my incredibly eager plan to exercise 6 days a week?
1. I DID IT! For two weeks in a row. It was great...and hard to motivate, even though I could feel the beginning of an addiction being born.
2. Week three, THIS week, is, well, not nearly as successful. Work got crazy busy, which totally killed my time and energy. I'm also just not sure I could maintain a six day a week exercise program. It was a lot to juggle, though like I said, I enjoyed the actual exercising part.
I need to go GRAB MY PUMPKIN PIE OUT OF THE OVEN but I just wanted to pop in, say hi, display my extremely short nails so I have amazing documentation of the first day of the rest of my (nails) life...
Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy every last moment and morsel.
xoxo
Thursday, November 17, 2016
It may be just a little something...but it adds up to a lot
Hello! I'm out from under my rock!
It's a lovely early morning, celebrated with a big cup of coffee, Christmas jazz playing on Spotify, and my BLOG in front of me. My blog! It's been a long time.
I'm resurrecting this site because I've always loved to write and need a place to really focus on it again, get my thoughts on "paper" and practice! I actually keep a handwritten journal as well, where I keep more personal thoughts, perhaps. There is just something about using a pen and paper to communicate my thoughts that I will never be able to leave behind. I've kept a journal since I was maybe 8 or 9! Doing so is part of who I am.
The second reason I'm back (hello! hi!) is because I am embarking on a few new things and am dying to record my progress and use my blog as a tool to keep me motivated!
What are these new things, you ask?
1. I'm currently on a Spending Diet and plan on going on a full blown Spending Fast for one year, come January 1, 2017. This means I will only be spending money on Needs. Not Wants. Oh how hard this will be. I'm practicing now and it is hard. Doable, but difficult. Especially with the holidays around the corner! The reason I'm going on such a journey is because the cloud of student loan debt has gotten big and black enough that I'm ready to work harder to eliminate it sooner. Bob and I have big plans and it feels like we can't move forward with this hanging over our heads. I thank Anna Newell Jones of AndThenWeSaved.com for introducing me to the terms and ideas.
2. I'm growing my nails! Me! The person who has LITERALLY bitten my nails for as long as I can remember. I've grown them a few times (sadly, not even a handful, I don't think...pun intended, kind of) in my life and I always go back to ruining them. This time it's going to be different (ha! We've heard that phrase before, haven't we? I'm using it anyway, because I believe it). This time I'm simply just full-force-full-speed-ahead growing my nails and not looking back. Lotion. Hands OUT of my mouth (I'm 37, for Pete's sake. Embarrassing). The dangling carrot is a nice holiday manicure and some sort of sparkly thing for my finger...see 2a.
2a. Okay so the manicure and sparkly thing go against point #1, I see how you may note that. However, I am determining nail care as a Need. I've had maybe one manicure in my entire life and it was before my sister's wedding over ten years ago (cripes). If I am going to have nice, normal person nails, I need to maintain them. I need help doing that considering my idea of maintenance thus far has been to chew them off. Enough said.
As for the sparkly thing...that's a long term plan. I'm not spending money on that until I'm out of debt. I can't. It's not a Need and I know it. I have a while to go before I'm out of debt, but it's an exciting reward to think about and a great motivator.
It's a lovely early morning, celebrated with a big cup of coffee, Christmas jazz playing on Spotify, and my BLOG in front of me. My blog! It's been a long time.
I'm resurrecting this site because I've always loved to write and need a place to really focus on it again, get my thoughts on "paper" and practice! I actually keep a handwritten journal as well, where I keep more personal thoughts, perhaps. There is just something about using a pen and paper to communicate my thoughts that I will never be able to leave behind. I've kept a journal since I was maybe 8 or 9! Doing so is part of who I am.
The second reason I'm back (hello! hi!) is because I am embarking on a few new things and am dying to record my progress and use my blog as a tool to keep me motivated!
What are these new things, you ask?
1. I'm currently on a Spending Diet and plan on going on a full blown Spending Fast for one year, come January 1, 2017. This means I will only be spending money on Needs. Not Wants. Oh how hard this will be. I'm practicing now and it is hard. Doable, but difficult. Especially with the holidays around the corner! The reason I'm going on such a journey is because the cloud of student loan debt has gotten big and black enough that I'm ready to work harder to eliminate it sooner. Bob and I have big plans and it feels like we can't move forward with this hanging over our heads. I thank Anna Newell Jones of AndThenWeSaved.com for introducing me to the terms and ideas.
2. I'm growing my nails! Me! The person who has LITERALLY bitten my nails for as long as I can remember. I've grown them a few times (sadly, not even a handful, I don't think...pun intended, kind of) in my life and I always go back to ruining them. This time it's going to be different (ha! We've heard that phrase before, haven't we? I'm using it anyway, because I believe it). This time I'm simply just full-force-full-speed-ahead growing my nails and not looking back. Lotion. Hands OUT of my mouth (I'm 37, for Pete's sake. Embarrassing). The dangling carrot is a nice holiday manicure and some sort of sparkly thing for my finger...see 2a.
2a. Okay so the manicure and sparkly thing go against point #1, I see how you may note that. However, I am determining nail care as a Need. I've had maybe one manicure in my entire life and it was before my sister's wedding over ten years ago (cripes). If I am going to have nice, normal person nails, I need to maintain them. I need help doing that considering my idea of maintenance thus far has been to chew them off. Enough said.
As for the sparkly thing...that's a long term plan. I'm not spending money on that until I'm out of debt. I can't. It's not a Need and I know it. I have a while to go before I'm out of debt, but it's an exciting reward to think about and a great motivator.
3. Exercising on the regular. Like six days a week. I can't think about it too much or I will talk myself out of it, even though I like exercising and feel so much better even after only one full week of six days of 45 minutes (per day) of aerobic exercise. This week I'm on day 4. I am going to the gym tonight. It's happening. I got the idea of six days from a book I'm reading about aging healthfully, called Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley. It's geared more for people of a slightly older age than I but I know I can also reap great benefits from taking care of myself NOW, not waiting until I'm older and it's even harder to create a new routine. Aside from the physical benefits, exercising does MAJOR things for my mental state. I can easily fall towards the depressed side of things, and exercising really keeps that at bay. It's huge. The pain of going to the gym when I don't feel like it is nothing compared to the pain of living under a heavy blanket of negativity and fear.
