Monday, February 28, 2011

20 years ago.....

Thanks to Joy for today's blog topic.....What was I doing 20 years ago.

The year 1991.....

Let's see, I was a Junior in high school. I was dating my now husband. I was thinking about college and life after high school.

You know it's funny. I was very active in H.S. On Student Council, 2 sports, prom court, planning committee's the whole 9 yards. I thought it was so important and that all revolved around my friends and school. Looking back, I was above the influence of drugs and drinking. I was friends with everyone and left no one out of conversations or activities. I did though didn't fully participate or hang around with kids from H.S. on the weekends. I was so busy taking care of things at home, or volunteering at church or just being with my boyfriend. Honestly, by 1991 I couldn't wait to get on with the rest of my life. I felt "too old" to be in H.S.

Now fast forward to 2011. I have some of the same traits that I did back then, I volunteer at church and teach Sunday school. I am friends with all kinds of people and I'm a better person because I'm open and form my own opinions of people. I put in my time at work, I do have a couple of good friends from the work place that I do hang with outside of work and on the weekends. I continue to be busy and have a lot more to take care of at home.

The differences I have now....I think I'm a funner person (bad grammar I know). What I mean by that is I know things at home need to be taken care of but all work and no play is not fun. As a kid I was so worried about things at home and taking care of everyone and everything that I didn't allow myself to have fun or to take care of myself. I was very reserved then and now I feel I'm more free. Life needs to be lived. It's too short not to enjoy everything life has to offer. There is so much to be learned from others, so many gifts to be shared with all that I really want to live my life and pass down to my kids that life is about hard work but enjoying each and every moment, large and small.

Friday, February 25, 2011

70 minutes of Bliss

Yesterday I completed a 70 min run. It felt so good. I felt strong and energetic, a feeling I haven't had in awhile and certainly a 180 degree turnaround from Wednesday.

I pulled a Biggest Loser moment as well, my last 30 seconds of the run I pushed the speed up and ran at full burst and you know what....I didn't fall over. I did it. Just as the contestants push themselves I did that too and I had such a feeling of satisfaction.

What I really did learn is that I need new shoes big time. I really need to get in. I was waiting for my REI dividend check but I don't think I can wait that long. So I will head out to get my new shoes and spend my dividends on a swanky new running outfit :)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Stressed

I'm officially stressed. I have been ubber busy at work, which is a good thing but when I come home there is just so much going on I'm unable to relax. I stay tense and irritable and I don't like it. Does anyone have any stress relieving techniques they use that help?

I'm just so wound up inside that my stomach isn't well, my neck and shoulders are super tense and I'm getting cranky. I almost started crying yesterday because no one liked dinner. I think I was more frustrated because I had a tough day I really didn't want to cook dinner for 7 and I was telling everyone I didn't want to cook but I did it anyway. And what did I get for it....no one really liked it. Well then YOU MAKE DINNER NEXT TIME THEN.

OK, so as I'm typing this I'm chuckling, it's funny. I shouldn't be stressed over dinner. I mean I don't care that they didn't care for it, it just I would have liked to hear you know thanks for making dinner, even when you didn't want to. That would have helped the "sting" of the meal not being to my normal standards.

Oh well, I will need to figure something out. My family will be staying with me for at least a couple more months so I need to suck it up.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Too Much

So locally there is a lot of political things happening. It's so overwhelming and frustrating. People have their view points and I respect that and I expect that if I have a differing view point that other will respect me for that, but sadly that's not the case. I feel that Facebook has become a political battlefield. With links to articles, comments, pleas to support one side or the other, it's just too much for me to take. Another friend of mine wrote this on her blog too so I know I'm not the only one out there that thinks it's crazy.

I'm glad that people feel passionately about causes, but I think there are ways to have your voices heard without sick outs, without picket signs that are so inappropriate I have to sheild them from my kids, without all this drama. I believe, and am trying to bring my kids up, that you might not like everything that goes on in our city, state or country government but you need to respect the process. Respect those that were voted in as our leaders even if you disagree with them. We are fortunate to live in this country where we have the right to vote and make decisions and if you don't like it there are ways to have your voice heard without disrespecting the process.

