Do you have any specials plans for this year? Specific hopes, dreams, aspirations, goals...or should I say - Resolutions? I have several areas of my life I'd like to improve upon. Numerous relationships I'd like to strengthen. Lots of creative ideas I've been toying with that I'd love to see to fruition. In fact, there are SO many things I'd like to do this year its almost overwhelming. But, its also so VERY exciting!
Now, rest assured, I am not your everyday resolution maker. In fact, I wouldn't make one for years - not believing enough in myself to see the dream through. Not even knowing HOW to make a viable resolution.
All that stopped 2 years ago, when I made a commitment to myself to lose weight and become physically fit. I found the perfect place to work out and set my alarm for 4:30am every Monday through Friday. I had accountability to arrive and work hard. I'm proud to say that even through serious injuries, I persevered. In doing so, I learned a lot about myself and who I am.
I gained insight. I now have faith in myself and believe I can accomplish whatever it is I set out to do (well, usually). I still have more goals to achieve in my own physical fitness journey and I fully intend to reach those goals by the end of 2011.
As for my goals on the creative side.....I just need to figure out what I really want to do. Find my passion. Having so many interests coupled with a deep desire to learn and travel......its very hard for me to pick just one thing I'd like to do. BUT, what if my resolution were to establish a 5 year plan? If I were to choose just one of my aspirations each year for the next 5 years? Now that is a goal ;) And it is, in fact, MY New Years Resolution.
You know, I read in the Miami Herald that 97% of the people who make New Years Resolutions fail. In fact, only 47% make it to the 6 month mark. I find that to be an incredibly depressing statistic. Perhaps the reason so many fail at their resolutions is that their resolutions were too vague with no precise timeline for success? I've learned over the years that there are some key components to achieving goals - or accomplishing your New Years Resolution. In fact, I'd say the first thing to do when making a resolution is to choose one specific goal and see if it fits the SMART test. A SMART goal is measured in the following ways:
It must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time specific.
Once you've determined that your goal is indeed a SMART goal, you can then establish your plan for achieving it. First - WRITE IT DOWN. Post it somewhere - EVERYWHERE - and say it out loud. Secondly, establish a timeline for your progress. Make sure its reasonable and specific. Thirdly, set yourself up for accountability. Who can you ask for support? Who can you discuss your progress with? Lastly, plan a celebration when your goal has been reached. Honestly, a few 'mini' celebrations as you reach milestones along the way are perfectly reasonable.
I truly hope you are able to accomplish whatever it is you set out to do in 2011 and I look forward to hearing back from those of you who've made resolutions. Keep in touch with me. Let me know how its going. God willing, we'll be planning lots of 'mini' celebrations over the next 12 months.
Happy New Year!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The gift of Magic
I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!
In fact, its a source of embarrassment for my eldest. But - it's Christmas!
Many people stop and wave at my truck! They love it. It brings smiles to faces and that is something that really makes me happy. With very little effort on my part - I am spreading Christmas cheer.
Some of my fondest memories of Christmas were made at my grandparents house when I was a little girl. The whistling train circling the well lit tree, my grandfather making his 'famous' homemade eggnog - YUM! and my grandma making sure we all had a least one piece of homemade fudge and a few of her wonderful cut out sugar cookies. OH! Such deliciousness! And the VERY best part....the anticipation of what Santa would bring.
Now, my best memories are those of my children. I love experiencing their anticipation. The giddy conversations about what they're asking for...their hushed little voices as they try to plan a surprise gift for daddy & me. Their creativity when we decorate cookies and the little skits they like to put on during Christmas break. Mostly, just the glimmer in their eyes when they see the gifts under the tree on Christmas morning.
I struggled when the time came to tell my girls the truth about Santa. I was actually afraid to have the conversation because I didn't want it to come out wrong. I was ashamed that I had 'lied'. Then, it hit me. I didn't lie, per se. Yes, I let them believe that a magical, saintly man would visit our home ~ as well as millions of others ~ in just one night. That he would leave a plethora of gifts for all the good little boys and girls. And yes, I encouraged them to leave him cookies & milk for the journey - even carrots for Rudolph and the other reindeer.
We wrote this man a letter each year and watched telelvision (and the internet) to try and track his sleigh on Christmas eve night....we even went to bed early, knowing if we stayed awake he would have to skip our home. But the truth of the matter is that had I not 'lied' to my girls about this amazing man called Santa....I would not have been able to give them the very best gifts of all.