That's my list! It's a big one, and I'm ready to tackle it. I hope you'll join me along my journey; I'll need all the encouragement I can get. In return, I'll be sure to entertain you with stories, setbacks, learnings, and my AMAZING PROGRESS that I'm going to make.
Good to see you again!
Friday, October 10, 2014
$1.46
So. I have to give kudos and thanks to a blog I stumbled upon the other day, called And Then We Saved (blogger Anna Newell Jones). She totally motivated me to want to make a significant change in my relationship with money (and the black cloud of student loans that hangs over my head). She paid off a ton of debt in one year by going on a Spending Fast; she also talks of a Spending Diet, which I'm thinking about starting once I have a chance to wrap my head around it.
Anyway, this week's money saving efforts:
Worked from home a few days this week, saved on mileage/gas
Recycled brown paper grocery bags for an art project I'm currently involved in
Borrowed ebook 'Your Money or Your Life' from the library, to get a little motivation/learnings under way
Saved/washed/dried Ziploc bag I brought one of my brown bag lunch sandwiches in to be used at another time
Had oatmeal for breakfast this morning in order to use browning bananas and not let them go to waste (though I do try to always freeze any bananas that are on the edge if I'm able to catch them at a reasonable time)
At the last minute, saved a plastic yogurt container from going in the garbage! Washed/put away
Turned unecessary lights off as I noticed them on/trying to make a more conscious effort to do this!
Ate leftovers instead of just pushing the Tupperware to the back of the fridge as I might do otherwise (therefore letting it go to waste).
Made/making food for a friends visit (that will last beyond her visit) instead of going out to eat at a pricey restaurant!
Kept to my list at the grocery store and shopped the lowest prices/sought out the store flyer.
My store-card missed getting swiped through at the right time, so it didn't get counted. I then waited at customer service to get $1.46 back. Ha! Normally I would have just said 'oh well, next time...and eaten the loss (literally). Hey, it's $1.46!
Confession: At the grocery store, I bought ice cream, which was not on my list, so here's me trying to rationalize:
A) I bought a quart instead of those little individual portions that I usually buy
B) I bought a flavor my boyfriend also likes so at least we'll both benefit from the purchase!
C) I bought store brand which was a lower price than the other name brands.
I'll learn.
Speaking of learning, the other night I did an exercise where I added up the money I spent on groceries in each of my last two billing periods. It was absolutely astounding. I don't have the details of each item I bought at this point, (but I have created a space for my receipts and will be reviewing these at the end of the month for better understanding of exactly where my money is going in the future). Anyway, while groceries are fine and necessary, obviously, I have a bad habit of going to the store multiple times in one week, perhaps for an item or two (and of course leaving with 7 or 8, see my ice-cream rationale above). I have another bad habit of going to a particularly expensive grocery store chain for a lunch-salad once in a while and then browsing around the store afterwards, always finding just a few more items for the week... This habit is a) unnecessary and financially wasteful and b) just an ineffective way to 'relax' - the browsing, looking at new items maybe, or just attractive packaging, etc. I AM that consumer who is suckered into something that 'looks good'. I do pay attention to prices (though at this store, this is a pointless endeavor, no matter what you do, as everything is overpriced anyway, even the 'cheaper' items) but have definitely gotten a bit too casual when it comes to what I really can afford.
The point of my story is that I will seriously be able to cut my grocery bill in half by not engaging in the multiple trips/mindless browsing and spending/buying lunch at work 2-3 times per week. I'm sure I'll find even more ways to save if I just put a little effort in and try to stay aware. Sounds easy, though I'm sure I'll report back and let you know just how easy it really isn't.
I'm excited about trying to make a change, so I thought I'd just stick a little post up here. Not to mention, I will probably need a place to organize my thoughts as I learn, adapt, struggle, and succeed...
Anyway, this week's money saving efforts:
Worked from home a few days this week, saved on mileage/gas
Brown bag lunched other days!
Borrowed ebook 'Your Money or Your Life' from the library, to get a little motivation/learnings under way
Saved/washed/dried Ziploc bag I brought one of my brown bag lunch sandwiches in to be used at another time
Had oatmeal for breakfast this morning in order to use browning bananas and not let them go to waste (though I do try to always freeze any bananas that are on the edge if I'm able to catch them at a reasonable time)
At the last minute, saved a plastic yogurt container from going in the garbage! Washed/put away
Turned unecessary lights off as I noticed them on/trying to make a more conscious effort to do this!
Ate leftovers instead of just pushing the Tupperware to the back of the fridge as I might do otherwise (therefore letting it go to waste).
Made/making food for a friends visit (that will last beyond her visit) instead of going out to eat at a pricey restaurant!
Kept to my list at the grocery store and shopped the lowest prices/sought out the store flyer.
My store-card missed getting swiped through at the right time, so it didn't get counted. I then waited at customer service to get $1.46 back. Ha! Normally I would have just said 'oh well, next time...and eaten the loss (literally). Hey, it's $1.46!
Confession: At the grocery store, I bought ice cream, which was not on my list, so here's me trying to rationalize:
A) I bought a quart instead of those little individual portions that I usually buy
B) I bought a flavor my boyfriend also likes so at least we'll both benefit from the purchase!
C) I bought store brand which was a lower price than the other name brands.
I'll learn.
