"Keep yourself in good shape if you can. Have many passions. And look
for magic moments. That is something that I have done in my life — think
of the things that are magic moments that happen to you, like sunsets
and sunrises, rainbows, beautiful birds, music and people’s lovely
comments to you. All of those are magic moments and they are free for
all. Be sure to keep your eye open for them. "
Julia 'Hurricane'
Hawkins
Julia 'Hurricane - I'd rather be called Flower' Hawkins
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Joy
Most of this morning, I thought about JOY.
MY JOY
I was in church today and kept thinking about how exciting it is to be a believer! I mean, this particular season exemplifies the JOY in believing, doesn't it?
If you can strip away the usually self-induced anxiety, and remember how it was when you were a child. This is a time of miracles around every corner.... and isn't life like that anyway? You really never DO know how you will be blessed... and you WILL be blessed!
The key, I think, is to know this. And to be ready. And prepared. To first of all - RECOGNIZE the blessing (because it may not SEEM like a blessing at first :-)
*** What do I mean here?
Well.. in cultural terms.... a fat man in red suit breaking into your house? In Christian terms.... the chaos of the end times? Or maybe in MY daily life... a car breaking down (which, in turn might mean a blessed day at home where I can get caught up instead of running around like a maniac OR feel guilty for not running around like a maniac)
And second of all... to ACCEPT the blessing. (How many times do YOU back down from something that isn't 'normal' or 'usual'?)
*** Like......
Being grateful for the car breaking down?
Saying thank you for a compliment instead of putting it off.... 'You look great today!... THANK YOU' not 'You look great today!.... Really? I feel awful... I'm sniffling and my head hurts' It feels GOOD to simply say THANK YOU and go on about your day remembering that you got a compliment - even helps with the headache sometimes
Like fat man in a red suit breaking in to GIVE instead of TAKE AWAY
Like chaos and turmoil signalling the advent of the second coming..
Letting go of your emotions (FEAR) and remembering that you aren't in charge is accepting a blessing!
And, third.... being GRATEFUL for the blessing!
This, I think is the hardest! Not because we aren't grateful - but because we have the attention span of a gnat! We take and process.... and are moving on to the next thing.
To be truly grateful requires that we STOP.
STOP to
RECOGNIZE
ACCEPT
and
THANK.
SO... instead of mulling over all the pains and heartaches and problems.... try to spend a little time today mulling over the GOOD STUFF
the healthy parts of your life.... the precious time you have to give.... the smell of something baking.... the fresh cold air on your face.... maybe be a child today and remember the excitement you had!
What will you do today to feel the joy?
MY JOY
I was in church today and kept thinking about how exciting it is to be a believer! I mean, this particular season exemplifies the JOY in believing, doesn't it?
If you can strip away the usually self-induced anxiety, and remember how it was when you were a child. This is a time of miracles around every corner.... and isn't life like that anyway? You really never DO know how you will be blessed... and you WILL be blessed!
The key, I think, is to know this. And to be ready. And prepared. To first of all - RECOGNIZE the blessing (because it may not SEEM like a blessing at first :-)
*** What do I mean here?
Well.. in cultural terms.... a fat man in red suit breaking into your house? In Christian terms.... the chaos of the end times? Or maybe in MY daily life... a car breaking down (which, in turn might mean a blessed day at home where I can get caught up instead of running around like a maniac OR feel guilty for not running around like a maniac)
And second of all... to ACCEPT the blessing. (How many times do YOU back down from something that isn't 'normal' or 'usual'?)
*** Like......
Being grateful for the car breaking down?
Saying thank you for a compliment instead of putting it off.... 'You look great today!... THANK YOU' not 'You look great today!.... Really? I feel awful... I'm sniffling and my head hurts' It feels GOOD to simply say THANK YOU and go on about your day remembering that you got a compliment - even helps with the headache sometimes
Like fat man in a red suit breaking in to GIVE instead of TAKE AWAY
Like chaos and turmoil signalling the advent of the second coming..
Letting go of your emotions (FEAR) and remembering that you aren't in charge is accepting a blessing!
And, third.... being GRATEFUL for the blessing!
This, I think is the hardest! Not because we aren't grateful - but because we have the attention span of a gnat! We take and process.... and are moving on to the next thing.
To be truly grateful requires that we STOP.
STOP to
RECOGNIZE
ACCEPT
and
THANK.
SO... instead of mulling over all the pains and heartaches and problems.... try to spend a little time today mulling over the GOOD STUFF
the healthy parts of your life.... the precious time you have to give.... the smell of something baking.... the fresh cold air on your face.... maybe be a child today and remember the excitement you had!
What will you do today to feel the joy?
Friday, October 16, 2015
Annual Theme
Do you envision what you'd like your life to be?
When I first started I found it difficult to figure out what I wanted in the future.
I mean.... I get all caught up in today... today's chores, today's projects, that infamous To Do List.... the closest I could come to the future was making sure I had Christmas handled,
But when I think about the future, it gets complicated. Do I want a different house? Do I want to write a book? I don't really have any concrete goals.
In thinking about it, I do know some things about the future that I want.
.
I know I want to be healthy and strong.
I know I want to be on reasonably good terms with friends and family.
I know I do NOT want to be a slave to my possessions.
I know I want enough money to live comfortably.
I know I value experiences over possessions.
..and as I go forward in life, more and more things become clear.
And I started thinking about things that would move me forward in the direction of the life I would like to lead..... because though I do not have a burning dream or desire to achieve.... the list above is still true. So.... moving in that direction is enough for now..
Anyway - I have written lots of posts about changes I make and habits I try to form... But I am not sure I have shared about my annual themes.
A few years ago, I decided to have an annual focus... just to see if it was something that would help me. And that particular year, the thing that resonated with me was "Embrace Change" My life was changing rapidly - and not all for the better! But I saw day after day... that the only thing I could truly count on in life... is CHANGE! And what that meant to me - is that CHANGE swings both ways.
Life changes.
If you are happy, that will change.
If you are sad, that will also change.
By waking up every day telling myself to "Embrace Change", I spent the year (ish :-) learning to appreciate what I have..... and looking past today when I didn't have. And, you know what? That attitude shift has definitely made me a happier person. And I haven't forgotten. I keep that motto with me..
Annual themes work for me.
Since that year, there was "Simplify", "Second Honeymoon", "One Piece at a Time", "Moving Forward" and this last year I had two: "Finding Joy" and "Adventure".
Each theme moves me forward to the life I want to have and helps me be the happiest best me I can.
So.... my birthday is coming in a few months (my personal NEW YEAR), and I'm working on my themes. And I think two again, because it worked for me and it's my rules :-) I know that "Get Physical" will be one..... time for me to push a little harder on my healthy journey... lose a little more weight, gain a little more flexibility and strength..... and, in another vein, time to work a little harder at face to face relationships. Hugs are physical, right? I've done well in both areas in the last year but want to continue to do better....
and I am still dreaming on the second one.... I have a couple of phrases rolling around in my mind... but am not quite sure yet :-)
I have time yet, right?
After all, it's MY life :-)
Have you tried themes yet? Leave me a comment and share your experience.
When I first started I found it difficult to figure out what I wanted in the future.
I mean.... I get all caught up in today... today's chores, today's projects, that infamous To Do List.... the closest I could come to the future was making sure I had Christmas handled,
But when I think about the future, it gets complicated. Do I want a different house? Do I want to write a book? I don't really have any concrete goals.
In thinking about it, I do know some things about the future that I want.
.
I know I want to be healthy and strong.
I know I want to be on reasonably good terms with friends and family.
I know I do NOT want to be a slave to my possessions.
I know I want enough money to live comfortably.
I know I value experiences over possessions.
..and as I go forward in life, more and more things become clear.
And I started thinking about things that would move me forward in the direction of the life I would like to lead..... because though I do not have a burning dream or desire to achieve.... the list above is still true. So.... moving in that direction is enough for now..
Anyway - I have written lots of posts about changes I make and habits I try to form... But I am not sure I have shared about my annual themes.
A few years ago, I decided to have an annual focus... just to see if it was something that would help me. And that particular year, the thing that resonated with me was "Embrace Change" My life was changing rapidly - and not all for the better! But I saw day after day... that the only thing I could truly count on in life... is CHANGE! And what that meant to me - is that CHANGE swings both ways.
Life changes.
If you are happy, that will change.
If you are sad, that will also change.
By waking up every day telling myself to "Embrace Change", I spent the year (ish :-) learning to appreciate what I have..... and looking past today when I didn't have. And, you know what? That attitude shift has definitely made me a happier person. And I haven't forgotten. I keep that motto with me..
Annual themes work for me.
Since that year, there was "Simplify", "Second Honeymoon", "One Piece at a Time", "Moving Forward" and this last year I had two: "Finding Joy" and "Adventure".
Each theme moves me forward to the life I want to have and helps me be the happiest best me I can.
So.... my birthday is coming in a few months (my personal NEW YEAR), and I'm working on my themes. And I think two again, because it worked for me and it's my rules :-) I know that "Get Physical" will be one..... time for me to push a little harder on my healthy journey... lose a little more weight, gain a little more flexibility and strength..... and, in another vein, time to work a little harder at face to face relationships. Hugs are physical, right? I've done well in both areas in the last year but want to continue to do better....
and I am still dreaming on the second one.... I have a couple of phrases rolling around in my mind... but am not quite sure yet :-)
I have time yet, right?
After all, it's MY life :-)
Have you tried themes yet? Leave me a comment and share your experience.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Passion for Life
Someone mentioned to me the other day that I exhaust them with all I do. I mean... the canning, the traveling, the reading, the quilting, the whatever that they see me write about here on on Facebook.
I will take that as a compliment!
I don't can produce because I have to.
I can because I WANT to! I learned a new skill last summer and am having fun playing with it. For me, the joy is the presentation of produce... the hunt for a recipe... the pretty jars and that oh-so-satisfying POP when they seal. And it is a perfect fit when I can give it away for Christmas.
It hasn't gotten old yet. When it does... I'll move on... or take a break... or whatever pleases me.
While I do things I have to do.. they really are in the realm of brushing my teeth or keeping the house reasonably sanitary or exercising my body so it stays in a condition to give me joy.
When I want to do something, I dream about it.. wish for it... sometimes get it! I LOVE the dreaming and planning!
I still haven't managed a kayak lesson - but they just started a week ago on the weekend and it hasn't been feasible..... but it is definitely on my radar!
I am also cognizant of how the days roll one into the other. Life is short - I heard once that the days are LONG but the years are short - and more and more, I feel the truth in that.
I want to make sure I ENJOY my days. I don't want them to escape me without my noticing. I don't want my days focused on negative things. I CHOOSE how I live my life.
I DO things I want to do... and those I don't really want to do (like perhaps sometimes yardwork)... I make sure I pay attention!
I recognize the GOOD feeling of my muscles doing what needs to be done.
Even when I'm overheated, I try to FEEL the blessing of sun warmth by remembering the COLD we experienced just a few months ago.