The gift of Magic.
The gift of Believing in something (someone) so magical, exciting, mysterious,
wonderful and kind.
The gift of Anticipation.
I know that after I learned about Santa, my Christmases were never quite the same.
(I also know that the little brat girl down the street who told me the truth ruined a good thing for me.)
I am glad my girls didn't have to find out from someone else.
And now that both of my girls know the truth, they've told me that Christmas isn't as exciting as it used to be. That's the sad part. Although, on a brighter note, I do believe they are more appreciative of the gifts they receive....and how lucky for them to be on a first name basis with the old guy....;)
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
And now that both of my girls know the truth, they've told me that Christmas isn't as exciting as it used to be. That's the sad part. Although, on a brighter note, I do believe they are more appreciative of the gifts they receive....and how lucky for them to be on a first name basis with the old guy....;)
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Dreaded "What If's".....
A road of uncertainties, insecurities and the dreaded 'what if's'...
For the last year I've been struggling with a spinal injury in my neck. After trying anything I could that was non-invasive, even after being told surgery was my only option, I found myself wondering 'what if' at almost every turn. What if the doctors are wrong and they really only want paid big bucks to perform a surgery that isn't necessary? What if the surgery causes more or different problems down the road? What if I can manage through life with the pain I've got? What if I'm that one in a long shot that ends up paralyzed or worse? wow.
Those are some heavy what if's. I mean it.
I am a big proponent of 'knowledge is power'. I truly believe the more you know, the better off you are. So I was off and running to find the answers to my what if's. Personally, I believe in sharing knowledge to empower others. After all, what good is it to know something and keep it to yourself? For example, if you know a great technique or soothing way to calm a crying baby, wouldn't you share it with your children when they become parents? Of course you would. It's a no brainer. It keeps everyone happier and safer. Keeping that sort of thing to yourself just makes you, well, mean!
I also don't think anyone should ever take the word of just one doctor when it comes to our health. There are many methods to correcting problems. Many methods to soothing crying babies, if you will. That being said, I took it upon myself to learn about kinesiology, a more homeopathic approach to pain management. It worked well for me for quite awhile. But, the truth of the matter with that approach was that is was just that. Pain management. I needed to resolve the problem. I wanted my life back! It may sound crazy, but I really want to do a push up again! Pain management is simply not going to allow that.
I started researching other surgical procedures. More options. There were really only four. Three surgical options ~ or do nothing. Well known & respected surgeons were only performing one of the three surgical options. So, that led me to wonder.... Why aren't the big dogs performing these other two procedures? Is it money? Is it risk? Is it long term results? So, more research. Multiple conversations with surgical nurses who were willing to discuss my scenario and give me all the information I craved. Many web searches resulting in videos of procedures that quite frankly, no one who is considering that procedure should watch.
Ultimately, I decided upon the surgery that all the 'big dogs' performed. The one I suppose we could call, 'tried and true'. I am now recovering. It has not been an easy road thus far. I will not lie. But the bottom line is, that at the end of the day, all my 'what if's' can't really be answered. As the only way to really know the answer is to choose a path and follow it. And then, you'll still only know the answer to one of your 'what if's'.
So, if you're struggling with some 'what if's' of your own. Do your research, ask your questions, and take your time. In the end, you may not get all the answers, but at least you will be more confident in the path you end up choosing. We have to believe in our choices and trust our instincts. Have faith. And don't let the 'what if's' get you down!
For the last year I've been struggling with a spinal injury in my neck. After trying anything I could that was non-invasive, even after being told surgery was my only option, I found myself wondering 'what if' at almost every turn. What if the doctors are wrong and they really only want paid big bucks to perform a surgery that isn't necessary? What if the surgery causes more or different problems down the road? What if I can manage through life with the pain I've got? What if I'm that one in a long shot that ends up paralyzed or worse? wow.
Those are some heavy what if's. I mean it.
I am a big proponent of 'knowledge is power'. I truly believe the more you know, the better off you are. So I was off and running to find the answers to my what if's. Personally, I believe in sharing knowledge to empower others. After all, what good is it to know something and keep it to yourself? For example, if you know a great technique or soothing way to calm a crying baby, wouldn't you share it with your children when they become parents? Of course you would. It's a no brainer. It keeps everyone happier and safer. Keeping that sort of thing to yourself just makes you, well, mean!