Speaking of learning, the other night I did an exercise where I added up the money I spent on groceries in each of my last two billing periods. It was absolutely astounding. I don't have the details of each item I bought at this point, (but I have created a space for my receipts and will be reviewing these at the end of the month for better understanding of exactly where my money is going in the future). Anyway, while groceries are fine and necessary, obviously, I have a bad habit of going to the store multiple times in one week, perhaps for an item or two (and of course leaving with 7 or 8, see my ice-cream rationale above). I have another bad habit of going to a particularly expensive grocery store chain for a lunch-salad once in a while and then browsing around the store afterwards, always finding just a few more items for the week... This habit is a) unnecessary and financially wasteful and b) just an ineffective way to 'relax' - the browsing, looking at new items maybe, or just attractive packaging, etc. I AM that consumer who is suckered into something that 'looks good'. I do pay attention to prices (though at this store, this is a pointless endeavor, no matter what you do, as everything is overpriced anyway, even the 'cheaper' items) but have definitely gotten a bit too casual when it comes to what I really can afford.
The point of my story is that I will seriously be able to cut my grocery bill in half by not engaging in the multiple trips/mindless browsing and spending/buying lunch at work 2-3 times per week. I'm sure I'll find even more ways to save if I just put a little effort in and try to stay aware. Sounds easy, though I'm sure I'll report back and let you know just how easy it really isn't.
I'm excited about trying to make a change, so I thought I'd just stick a little post up here. Not to mention, I will probably need a place to organize my thoughts as I learn, adapt, struggle, and succeed...
Monday, September 22, 2014
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Happy First Day of Autumn!
This is it for me. I absolutely adore this time of the year. October is right around the corner, and I am so ready. Bring on the pumpkins, apples, flannel shirts, harvest scented candles, and crisp, cool air! I'm trying to hold off on my first pumpkin flavored something for another couple of weeks. Typically I get started on the pumpkin craze early and have overdone it way before the season ends!
We treated ourselves to two nights in the Green Mountain State this past week, after a summer saturated with love and loss. We needed to get away and hold each other close, and no better place to do it in our eyes, than Vermont!
We spent our getaway in the southern part of the state, an area new to me. Though I spent my college years in northern Vermont and still make the trek once a year (at least) to our beloved cabin and university town, somehow in my travels I've simply whizzed past this part! Boy, was I missing a lot. It is so beautiful in the surrounding areas of Dover, Newfane, Wilmington, and Brattleboro.
Note: The Brattleboro Food Co-Op is to die for. The endless bulk aisles...
I'm so glad that Vermont has stayed a part of my life, so many years after I finished my undergraduate schooling. The cabin is the main reason this has been possible, and we look forward to going there every holiday season (just a couple of months away! Cabin countdown begins). It was fun to explore a new area and balance our sense of familiarity and home that we have at the cabin with some adventure, tourism, and total relaxation (no cooking or cleaning!)
Living is simple (I didn't say easy!) up there in the country, and so much of the day to day involves love and respect for the outdoors. It's clear how this lifestyle shapes the value system and allows for a more natural existence in the world, and this is what really draws us in. There is a connection, a sense of belonging and meaning that we struggle to find where we live now.
Just a couple of months and we'll be back up that way, enjoying the holidays in a snow covered cabin! We can't wait!
This is it for me. I absolutely adore this time of the year. October is right around the corner, and I am so ready. Bring on the pumpkins, apples, flannel shirts, harvest scented candles, and crisp, cool air! I'm trying to hold off on my first pumpkin flavored something for another couple of weeks. Typically I get started on the pumpkin craze early and have overdone it way before the season ends!
We treated ourselves to two nights in the Green Mountain State this past week, after a summer saturated with love and loss. We needed to get away and hold each other close, and no better place to do it in our eyes, than Vermont!
We spent our getaway in the southern part of the state, an area new to me. Though I spent my college years in northern Vermont and still make the trek once a year (at least) to our beloved cabin and university town, somehow in my travels I've simply whizzed past this part! Boy, was I missing a lot. It is so beautiful in the surrounding areas of Dover, Newfane, Wilmington, and Brattleboro.
Note: The Brattleboro Food Co-Op is to die for. The endless bulk aisles...
I'm so glad that Vermont has stayed a part of my life, so many years after I finished my undergraduate schooling. The cabin is the main reason this has been possible, and we look forward to going there every holiday season (just a couple of months away! Cabin countdown begins). It was fun to explore a new area and balance our sense of familiarity and home that we have at the cabin with some adventure, tourism, and total relaxation (no cooking or cleaning!)
Living is simple (I didn't say easy!) up there in the country, and so much of the day to day involves love and respect for the outdoors. It's clear how this lifestyle shapes the value system and allows for a more natural existence in the world, and this is what really draws us in. There is a connection, a sense of belonging and meaning that we struggle to find where we live now.
Just a couple of months and we'll be back up that way, enjoying the holidays in a snow covered cabin! We can't wait!
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Planning in the Present
I think Bob and I are rounding the corner towards something really, really good. To pull it off will require organization, discipline, creativity, patience, motivation, and the ability to stay true to ourselves and our dreams. Staying present, too, is a task that has to be done in order to plan for the future, even though it sounds contradictory (and is one of my biggest struggles). I guess how it plays into our 'plan' is being able to slow down, stay, and see the bigger picture. Having a plan is one thing, how that idea resonates with me right now is even more exciting.
I'm reading a really great book that I just happened upon at the library the other day. It's called Magical Journey: An Apprenticeship in Contentment (by Katrina Kenison). It's about seeking, but at the same time realizing what we already have inside and cultivating a life that is right for each of us. I'd do a terrible job of describing it any more than that, and it will have more meaning for you if you discover the story for yourself. Show your library some love and have a look!
Many times when I find myself amidst the quiet of the day, a big fat case of the 'shoulds' creeps up on me. I 'should be' running, I 'should be' cleaning, I 'should be moving' All The Time. What a prison! This morning, as the cat sleeps under the bed and I sit and think and write, I'm realizing that I am doing enough. Right now, this moment. This is what I am doing.
I am (we are) constantly surrounded by doers. Doing is great! Lots of things Get Done. And of course, we can't 'do nothing' (which doesn't really exist, right?) all the time, but I'm talking about overdoing, overthinking, over scheduling. It's easy to think and feel that I'm not doing enough if I'm not baking cookies, running a marathon, making DIY holiday decorations, and putting together the perfect outfit all at the same time. This is what I need to get away from. This is not me.
Sitting here listening to the rain, enjoying the quiet morning ... is.