I PLAN a time at the end of my endurance for a cold bottle of water and a seat in my shady swing. And I take that time.
And I do curse the durned bugs. But I have to say I do it with PASSION!
If I am too much for you, then take a break - I won't take it personally. I get it. But I also choose it.
I do not WANT a mediocre halfway life.
I will take that as a compliment!
I don't can produce because I have to.
I can because I WANT to! I learned a new skill last summer and am having fun playing with it. For me, the joy is the presentation of produce... the hunt for a recipe... the pretty jars and that oh-so-satisfying POP when they seal. And it is a perfect fit when I can give it away for Christmas.
It hasn't gotten old yet. When it does... I'll move on... or take a break... or whatever pleases me.
While I do things I have to do.. they really are in the realm of brushing my teeth or keeping the house reasonably sanitary or exercising my body so it stays in a condition to give me joy.
When I want to do something, I dream about it.. wish for it... sometimes get it! I LOVE the dreaming and planning!
I still haven't managed a kayak lesson - but they just started a week ago on the weekend and it hasn't been feasible..... but it is definitely on my radar!
I am also cognizant of how the days roll one into the other. Life is short - I heard once that the days are LONG but the years are short - and more and more, I feel the truth in that.
I want to make sure I ENJOY my days. I don't want them to escape me without my noticing. I don't want my days focused on negative things. I CHOOSE how I live my life.
I DO things I want to do... and those I don't really want to do (like perhaps sometimes yardwork)... I make sure I pay attention!
I recognize the GOOD feeling of my muscles doing what needs to be done.
Even when I'm overheated, I try to FEEL the blessing of sun warmth by remembering the COLD we experienced just a few months ago.
I PLAN a time at the end of my endurance for a cold bottle of water and a seat in my shady swing. And I take that time.
And I do curse the durned bugs. But I have to say I do it with PASSION!
If I am too much for you, then take a break - I won't take it personally. I get it. But I also choose it.
I do not WANT a mediocre halfway life.
Friday, May 29, 2015
I choose ADVENTURE instead of Old Age
When I was in my 40s... and even after I turned 50... I was complacent.
I had aches and pains... I lost physical strength.. I battled depression
And I accepted it
as normal aging.... and I
gave in to it because of its inevitability.
But I found that as I used my body less
and fed it whatever was around
I grew fluffier and heavier ... and was able to DO less and less
and felt worse and worse.
I realized that every day, I was choosing Old Age... whatever that means .. and I don't want to choose that sooner than I have to. And I won't lie to myself and be a victim of my own behavior.
I choose to move anyway. In spite of the pain.
I mean....
if I'm going to hurt anyway...
won't I be happier if I can continue to do what I want to do?
And today
10 years later
I look around at my peers
So many of whom can no longer walk unaided
who have contracted obesity-related illnesses [that we call inevitable]
who are on tons of medications
who are losing their health quickly.
And who cannot even conceive of a 3 mile hike.... or travel to another country... or a trip to anywhere a vehicle can't go...
What most people don't realize is that it's a daily choice.
A choice to walk even when your back hurts
A choice to forego cake and eat lettuce
A choice to walk instead of watch tv
A choice to stand instead of sit
Perhaps overweight immobility is inevitable in my future too
But not today
and not with my help.
If I can stave it off another 20 years or so..... until I'm in my 80s or later..... by eating vegetables and taking walks
I'm in!
I WANT the power to choose. I WANT to control my own destiny. Through mundane daily choices.
I choose to fight my fears and my pain... and keep moving.
I have a lot of ADVENTURES ahead.....
I had aches and pains... I lost physical strength.. I battled depression
And I accepted it
as normal aging.... and I
gave in to it because of its inevitability.
But I found that as I used my body less
and fed it whatever was around
I grew fluffier and heavier ... and was able to DO less and less
and felt worse and worse.
I realized that every day, I was choosing Old Age... whatever that means .. and I don't want to choose that sooner than I have to. And I won't lie to myself and be a victim of my own behavior.
I choose to move anyway. In spite of the pain.
I mean....
if I'm going to hurt anyway...
won't I be happier if I can continue to do what I want to do?
And today
10 years later
I look around at my peers
So many of whom can no longer walk unaided
who have contracted obesity-related illnesses [that we call inevitable]
who are on tons of medications
who are losing their health quickly.
And who cannot even conceive of a 3 mile hike.... or travel to another country... or a trip to anywhere a vehicle can't go...
What most people don't realize is that it's a daily choice.
A choice to walk even when your back hurts
A choice to forego cake and eat lettuce
A choice to walk instead of watch tv
A choice to stand instead of sit
Perhaps overweight immobility is inevitable in my future too
But not today
and not with my help.
If I can stave it off another 20 years or so..... until I'm in my 80s or later..... by eating vegetables and taking walks
I'm in!
I WANT the power to choose. I WANT to control my own destiny. Through mundane daily choices.
I choose to fight my fears and my pain... and keep moving.
I have a lot of ADVENTURES ahead.....
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Day 98 I did it!
No fear today.... I am driving to our beach week myself. I have often done it but the last couple of years, I've been fraught with fear every time.
The last day of the Outer Banks quilt show is today... and it is over on Manteo.
Only 10 more miles.
But this is the first time I made it.
3 hours to drive down here
Check in, unload and go back out again.
And I did it.
Myself.
And I went for a drive after that.
to anyone who has struggled with me the last few years - both with my changing eyesight (astigmatism plus age-related floaters and basic changes).... and with depression - you know how HUGE this is for me.
Myself.
I did it.
AND I enjoyed it with not ONE trace of fear.
Year 59
I am on the road to a magnificent 60+
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Race Report #2 Virtual Marathon Jan 16-20
I've been keeping track of my miles this year in an effort to build a life that includes an average of 2-3 daily miles (on top of whatever else I do!) AND I decided to do some races because they are fun... and because my husband likes being my 'pit crew'... and because we like escaping for a long weekend here and there.
But it's COLD! I had a race scheduled for Jan 19... but it was snowing and nasty when I woke up that morning. I really didn't want us to drive over an hour in that stuff so that I could make my way through 9 miles of COLD - not to mention ICE! So, I didn't compete in that one - and we have become MORE determined to slip away to a nearby hotel the night before any race.
And then this came across my radar...
The 7th Annual Clearwater, Florida marathon was held on Sunday January 20. Most races are held to raise money for causes - and this was no exception. And what they did to raise even more money was offer a virtual marathon. Naturally, there was no way to handle timing so it was an honor thing where you walked or ran the miles over a 2 week period and they sent you a medal.
(I thought it was also a brilliant way to make sure you didn't have leftover medals... they mailed out the ones they had left over first - and then simply ordered what they needed for the virtual participants after that)
We simply had to post when and how we did our miles on the Facebook page and that was that. There were several folks who did a full out 26.2 in one day..... and God bless them!
I did mine incorporating the 1-2 miles per day I walk with the Pomeranian pictured below..... and quite a few treadmonster miles....
..and the last half mile with my dog and my beautiful granddaughter. All at my pace and in my time....
What fun!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Race report#1 I AM 10K Jan 12
First race of this racing year...... my beloved got us a hotel room close to the course. Living 45 minutes from anywhere means that most events are at least an hour away even if we don't specifically travel. With the uncertainty of January weather, we decided to stay a little closer.... not to mention that getting away for an overnight is something we don't do enough of!
I wasn't nervous the night before - this is a departure for me - maybe because 10K is 6 miles. I can't do it fast - but I know I can do the distance blindfolded. I don't know the course - but I'm not usually fazed by that either. For me, the goal is simply to get to the finish line as fast as I can. Which isn't fast - but it's as fast as I can :-)
So - a good night's sleep and I was grateful!
BUTTTTT... the next morning as I look out the window, I see gray, gray and GRAY skies! Did I ever mention that I struggle each year with SAD? Yikes - gray is not my friend.... unless it's my kitty Trouble :-)
So there we go.... the stomach starts churning a little. But I'm okay.... it's still 'only' 6 miles. We drive to the start and I'm stewing about what I ate or didn't eat...drank or didn't drink... am I hydrated enough? Did I eat far enough in advance that my stomach won't be upset? I'm definitely in my head!
The gray is also a little chilly. That part doesn't bother me - I've raced enough now that I know how warm I will be once I get a couple of miles under my belt. But it's misty.... and I have a fleece - nothing water repellent. Boo! Mental note to shop for a water repellent jacket to run in. The fleece is too warm for the race..... and the race shirt is simply a t-shirt which will get soaked. I settle for 2 technical shirts that wick moisture - a long sleeve and short sleeve. Body heat will be preserved and sweat should dry quickly.
Waiting around at the start, I'm nervous! Why, I wonder...... 10K is 6 miles... no biggie! I've been to the restroom... I'm ready to go....and glad for my husband's company. Thanks to him being there, I can wait around in my jacket!
I started out just fine - a bit of a jog. Actually I ran a lot farther than usual... it felt pretty good! The mist never did quite turn into rain and it wasn't really cold - so actually the weather itself was quite pleasant as I was going. The course turned out to be absolutely wonderful! It was in a park.... I LOVED being in the woods. If this is trail racing - then I think I could really enjoy this. Even with some muddy patches and tree roots and leaf piles, I am more comfortable with the footing than I am on curbs and streets! We ran through woods and over bridges and around fallen trees.
My only real issue was that I needed to GO again..... sometimes being older is such a pain! But sometimes maybe it's just that I still don't know exactly how to eat or drink for racing.... I keep thinking I'll learn... and I guess in time I will :-) BUT lo and behold...... NO facilities until I finish! Yikes! It was probably a good thing I was wearing red and it was winter. If there had been some foliage to hide me and I was a little less conspicuous in dress... I might not have managed to make it to the end..... (should I admit this? Yes - I am positive that I am not the first or the last to have this problem or think up this solution)
So - I did my usual pace..... run as far as I can (about 30 - 45 seconds is all my lungs will take as yet) and then walk until my breathing comes back to normal and I can run again. Over and over again....
Mile markers helped me keep my brain in gear...... and when I saw the chute, I broke into a sprint..... I mean, you HAVE to run the chute if you can! And I did..... and then the heaves got me... AGAIN! Heavens to Betsy, will I ever be able to race without all that nausea getting me at the end? I don't know.. maybe some day. It's not a problem I ever had until last fall when I decided to get back into racing more often.. but since November '12, it's been heave, heave and heave some more at the end of races. No food to heave so that's a plus at least.
In the final analysis, I did pretty well (for me). I did the run in 1:23:40. That is a good time for me - and it was first in my age group. Not because I'm fast - but because most people my age aren't out running races in the woods on a Saturday morning.... so I get a reward for showing up and doing my best and I'm okay with that!
I wasn't nervous the night before - this is a departure for me - maybe because 10K is 6 miles. I can't do it fast - but I know I can do the distance blindfolded. I don't know the course - but I'm not usually fazed by that either. For me, the goal is simply to get to the finish line as fast as I can. Which isn't fast - but it's as fast as I can :-)
So - a good night's sleep and I was grateful!