It's just sad that so many have forgotten mutal respect for others with differing opinions and people no longer respect our Democratic process.

And that's enough for me on politics, it's typically not a topic I discuss but it has been wieghing heavily on me so I had to get it out.

On another stressful note, I'm getting more stressed with my family that is living with me. They continue to work and pay bills and help when they can, it's just the small stuff. I know you shouldn't sweat the small stuff but after while it just continues to compound itself and becomes too much. My husband and I just booked a trip to Vegas in April and I can't wait!! It will be a chance to just let go and enjoy the quiet. Funny that one can get quiet in Vegas, doesn't seem possible but it will happen and it will be ENJOYED!!

Monday, February 14, 2011

I'm Happy

That's all....I'm just happy. Feeling good, looking forward to a good week of training.

Not too much going on which is nice. I'm stressed with the family living with us as I knew I would be. Sometimes it's just hard to live with all the toys and clutter. Their idea of clean and ours is different but they are learning. I just need to continue to have patience and enjoy a glass of wine every now and again LOL.

Monday, February 7, 2011

VICTORY

Those that know me, know I'm a huge Green Bay Packer fan and to see them win yesterday it was so exciting. I was just so darn happy for this group of guys who played tough all season. With the chips stacked against them they didn't give in or make excuses, the just pushed through.

It really is a way that we should live life. We get thrown curve balls all the time and it's so easy to make excuses for things we do instead of actually stepping up and pushing ourselves forward.

This type of mentality is how I am going to approach my running this season. When I think the chips are stacked against me, I'll push through and be successful.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Interesting Article

I found the following article on my Weight Watchers site:

Don't you think you deserve a little of your own adoration? Let us show you how to give yourself the love you deserve.

How do you learn to like yourself more? The same way you befriend anyone else: Take the time to get acquainted; be supportive and non-judgmental. Above all, look for the good. And try our tips for self-love:

1. Make a list of your many positive qualities
Read your list often. It could include anything from being a good singer to a loving parent. So what if you're not a brain surgeon or a super model? Very few people are — and you're still a worthwhile, likable individual.

2. Pay yourself a compliment every day
Focus on a different attribute — your clear complexion, pleasant voice, good fashion sense — and say out loud: "I love my ___." It may sound forced at first, but it's a useful counter to self-doubt.

3. Do things you know will help you feel better about yourself
This could be anything from a new hairstyle to losing that first 10 pounds. Tackle the easiest first, to build confidence in future efforts.

4. Give yourself regular treats
It could be anything from flowers to outings; just as you would surprise a loved one. You do it to make them feel good; aren't you worth the same consideration?

5. Spend time with those who care about you
You'll soon share their good opinion of yourself! If there aren't as many supportive people in your social circle as you'd like, consider ways of expanding it to increase your chances of positive feedback. Ask yourself: "Who will help me feel good about myself?" Apart from your immediate circle, consider neutral outsiders.

6. Avoid situations that reinforce self-doubt
This could involve re-examining long-established relationships — perhaps with a critical relative or colleague who is continually reinforcing damaging self-perception. Are you forever seeking another's approval but never getting it? Rather than simply taking the criticism, you could:

Retreat from the relationship a bit.

Stop hoping for approval.

Respond more assertively to harsh remarks (Example: "I feel bad when you call me 'stupid.' I would prefer that you addressed me with more respect.")

7. Try a little kindness
Instead of beating yourself up whenever you goof up, give yourself the benefit of the doubt, same as you would anyone else. Focus on your achievements, not faults. Chances are, once you start looking, you'll be surprised at just how many there are.

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I found this to be an interesting article that really hits home for me. I am very critical of myself and I don't cut myself any slack. And why shouldn't I? I cut others slack, why can't I do it myself? Who knows why. As the saying goes "we are our own worst critic" and we shouldn't be. So, here goes....

Positive Qualities: I am loving, kind, smart, caring, helpful
Compliment for today: I am a strong individual