I'm reading a really great book that I just happened upon at the library the other day. It's called Magical Journey: An Apprenticeship in Contentment (by Katrina Kenison). It's about seeking, but at the same time realizing what we already have inside and cultivating a life that is right for each of us. I'd do a terrible job of describing it any more than that, and it will have more meaning for you if you discover the story for yourself. Show your library some love and have a look!
Many times when I find myself amidst the quiet of the day, a big fat case of the 'shoulds' creeps up on me. I 'should be' running, I 'should be' cleaning, I 'should be moving' All The Time. What a prison! This morning, as the cat sleeps under the bed and I sit and think and write, I'm realizing that I am doing enough. Right now, this moment. This is what I am doing.
I am (we are) constantly surrounded by doers. Doing is great! Lots of things Get Done. And of course, we can't 'do nothing' (which doesn't really exist, right?) all the time, but I'm talking about overdoing, overthinking, over scheduling. It's easy to think and feel that I'm not doing enough if I'm not baking cookies, running a marathon, making DIY holiday decorations, and putting together the perfect outfit all at the same time. This is what I need to get away from. This is not me.
Sitting here listening to the rain, enjoying the quiet morning ... is.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
This Week's New Things
Good morning!
Feels like fall out there, which gets me really excited. I love summer though I have to say, right around the middle of it every year I get a little wishful about fall. This year, summer has been one of three things for the most part: extremely hot, extremely humid, or extremely wet.
These past couple of morning have been cool. Great mornings to run...if I had gone out. I've had a couple of 'later' nights (for me, 'later' means bed after 10:00) which don't typically equal a morning run the next day. I am a sucker for enough sleep! Considering I often put in 9-10 hour work days, sleep is important to me and I'll take it when I need it and schedule any running accordingly :)
I did run on Tuesday morning, and hit a couple of PR's:
The last half mile is pretty much downhill; the half mile before that is a slow, gradual, killer hill up a long, straight road. I find it my least favorite part of my morning run and definitely the biggest challenge, because by that time I'm tired and the straightaway seems never ending...
Monday morning (I know, I'm going back in time slightly; forgive my out-of-orderness) we moved into our new office! I actually really like it, though it's definitely an adjustment. The space itself is professional, updated, and has a neat, clean look: a few things our old office was getting away from. Lots to learn in this new space...new amenities, tons of security; on Tuesday night I had to call security so I could get OUT of the elevator bank and into the parking garage to my car! I felt pretty cool.
Here's a picture of my row:
My desk is on the right, where that orange purse sits :) And no, I don't work in a call center.
We also have a lovely terrace to the right of this picture with teak wood tables and a nice view of the surrounding area. Had lunch out there yesterday! Note to self: bring sunglasses! (And a sweater; the air conditioning definitely works).
My sister gave me something new last night, too - I'll post a picture of it later.
Right now, I'm off to get my day started - SO excited that it's Thursday and the weekend is creeping up!
Bye!
Feels like fall out there, which gets me really excited. I love summer though I have to say, right around the middle of it every year I get a little wishful about fall. This year, summer has been one of three things for the most part: extremely hot, extremely humid, or extremely wet.
These past couple of morning have been cool. Great mornings to run...if I had gone out. I've had a couple of 'later' nights (for me, 'later' means bed after 10:00) which don't typically equal a morning run the next day. I am a sucker for enough sleep! Considering I often put in 9-10 hour work days, sleep is important to me and I'll take it when I need it and schedule any running accordingly :)
I did run on Tuesday morning, and hit a couple of PR's:
The last half mile is pretty much downhill; the half mile before that is a slow, gradual, killer hill up a long, straight road. I find it my least favorite part of my morning run and definitely the biggest challenge, because by that time I'm tired and the straightaway seems never ending...
Monday morning (I know, I'm going back in time slightly; forgive my out-of-orderness) we moved into our new office! I actually really like it, though it's definitely an adjustment. The space itself is professional, updated, and has a neat, clean look: a few things our old office was getting away from. Lots to learn in this new space...new amenities, tons of security; on Tuesday night I had to call security so I could get OUT of the elevator bank and into the parking garage to my car! I felt pretty cool.
Here's a picture of my row:
My desk is on the right, where that orange purse sits :) And no, I don't work in a call center.
We also have a lovely terrace to the right of this picture with teak wood tables and a nice view of the surrounding area. Had lunch out there yesterday! Note to self: bring sunglasses! (And a sweater; the air conditioning definitely works).
My sister gave me something new last night, too - I'll post a picture of it later.
Right now, I'm off to get my day started - SO excited that it's Thursday and the weekend is creeping up!
Bye!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Monday Morning (Let's Do This!)
Happy Monday!
How was your weekend?
Mine was looonnng, as we had a half day on Friday to accommodate our move to a new office (today!)
B and I spent most of the weekend casually running errands and enjoying ourselves with Saturday afternoon coffees and beloved grocery store outings (I swear, that's our preferred regular entertainment).
I ran Thursday, Friday, Saturday, AND Sunday. On Saturday, I hit my weekly goal mileage of 15 miles with a 4.5 mile run (unplanned; I was feeling GREAT). So, that was awesome!
This is what I looked like after:
Yesterday I felt a little blah. It was my planned rest day, but after blahing around (and working) a while, B suggested maybe I try a little jog...just maybe it would make me feel better? So...I ditched the resting (oops) and went out for an experimental 'easy' 2 mile jog in great weather. It actually turned out to be a bit harder than I expected; in fact, my lungs were burning so much up my usual hill that I stopped to walk for a few seconds at the top, which helped. It was also later in the day than I prefer; I am definitely a morning running-on-an-empty-stomach kind of person, so running at 5pm was a new experience. I took a minute on my way back to appreciate this:
Today I am resting (well, and working).