BUTTTTT... the next morning as I look out the window, I see gray, gray and GRAY skies! Did I ever mention that I struggle each year with SAD? Yikes - gray is not my friend.... unless it's my kitty Trouble :-)
So there we go.... the stomach starts churning a little. But I'm okay.... it's still 'only' 6 miles. We drive to the start and I'm stewing about what I ate or didn't eat...drank or didn't drink... am I hydrated enough? Did I eat far enough in advance that my stomach won't be upset? I'm definitely in my head!
The gray is also a little chilly. That part doesn't bother me - I've raced enough now that I know how warm I will be once I get a couple of miles under my belt. But it's misty.... and I have a fleece - nothing water repellent. Boo! Mental note to shop for a water repellent jacket to run in. The fleece is too warm for the race..... and the race shirt is simply a t-shirt which will get soaked. I settle for 2 technical shirts that wick moisture - a long sleeve and short sleeve. Body heat will be preserved and sweat should dry quickly.
Waiting around at the start, I'm nervous! Why, I wonder...... 10K is 6 miles... no biggie! I've been to the restroom... I'm ready to go....and glad for my husband's company. Thanks to him being there, I can wait around in my jacket!
I started out just fine - a bit of a jog. Actually I ran a lot farther than usual... it felt pretty good! The mist never did quite turn into rain and it wasn't really cold - so actually the weather itself was quite pleasant as I was going. The course turned out to be absolutely wonderful! It was in a park.... I LOVED being in the woods. If this is trail racing - then I think I could really enjoy this. Even with some muddy patches and tree roots and leaf piles, I am more comfortable with the footing than I am on curbs and streets! We ran through woods and over bridges and around fallen trees.
My only real issue was that I needed to GO again..... sometimes being older is such a pain! But sometimes maybe it's just that I still don't know exactly how to eat or drink for racing.... I keep thinking I'll learn... and I guess in time I will :-) BUT lo and behold...... NO facilities until I finish! Yikes! It was probably a good thing I was wearing red and it was winter. If there had been some foliage to hide me and I was a little less conspicuous in dress... I might not have managed to make it to the end..... (should I admit this? Yes - I am positive that I am not the first or the last to have this problem or think up this solution)
So - I did my usual pace..... run as far as I can (about 30 - 45 seconds is all my lungs will take as yet) and then walk until my breathing comes back to normal and I can run again. Over and over again....
Mile markers helped me keep my brain in gear...... and when I saw the chute, I broke into a sprint..... I mean, you HAVE to run the chute if you can! And I did..... and then the heaves got me... AGAIN! Heavens to Betsy, will I ever be able to race without all that nausea getting me at the end? I don't know.. maybe some day. It's not a problem I ever had until last fall when I decided to get back into racing more often.. but since November '12, it's been heave, heave and heave some more at the end of races. No food to heave so that's a plus at least.
In the final analysis, I did pretty well (for me). I did the run in 1:23:40. That is a good time for me - and it was first in my age group. Not because I'm fast - but because most people my age aren't out running races in the woods on a Saturday morning.... so I get a reward for showing up and doing my best and I'm okay with that!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
I Don't Want to be Thin
... I want to be happy.
Sometimes I think we forget what we are REALLY after...
Yes, I know there are health conditions... yes, I know that obesity is at an all-time high.... so there are very good reasons to LEARN how to build a life at a normal weight....
But I think for many of us... seeking happiness in a number on the scale is a focus in the wrong direction.
Because.... whatever you goal weight is..... if you don't CHANGE YOUR LIFE.... reaching that number.... all that hard work.... will be for nothing.
Spend a little time today dreaming about what you REALLY want. What will that magic number bring you? Smaller clothes? Comfortable movement? Love?
How will that scale number get you there? Are you giving the scale number too much power?
What will you actually DO when you reach that magic number that will get you to your real goal? Can you do any of that now?
Can you buy new clothes now? Why not?
Can you take a walk?
Can you reach out to other people?
Trust me, I am the last person in the world to tell anyone NOT to drop a few pounds.... but I want you to do it healthily and successfully. If you dramatically drop them without thinking about your endgame.... you will most likely re-gain them.
Find your WHY.
Sometimes I think we forget what we are REALLY after...
Yes, I know there are health conditions... yes, I know that obesity is at an all-time high.... so there are very good reasons to LEARN how to build a life at a normal weight....
But I think for many of us... seeking happiness in a number on the scale is a focus in the wrong direction.
Because.... whatever you goal weight is..... if you don't CHANGE YOUR LIFE.... reaching that number.... all that hard work.... will be for nothing.
Spend a little time today dreaming about what you REALLY want. What will that magic number bring you? Smaller clothes? Comfortable movement? Love?
How will that scale number get you there? Are you giving the scale number too much power?
What will you actually DO when you reach that magic number that will get you to your real goal? Can you do any of that now?
Can you buy new clothes now? Why not?
Can you take a walk?
Can you reach out to other people?
Trust me, I am the last person in the world to tell anyone NOT to drop a few pounds.... but I want you to do it healthily and successfully. If you dramatically drop them without thinking about your endgame.... you will most likely re-gain them.
Find your WHY.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Day 1 of 365... 2013
.. and where to start?
So many pulls in so many directions.... last year's goals and progress were well-evaluated... and I had grand plans for a series of posts leading up to the new year....
..and I got sick.
I have spent the last few days trying to rest a bit and get through this bug... no fever so I think misery for a few days is the sum total of what I need to deal with... but I've not had the energy available for new ideas and exciting new adventures.
But you know what? That's okay.... sickness and 'down time' is part of life. There is no 'perfect time' to do anything! But you can always move forward living your best life.
I really liked the format used with the 21 Days to a More Organized Life by Crystal Paine (I blogged my way through it in November, I think).. will get a link in here later! So I will use it again as I get on my feet :-)
21 Days.... for ME - a month.
1 large project broken down into 21 chunks. (I have no idea about this one and can't think that hard yet.... exactly WHY I need 30 - 31 days for a 21 day project :-) Last time I used 'finishing a quilt'... I got stuck and will need to get help from the folks at the quilt store - but used my extra time to work on mending my mother-in-law's quilts. Neither project was finished but BOTH projects are much further along... and the bottom line is... I am happy about it!
*Using this concept - I will make good progress on 12 large-scale projects this year.
The author suggests 2 other new little habits - to my understanding, 1 is small.. to make my life easier and the other can be a little tougher but has great benefits. Of course, my brain is on the fritz today.... so I am going to interpret this as:
1 housekeeping habit (In November I used spritzing my bathroom mirror when I brushed my teeth in the morning as a 'tag-along' habit. Not sure what I'll do this time but since I managed to do this for 21 days and then stop.... I know I need to get back to it!
One of my observations in life is that we ALREADY HAVE HABITS! The key to successfully changing things up is to ADD something to what we already do. Spend a little time observing yourself and what you already do :-)
1 health habit (Last time I added 15 daily minutes of my exercise bike to strengthen my knee - again I have stopped so I need to get back on it!) But this morning it hit me what I personally need to do for this one.... WATER! I'm not sure any of us drinks enough - BUT I reach for coffee FIRST thing every day. I am going to add a bottle of water that needs to be finished before CUP #2.
because housekeeping and health are two areas where I need lots of improvement!
I have found that this method of thinking and planning has had many, many benefits for me. Even if I didn't finish certain projects.... the work I did spilled over in many areas and made me more efficient overall. Working on the quilt helped me get it to a 'close to finishing' point and I know what I need to do to get there. It helped me get my sewing machine serviced and back to the quilt shop for a class. With my sewing machine working well, I was able to begin sewing for my grandgirls.. and to remember how much I enjoy sewing!
The silly little habit of the bathroom mirror had me keeping the whole bathroom much cleaner and neater. I've always been pretty clean - but not so neat!
And the biking helped me walk more and start dreaming about racing (and actually doing it!)
It is exciting to think about what new habits and projects will spill over and help me accomplish this year!
So what is YOUR plan? How will you begin? Are you all set and ready to go after ambitious plans this year? Or, like me, are you starting slow and small?
So many pulls in so many directions.... last year's goals and progress were well-evaluated... and I had grand plans for a series of posts leading up to the new year....
..and I got sick.
I have spent the last few days trying to rest a bit and get through this bug... no fever so I think misery for a few days is the sum total of what I need to deal with... but I've not had the energy available for new ideas and exciting new adventures.
But you know what? That's okay.... sickness and 'down time' is part of life. There is no 'perfect time' to do anything! But you can always move forward living your best life.
I really liked the format used with the 21 Days to a More Organized Life by Crystal Paine (I blogged my way through it in November, I think).. will get a link in here later! So I will use it again as I get on my feet :-)
21 Days.... for ME - a month.
1 large project broken down into 21 chunks. (I have no idea about this one and can't think that hard yet.... exactly WHY I need 30 - 31 days for a 21 day project :-) Last time I used 'finishing a quilt'... I got stuck and will need to get help from the folks at the quilt store - but used my extra time to work on mending my mother-in-law's quilts. Neither project was finished but BOTH projects are much further along... and the bottom line is... I am happy about it!
*Using this concept - I will make good progress on 12 large-scale projects this year.
The author suggests 2 other new little habits - to my understanding, 1 is small.. to make my life easier and the other can be a little tougher but has great benefits. Of course, my brain is on the fritz today.... so I am going to interpret this as:
1 housekeeping habit (In November I used spritzing my bathroom mirror when I brushed my teeth in the morning as a 'tag-along' habit. Not sure what I'll do this time but since I managed to do this for 21 days and then stop.... I know I need to get back to it!
One of my observations in life is that we ALREADY HAVE HABITS! The key to successfully changing things up is to ADD something to what we already do. Spend a little time observing yourself and what you already do :-)
1 health habit (Last time I added 15 daily minutes of my exercise bike to strengthen my knee - again I have stopped so I need to get back on it!) But this morning it hit me what I personally need to do for this one.... WATER! I'm not sure any of us drinks enough - BUT I reach for coffee FIRST thing every day. I am going to add a bottle of water that needs to be finished before CUP #2.
because housekeeping and health are two areas where I need lots of improvement!
I have found that this method of thinking and planning has had many, many benefits for me. Even if I didn't finish certain projects.... the work I did spilled over in many areas and made me more efficient overall. Working on the quilt helped me get it to a 'close to finishing' point and I know what I need to do to get there. It helped me get my sewing machine serviced and back to the quilt shop for a class. With my sewing machine working well, I was able to begin sewing for my grandgirls.. and to remember how much I enjoy sewing!
The silly little habit of the bathroom mirror had me keeping the whole bathroom much cleaner and neater. I've always been pretty clean - but not so neat!
And the biking helped me walk more and start dreaming about racing (and actually doing it!)
It is exciting to think about what new habits and projects will spill over and help me accomplish this year!
So what is YOUR plan? How will you begin? Are you all set and ready to go after ambitious plans this year? Or, like me, are you starting slow and small?