I also don't think anyone should ever take the word of just one doctor when it comes to our health. There are many methods to correcting problems. Many methods to soothing crying babies, if you will. That being said, I took it upon myself to learn about kinesiology, a more homeopathic approach to pain management. It worked well for me for quite awhile. But, the truth of the matter with that approach was that is was just that. Pain management. I needed to resolve the problem. I wanted my life back! It may sound crazy, but I really want to do a push up again! Pain management is simply not going to allow that.
I started researching other surgical procedures. More options. There were really only four. Three surgical options ~ or do nothing. Well known & respected surgeons were only performing one of the three surgical options. So, that led me to wonder.... Why aren't the big dogs performing these other two procedures? Is it money? Is it risk? Is it long term results? So, more research. Multiple conversations with surgical nurses who were willing to discuss my scenario and give me all the information I craved. Many web searches resulting in videos of procedures that quite frankly, no one who is considering that procedure should watch.
Ultimately, I decided upon the surgery that all the 'big dogs' performed. The one I suppose we could call, 'tried and true'. I am now recovering. It has not been an easy road thus far. I will not lie. But the bottom line is, that at the end of the day, all my 'what if's' can't really be answered. As the only way to really know the answer is to choose a path and follow it. And then, you'll still only know the answer to one of your 'what if's'.
So, if you're struggling with some 'what if's' of your own. Do your research, ask your questions, and take your time. In the end, you may not get all the answers, but at least you will be more confident in the path you end up choosing. We have to believe in our choices and trust our instincts. Have faith. And don't let the 'what if's' get you down!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Do you ever find yourself feeling envious? Wishing you had something that someone else has? Forgetting to take stock of the things that you've accomplished or the good in your life? It's never good to feel envious. In fact, it's terrible. I don't know what it is about myself that will allow me to 'go there' in the first place ~ but I don't like it.
Now let's be real. A little envy can be good. In fact, it can be quite motivational. But only if you take it with a dose of real life perspective.
For example, if you've seen the television show "Extreme Home Makeover", I'm willing to bet that at one time or another you've thought "Damn! I wish someone would come and makeover my house like that"! Well, that's where the 'real life' perspective comes in. Sure, we'd all like a gorgeous, 'state of the art', stylish, roomy home that someone put together for us for free. And certainly we couldn't be envious of those families? Could we? I'd have to say it's a resounding, unequivocal NO! and the harsh reality is, those remodels are far from 'free'.
The families showcased in that television show have been dealt an extremely difficult hand in the card game of life. And yet, somehow, they've managed to find a road that helps make their journey here on earth a little more tolerable. A journey that inevitably leads them to volunteering their time to charities/ individuals that are struck with situations similar to their own. They often do not have enough money to pay their own bills or fix their leaky faucets and shattered windows, but yet they manage to find a way to fix those problems for others. They take time to make others feel important, cared for and loved. Its from those individuals that they, in turn, reap their greatest rewards. The 'knowing you made a positive difference in someones life' kind of empowerment that is often overlooked by each and every one of us in our busy, everyday lives.
Truly, its not all that uncommon to give of ourselves. Some of us find time to volunteer in local animal shelters, rescue our pets, adopt our children, volunteer in classrooms, run marathons to benefit charities or drop food off at the local shelter. Some of us make monetary donations to the charitable causes we believe in. Most often we support these organizations because they work to find an end to an illness or other life changing issue that has personally touched our lives in one way or another. Donating your time, money or voice for any charitable organization is vitally important. I am in no way advocating not to do these things and in fact, I encourage you to find a way to volunteer and support a cause that means something to you. However, there is something you can do each and every day that doesn't cost a dime, or take up any of your time. The more you give it away, the more it will come back to you.
I ask you to consider this: Have you ever had a bad day or felt a little down and then someone smiles at you, says 'hello' or makes some other small gesture that manages to turn your day around? Thereby restoring your faith in humanity and awakening you out of your 'poor me' stupor?
I can honestly say that I've had times where I've failed to remember how lucky I am. I can get caught up in the topsy turvy emotions of the day...like frustration if my neck is aching and I can't escape the pain. Anxiety that life is short and I've not yet attained certain goals I've set for myself. Overwhelming fear of things I cannot control. Anger at the guy who cut me off in traffic. Then it hits me. My daughter gives me a hug or my husband makes me laugh and suddenly, things are back into perspective again. I remember how fortunate I am to have family that loves me, a roof over my head and enough money to put food on the table. I am alive and breathing and that's far better than the alternative.