My newest obsession and running dream is to do the Hood to Coast relay next year...which is a 197 mile relay race in Oregon, from Mount Hood to the ocean. The race (two days) has 36 legs and each team has 8 to 12 members, which means that each member runs multiple legs. The legs vary from 3 to 8 miles. I watched a documentary on the race on Saturday night and of course got hooked; I think I'd have to register (with a team) by this Fall. Anyway, I was thinking about that on my jog yesterday, because during the relay, running takes place at ALL times of the day and night, literally...3:30 am and you're going out for a 6 miler. So, I'd have to train to run at any time of day, not just mornings!
So cool though. Looks like an amazing experience. I need a team! I've got the motivation :)
I'm off to my new office this morning; 16 miles closer than my 'old' office, which makes me happy, and makes my gas-sipping car even happier.
Our new workstations are of the 'long table' variety (with half walls between me and the person across from me/no partition between me and the person next to me)...which will be an adjustment from what we're used to: typical cubes with high enough walls that you have a bit of privacy. I guess this is the new world of the workplace; we'll see what it's like. I am excited about the fact that there's a cafeteria AND a coffee shop on site, too :)
Oh and included with our move was the choice of membership to the on-location gym. I'm looking forward to checking that out and hopefully using it this winter if it gets too cold or snowy.
Better keep moving so I can get out the door on time...
40 sleeps until vacation!!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Insert Your Own Creative Title Here...
...because I got nothin'.
This morning's run fueled by cake, oh yeah.
We had a fun birthday party for my bf last night at my Dad's house! The whole family was there.
We hung around and chatted, then ate a tasty dinner of fish, homemade macaroni and cheese (what! I must make this instantly), salad, green beans, giant cherries and my boyfriend's favorite cake: the 7 pound chocolate cake from Costco! I didn't get a picture of it, but if you have a Costco near you, go buy one and eat it instantly. It's not expensive and it's seriously huge and delicious.
This morning I went for a 3 miler. It was tough! This week I've been tired when it comes to getting out there and running, and I'm directly linking it to (see previous post) the fact that I have been going to bed past my typical bedtime the past couple of nights. Tonight won't be much different, as I am showing my rental to two potential renters after work. Fingers crossed one of them is a great fit, loves it/must have it and throws a bunch of money at me.
I didn't run yesterday and worked from home; at about 2:30 I ran around the kitchen for ten minutes (which broke my calves, by the way) I used my RunKeeper app, which really doesn't work properly inside. This is what it captured of my ten minutes:
Anyway.
Today for lunch I will be going to the best salad place I know of for my last hurrah...must find new fabulous-salad place near the new office! On Monday I went there and I got this bowl of amazingness:
This morning's run fueled by cake, oh yeah.
We had a fun birthday party for my bf last night at my Dad's house! The whole family was there.
We hung around and chatted, then ate a tasty dinner of fish, homemade macaroni and cheese (what! I must make this instantly), salad, green beans, giant cherries and my boyfriend's favorite cake: the 7 pound chocolate cake from Costco! I didn't get a picture of it, but if you have a Costco near you, go buy one and eat it instantly. It's not expensive and it's seriously huge and delicious.
This morning I went for a 3 miler. It was tough! This week I've been tired when it comes to getting out there and running, and I'm directly linking it to (see previous post) the fact that I have been going to bed past my typical bedtime the past couple of nights. Tonight won't be much different, as I am showing my rental to two potential renters after work. Fingers crossed one of them is a great fit, loves it/must have it and throws a bunch of money at me.
I didn't run yesterday and worked from home; at about 2:30 I ran around the kitchen for ten minutes (which broke my calves, by the way) I used my RunKeeper app, which really doesn't work properly inside. This is what it captured of my ten minutes:
Best route ever! Looks tough to replicate :)
Anyway.
Today for lunch I will be going to the best salad place I know of for my last hurrah...must find new fabulous-salad place near the new office! On Monday I went there and I got this bowl of amazingness:
I have to go to the dentist this morning :(
Happy It's-Almost-Friday!!
Looking to log 8 more miles before Monday to make a solid 15 miles this week.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
This is Why I'm an Old Lady
I went to sleep at 11:00 and woke up at ten 'til 8 this morning (pressing snooze at my 5:45 wake-up-and-jog alarm). So, I skipped my jog, sad, and had just enough time for a cup of coffee before logging in to work (working from home today, the wonders of technology and the new flexible workplace). Gone are the days where I can stay up 'late' and still be a normal human in the morning...
My boyfriend has trained me well, advocating for a 9 o'clock bedtime (well at least in bed reading, not necessarily going to sleep then, though when I do, it's absolutely amazing). So now 10 o'clock is seriously pushing it for me, yikes! Granted, on days I run, I wake up at 5:30 and then have a big long day after that, so come evening I'm definitely spent. In general though, I just feel so much better in the morning when I go to bed early. It's one of those simple life lessons that took me a while to realize, though obviously this kind of thing changes with age so maybe it's just a matter of realizing where I am now and what my body needs. I have friends who stay up until midnight and get up at 6 in the morning; I have no idea how they function...
In running news, however, I ran four miles on Sunday (my longest run yet!) and again yesterday, taking Monday off inbetween. I didn't actually mean to run 4 miles yesterday; I was aiming for 3.5 but ended up a little farther from home than I realized. I also made it up a giant hill that I was totally going to avoid but realized it was actually the shortest way home. I'm not sure that how I got up the hill would be considered 'running' but I definitely had some sort of hop in my step and almost died at the top, which signalled to me that I must have been jogging or doing something similar.
Back to work! Family get together tonight and celebrating BF's recent birthday. Woo hoo! CAKE!
I'll have to discuss my eating habits as-of-late in another post. Since I've started running I've felt a little bit like a bottomless pit.
Have a great day!
My boyfriend has trained me well, advocating for a 9 o'clock bedtime (well at least in bed reading, not necessarily going to sleep then, though when I do, it's absolutely amazing). So now 10 o'clock is seriously pushing it for me, yikes! Granted, on days I run, I wake up at 5:30 and then have a big long day after that, so come evening I'm definitely spent. In general though, I just feel so much better in the morning when I go to bed early. It's one of those simple life lessons that took me a while to realize, though obviously this kind of thing changes with age so maybe it's just a matter of realizing where I am now and what my body needs. I have friends who stay up until midnight and get up at 6 in the morning; I have no idea how they function...
