Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tenacious Pursuits
Life is passion and passion is persistence. The truth is that most dreamers are just flat out stubborn. They won't give up no matter what the odds. And that's not a bad thing, you know. Goal-setters don't let the opposition get in their way. Sure, they take their fair share of hits, just like anyone else, but they get back up, 100% of the time.
Think of Lindsey Vonn. Her Olympic summary could be described as "She got the gold and fell down a ton," but the part we'll remember the most is that she got the gold. She's a stellar female skier and she knows it. I'm sure there were days when she felt like throwing in the towel, sleeping in, or skipping out on a plane flight for yet one more international competition. But, she didn't give up, not even when she injured her shin and broke her pinky. Instead, she faced her challenges head on.
Most of us will never make it to the Olympics because we're just too old and out of shape. But, even in our golden days, we just weren't good enough to compete with the athletic gods and goddesses. Even so, we need to pursue life with tenacity and fervor. Currently, I'm pursuing five personal goals:
First, I'm trying to keep myself and my family physically fit. Included in this is a balanced diet with tons of fruits and veggies, along with some wiggle room for a moderate amount of sweets. Likewise, my family and I are increasing our outdoor activities: walking around the neighborhood, bouncing on the trampoline, or just kicking the soccer ball in the backyard together. I'm not convinced that risky diet pills or fancy prepaid meals are the trick. The good old fashioned adage "You are what you eat" seems to make a lot of sense. And the exercise helps to burn off those nagging midnight brownies as well.
The cardio is muy importante because it lifts your spirit as you burn those calories. Sometimes I say to my husband, "I'm just not sure if I'm up for the gym this evening" to which he responds, "You should definitely go to your class, hon..." It's because he knows that I'm more energetic and encouraged after I've had a chance to rev up the endorphins.
I've recently questioned the sanity of my fitness goals as I train for a half marathon and a sprint triathlon; but, honestly... just having the dream makes me get on the damn treadmill in the first place. Every time I pass that six mile marker, I'm like a giddy teenager who just drank three Mountain Dews. My throbbing shins don't hurt at all (okay, they actually kill) and I'm even more motivated for my next run.
My second tenacious pursuit is my faith. My family has attended the same church for the past nine years. During this season we have said goodbye to some great friends who have moved out of state. We have also wished blessings upon our previous pastor who transferred into another venue of ministry. And we have weathered a variety of personal storms with church-friends and family members over the years. But no matter how our emotions and circumstances have oscillated, we have upheld our beliefs and our spiritual virtues. As a result, we have been strengthened and uplifted.
Part of my faith goal includes a dream to pursue singing. Talk about a reward and a blessing to my own spirit. The neat thing is that God actually ministers to me as I offer up praises to him. Also, it's such a treat to look out into the congregation and to see others lifting up their hearts and songs to God as well. They seem so free and joyful and I feel that way as well.
In addition to singing, I'm committed to learning to play the guitar. This way, I can contribute even more during my spiritual act of worship. It's going to involve lots of hard work and a good dust-cloth for my guitar because it's been awhile since I've practiced it consistently; but, it's going to be awesome! I may only be able to play one or two songs with the rest of the band, but that's okay with me, as long as they're cool with that.
My third goal during this season of my life is to be passionate about my family. Before having my three kids, I gave up the completion of a doctoral program. Some would mock this trade as a foolish one. But, instead of balancing five dozen eggs at one time, I decided to stay at home full-time while my husband has focused on his career- goals. It has been a challenging task, the hardest job I've ever undertaken. However, as I have made my family my biggest priority, I have reaped the greatest rewards.
I'm the one who got to see their first steps. I'm the one who gets to observe their chocolate covered faces after hot fudge sundaes. I get to smile and laugh out loud at their incredibly silly jokes. Most importantly, I'm the one who's there to kiss their crocodile tears away when they get hit in the head with the swing or when they lose their Transformer stickers. So far, it's been the right choice for me.