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Annual Goal Evaluation
The best reason to evaluate goals is to see your progress - or not! This is simply a guide to help you live your best life :-) As I look back... I see areas where I have achieved MUCH more than I thought... and areas where I totally BOMBED!
I see achievements (like my 'mile a day' habit) that had side benefits (my husband now joins me daily so MY goal has helped HIS health)
I see goals (like spiritual reading) that never got off the ground.. and now I need to decide a) if I want to make this a goal for 2013 OR b) choose a method to help me make it happen!
I see goals (like the infamous photo scanning project) that were TOO HUGE to measure well that need to be broken down better
This evaluation is simply a tool. I encourage you to do your own and see where you are in your happiness - and where you want to be! How will you get there if you don't know where you are right now?
Evaluation of 2012 Annual Goals
Goals 2012:
1. HEALTH -
a) continue on weight loss / exercise balance!
I recognize that this is not specific enough for a goal. I am still working on action steps that will fit in my life and be sustainable. I will share that journey with you as I go.
Weight has remained the same which is also an accomplishment! Looking back to the beginning of the year, I have made good new habits: I walk a mile outside almost every day and have increased that to 2 miles this December - successfully. I have doubled or tripled my fruit and veggie intake with salads and green smoothies. I have also identified supplements that help me physically and mentally and am taking them!
Still working on consistent all over training - especially strength.
b)Train for and do my 5th Breast Cancer 3Day Walk in Atlanta Oct 2012..
Location changed to Philadelphia - but I DID IT!
2. FINANCIAL -
a) continue to live on a cash basis and work down debt balances
Debt balances are reduced a little bit....but we are still living on a cash basis AND have pumped up the savings! We have made improvements in other areas and have 2 kids in college.... we are doing well!
Ultimate goal? No debt except mortgage.... 10% long term savings each year (2.5% this year) and 10% short term savings (3% this year)
b) find other sources of income to assist in this process. It is important for me to feel financially independent.
Little progress here... my best way of helping financially still is reduction of expenses. I have been able to sell a little of my Children's Liturgy plans this year so that is a start!
c) continue working with tithing.
Our income is so variable that it is difficult to keep this one where it needs to be. That said, I do monitor it monthly and we are aware and working on it.
Our goal - 5% to our home church and 5% to the world's requests.
Our achievement - 4% to our home church and 3% to the world.... we might be able to up that a little in the next few days... we'll see.
3. CURRENT HOME project -
This one scares me but I am ready to take it on! By the end of 2012, this home will be in a condition to sell. I am working on a plan of action to deal with each room and all the associated STUFF... I will detail this in weekly action plans as I go.
Yeah - not so much on my part!.... But we did make some improvements that will aid in the energy efficiency of our home. The final set of ancient windows have been replaced, window wells have been dug out and re-graveled.... the room with water damage has been repaired and painted and is ready for me to decorate as a guest room...
I think this goal needs to be re-framed and more specific for 2013
My photo scanning project will continue under this heading. I will continue to scan and organize photos in folders on my computer in order to share with other family members who are involved in the photos.
I have made some progress this year but this task is HUGE! I will need to break this down into more specific and manageable goals in order to feel any sense of accomplishment!
There are:
the 'tub' of assorted photos (down from a large 18 gallon plastic tote to a small 20 quart plastic tote) **looking at this alone makes me feel I did more than I thought I did :-)
the albums - my personal, my mother's, some older historical ones
the framed photos
the 'official' posed photos
Also - I love to learn (as you probably know already) so this year, I will learn to refinish furniture and decorate. Perhaps I can find some inexpensive course in interior design.... or some good DIY projects to attempt.
Nope - haven't touched it..
4. Good Maintenance Habits:
Good maintenance habits means that I don't have to THINK about them - I just do them. To that end, I will think about them now :-)
A) health/weight/exercise - I will deal with those under the "health" category
B) environmental management - (fancy name for housekeeping!) I will talk about this as I go through the work of re-newing the house. I will develop some good maintenance habits as I tackle the larger project.
Other than beginning the year well with great ideas about how to clean and keep up with this house, I haven't accomplished much here.
C) relationships -
Family - regular, purposeful dates / activities with husband and family members - separate and together...... Much better with the hubs... okay with the kids
Friends - make a point of a 'non-business' meeting with as many friends as possible during 2012.... not well at all :-(
Birthday cards :-) I like doing them and it felt good to actually get through the year having done them! Birthday cards to friends and family took a beating this year. I started a card ministry at church and did great with the church and lousy with my family.... need to fix this
D) hobbies -
*Enjoy my crocheting but work down my yarn stash.. Doing this but it is a BIG stash.... I have not bought much yarn this year though - and every bit I DID buy had a designated function and need. (no yarn for yarn's sake!)
* Less crochet - more quilting, loom knitting, knitting, and whatever other crafts I can enjoy with my current supplies I have gotten back to a little bit of quilting and sewing for the girls but very little as yet. And that mostly because of ongoing shoulder issues that are worse when I crochet! But, whatever works, right?
* Learning: is learning a hobby?
a) Read a minimum of 1 book per week.
Start on book lists of classics by Modern Library / continue with favorite authors and Oprah's recommendations Classic book list was too much work for books I didn't care much for so I quit that pretty quickly.... that said - I still read a LOT.. check out my reading list page.. I set a goal for 100 books and have hit 106 as of this writing!
b) Watch more movies - Choose classics from American Film Institute List (as well as fun choices as desired!) The list had a few classics I was interested in but others were just not to my taste and I respect that ability to choose :-) But I HAVE watched more movies.. mostly current ones I chose to get out of the library instead of purchase. This will no longer be a goal now that I have the HABIT of ordering and checking out items from my local library.
c) will put my spiritual reading here. I still am not sure about what I want to do here but will make a choice soon (by the 1st :-) this is another thing that has not exactly gotten off the ground in 2012..... I HAVE regularly pulled Scripture verses or passages to memorize and ponder but haven't done anything systematic this year.
5. Writing - Keep on with my daily blogging - Journey & Children's Liturgy
Join a writers group to learn more about what I am doing and where I can go with it.
Keep up with a written journal
A BIG fail on the writing! I have kept up with Children's Liturgy to a point because people are beginning to purchase it - but other than that, I have not been consistent at all!
I see achievements (like my 'mile a day' habit) that had side benefits (my husband now joins me daily so MY goal has helped HIS health)
I see goals (like spiritual reading) that never got off the ground.. and now I need to decide a) if I want to make this a goal for 2013 OR b) choose a method to help me make it happen!
I see goals (like the infamous photo scanning project) that were TOO HUGE to measure well that need to be broken down better
This evaluation is simply a tool. I encourage you to do your own and see where you are in your happiness - and where you want to be! How will you get there if you don't know where you are right now?
Evaluation of 2012 Annual Goals
Goals 2012:
1. HEALTH -
a) continue on weight loss / exercise balance!
I recognize that this is not specific enough for a goal. I am still working on action steps that will fit in my life and be sustainable. I will share that journey with you as I go.
Weight has remained the same which is also an accomplishment! Looking back to the beginning of the year, I have made good new habits: I walk a mile outside almost every day and have increased that to 2 miles this December - successfully. I have doubled or tripled my fruit and veggie intake with salads and green smoothies. I have also identified supplements that help me physically and mentally and am taking them!
Still working on consistent all over training - especially strength.
b)Train for and do my 5th Breast Cancer 3Day Walk in Atlanta Oct 2012..
Location changed to Philadelphia - but I DID IT!
2. FINANCIAL -
a) continue to live on a cash basis and work down debt balances
Debt balances are reduced a little bit....but we are still living on a cash basis AND have pumped up the savings! We have made improvements in other areas and have 2 kids in college.... we are doing well!
Ultimate goal? No debt except mortgage.... 10% long term savings each year (2.5% this year) and 10% short term savings (3% this year)
b) find other sources of income to assist in this process. It is important for me to feel financially independent.
Little progress here... my best way of helping financially still is reduction of expenses. I have been able to sell a little of my Children's Liturgy plans this year so that is a start!
c) continue working with tithing.
Our income is so variable that it is difficult to keep this one where it needs to be. That said, I do monitor it monthly and we are aware and working on it.
Our goal - 5% to our home church and 5% to the world's requests.
Our achievement - 4% to our home church and 3% to the world.... we might be able to up that a little in the next few days... we'll see.
3. CURRENT HOME project -
This one scares me but I am ready to take it on! By the end of 2012, this home will be in a condition to sell. I am working on a plan of action to deal with each room and all the associated STUFF... I will detail this in weekly action plans as I go.
Yeah - not so much on my part!.... But we did make some improvements that will aid in the energy efficiency of our home. The final set of ancient windows have been replaced, window wells have been dug out and re-graveled.... the room with water damage has been repaired and painted and is ready for me to decorate as a guest room...
I think this goal needs to be re-framed and more specific for 2013
My photo scanning project will continue under this heading. I will continue to scan and organize photos in folders on my computer in order to share with other family members who are involved in the photos.
I have made some progress this year but this task is HUGE! I will need to break this down into more specific and manageable goals in order to feel any sense of accomplishment!
There are:
the 'tub' of assorted photos (down from a large 18 gallon plastic tote to a small 20 quart plastic tote) **looking at this alone makes me feel I did more than I thought I did :-)
the albums - my personal, my mother's, some older historical ones
the framed photos
the 'official' posed photos
Also - I love to learn (as you probably know already) so this year, I will learn to refinish furniture and decorate. Perhaps I can find some inexpensive course in interior design.... or some good DIY projects to attempt.
Nope - haven't touched it..
4. Good Maintenance Habits:
Good maintenance habits means that I don't have to THINK about them - I just do them. To that end, I will think about them now :-)
A) health/weight/exercise - I will deal with those under the "health" category
B) environmental management - (fancy name for housekeeping!) I will talk about this as I go through the work of re-newing the house. I will develop some good maintenance habits as I tackle the larger project.
Other than beginning the year well with great ideas about how to clean and keep up with this house, I haven't accomplished much here.
C) relationships -
Family - regular, purposeful dates / activities with husband and family members - separate and together...... Much better with the hubs... okay with the kids
Friends - make a point of a 'non-business' meeting with as many friends as possible during 2012.... not well at all :-(
Birthday cards :-) I like doing them and it felt good to actually get through the year having done them! Birthday cards to friends and family took a beating this year. I started a card ministry at church and did great with the church and lousy with my family.... need to fix this
D) hobbies -
*Enjoy my crocheting but work down my yarn stash.. Doing this but it is a BIG stash.... I have not bought much yarn this year though - and every bit I DID buy had a designated function and need. (no yarn for yarn's sake!)
* Less crochet - more quilting, loom knitting, knitting, and whatever other crafts I can enjoy with my current supplies I have gotten back to a little bit of quilting and sewing for the girls but very little as yet. And that mostly because of ongoing shoulder issues that are worse when I crochet! But, whatever works, right?
* Learning: is learning a hobby?
a) Read a minimum of 1 book per week.