In running news, however, I ran four miles on Sunday (my longest run yet!) and again yesterday, taking Monday off inbetween. I didn't actually mean to run 4 miles yesterday; I was aiming for 3.5 but ended up a little farther from home than I realized. I also made it up a giant hill that I was totally going to avoid but realized it was actually the shortest way home. I'm not sure that how I got up the hill would be considered 'running' but I definitely had some sort of hop in my step and almost died at the top, which signalled to me that I must have been jogging or doing something similar.
Back to work! Family get together tonight and celebrating BF's recent birthday. Woo hoo! CAKE!
I'll have to discuss my eating habits as-of-late in another post. Since I've started running I've felt a little bit like a bottomless pit.
Have a great day!
Saturday, July 13, 2013
I lived to see the weekend...
...and yesterday I went for a Friday Victory Run.
Celebrating, of course, Friday. And celebrating that my morning jog went just the way I'd been wanting it to: wake up at 5:30, lay around for a few minutes, and then realize....I'm awake, and I'm wanting to go for a jog. This was the first morning I didn't feel like a slug having to peel myself out of bed in order to go out. That was refreshing :) Granted, my legs felt like someone tied a few pounds of bricks to each one, but I made it. Slow but steady.
And I saw four bunnies in the bunny 'hood I run through!
Since I'm newly obsessed with running, as this would be completely accurate of my personality (find a new interest and totally overload it into my system, ultimately burning out shortly thereafter, ha) I downloaded a 5K to 10K running app that a friend at work recommended. The beauty of this app, it appears, is that it sets the training schedule up, and is a gradual process, of course, over a few weeks, with three days of running per week (and the option of adding additional 'free runs' if desired). Anyway, my point is that this app may be helpful in reigning me in and keeping things at a pace at which I can actually sustain a 'love' of running over time.
Today is sort of an icky weather morning, though I'm enjoying it nonetheless since it's Saturday, my favorite morning! I've had my coffee, folded laundry, backed up my iPhone, and showered. Our plans involve heading out and just kind of seeing where the day takes us. Ah, the freedom of the weekend!
Even kitty witty is having a Saturday party:
Celebrating, of course, Friday. And celebrating that my morning jog went just the way I'd been wanting it to: wake up at 5:30, lay around for a few minutes, and then realize....I'm awake, and I'm wanting to go for a jog. This was the first morning I didn't feel like a slug having to peel myself out of bed in order to go out. That was refreshing :) Granted, my legs felt like someone tied a few pounds of bricks to each one, but I made it. Slow but steady.
And I saw four bunnies in the bunny 'hood I run through!
Since I'm newly obsessed with running, as this would be completely accurate of my personality (find a new interest and totally overload it into my system, ultimately burning out shortly thereafter, ha) I downloaded a 5K to 10K running app that a friend at work recommended. The beauty of this app, it appears, is that it sets the training schedule up, and is a gradual process, of course, over a few weeks, with three days of running per week (and the option of adding additional 'free runs' if desired). Anyway, my point is that this app may be helpful in reigning me in and keeping things at a pace at which I can actually sustain a 'love' of running over time.
Today is sort of an icky weather morning, though I'm enjoying it nonetheless since it's Saturday, my favorite morning! I've had my coffee, folded laundry, backed up my iPhone, and showered. Our plans involve heading out and just kind of seeing where the day takes us. Ah, the freedom of the weekend!
Even kitty witty is having a Saturday party:
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Out From the Woodwork
Good morning! And happy 2013...what!
I had to dig around on the internet to find my blog; I guess that tells you that it's been a while. That and the fact that we're now in a whole different year. Oops!
I've been enjoying some new blogs lately on account of my newfound (or again-found) slightly painful hobby of running. Reading these blogs (ChicRunner.com and HungryRunnerGirl.com) has reminded me that I used to have a blog! Look at that!
It's been a hot, sticky summer thus far, what a great time to pick up a sport, right? It started in June with a ChallengeLoop monthly challenge of moving in some way four times a week for 30 minutes. That was a nice little jog for me, and having a community within the app to report into, I kept with it and actually started to reap the benefits of a regularly scheduled exercise routine. Now I'm a month and a half in, running four to five times a week, this week working on a 3.5 mile run. Just missed thunder and lightning this morning, too, but did manage to get in on the rain that was coming down...
Moving our office in two weeks, cutting my commute in half, which is oh-so-amazing (really not amazing for those who will be adding minutes). Work is work but I'm finding that a heavy workload, an exercise routine, and randomly, eating breakfast before I leave for work (as opposed to at my desk at work) gears me up for a typically productive day, which feels good. Forward momentum makes me happy :)
I'll keep this post short, as I'm just getting back into the swing of things here...oh and have to continue getting ready for work...so have a fabulous it's-almost-the-weekend day!
It's been a hot, sticky summer thus far, what a great time to pick up a sport, right? It started in June with a ChallengeLoop monthly challenge of moving in some way four times a week for 30 minutes. That was a nice little jog for me, and having a community within the app to report into, I kept with it and actually started to reap the benefits of a regularly scheduled exercise routine. Now I'm a month and a half in, running four to five times a week, this week working on a 3.5 mile run. Just missed thunder and lightning this morning, too, but did manage to get in on the rain that was coming down...
Moving our office in two weeks, cutting my commute in half, which is oh-so-amazing (really not amazing for those who will be adding minutes). Work is work but I'm finding that a heavy workload, an exercise routine, and randomly, eating breakfast before I leave for work (as opposed to at my desk at work) gears me up for a typically productive day, which feels good. Forward momentum makes me happy :)
I'll keep this post short, as I'm just getting back into the swing of things here...oh and have to continue getting ready for work...so have a fabulous it's-almost-the-weekend day!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
I need a(nother) job
Good morning! It's been months since I've blogged about anything...I can't imagine anyone is still hanging around...hello?