My fourth stubborn objective is to take charge of my finances. With three young children, it's easy to crank up the spending on the Master Card. That goes without saying, right? Most of you are like, "Yeah, it was easy enough to use the stinking thing even before having kids." There's always something to buy: new socks, new jeans, new books, school supplies, sports gear, movie tickets, and all those convenient take-out dinners. YIKES! All of a sudden you check your online statement and you're like, "How did we already charge $500 this month?"
Somewhere between that car repair, the Boy's Scout snack, and the t-ball party, the checkbook ends up a bit short. But, I'm committed to paying off all of our debts! Recently, we decided to sell a rental property (even in this less than totally solvent market) so that we could liquidate some of our cash to pay off our credit card and my student loans. When we call the credit card company to say, "Please cancel our card" we are going to have a bonfire while drinking some tangy margaritas BABY! It's gonna feel good.
The last directive is to have fun. With life focused on fitness, faith, family, and finances, you definitely can't forget to have a good time. Life is short and enjoying the ride is part of the journey. I say this in the context of having fun responsibly, of course. :) Truthfully though, some people get way too caught up in the details and miss out on the big picture. Our kids let loose, so why shouldn't we? If they don't like how their socks bunch up in their shoes, they take them off. And when they feel like running through the grass barefoot, they do. When they hear music, they just start to boogie like no-one is watching. We need to follow their lead on this one!
Even if it means going on a two week camping trip this summer instead of vacationing at the Hyatt, we've gotta catch up on some down time. Sure, most of us would prefer the Hyatt and its luxurious spa and fluffy pillows, but it doesn't exactly compare to an ocean-side campsite either. But, you don't have to wait for that summer vacation to start relaxing. Rent that movie! Go for that midnight stroll in your pajamas, just so you can say that you did. Eat tacos with chocolate syrup on them. There are no rules with food, as long as it tastes good. Just go for it!
If you're not living, then it means you're dead. Don't let people get confused about that! Help people to see what life is about by pursuing your own passions and dreams. You can do it! Lindsey accomplished her goals, even though it was hard work. You can too!
Think of Lindsey Vonn. Her Olympic summary could be described as "She got the gold and fell down a ton," but the part we'll remember the most is that she got the gold. She's a stellar female skier and she knows it. I'm sure there were days when she felt like throwing in the towel, sleeping in, or skipping out on a plane flight for yet one more international competition. But, she didn't give up, not even when she injured her shin and broke her pinky. Instead, she faced her challenges head on.
Most of us will never make it to the Olympics because we're just too old and out of shape. But, even in our golden days, we just weren't good enough to compete with the athletic gods and goddesses. Even so, we need to pursue life with tenacity and fervor. Currently, I'm pursuing five personal goals:
First, I'm trying to keep myself and my family physically fit. Included in this is a balanced diet with tons of fruits and veggies, along with some wiggle room for a moderate amount of sweets. Likewise, my family and I are increasing our outdoor activities: walking around the neighborhood, bouncing on the trampoline, or just kicking the soccer ball in the backyard together. I'm not convinced that risky diet pills or fancy prepaid meals are the trick. The good old fashioned adage "You are what you eat" seems to make a lot of sense. And the exercise helps to burn off those nagging midnight brownies as well.
The cardio is muy importante because it lifts your spirit as you burn those calories. Sometimes I say to my husband, "I'm just not sure if I'm up for the gym this evening" to which he responds, "You should definitely go to your class, hon..." It's because he knows that I'm more energetic and encouraged after I've had a chance to rev up the endorphins.
I've recently questioned the sanity of my fitness goals as I train for a half marathon and a sprint triathlon; but, honestly... just having the dream makes me get on the damn treadmill in the first place. Every time I pass that six mile marker, I'm like a giddy teenager who just drank three Mountain Dews. My throbbing shins don't hurt at all (okay, they actually kill) and I'm even more motivated for my next run.