Start on book lists of classics by Modern Library / continue with favorite authors and Oprah's recommendations Classic book list was too much work for books I didn't care much for so I quit that pretty quickly.... that said - I still read a LOT.. check out my reading list page.. I set a goal for 100 books and have hit 106 as of this writing!
b) Watch more movies - Choose classics from American Film Institute List (as well as fun choices as desired!) The list had a few classics I was interested in but others were just not to my taste and I respect that ability to choose :-) But I HAVE watched more movies.. mostly current ones I chose to get out of the library instead of purchase. This will no longer be a goal now that I have the HABIT of ordering and checking out items from my local library.
c) will put my spiritual reading here. I still am not sure about what I want to do here but will make a choice soon (by the 1st :-) this is another thing that has not exactly gotten off the ground in 2012..... I HAVE regularly pulled Scripture verses or passages to memorize and ponder but haven't done anything systematic this year.
5. Writing - Keep on with my daily blogging - Journey & Children's Liturgy
Join a writers group to learn more about what I am doing and where I can go with it.
Keep up with a written journal
A BIG fail on the writing! I have kept up with Children's Liturgy to a point because people are beginning to purchase it - but other than that, I have not been consistent at all!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Old Town 5K Run/Walk Race Report
This is the second race my husband has done with me - and it is still kind of exciting to think about :-) He faithfully drives me to them but doesn't generally do them... but is changing about the 5Ks :-)
I wanted to do one on Thanksgiving but was hosting the big dinner at 1pm and really didn't have the driving time to get to a race, do my thing, and get back with an attitude that would suffice my hosting the crew.... so I hunted for another date.... and this was it.....
45 miles away - not too bad for us :-), we left early so that we could pick up our race packet between the times given (7-8am). Of course, as it turns out, this was a little race and our 7:30am arrival time meant that we had to kill time until the 9am start! We spent most of that time sitting in the car chatting. The race started right at the YMCA... so at 8:30 we wandered inside to the gym and did a few laps on the indoor course to warm up.
It was pretty chilly and overcast.... I knew the chill would be in our favor once we started moving - but was a little concerned about rain.
The whole time, my husband was talking about how much he hurt after the last race he walked with me.. and how he was going to take it easy this time.... and how much he didn't care and just wanted to have fun. Yep..... uh-huh
We lined up and the timer went off... and so did he! At a good brisk jog.... so I jogged as long as I could and told him to go on :-) And he did! I was behind him most of the way... doing a lot of walking and a little jogging here and there. I caught up at the water station (Mile 2) and when we started again... there he goes!
Seriously I am really proud of him! I did my best.. and both of us shaved 7 minutes or so off the times we had at the last race. This was surprising because this time, the course was HILLY!
The only downside for me was that (like the last race) when I jogged down the final stretch, my stomach started heaving. Like the last time, there was nothing to toss (thank goodness)... just dry heaves.... but I need to figure out what to do about this. I DO eat breakfast and am hydrated so I'm not sure what the deal is. I never have tummy issues so it's weird.
The fun thing for both of us is going inside to get food and water.. and watching the board. No one on the board in my age group - and only one fleet of foot guy in my husband's. We ended up with place medals in our age group -he took second his his age group with 39:39 and I took first with 40:22. Kind of cool!
I would encourage anyone to try out these little 5K races...... it's only 3 miles.... and there might not be many people in your age group :-) In which case.. you kind of get a participation medal for doing it.... which for some of us is pretty important! I know for me, it takes more energy to get to the start line - than it does to finish the course.
I ALWAYS give myself grief on race morning - like - why on earth would I get up so early for THIS? AND - from about the middle until 3/4 through... it's like.... What were you thinking??? And from that point on, it's always.... You are almost there, Katy.... you can do this!
And at the end - I am always SO glad I came and put myself out there! ONE time I remember it being awful all the way through.... but usually races are a good thing for me!
After our eventful morning, it was a quick lunch at Wendy's (we didn't plan on eating out but Don was a little shaky by this point). He is having to learn how his body reacts to racing.... and I think we BOTH need to have more regular cardio in our lives (which might, in fact be my tummy problem)
Back home and get ready for my youngest son's Black Belt Tea Ceremony. He was awarded the black belt he earned a month or so ago at this beautiful ceremony. It was a lot of fun but I have to say I am bushed! A busy day!
***********************
Miles progress:
Week 1 14.5 mi 2 Body Pump class
Dec 8 - 4 miles
total December miles 18.5 miles / 66.75 to go
Other progress..... better left alone.... this was not an achieving day for new habits!
I wanted to do one on Thanksgiving but was hosting the big dinner at 1pm and really didn't have the driving time to get to a race, do my thing, and get back with an attitude that would suffice my hosting the crew.... so I hunted for another date.... and this was it.....
45 miles away - not too bad for us :-), we left early so that we could pick up our race packet between the times given (7-8am). Of course, as it turns out, this was a little race and our 7:30am arrival time meant that we had to kill time until the 9am start! We spent most of that time sitting in the car chatting. The race started right at the YMCA... so at 8:30 we wandered inside to the gym and did a few laps on the indoor course to warm up.
It was pretty chilly and overcast.... I knew the chill would be in our favor once we started moving - but was a little concerned about rain.
The whole time, my husband was talking about how much he hurt after the last race he walked with me.. and how he was going to take it easy this time.... and how much he didn't care and just wanted to have fun. Yep..... uh-huh
We lined up and the timer went off... and so did he! At a good brisk jog.... so I jogged as long as I could and told him to go on :-) And he did! I was behind him most of the way... doing a lot of walking and a little jogging here and there. I caught up at the water station (Mile 2) and when we started again... there he goes!
Seriously I am really proud of him! I did my best.. and both of us shaved 7 minutes or so off the times we had at the last race. This was surprising because this time, the course was HILLY!
The only downside for me was that (like the last race) when I jogged down the final stretch, my stomach started heaving. Like the last time, there was nothing to toss (thank goodness)... just dry heaves.... but I need to figure out what to do about this. I DO eat breakfast and am hydrated so I'm not sure what the deal is. I never have tummy issues so it's weird.
The fun thing for both of us is going inside to get food and water.. and watching the board. No one on the board in my age group - and only one fleet of foot guy in my husband's. We ended up with place medals in our age group -he took second his his age group with 39:39 and I took first with 40:22. Kind of cool!
I would encourage anyone to try out these little 5K races...... it's only 3 miles.... and there might not be many people in your age group :-) In which case.. you kind of get a participation medal for doing it.... which for some of us is pretty important! I know for me, it takes more energy to get to the start line - than it does to finish the course.
I ALWAYS give myself grief on race morning - like - why on earth would I get up so early for THIS? AND - from about the middle until 3/4 through... it's like.... What were you thinking??? And from that point on, it's always.... You are almost there, Katy.... you can do this!
And at the end - I am always SO glad I came and put myself out there! ONE time I remember it being awful all the way through.... but usually races are a good thing for me!
After our eventful morning, it was a quick lunch at Wendy's (we didn't plan on eating out but Don was a little shaky by this point). He is having to learn how his body reacts to racing.... and I think we BOTH need to have more regular cardio in our lives (which might, in fact be my tummy problem)
Back home and get ready for my youngest son's Black Belt Tea Ceremony. He was awarded the black belt he earned a month or so ago at this beautiful ceremony. It was a lot of fun but I have to say I am bushed! A busy day!
***********************
Miles progress:
Week 1 14.5 mi 2 Body Pump class
Dec 8 - 4 miles
total December miles 18.5 miles / 66.75 to go
Other progress..... better left alone.... this was not an achieving day for new habits!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
21 Days... Day 19 Get it Done EARLY!
reading along with 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine
following the challenge lead by Crystal at www.servingjoyfully.com
The nugget I got from the reading today is: Get your work done early!
This one reminds me of the other day when we talked about getting the task you are DREADing done first!
But this one is a little different.... getting tasks done early leaves you more time to play.... to dream.... to be available for others... in essence.. to DO WHAT YOU WANT.
Getting work done early relieves stress and guilt about things left undone... whether they be part of your WORK or part of another obligation.
Personally I have a hard time with this one - Early means COMPUTER and how much time do I spend on that? Even with all the rationalizations about writing and listing and financial paperwork.... it is TOO EASY to let the input on this box suck up my morning!
How about you? What could you be doing RIGHT NOW that would add to your feelings of success about the day? (I bet it's not Facebook :-)
******************
Update on my progress:
ROADBLOCK!! I spent an hour trying to figure out the sewing machine today and pretty much got nowhere. EXCEPT that I did get it all nice and cleaned out and am fairly certain that this is a simple issue. AND I did go ahead and pack up the machine and parts into a bag to put in my car. I will go SOMEwhere as yet undetermined NEXT week and get this figured out.
Where to go?
Two choices:
1) Find a place that fixes sewing machines
2) go back to where I bought it (the more obvious logical choice) But here is where I wrangle with myself. Remember I started this quilt when I took a quilt class in 2008? Well.... the ladies were not exactly warm and fuzzy people. Not mean, exactly..... but you know the feeling when you are on the outside looking in? I mean, even though I was one of the few who actually got the pieces done for class.... I felt like I wasn't QUITE in the 'cool kids club'. I KNOW you know what I mean.... When the class was over, I did take another ONE DAY class to make a rag quilt and just recently finished THAT one up. I TRIED to get involved... I really LIKE playing with fabric and wanted (WANT) to learn to quilt. I even wanted it so bad I bought that quilt frame that I don't use. And, of course, this nice sewing machine!
They are not local to me and not on my regular route so I really did make the time to go there. They were running a class in the summer with some specific fabrics and I had asked them to call me and let me know when that was. I never heard a word....
To be fair, I also never went back to them either. They do not have an online presence (okay - I had to go check and see if that has changed in the last 3 years - it hasn't but I found another 2 shops to check out :-)
Maybe that is why I didn't get this thing finished in the first place. I LOVE the project - and maybe if I had felt more comfortable with the people I would have been more inclined to visit them and learn more.
So that is the decision now - to go back to them (where I will probably get my problem looked at and diagnosed for free - but at what cost?) or to go somewhere else and pay a fortune to get this handled.
Don't you hate it when you feel DUMB about something? The machine is in my car and I will decide next week as I am driving around. Hmm.... I think I will pack up the quilt, too.... and maybe I will feel like sharing my progress... IF I go there.... which I probably will because AVOIDING these people is not an answer either. I'll let you know what I end up doing!
In any case, I will definitely schedule visits to the other quilt shops within the next week or so!
In the meantime..... quilt RELATED to finish out my 21 days.... I have several quilts made by my mother-in-law that need to be mended. Some of them just need a little hemming... some need major surgery - but ALL can be done by hand. I started this process a month ago and stopped when I started working on THE QUILT. I have pulled out 2 of them - one quick mend and one to work on little by little.... and will start tomorrow!
following the challenge lead by Crystal at www.servingjoyfully.com
The nugget I got from the reading today is: Get your work done early!