A simple smile can brighten our day and help put things back into perspective when we need a little nudge. It doesn't have to be from someone we know. It can be from a complete stranger. And who knows...the smile you give a stranger may just be enough to put things back into perspective for them. Enough to stop them from going home and yelling at their kids out of frustration, putting that needle in their arm or worse yet, that gun to their head.
Which brings me to this. The people on 'Extreme Home Makeover' don't do what they do to gain a new home. They do what they do out of something pure and honest. Their purpose stems from a very simple, wonderful, human condition ~ Kindness.
Don't let envy get the best of you. Take stock of the good in your life. Be grateful for what you do have and appreciate the people in your life who help make the cloudiest of days sunny. Call upon your kindness. If you see someone who's missing a smile, give them one of yours. You never know how much good you can do just by stretching a few face muscles.
Now let's be real. A little envy can be good. In fact, it can be quite motivational. But only if you take it with a dose of real life perspective.
For example, if you've seen the television show "Extreme Home Makeover", I'm willing to bet that at one time or another you've thought "Damn! I wish someone would come and makeover my house like that"! Well, that's where the 'real life' perspective comes in. Sure, we'd all like a gorgeous, 'state of the art', stylish, roomy home that someone put together for us for free. And certainly we couldn't be envious of those families? Could we? I'd have to say it's a resounding, unequivocal NO! and the harsh reality is, those remodels are far from 'free'.
The families showcased in that television show have been dealt an extremely difficult hand in the card game of life. And yet, somehow, they've managed to find a road that helps make their journey here on earth a little more tolerable. A journey that inevitably leads them to volunteering their time to charities/ individuals that are struck with situations similar to their own. They often do not have enough money to pay their own bills or fix their leaky faucets and shattered windows, but yet they manage to find a way to fix those problems for others. They take time to make others feel important, cared for and loved. Its from those individuals that they, in turn, reap their greatest rewards. The 'knowing you made a positive difference in someones life' kind of empowerment that is often overlooked by each and every one of us in our busy, everyday lives.
Truly, its not all that uncommon to give of ourselves. Some of us find time to volunteer in local animal shelters, rescue our pets, adopt our children, volunteer in classrooms, run marathons to benefit charities or drop food off at the local shelter. Some of us make monetary donations to the charitable causes we believe in. Most often we support these organizations because they work to find an end to an illness or other life changing issue that has personally touched our lives in one way or another. Donating your time, money or voice for any charitable organization is vitally important. I am in no way advocating not to do these things and in fact, I encourage you to find a way to volunteer and support a cause that means something to you. However, there is something you can do each and every day that doesn't cost a dime, or take up any of your time. The more you give it away, the more it will come back to you.
I ask you to consider this: Have you ever had a bad day or felt a little down and then someone smiles at you, says 'hello' or makes some other small gesture that manages to turn your day around? Thereby restoring your faith in humanity and awakening you out of your 'poor me' stupor?
I can honestly say that I've had times where I've failed to remember how lucky I am. I can get caught up in the topsy turvy emotions of the day...like frustration if my neck is aching and I can't escape the pain. Anxiety that life is short and I've not yet attained certain goals I've set for myself. Overwhelming fear of things I cannot control. Anger at the guy who cut me off in traffic. Then it hits me. My daughter gives me a hug or my husband makes me laugh and suddenly, things are back into perspective again. I remember how fortunate I am to have family that loves me, a roof over my head and enough money to put food on the table. I am alive and breathing and that's far better than the alternative.
A simple smile can brighten our day and help put things back into perspective when we need a little nudge. It doesn't have to be from someone we know. It can be from a complete stranger. And who knows...the smile you give a stranger may just be enough to put things back into perspective for them. Enough to stop them from going home and yelling at their kids out of frustration, putting that needle in their arm or worse yet, that gun to their head.
Which brings me to this. The people on 'Extreme Home Makeover' don't do what they do to gain a new home. They do what they do out of something pure and honest. Their purpose stems from a very simple, wonderful, human condition ~ Kindness.