My second tenacious pursuit is my faith. My family has attended the same church for the past nine years. During this season we have said goodbye to some great friends who have moved out of state. We have also wished blessings upon our previous pastor who transferred into another venue of ministry. And we have weathered a variety of personal storms with church-friends and family members over the years. But no matter how our emotions and circumstances have oscillated, we have upheld our beliefs and our spiritual virtues. As a result, we have been strengthened and uplifted.
Part of my faith goal includes a dream to pursue singing. Talk about a reward and a blessing to my own spirit. The neat thing is that God actually ministers to me as I offer up praises to him. Also, it's such a treat to look out into the congregation and to see others lifting up their hearts and songs to God as well. They seem so free and joyful and I feel that way as well.
In addition to singing, I'm committed to learning to play the guitar. This way, I can contribute even more during my spiritual act of worship. It's going to involve lots of hard work and a good dust-cloth for my guitar because it's been awhile since I've practiced it consistently; but, it's going to be awesome! I may only be able to play one or two songs with the rest of the band, but that's okay with me, as long as they're cool with that.
My third goal during this season of my life is to be passionate about my family. Before having my three kids, I gave up the completion of a doctoral program. Some would mock this trade as a foolish one. But, instead of balancing five dozen eggs at one time, I decided to stay at home full-time while my husband has focused on his career- goals. It has been a challenging task, the hardest job I've ever undertaken. However, as I have made my family my biggest priority, I have reaped the greatest rewards.
I'm the one who got to see their first steps. I'm the one who gets to observe their chocolate covered faces after hot fudge sundaes. I get to smile and laugh out loud at their incredibly silly jokes. Most importantly, I'm the one who's there to kiss their crocodile tears away when they get hit in the head with the swing or when they lose their Transformer stickers. So far, it's been the right choice for me.
My fourth stubborn objective is to take charge of my finances. With three young children, it's easy to crank up the spending on the Master Card. That goes without saying, right? Most of you are like, "Yeah, it was easy enough to use the stinking thing even before having kids." There's always something to buy: new socks, new jeans, new books, school supplies, sports gear, movie tickets, and all those convenient take-out dinners. YIKES! All of a sudden you check your online statement and you're like, "How did we already charge $500 this month?"
Somewhere between that car repair, the Boy's Scout snack, and the t-ball party, the checkbook ends up a bit short. But, I'm committed to paying off all of our debts! Recently, we decided to sell a rental property (even in this less than totally solvent market) so that we could liquidate some of our cash to pay off our credit card and my student loans. When we call the credit card company to say, "Please cancel our card" we are going to have a bonfire while drinking some tangy margaritas BABY! It's gonna feel good.
The last directive is to have fun. With life focused on fitness, faith, family, and finances, you definitely can't forget to have a good time. Life is short and enjoying the ride is part of the journey. I say this in the context of having fun responsibly, of course. :) Truthfully though, some people get way too caught up in the details and miss out on the big picture. Our kids let loose, so why shouldn't we? If they don't like how their socks bunch up in their shoes, they take them off. And when they feel like running through the grass barefoot, they do. When they hear music, they just start to boogie like no-one is watching. We need to follow their lead on this one!
Even if it means going on a two week camping trip this summer instead of vacationing at the Hyatt, we've gotta catch up on some down time. Sure, most of us would prefer the Hyatt and its luxurious spa and fluffy pillows, but it doesn't exactly compare to an ocean-side campsite either. But, you don't have to wait for that summer vacation to start relaxing. Rent that movie! Go for that midnight stroll in your pajamas, just so you can say that you did. Eat tacos with chocolate syrup on them. There are no rules with food, as long as it tastes good. Just go for it!
If you're not living, then it means you're dead. Don't let people get confused about that! Help people to see what life is about by pursuing your own passions and dreams. You can do it! Lindsey accomplished her goals, even though it was hard work. You can too!
Labels: faith, family, finances, fitness, fun
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Lemons and Sugar
Lemons make fantastic lemonade. Sure, this is obvious, right? But without some sugar, they don't concoct a very good juice. That's how life is sometimes. Life gives you a lemon and then you have a choice. You either pucker your lips at its sour taste or you add some sugar.