This one reminds me of the other day when we talked about getting the task you are DREADing done first!
But this one is a little different.... getting tasks done early leaves you more time to play.... to dream.... to be available for others... in essence.. to DO WHAT YOU WANT.
Getting work done early relieves stress and guilt about things left undone... whether they be part of your WORK or part of another obligation.
Personally I have a hard time with this one - Early means COMPUTER and how much time do I spend on that? Even with all the rationalizations about writing and listing and financial paperwork.... it is TOO EASY to let the input on this box suck up my morning!
How about you? What could you be doing RIGHT NOW that would add to your feelings of success about the day? (I bet it's not Facebook :-)
******************
Update on my progress:
ROADBLOCK!! I spent an hour trying to figure out the sewing machine today and pretty much got nowhere. EXCEPT that I did get it all nice and cleaned out and am fairly certain that this is a simple issue. AND I did go ahead and pack up the machine and parts into a bag to put in my car. I will go SOMEwhere as yet undetermined NEXT week and get this figured out.
Where to go?
Two choices:
1) Find a place that fixes sewing machines
2) go back to where I bought it (the more obvious logical choice) But here is where I wrangle with myself. Remember I started this quilt when I took a quilt class in 2008? Well.... the ladies were not exactly warm and fuzzy people. Not mean, exactly..... but you know the feeling when you are on the outside looking in? I mean, even though I was one of the few who actually got the pieces done for class.... I felt like I wasn't QUITE in the 'cool kids club'. I KNOW you know what I mean.... When the class was over, I did take another ONE DAY class to make a rag quilt and just recently finished THAT one up. I TRIED to get involved... I really LIKE playing with fabric and wanted (WANT) to learn to quilt. I even wanted it so bad I bought that quilt frame that I don't use. And, of course, this nice sewing machine!
They are not local to me and not on my regular route so I really did make the time to go there. They were running a class in the summer with some specific fabrics and I had asked them to call me and let me know when that was. I never heard a word....
To be fair, I also never went back to them either. They do not have an online presence (okay - I had to go check and see if that has changed in the last 3 years - it hasn't but I found another 2 shops to check out :-)
Maybe that is why I didn't get this thing finished in the first place. I LOVE the project - and maybe if I had felt more comfortable with the people I would have been more inclined to visit them and learn more.
So that is the decision now - to go back to them (where I will probably get my problem looked at and diagnosed for free - but at what cost?) or to go somewhere else and pay a fortune to get this handled.
Don't you hate it when you feel DUMB about something? The machine is in my car and I will decide next week as I am driving around. Hmm.... I think I will pack up the quilt, too.... and maybe I will feel like sharing my progress... IF I go there.... which I probably will because AVOIDING these people is not an answer either. I'll let you know what I end up doing!
In any case, I will definitely schedule visits to the other quilt shops within the next week or so!
In the meantime..... quilt RELATED to finish out my 21 days.... I have several quilts made by my mother-in-law that need to be mended. Some of them just need a little hemming... some need major surgery - but ALL can be done by hand. I started this process a month ago and stopped when I started working on THE QUILT. I have pulled out 2 of them - one quick mend and one to work on little by little.... and will start tomorrow!
Friday, November 23, 2012
21 Days... Day 18 Embrace Your Uniqueness
"You can spend all of your life trying to measure up to someone else."
This line from today's article is what hit me really hard this year.
Sometimes I think about how hard and long I tried to be the brilliant lawyer or businesswoman like my parents worked so hard for me to be.
Sometimes I think about how long I tried to keep a house as nice as my mom did.
Sometimes I think about how long I tried to cook as good as my first mother-in-law did.
Sometimes still I think about how hard I try to fit in with others.
But then I remember that I am ME.
I have my own journey.... and while I may be talented enough to be what my parents wanted me to be.... it has not been my nature or calling. I can take classes all day long but that will not make me excel in a bureaucratic environment.
As for keeping house, that is dependent on so many factors! And one of those is household help - which my mom had. And one of those is early training - which - because of household help and older siblings - I did not have much of. Except dusting.... I SEE the dust bunnies :-) I can and will keep working on habits and will have a happy life anyway.
Cooking? Has always been an issue! As the younger daughter I had salad duty. My sister was the cook. Not my mom... she never liked it. So I identified with a mother who did NOT like to cook and I married a man who used his mother's good cooking as a weapon. Not my fault! But I am learning to have fun in the kitchen..... and when I removed the comparison factor... I am becoming a pretty good cook.
And fitting in with others is over-rated. I can fit in where I want to.
But I LIKE my tendencies to question the status quo. It makes me adaptable and able to learn and grow. (It also makes me an uncomfortable, though capable person to have around)
I LIKE my ability to see the many sides of an issue.. positive and negative. (This definitely hampers my decision-making, but makes me relatively non-judgmental and compassionate.)
And I LIKE my ability to focus on the end-game. (It makes me very resilient to what happens today... but many people lose patience with my apathy towards minor (IMO) crises.)
The point here is that the qualities that make you YOU are important! Just as the ways that others excel make THEM important.
It is critical that you keep learning and growing.... IN YOUR OWN WAY!
Assignment for today:
Start thinking about your NEXT mega-project. How can you use your strengths?
******************
Update on my progress:
Yesterday, as expected, I did not have the time to focus on THE QUILT.
Today I will have a little extra time to play so I will work on the sewing machine FIRST (because I like it the LEAST) and will go on from there depending on my success (or lack of it)
How are things going for you? Do you have ideas for another (or a first mega-project?)
This line from today's article is what hit me really hard this year.
Sometimes I think about how hard and long I tried to be the brilliant lawyer or businesswoman like my parents worked so hard for me to be.
Sometimes I think about how long I tried to keep a house as nice as my mom did.
Sometimes I think about how long I tried to cook as good as my first mother-in-law did.
Sometimes still I think about how hard I try to fit in with others.
But then I remember that I am ME.
I have my own journey.... and while I may be talented enough to be what my parents wanted me to be.... it has not been my nature or calling. I can take classes all day long but that will not make me excel in a bureaucratic environment.
As for keeping house, that is dependent on so many factors! And one of those is household help - which my mom had. And one of those is early training - which - because of household help and older siblings - I did not have much of. Except dusting.... I SEE the dust bunnies :-) I can and will keep working on habits and will have a happy life anyway.
Cooking? Has always been an issue! As the younger daughter I had salad duty. My sister was the cook. Not my mom... she never liked it. So I identified with a mother who did NOT like to cook and I married a man who used his mother's good cooking as a weapon. Not my fault! But I am learning to have fun in the kitchen..... and when I removed the comparison factor... I am becoming a pretty good cook.
And fitting in with others is over-rated. I can fit in where I want to.
But I LIKE my tendencies to question the status quo. It makes me adaptable and able to learn and grow. (It also makes me an uncomfortable, though capable person to have around)
I LIKE my ability to see the many sides of an issue.. positive and negative. (This definitely hampers my decision-making, but makes me relatively non-judgmental and compassionate.)
And I LIKE my ability to focus on the end-game. (It makes me very resilient to what happens today... but many people lose patience with my apathy towards minor (IMO) crises.)
The point here is that the qualities that make you YOU are important! Just as the ways that others excel make THEM important.
It is critical that you keep learning and growing.... IN YOUR OWN WAY!
Assignment for today:
Start thinking about your NEXT mega-project. How can you use your strengths?
******************
Update on my progress:
Yesterday, as expected, I did not have the time to focus on THE QUILT.
Today I will have a little extra time to play so I will work on the sewing machine FIRST (because I like it the LEAST) and will go on from there depending on my success (or lack of it)
How are things going for you? Do you have ideas for another (or a first mega-project?)
Thursday, November 22, 2012
21 Days... Day 17 Don't Compare Yourself to Others
using the book 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine
following the challenge set by Crystal at www.servingjoyfully.com
I mentioned yesterday that I have been a little disgruntled with my quilt lately. I figured out in the last few days that I don't like the way I quilted the long strips. Someone else would have done it differently - heck, I would have done it differently if I had done it when I was supposed to and was comfortable going back to the teacher and asking the question.
AND I am not happy with the stitches. They should be neater.
But the reality is that it is MY quilt. My FIRST hand-quilted quilt.
It should not be compared with projects by experienced quilters. It should not be compared with my NEXT quilt. It is beautiful the way it is.
The message in today's reading is 'Don't Compare Yourself to Others'.
How appropriate when I am at a point of thinking that what I do is not good enough!
Why would it not be good enough? This is My LIFE to live - no one else's. My mega-project will be different from yours.... and your needs, goals and desires are different from mine. Not better or more important.... not worse or less important... DIFFERENT! And we need to wind our lives around our own paths and appreciate our own progress!
It's time to look at the lists of goals and projects we have been working on and make sure that we are truly working on our OWN PATH and not trying to become someone we are not.
Assignment:
Do Step 17 on your mega-project!
*******************************
Update on my progress:
Yay!! I did get the hand quilting done and am giving myself a pass for the day! It did occur to me though - that my daughter might want to take a look at my sewing machine while she is here today.. simply because sometimes she likes to mess with things. I will ask. If that problem is resolved... then I am one step closer though I really don't think I will finish in the 21 Days allotted, even with my flexible definition :-)
But I am kind of tickled that I haven't thrown in the towel on this project yet. The reason it has sat so long unfinished is because I have packed it away when the going got a little tough and I didn't prioritize finishing it... and THIS time, it will be a priority until I DO finish it!
I haven't mentioned it but I am still managing the 15 minutes daily on the exercise bike and am just about ready to commit to 50 crunches 3X per week. ALMOST!
How about you? Do you have a mega-project going? How is the process working for you?
following the challenge set by Crystal at www.servingjoyfully.com
I mentioned yesterday that I have been a little disgruntled with my quilt lately. I figured out in the last few days that I don't like the way I quilted the long strips. Someone else would have done it differently - heck, I would have done it differently if I had done it when I was supposed to and was comfortable going back to the teacher and asking the question.
AND I am not happy with the stitches. They should be neater.
But the reality is that it is MY quilt. My FIRST hand-quilted quilt.
It should not be compared with projects by experienced quilters. It should not be compared with my NEXT quilt. It is beautiful the way it is.
The message in today's reading is 'Don't Compare Yourself to Others'.
How appropriate when I am at a point of thinking that what I do is not good enough!
Why would it not be good enough? This is My LIFE to live - no one else's. My mega-project will be different from yours.... and your needs, goals and desires are different from mine. Not better or more important.... not worse or less important... DIFFERENT! And we need to wind our lives around our own paths and appreciate our own progress!
It's time to look at the lists of goals and projects we have been working on and make sure that we are truly working on our OWN PATH and not trying to become someone we are not.
Assignment:
Do Step 17 on your mega-project!