Don't let envy get the best of you. Take stock of the good in your life. Be grateful for what you do have and appreciate the people in your life who help make the cloudiest of days sunny. Call upon your kindness. If you see someone who's missing a smile, give them one of yours. You never know how much good you can do just by stretching a few face muscles.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Motivated into Action
Today I received an email from someone I very much respect and admire. This email conveyed a very empowering message ~ as well as a complimentary motivational video clip from a world renowned motivational speaker. :)
After I absorbed every word of the email, I clicked the link to watch the clip. All 35 minutes of it. I made handwritten, as well as mental notes and am now inspired to improve my life.
So, here I sit, anticipating starting my new year as a new me. Envisioning the changes I wish to see in myself, my bank account and my relationships.
That, my dear reader, is a LOT of change.
Now, to be fair, the message I received today was to pick ONE area of my life that I would like to see improve. Problem is that choosing only one area is an extremely difficult thing for me to do.
How does one prioritize these areas of your life?
Is one aspect truly more important than the other?
I suppose the answer to that is different for every person. For me, they all go together. Much like a clown fish and his anemone. Symbiosis, if you will.
In my mind, in order to truly live a fulfilling, meaningful and successful life I need to make improvements in ALL areas. And that is where my current quandary begins.
I need to make some changes within myself. I need to be more physically fit and happy with my 'outer being' in order to feel self-confident. I need to be less stressed out and more patient. I need to be physically active and eat healthy foods on a regular basis in order to set a good example of health for my daughters to emulate into adulthood.
I long for a more passionate relationship with my husband. You know, that tickle in your tummy when he walks into the room or the flutter of your heart when he looks at you kind of passion? I want that back. It shows up every now and again...but I want it here all of the time. Each and every day.
I also desire a rock solid, trusted and valued relationship with each of my daughters. In order to facilitate that, I must become a more patient, less judgmental person.
As much as it pains me, I must allow my girls to experience hurt & failure without jumping to their defense/rescue. Its important that I be the parent who successfully prepared my children to set out into the world on their own. I must realize that I am helping them learn by allowing them to experience successes, set backs and failures. These life lessons, in turn, will mold them into the wonderful, caring, thoughtful and sincere individuals they are destined to become. All the while knowing that I am here for them should they ever need me. Always in their corner, always loving them.
Financially, well, lets just say I need to make some changes there, too.
I've got to re-train myself to think more 'long term'. I've fallen into a trap where I explain buying things or taking trips I probably shouldn't as "You can't count on tomorrow" and "You must live for the day". Probably because there has been so much loss in my life over the past couple of years. But is that really a good philosophy? Am I selling myself short here? I mean, do I really think the odds are stacked against me so much that I could be dead tomorrow? No. I don't. At least, I pray not.
So, instead I must prepare for a successful financial future. Not just for myself, but for my family. I mean, what of college? I would like to think some scholarships are in my daughters' future...but odds are not in my favor that they will be 'full ride' scholarships. Then there are the weddings. Two daughters...two weddings. I do not want to tell either of my girls that I can't afford her 'big day' to be just as she always dreamed it would be. (probably because I was married in a court house and never had my dream wedding. Or honeymoon, for that matter!).
So...onward and upward. Now I must think more like "Save for a rainy day" or "Your wealth can only grow to the extent that you do!".
And now, here comes the feeling of being overwhelmed. So much to do and so little time to get it done. Or is that truly the case? And, back to my earlier question, "How does one prioritize these areas of life"?
I suppose the best way to choose the area to work on first would be to ascertain which area will have a broader 'trickle down effect' into the other areas that need improvement.
Indeed, this is how I've concluded I will work on myself first and the rest will fall into place. I know from experience that I'm a happier, more confident & more patient person when I exercise on a regular basis. (Plus, my jeans fit better and that's ALWAYS a good thing!!). I've let an injury ~ and the fear that came with it ~ stop me from exercising all together. Today, that stops. I will be stronger than the fear and exercise within my physical limitations. I will accept that I cannot do all that I once did, but I will work toward being where I once was. Furthermore, by getting back into a daily exercise routine, I'll be setting a healthy example for my daughters. And, if all goes well, I will inspire my husband to exercise with me. Thereby fostering more "couple time" and hopefully sparks of passion along the way. ;) Financially its safe to assume I'll save money on groceries since I'm generally less inclined to buy the processed, sugary, 'terrible for your body' foods when I'm working so hard at being fit.
There. It's done. The choice has been made. Now to get moving!