On my way to work this morning I started thinking about a Sunday afternoon job. Something enjoyable, mellow...definitely not something that would rub up against a serene Sunday in the wrong way, but perhaps create an outlet, something to expend any leftover weekend energy I may have. Typically, Sunday afternoons consist of Bob napping and me...trying to figure out what to do with myself. I've never been good at completely relaxing, and while I know I should work on that (love the oxymoron of that one!) I also know that I'm an energetic person, not a napper.
Anyway, my thoughts on a weekend job actually stem a bit from my wanting to make some local friends. I just finished reading MWF Seeks BFF by Rachel Bertsche...such a good, fun book. Her whole thing is that she moved to Chicago to live with her boyfriend and, while she had work friends and general acquaintances, her BFFs were back in NYC, unavailable for a spontaneous coffee date or shopping trip. As I read the back of the book while I stood in the library, I knew I had to read it. About 9 months ago I moved in with my boyfriend, in a town that I don't have many friends in (in fact, all of my close friends live at least an hour away; each being a college buddy or a work friend, all scattered across the state).
So here I am, thinking about ways to make friends, and make friends in the seemingly little free time that I have. A Sunday gig might help me meet new friends, or it might just be a downer on my weekend. I'd have to choose wisely. I looked up social groups in my town and found A) not many, though I admit I didn't do an extensive search yet) and B) the groups met on weekdays at 10am or noon, for lunch. I guess that's what I get for living in a town that's about my financial means, LOL. I will be at work when those ladies are having lunch at the yacht club...which I'm not sure would be my scene anyway.
The search continues!
On my way to work this morning I started thinking about a Sunday afternoon job. Something enjoyable, mellow...definitely not something that would rub up against a serene Sunday in the wrong way, but perhaps create an outlet, something to expend any leftover weekend energy I may have. Typically, Sunday afternoons consist of Bob napping and me...trying to figure out what to do with myself. I've never been good at completely relaxing, and while I know I should work on that (love the oxymoron of that one!) I also know that I'm an energetic person, not a napper.
Anyway, my thoughts on a weekend job actually stem a bit from my wanting to make some local friends. I just finished reading MWF Seeks BFF by Rachel Bertsche...such a good, fun book. Her whole thing is that she moved to Chicago to live with her boyfriend and, while she had work friends and general acquaintances, her BFFs were back in NYC, unavailable for a spontaneous coffee date or shopping trip. As I read the back of the book while I stood in the library, I knew I had to read it. About 9 months ago I moved in with my boyfriend, in a town that I don't have many friends in (in fact, all of my close friends live at least an hour away; each being a college buddy or a work friend, all scattered across the state).
So here I am, thinking about ways to make friends, and make friends in the seemingly little free time that I have. A Sunday gig might help me meet new friends, or it might just be a downer on my weekend. I'd have to choose wisely. I looked up social groups in my town and found A) not many, though I admit I didn't do an extensive search yet) and B) the groups met on weekdays at 10am or noon, for lunch. I guess that's what I get for living in a town that's about my financial means, LOL. I will be at work when those ladies are having lunch at the yacht club...which I'm not sure would be my scene anyway.
The search continues!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Fake it Until you Make it
As one of my professors said to us: "Fake it until you make it!" meaning...go into the therapy room and act as if...we ARE the 'experts' (even though we're not really coming totally from that perspective, but in the clients eyes, we may be seen that way) and even if, as new therapists, we don't FEEL like we know what we're doing....we have to fake it. There was a book posted on FB about the fumblings of new therapists; it's called The 7 Deadly Sins of the Rookie Therapist. I should probably read it to make sure I'm not...doing all 7 of them.
My point is, I've "made" it! The other day I was offered a position as an Adjunct Therapist at the site I've been interning at since the summer of 2010. Yay! I love it there and had secretly been wishing there was a way I could stay on once I graduate. Here it is! I'm pretty happy about the opportunity (and the fact that I'll be paid for these hours!) I will continue working in marketing research (going back full time once I graduate) while I look an opportunity in the therapy field (being an adjunct is not a full time position, so I will need something else). I'll be working lots, of course, but the good news is I'll be making a little bit of money (and hopefully more than I'm making now, which shouldn't be hard!)
Just wanted to share the good news!
My point is, I've "made" it! The other day I was offered a position as an Adjunct Therapist at the site I've been interning at since the summer of 2010. Yay! I love it there and had secretly been wishing there was a way I could stay on once I graduate. Here it is! I'm pretty happy about the opportunity (and the fact that I'll be paid for these hours!) I will continue working in marketing research (going back full time once I graduate) while I look an opportunity in the therapy field (being an adjunct is not a full time position, so I will need something else). I'll be working lots, of course, but the good news is I'll be making a little bit of money (and hopefully more than I'm making now, which shouldn't be hard!)
Just wanted to share the good news!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Inbetween Moments
This morning, as I sat in my robe and drank my coffee as Bob headed out the door, I realized how much I enjoy the hour between when he heads out the door and when I head out the door...a mini 'Me' time, even though it is spent getting ready for work. I am alone (well, the cat would disagree) and I am preparing for the day. I generally go on the computer in-between getting dressed, making lunch, blow drying my hair, etc...
I don't get much time to be alone. On the days Bob works, I am alone for the hour between when he leaves and I leave, and typically the other time I'm alone during the week (aside from being in my car going from place to place) is Sunday afternoons. At this time, Bob will take a nap, and I usually leave the house to give him some peace and quiet. Our apartment is no more than 600 square feet, so you can't really 'go in the other room' here. Sunday afternoons I set out, sometimes without a destination, sometimes with a stop or two. The stop or two often turns into more of an adventure, as one feeling becomes the next and I get inspired to go here or there. I like these adventures! I'm thinking that the next time I have a Sunday Afternoon to Myself, I might want to have more of a plan - something new to explore or something maybe just for me. :)
Anyway. Just some thoughts during my Me Time.
Have a good day!