*******************************
Update on my progress:
Yay!! I did get the hand quilting done and am giving myself a pass for the day! It did occur to me though - that my daughter might want to take a look at my sewing machine while she is here today.. simply because sometimes she likes to mess with things. I will ask. If that problem is resolved... then I am one step closer though I really don't think I will finish in the 21 Days allotted, even with my flexible definition :-)
But I am kind of tickled that I haven't thrown in the towel on this project yet. The reason it has sat so long unfinished is because I have packed it away when the going got a little tough and I didn't prioritize finishing it... and THIS time, it will be a priority until I DO finish it!
I haven't mentioned it but I am still managing the 15 minutes daily on the exercise bike and am just about ready to commit to 50 crunches 3X per week. ALMOST!
How about you? Do you have a mega-project going? How is the process working for you?
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
21 Days... Day 16.... Worst First, Best Last
Using the book 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine
following the challenge set by Crystal at www.servingjoyfully.com
The reading today points out that you get more done... and your day runs more smoothly.... if you do what you like least.. FIRST!
I remember doing this with my food when I was a kid.... save the best for last :-)
With tasks that lie before me, I find the same process is more effective. If I hem and haw and wander around avoiding doing something I dislike..... it takes days (or more!) to get it done. No wonder I think it takes FOREVER to get some things done.... I have to consider my WHINE factor!
If I leave the things I don't want to do until LATER, I often can wiggle my way out of it altogether for that day - and this usually does not serve me or my family. And this also makes ME feel like I am a procrastinator - a NEGATIVE term that I don't need in my head!
So - today's nugget is: Next time you make your list of things to do - take the one you want to do the least - and tackle it FIRST!
Assignment:
How does this apply to your mega-project? Is there something about this that you are avoiding?
*TODAY is the day to DO IT!
******************************
Update on my progress:
Yes - I managed to do some of the hand quilting yesterday as I putzed around getting my thoughts and house ready for the big day. Hooray for me!
My goal is to get the hand quilting on the long strip completed before Thanksgiving Day. I will not be working on the quilt that day (I don't think!)
As for things I am putting off with the quilt? Right now it is working with the sewing machine since that is a road block - but seriously this is a timing issue and there is no time for it with the holiday coming up. I will give myself time on Friday to play with the sewing machine and see if I can sort it out.
I am finding it really annoying at this point to keep working on the quilt. This is a good exercise for me - and I can certainly see value in keeping ONE big project going. I feel a little bit behind in my life (because of THE QUILT) but I am also more focused and getting more accomplished overall.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
21 Days.... Day 15 Just Say NO!
You do so much for so many people.
Are any of your other commitments affecting the goals you set for YOURSELF and your family?
You can't do it all.
It is so hard to say NO to people when they ask you to do something.
I mean, first of all... aren't you flattered? That you are THE ONE chosen to do this thing... this oh so important thing....
But, consider.... could your pleasure at the flattery be THE OBSTACLE that keeps another person from shining in a new spot? Could you actually be preventing someone else from learning to serve?
Saying NO is not a bad thing.
And, how about those outside commitments?
Are any of those responsibilities dragging you down? Is there something that your heart is not involved in any more? That is important to know - AND it is valid. God lays things on your heart for a reason... and sometimes when you are no longer excited and happy - maybe it's because the task is not for YOU any more.
Are any of those commitments keeping you from your ultimate goals? I know that one of my goals is to serve my family. Any outside commitment that does not make me a better family person.... will not serve my goals. It is difficult to sift through the many worthwhile things you are doing and decide what needs to go - but it is absolutely essential to your ultimate success!
AND one more consideration raised up by the author......
Saying NO to many spread-out jobs or responsibilities...
allows you,
FREES you...
to say YES to doing really well at a few things....... things that will lead you to being the person you are meant to be!
Assignment for the day:
Finish Step 15 of your mega-project and don't get overwhelmed!
** I found it interesting that the author discusses major events right now in this '21 Days'. She encourages us to take care of ourselves and not to get overwhelmed with our projects. She reminds us that the project will still be here. I agree - but want to MAKE SURE that I keep the project at the forefront of my mind so I don't let it slip back into the ozone for months of waiting again
I totally agree that keeping a 'mega-project' going in your life helps you focus in better on all the other responsibilities. EG for me specifically.... making sure I get something done on the quilt is ensuring that I make good preparations for the Thanksgiving festivities.
*****************************
How are things going for you?
Are you ready to throw in the towel yet??
Hang in there..... the end is coming (even if not in sight yet!)
Are any of your other commitments affecting the goals you set for YOURSELF and your family?
You can't do it all.
It is so hard to say NO to people when they ask you to do something.
I mean, first of all... aren't you flattered? That you are THE ONE chosen to do this thing... this oh so important thing....
But, consider.... could your pleasure at the flattery be THE OBSTACLE that keeps another person from shining in a new spot? Could you actually be preventing someone else from learning to serve?
Saying NO is not a bad thing.
And, how about those outside commitments?
Are any of those responsibilities dragging you down? Is there something that your heart is not involved in any more? That is important to know - AND it is valid. God lays things on your heart for a reason... and sometimes when you are no longer excited and happy - maybe it's because the task is not for YOU any more.
Are any of those commitments keeping you from your ultimate goals? I know that one of my goals is to serve my family. Any outside commitment that does not make me a better family person.... will not serve my goals. It is difficult to sift through the many worthwhile things you are doing and decide what needs to go - but it is absolutely essential to your ultimate success!
AND one more consideration raised up by the author......
Saying NO to many spread-out jobs or responsibilities...
allows you,
FREES you...
to say YES to doing really well at a few things....... things that will lead you to being the person you are meant to be!
Assignment for the day:
Finish Step 15 of your mega-project and don't get overwhelmed!
** I found it interesting that the author discusses major events right now in this '21 Days'. She encourages us to take care of ourselves and not to get overwhelmed with our projects. She reminds us that the project will still be here. I agree - but want to MAKE SURE that I keep the project at the forefront of my mind so I don't let it slip back into the ozone for months of waiting again
I totally agree that keeping a 'mega-project' going in your life helps you focus in better on all the other responsibilities. EG for me specifically.... making sure I get something done on the quilt is ensuring that I make good preparations for the Thanksgiving festivities.
*****************************
How are things going for you?
Are you ready to throw in the towel yet??
Hang in there..... the end is coming (even if not in sight yet!)
Monday, November 19, 2012
21 Days ... Day 14 Set Yourself Up for Success!
day by day with Crystal Paine's book 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life
following along with a challenge set by Crystal at www.servingjoyfully.com
The quote that hit me the hardest out of this reading is:
"It’s easy to make excuses for a lack of discipline, but excuses don’t get you anywhere. Instead, choose to invest the time you usually would devote to formulating an excuse to considering what you can do to set yourself up for success in achieving your goals."
Wow!
It does take a certain amount of creativity to come up with the wide range of excuses that I can find.... but I think the trick is to know when your obstacle is an excuse or a reason.
Reason = valid obstacle or obstruction
Excuse = something that is standing between you and your goal that you can FIX with self-discipline
Here is MY thing right now....
In my mega-project, I have hit an obstacle.
There is something wrong with the tension on my sewing machine.
I'm not knowledgeable enough to know what that might be - but I HAVE noticed some trouble with the bobbin winding mechanism. So.. additional steps in my quilt project need to be:
a) cleaning the machine well
b) winding new bobbins and trying again
and possibly c) taking the machine to be serviced
My first reaction?
Put the thing away! I am too busy right now to deal with a QUILT project! I mean Thanksgiving is THIS week and I need to cook and clean - and I have a TON of unresolved angst about the holiday anyway...
reason or excuse?
BOTH!!
But I WANT to succeed! I have chosen this project and it is the vehicle which will help me LEARN. So, putting it away will ensure failure OR, at a minimum, it will be a few months before I pull it out yet again to finish!). Certainly it won't see the light of day again until after Christmas.
So.... what to do?
Part of it I did above.... I laid out steps for succeeding. Part of it I did the other day.... I laid out other steps that do not require the machine
a) putting the quilt on the bed and deciding the width of the border
b) locating the backing
c) cutting the border pieces that are ready and the backing to go with them
d) deciding how to treat the corners and cutting those pieces
....and I STILL have a couple of days worth of hand quilting the last strip (and the lighting/vision issues that go with that)
AND ONE other little adjustment I have made to set myself up for SUCCESS.... I have re-defined my 21 Day Project. In the scheme of life (or my mega-project), what does it matter if MY 21 Days is actually 28 days?
Assignment:
What time of day works best for your project?
The purpose for this assignment is all in planning. Typically it is easier to handle a new project earlier in the day... when you are fresher and more energetic. AND you can check the work off your list and that always feels good!
I have already discovered some of the timing issues with MY project! On days where I must drive into town, it is harder to fit the project work in. Because of lighting and vision.... sometimes I have to wait. The hand sewing on the dark fabric is not something I can do at night - but I often do it to the television. But if I turn on the tv early in the day, that is another problem :-)
For this project - I generally do the hand sewing after lunch... early afternoon. Other parts have been fit in different days as possible. I will try to find a better schedule to handle this.
How are you handling the scheduling for YOUR mega-project?
following along with a challenge set by Crystal at www.servingjoyfully.com
The quote that hit me the hardest out of this reading is:
"It’s easy to make excuses for a lack of discipline, but excuses don’t get you anywhere. Instead, choose to invest the time you usually would devote to formulating an excuse to considering what you can do to set yourself up for success in achieving your goals."
Wow!
It does take a certain amount of creativity to come up with the wide range of excuses that I can find.... but I think the trick is to know when your obstacle is an excuse or a reason.
Reason = valid obstacle or obstruction
Excuse = something that is standing between you and your goal that you can FIX with self-discipline
Here is MY thing right now....
In my mega-project, I have hit an obstacle.
There is something wrong with the tension on my sewing machine.
I'm not knowledgeable enough to know what that might be - but I HAVE noticed some trouble with the bobbin winding mechanism. So.. additional steps in my quilt project need to be:
a) cleaning the machine well
b) winding new bobbins and trying again
and possibly c) taking the machine to be serviced
My first reaction?
Put the thing away! I am too busy right now to deal with a QUILT project! I mean Thanksgiving is THIS week and I need to cook and clean - and I have a TON of unresolved angst about the holiday anyway...
reason or excuse?
BOTH!!
But I WANT to succeed! I have chosen this project and it is the vehicle which will help me LEARN. So, putting it away will ensure failure OR, at a minimum, it will be a few months before I pull it out yet again to finish!). Certainly it won't see the light of day again until after Christmas.
So.... what to do?
Part of it I did above.... I laid out steps for succeeding. Part of it I did the other day.... I laid out other steps that do not require the machine
a) putting the quilt on the bed and deciding the width of the border
b) locating the backing
c) cutting the border pieces that are ready and the backing to go with them
d) deciding how to treat the corners and cutting those pieces
....and I STILL have a couple of days worth of hand quilting the last strip (and the lighting/vision issues that go with that)
AND ONE other little adjustment I have made to set myself up for SUCCESS.... I have re-defined my 21 Day Project. In the scheme of life (or my mega-project), what does it matter if MY 21 Days is actually 28 days?