After I absorbed every word of the email, I clicked the link to watch the clip. All 35 minutes of it. I made handwritten, as well as mental notes and am now inspired to improve my life.
So, here I sit, anticipating starting my new year as a new me. Envisioning the changes I wish to see in myself, my bank account and my relationships.
That, my dear reader, is a LOT of change.
Now, to be fair, the message I received today was to pick ONE area of my life that I would like to see improve. Problem is that choosing only one area is an extremely difficult thing for me to do.
How does one prioritize these areas of your life?
Is one aspect truly more important than the other?
I suppose the answer to that is different for every person. For me, they all go together. Much like a clown fish and his anemone. Symbiosis, if you will.
In my mind, in order to truly live a fulfilling, meaningful and successful life I need to make improvements in ALL areas. And that is where my current quandary begins.
I need to make some changes within myself. I need to be more physically fit and happy with my 'outer being' in order to feel self-confident. I need to be less stressed out and more patient. I need to be physically active and eat healthy foods on a regular basis in order to set a good example of health for my daughters to emulate into adulthood.
I long for a more passionate relationship with my husband. You know, that tickle in your tummy when he walks into the room or the flutter of your heart when he looks at you kind of passion? I want that back. It shows up every now and again...but I want it here all of the time. Each and every day.
I also desire a rock solid, trusted and valued relationship with each of my daughters. In order to facilitate that, I must become a more patient, less judgmental person.
As much as it pains me, I must allow my girls to experience hurt & failure without jumping to their defense/rescue. Its important that I be the parent who successfully prepared my children to set out into the world on their own. I must realize that I am helping them learn by allowing them to experience successes, set backs and failures. These life lessons, in turn, will mold them into the wonderful, caring, thoughtful and sincere individuals they are destined to become. All the while knowing that I am here for them should they ever need me. Always in their corner, always loving them.
Financially, well, lets just say I need to make some changes there, too.
I've got to re-train myself to think more 'long term'. I've fallen into a trap where I explain buying things or taking trips I probably shouldn't as "You can't count on tomorrow" and "You must live for the day". Probably because there has been so much loss in my life over the past couple of years. But is that really a good philosophy? Am I selling myself short here? I mean, do I really think the odds are stacked against me so much that I could be dead tomorrow? No. I don't. At least, I pray not.
So, instead I must prepare for a successful financial future. Not just for myself, but for my family. I mean, what of college? I would like to think some scholarships are in my daughters' future...but odds are not in my favor that they will be 'full ride' scholarships. Then there are the weddings. Two daughters...two weddings. I do not want to tell either of my girls that I can't afford her 'big day' to be just as she always dreamed it would be. (probably because I was married in a court house and never had my dream wedding. Or honeymoon, for that matter!).
So...onward and upward. Now I must think more like "Save for a rainy day" or "Your wealth can only grow to the extent that you do!".
And now, here comes the feeling of being overwhelmed. So much to do and so little time to get it done. Or is that truly the case? And, back to my earlier question, "How does one prioritize these areas of life"?
I suppose the best way to choose the area to work on first would be to ascertain which area will have a broader 'trickle down effect' into the other areas that need improvement.
Indeed, this is how I've concluded I will work on myself first and the rest will fall into place. I know from experience that I'm a happier, more confident & more patient person when I exercise on a regular basis. (Plus, my jeans fit better and that's ALWAYS a good thing!!). I've let an injury ~ and the fear that came with it ~ stop me from exercising all together. Today, that stops. I will be stronger than the fear and exercise within my physical limitations. I will accept that I cannot do all that I once did, but I will work toward being where I once was. Furthermore, by getting back into a daily exercise routine, I'll be setting a healthy example for my daughters. And, if all goes well, I will inspire my husband to exercise with me. Thereby fostering more "couple time" and hopefully sparks of passion along the way. ;) Financially its safe to assume I'll save money on groceries since I'm generally less inclined to buy the processed, sugary, 'terrible for your body' foods when I'm working so hard at being fit.
There. It's done. The choice has been made. Now to get moving!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
My first time.
Now that you've stopped by because the title was intriguing and 'fresh'....let me say it has nothing to do with sex. Sorry. Maybe another post, another time.
Let me begin my first official blog by saying I think the word 'blog' is a very odd word. Just say it out loud " BLOG". Did you? Seriously, say it out loud! Did you laugh? OR think of something outrageous? Like a piece of wet wood, a swamp or a barf stain? Who came up with this word? Was there not a word in our English dictionary that would have sufficed? How about 'Notes', 'Thoughts', or 'Comments' ? Those just seem 'cleaner' to me.