I don't get much time to be alone. On the days Bob works, I am alone for the hour between when he leaves and I leave, and typically the other time I'm alone during the week (aside from being in my car going from place to place) is Sunday afternoons. At this time, Bob will take a nap, and I usually leave the house to give him some peace and quiet. Our apartment is no more than 600 square feet, so you can't really 'go in the other room' here. Sunday afternoons I set out, sometimes without a destination, sometimes with a stop or two. The stop or two often turns into more of an adventure, as one feeling becomes the next and I get inspired to go here or there. I like these adventures! I'm thinking that the next time I have a Sunday Afternoon to Myself, I might want to have more of a plan - something new to explore or something maybe just for me. :)
Anyway. Just some thoughts during my Me Time.
Have a good day!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
The Happiness Project
I'm thoroughly enjoying this book by Gretchen Rubin. I've seen it all over the place lately and discovered that I could borrow it from the library via Kindle! I have it for two weeks, so I'm plowing through. GR has some really great ideas; the question that keeps popping up in my mind as I read is...how does she have TIME for all of these resolutions, as the mother of two small children and a writer on the side? She doesn't stay up late, because one of her resolutions is to go to bed early :) And, how does she remember what they are? (She has monthly resolutions, and also has a chart).
A few that have stuck out for me:
Do good, feel good
If it can be done in less than one minute, do it now!
Extreme Nice :)
Bring people together
Make 3 new friends
Be a treasure house of happy memories
Make time for play
If you can't get out of something, get into it (submitted by one of her blog readers)
The chapter on money made me uncomfortable, so I should probably read that one a few times, ha ha! She says her family is financially comfortable, so her attempts to "spend out" didn't necessarily resonate totally with me (I'm far from financially comfortable, so I won't be writing checks to organizations I'm fond of quite yet. That's certainly a charitable and thoughtful act I can aspire to one day!) She discusses 'under spenders' and 'over spenders'...I'm not even sure where I fall but I'd guess I'm somewhere in the middle, or somehow kind of twisted up in both? She decides to stop spending in one area...for me that will probably be clothes shopping :) I like to do it and don't think I actually do it 'too much' except for the fact that I do it 'more than my budget allows'. So, I need to pay more attention to my money and remember her thoughts on buying...as it's often based in instant gratification...that soon wears off...
I've been thinking a little bit about what truly makes me happy. Like Gretchen, I have to actually THINK about it; which suggests I'm more in a routine of life than a tuned in response to MY life...what makes ME happy? I've come up with a few things so far, and I know there are tons more...
Doodling/Drawing
Cuddling with my cat
Hiking (especially in winter!)
Reading for pleasure
Baking on Sundays
Practicing yoga
Celebrating the holidays/honoring my memories of the holidays?
Yesterday I spent most of the day with my four year old niece (my two year old nephew was around part of the time until he went to work with Daddy). She and I spent at least a couple of hours doodling and drawing together. It was more fun than I would have even guessed; I was very much into the moment and enjoying her company and creativity (and comments on my drawings, ha ha). I spent time with a favorite person doing a favorite thing...and Playing with a capital P! :)
I'm in agreement with Gretchen that a personal 'Happiness Project' is not selfish...but a true exploration and a way to give something to others...it's not 'giving' if I am just thoughtlessly throwing parts of my 'self' out at the world. Knowing where I'm coming from allows me to choose and contribute the gifts I'd like to contribute...with control and gratitude and happiness :)
What makes YOU happy?
A few that have stuck out for me:
Do good, feel good
If it can be done in less than one minute, do it now!
Extreme Nice :)
Bring people together
Make 3 new friends
Be a treasure house of happy memories
Make time for play
If you can't get out of something, get into it (submitted by one of her blog readers)
The chapter on money made me uncomfortable, so I should probably read that one a few times, ha ha! She says her family is financially comfortable, so her attempts to "spend out" didn't necessarily resonate totally with me (I'm far from financially comfortable, so I won't be writing checks to organizations I'm fond of quite yet. That's certainly a charitable and thoughtful act I can aspire to one day!) She discusses 'under spenders' and 'over spenders'...I'm not even sure where I fall but I'd guess I'm somewhere in the middle, or somehow kind of twisted up in both? She decides to stop spending in one area...for me that will probably be clothes shopping :) I like to do it and don't think I actually do it 'too much' except for the fact that I do it 'more than my budget allows'. So, I need to pay more attention to my money and remember her thoughts on buying...as it's often based in instant gratification...that soon wears off...
I've been thinking a little bit about what truly makes me happy. Like Gretchen, I have to actually THINK about it; which suggests I'm more in a routine of life than a tuned in response to MY life...what makes ME happy? I've come up with a few things so far, and I know there are tons more...
Doodling/Drawing
Cuddling with my cat
Hiking (especially in winter!)
Reading for pleasure
Baking on Sundays
Practicing yoga
Celebrating the holidays/honoring my memories of the holidays?
Yesterday I spent most of the day with my four year old niece (my two year old nephew was around part of the time until he went to work with Daddy). She and I spent at least a couple of hours doodling and drawing together. It was more fun than I would have even guessed; I was very much into the moment and enjoying her company and creativity (and comments on my drawings, ha ha). I spent time with a favorite person doing a favorite thing...and Playing with a capital P! :)
I'm in agreement with Gretchen that a personal 'Happiness Project' is not selfish...but a true exploration and a way to give something to others...it's not 'giving' if I am just thoughtlessly throwing parts of my 'self' out at the world. Knowing where I'm coming from allows me to choose and contribute the gifts I'd like to contribute...with control and gratitude and happiness :)
What makes YOU happy?
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Down and Dirty
www.downanddirtymudrun.com
What have I done? Actually, it's more like what I've NOT done, which is run in a really long time. Last night's 'research run' results came back extremely negative...or, I suppose I could look at it positively as in...it can only get better from here! (with tons of running)...
I'm looking forward to the run and also...getting in better shape. Apparently I'm worse off than I thought!!
What have I done? Actually, it's more like what I've NOT done, which is run in a really long time. Last night's 'research run' results came back extremely negative...or, I suppose I could look at it positively as in...it can only get better from here! (with tons of running)...
I'm looking forward to the run and also...getting in better shape. Apparently I'm worse off than I thought!!
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