Assignment:
What time of day works best for your project?
The purpose for this assignment is all in planning. Typically it is easier to handle a new project earlier in the day... when you are fresher and more energetic. AND you can check the work off your list and that always feels good!
I have already discovered some of the timing issues with MY project! On days where I must drive into town, it is harder to fit the project work in. Because of lighting and vision.... sometimes I have to wait. The hand sewing on the dark fabric is not something I can do at night - but I often do it to the television. But if I turn on the tv early in the day, that is another problem :-)
For this project - I generally do the hand sewing after lunch... early afternoon. Other parts have been fit in different days as possible. I will try to find a better schedule to handle this.
How are you handling the scheduling for YOUR mega-project?
Sunday, November 18, 2012
21 Days to a More Disciplined Life... Day 13 READ!!!
following along with Crystal Paine's book.... 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life
this challenge is being led by Crystal at www.servingjoyfully.com
Crystal, at the moment, is working on HER mega-project of finishing up her masters degree... so I am hopping over to her co-host, Laura at http://supersweetlife.com/
So this is my favorite! I am a read-a-holic! But Crystal cautions that we need to read INSPIRATIONAL books and books that will help us reach our goals. In today's reading, she has several suggestions for self-discipline and motivation... some of which I have read. Actually a friend and I have a joke that between us, we have all the organizational and weight loss books that have been printed.... and WE need to actually implement the things we now know...
So there is the problem for some of us.... I read and read and read... and it is time for me to DO and DO and DO :-)
If reading is a problem for you, tackle it the same way you are tackling your mega-project... lay out small achievable tasks for yourself. Set a goal of finishing the book and break it down into manageable chunks. I have a couple of books on my reading list that have been there most of the year.... one I am baking my way through and one is a money management course. I will lay out a plan of action for those two books and make sure I finish them in 2013.
Today's Assignment:
Step 13 of your mega-project
Find a book to read that correlates to your project.
*************************************
My progress.....
Today is a family day! My grandson is being dedicated today and then we are eating lunch out. With the 2 hours of travel time involved, I am not sure how much I will accomplish.
Since lighting is an issue for me, I really should have done some hand-quilting yesterday while I had the opportunity to be home in the morning... BUT I didn't - so that is past :-) I will think about what I can do today.
I CAN machine stitch the border pieces
I CAN locate the muslin backing and quilt batting that I will need
I CAN lay the quilt out on the bed and make a decision about the width of the border
I CAN make a decision about how I want to make the border corner pieces
I will come back later in the day and update you as to what I DID do :-)
How about you?? Do you have a plan for the day?
*****
Wow - things did not turn out as planned.... My sewing machine started acting up and I ended up leaving it... frustrated! I worked on crocheting cowls last night.. and also have 2 afghans that I am closing in on finishing (I have a Dec 8 deadline on those).
I think the sewing machine is a bobbin winding issue.. but will try again when my attitude is a little better. I am struggling now with the upcoming holiday and all the preparation and (more like) anxiety that comes with it. Since I am working on my BRAIN and ATTITUDE this year... I think I need to journal some of the unhappy negative feelings that are surfacing underneath this aggravated behavior. I don't know how much I will share here .. but I feel the UPSET rising already and it may impact the progress on the quilt.... and probably should take precedence though I am not quitting!
this challenge is being led by Crystal at www.servingjoyfully.com
Crystal, at the moment, is working on HER mega-project of finishing up her masters degree... so I am hopping over to her co-host, Laura at http://supersweetlife.com/
So this is my favorite! I am a read-a-holic! But Crystal cautions that we need to read INSPIRATIONAL books and books that will help us reach our goals. In today's reading, she has several suggestions for self-discipline and motivation... some of which I have read. Actually a friend and I have a joke that between us, we have all the organizational and weight loss books that have been printed.... and WE need to actually implement the things we now know...
So there is the problem for some of us.... I read and read and read... and it is time for me to DO and DO and DO :-)
If reading is a problem for you, tackle it the same way you are tackling your mega-project... lay out small achievable tasks for yourself. Set a goal of finishing the book and break it down into manageable chunks. I have a couple of books on my reading list that have been there most of the year.... one I am baking my way through and one is a money management course. I will lay out a plan of action for those two books and make sure I finish them in 2013.
Today's Assignment:
Step 13 of your mega-project
Find a book to read that correlates to your project.
*************************************
My progress.....
Today is a family day! My grandson is being dedicated today and then we are eating lunch out. With the 2 hours of travel time involved, I am not sure how much I will accomplish.
Since lighting is an issue for me, I really should have done some hand-quilting yesterday while I had the opportunity to be home in the morning... BUT I didn't - so that is past :-) I will think about what I can do today.
I CAN machine stitch the border pieces
I CAN locate the muslin backing and quilt batting that I will need
I CAN lay the quilt out on the bed and make a decision about the width of the border
I CAN make a decision about how I want to make the border corner pieces
I will come back later in the day and update you as to what I DID do :-)
How about you?? Do you have a plan for the day?
*****
Wow - things did not turn out as planned.... My sewing machine started acting up and I ended up leaving it... frustrated! I worked on crocheting cowls last night.. and also have 2 afghans that I am closing in on finishing (I have a Dec 8 deadline on those).
I think the sewing machine is a bobbin winding issue.. but will try again when my attitude is a little better. I am struggling now with the upcoming holiday and all the preparation and (more like) anxiety that comes with it. Since I am working on my BRAIN and ATTITUDE this year... I think I need to journal some of the unhappy negative feelings that are surfacing underneath this aggravated behavior. I don't know how much I will share here .. but I feel the UPSET rising already and it may impact the progress on the quilt.... and probably should take precedence though I am not quitting!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
21 Days... Day 12... FOCUS!!
oh boy
distracted much?
This was actually a really good reading for me yesterday! I knew I needed to work on the quilt because I have not gotten to it all week. Yet I have been away from home every day so.... I am just now getting to thinking about all the things I need to handle before next week's holiday. I wandered around today - trying to focus on different rooms.... but I found something in the living room that belongs in the laundry room... which led me to folding laundry and putting away clothes in my bedroom, where I noticed something that needed to go to the laundry room.... where the freezer is and I pulled something out for dinner.. which I brought to the kitchen to thaw.. where I noticed that.... well, you get the picture! All the while, stewing about the quilt and then the dogs needed walking again, where I noticed that the bok choy needs to be picked and used (file away stir fry for next week's menu)... Today my brain seems to be a sieve!
But I did keep coming back to center.... and balanced several bank statements... gathered mailing envelopes and addresses for packages to be mailed, finished up a skein of yarn, and got that strip of quilt marked and stitched.
I got a LOT done.. but I felt out of focus - like I was being pulled in several directions. I find it extremely difficult to put my head down and stick to just one thing!
Crystal Paine writes "Multi-tasking is the death of FOCUS"
AMEN!
Her suggestion is one we've heard before but always works.... use the timer. It works for me too! I get derailed by trying to decide what I am doing - AND making myself do what I don't wanna. I have to get that inner child under control :-)
What I can see happening here is that I am starting to worry about the holiday meal and company next Thursday - and I am losing focus on what I need to do TODAY. (EVEN what I need to do today FOR next Thursday!) Will have to think about this one!
Assignment:
Do Step 12 of your mega-project and begin to visualize the finished project and how you will feel.
**************************
My progress.......
Goal for today:
Focus on today's plans (some household catch-up, a 2 mile walk + bike, review pantry/freezer and plan menu for week, make bread dough for fridge, QUILT - work on hand quilting AND machine stitch some of the strips for the final border AND review process for making the border so that when I can work on that I will now what I am doing).
AND - find time to WRITE down Thursday's meal plan, prepare ahead list AND housework preparation list
Will be back later to share how I did -
what are YOU doing today?
****** In many areas, today was a big fail... I spent most of the day watching holiday movies and crocheting cowls for friends (using up my yarn stash!).
* I did the bike, half the walking (my knee hurts today)
* I started to do the bread but forgot that I used up the eggs making breakfast for my husband and me
*I started to stitch some of the border stripping but the bobbin ran out of thread...
It was one of THOSE days! I did review the process for finishing the quilt and have an idea what happens next... I DID refill the bobbins eventually... I DID mop the living room floor and do some neatening when I got up for commercials.... and I DID write down my holiday meal plan. So it wasn't a total waste... I just didn't necessarily accomplish what was on my list!
distracted much?
This was actually a really good reading for me yesterday! I knew I needed to work on the quilt because I have not gotten to it all week. Yet I have been away from home every day so.... I am just now getting to thinking about all the things I need to handle before next week's holiday. I wandered around today - trying to focus on different rooms.... but I found something in the living room that belongs in the laundry room... which led me to folding laundry and putting away clothes in my bedroom, where I noticed something that needed to go to the laundry room.... where the freezer is and I pulled something out for dinner.. which I brought to the kitchen to thaw.. where I noticed that.... well, you get the picture! All the while, stewing about the quilt and then the dogs needed walking again, where I noticed that the bok choy needs to be picked and used (file away stir fry for next week's menu)... Today my brain seems to be a sieve!
But I did keep coming back to center.... and balanced several bank statements... gathered mailing envelopes and addresses for packages to be mailed, finished up a skein of yarn, and got that strip of quilt marked and stitched.
I got a LOT done.. but I felt out of focus - like I was being pulled in several directions. I find it extremely difficult to put my head down and stick to just one thing!
Crystal Paine writes "Multi-tasking is the death of FOCUS"
AMEN!
Her suggestion is one we've heard before but always works.... use the timer. It works for me too! I get derailed by trying to decide what I am doing - AND making myself do what I don't wanna. I have to get that inner child under control :-)
What I can see happening here is that I am starting to worry about the holiday meal and company next Thursday - and I am losing focus on what I need to do TODAY. (EVEN what I need to do today FOR next Thursday!) Will have to think about this one!
Assignment:
Do Step 12 of your mega-project and begin to visualize the finished project and how you will feel.
**************************
My progress.......
Goal for today:
Focus on today's plans (some household catch-up, a 2 mile walk + bike, review pantry/freezer and plan menu for week, make bread dough for fridge, QUILT - work on hand quilting AND machine stitch some of the strips for the final border AND review process for making the border so that when I can work on that I will now what I am doing).
AND - find time to WRITE down Thursday's meal plan, prepare ahead list AND housework preparation list
Will be back later to share how I did -
what are YOU doing today?
****** In many areas, today was a big fail... I spent most of the day watching holiday movies and crocheting cowls for friends (using up my yarn stash!).
* I did the bike, half the walking (my knee hurts today)
* I started to do the bread but forgot that I used up the eggs making breakfast for my husband and me
*I started to stitch some of the border stripping but the bobbin ran out of thread...
It was one of THOSE days! I did review the process for finishing the quilt and have an idea what happens next... I DID refill the bobbins eventually... I DID mop the living room floor and do some neatening when I got up for commercials.... and I DID write down my holiday meal plan. So it wasn't a total waste... I just didn't necessarily accomplish what was on my list!
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