And now that I find myself saying to my daughter "give me just a second, I'm blogging"....well it just feels weird. "I'M BLOGGING'.....
So, "What exactly is blogging"? my husband asks. Well, I'm putting thoughts into a computer (decades ago these thoughts would have gone onto paper via pen and ink in a process called 'writing') to be posted on a web page (via the internet for anyone, anywhere, to read at any time). And now it sinks in...Wow! Technology is truly amazing. I didn't even have to find a publisher! Or did I (Google) ?
Speaking of technology...my daughters have no idea what it was like to grow up in the ice age that their father and I did. They can't fathom that there were no remote controls for the television. They stare at me in disbelief when I tell them of the numerous times I stood with one hand holding aluminum foil onto the rabbit ear antennas atop our television set while holding my other arm high into the air so that my father could enjoy a football game. Yes. It's true. I was a human lighting rod.
They also can't seem to understand why their friends may not respond to a text message the moment its sent. Holy Hair Rollers! I remember the days before Answering Machines! If we weren't home when the telephone rang, there was no talking to the caller. No message left for me to respond to the caller when it was convenient. Kids these days have absolutely no idea how good they've got it!
How many of us remember not wanting to leave the house because we could not imagine missing a telephone call from that special someone we'd been crushing on? I, personally, logged numerous hours next to a telephone that did not ring. Assuming there may have been something wrong with the line, I would pick it up and listen for dial tone ~ only to immediately admonish myself for doing so, because, undoubtedly, the call from that special someone was trying to come through at the precise moment I had checked the line. Ah! The good ole days.
Despair, excitement and hope...all at one moment. I wonder if our kids are getting ripped off on the emotional highway of life because everything is so 'right now'. I suppose somewhere in my duties of a responsible mother I will have to find ways of making my children wait for things.
Waiting to reap the ultimate reward of whatever pleases you for the time being....sounds like a challenge.
Until next time...
Let me begin my first official blog by saying I think the word 'blog' is a very odd word. Just say it out loud " BLOG". Did you? Seriously, say it out loud! Did you laugh? OR think of something outrageous? Like a piece of wet wood, a swamp or a barf stain? Who came up with this word? Was there not a word in our English dictionary that would have sufficed? How about 'Notes', 'Thoughts', or 'Comments' ? Those just seem 'cleaner' to me.
And now that I find myself saying to my daughter "give me just a second, I'm blogging"....well it just feels weird. "I'M BLOGGING'.....
So, "What exactly is blogging"? my husband asks. Well, I'm putting thoughts into a computer (decades ago these thoughts would have gone onto paper via pen and ink in a process called 'writing') to be posted on a web page (via the internet for anyone, anywhere, to read at any time). And now it sinks in...Wow! Technology is truly amazing. I didn't even have to find a publisher! Or did I (Google) ?
Speaking of technology...my daughters have no idea what it was like to grow up in the ice age that their father and I did. They can't fathom that there were no remote controls for the television. They stare at me in disbelief when I tell them of the numerous times I stood with one hand holding aluminum foil onto the rabbit ear antennas atop our television set while holding my other arm high into the air so that my father could enjoy a football game. Yes. It's true. I was a human lighting rod.
They also can't seem to understand why their friends may not respond to a text message the moment its sent. Holy Hair Rollers! I remember the days before Answering Machines! If we weren't home when the telephone rang, there was no talking to the caller. No message left for me to respond to the caller when it was convenient. Kids these days have absolutely no idea how good they've got it!
How many of us remember not wanting to leave the house because we could not imagine missing a telephone call from that special someone we'd been crushing on? I, personally, logged numerous hours next to a telephone that did not ring. Assuming there may have been something wrong with the line, I would pick it up and listen for dial tone ~ only to immediately admonish myself for doing so, because, undoubtedly, the call from that special someone was trying to come through at the precise moment I had checked the line. Ah! The good ole days.
Despair, excitement and hope...all at one moment. I wonder if our kids are getting ripped off on the emotional highway of life because everything is so 'right now'. I suppose somewhere in my duties of a responsible mother I will have to find ways of making my children wait for things.
Waiting to reap the ultimate reward of whatever pleases you for the time being....sounds like a challenge.
Until next time...
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