Whether it's a pay-cut or a delayed job offer, you have to maintain perspective. For some, it's a stubborn health issue. Maybe you even have to give up coffee or wine because of it, which adds insult to injury. Perhaps a friend has recently separated from her spouse because of an affair. How can we spin that in a positive light, right? It could just be a sister or a cousin who is going through a deep depression. You want to help, but you're not sure how to show that you care.
Even the most sour situations have hope because you can always add more sugar to the lemonade. Sometimes the amount and type you add depend on the situation. But, whatever life throws in your direction, you can get through its obstacles because of your positive responses and your upbeat attitude. For the lighter trials, buy some cheerful flowers or get a new energized haircut. A cup of strong coffee and an uplifting chat with a close friend can provide comfort as well.
For some of the bigger issues, look at these suggestions. Try visiting a retirement center to encourage someone whose health is much worse than your own. Or, if you're having a hard time seeing past your own injustices, try volunteering at an abused women's shelter to glean strength and perseverance from those amazing women. If finances are tight, spend a few days helping out a needy family down in Tijuana. You'll never look at a cardboard box the same way again and your downsizing from a four to a two bedroom house won't seem quite so bleak.
If sugar isn't enough, time is sure to help as well. You know how lemonade tastes even better once it has time to sit overnight in the chilled refrigerator? Life can be like that too. The flavors of some situations just need time to settle. Even though the lemon's sour flavor is not wiped out, over time, the sweetness masks it sufficiently. The tartness and the sweetness eventually mix together to make a beautiful flavor. Over time, some of life's struggles can be masked as well by all of the other blessings around us: our kids, our parents, our friends, our aptitudes and our hobbies. Over the weeks and months, by focusing on the good things in our lives, we maintain a measured perspective which allows us to take hold of the splendor around us.
Each family is made of its own special recipe, just like lemonade. No two are exactly the same, so we have to be fair to our own circumstances as well. We can't compare our situation to the Jones' next door or to the Browns' two blocks over. If we get into thinking our lives need to be exactly like another family's, then we miss out on what's right in front of us. Sure, hardships are a pain in the you-know-what, but they do make us stronger, smarter, and funnier. If we take things in stride, then we're ready for the next best thing, the sweetest lemonade imaginable.
Whether it's a pay-cut or a delayed job offer, you have to maintain perspective. For some, it's a stubborn health issue. Maybe you even have to give up coffee or wine because of it, which adds insult to injury. Perhaps a friend has recently separated from her spouse because of an affair. How can we spin that in a positive light, right? It could just be a sister or a cousin who is going through a deep depression. You want to help, but you're not sure how to show that you care.
Even the most sour situations have hope because you can always add more sugar to the lemonade. Sometimes the amount and type you add depend on the situation. But, whatever life throws in your direction, you can get through its obstacles because of your positive responses and your upbeat attitude. For the lighter trials, buy some cheerful flowers or get a new energized haircut. A cup of strong coffee and an uplifting chat with a close friend can provide comfort as well.
For some of the bigger issues, look at these suggestions. Try visiting a retirement center to encourage someone whose health is much worse than your own. Or, if you're having a hard time seeing past your own injustices, try volunteering at an abused women's shelter to glean strength and perseverance from those amazing women. If finances are tight, spend a few days helping out a needy family down in Tijuana. You'll never look at a cardboard box the same way again and your downsizing from a four to a two bedroom house won't seem quite so bleak.
If sugar isn't enough, time is sure to help as well. You know how lemonade tastes even better once it has time to sit overnight in the chilled refrigerator? Life can be like that too. The flavors of some situations just need time to settle. Even though the lemon's sour flavor is not wiped out, over time, the sweetness masks it sufficiently. The tartness and the sweetness eventually mix together to make a beautiful flavor. Over time, some of life's struggles can be masked as well by all of the other blessings around us: our kids, our parents, our friends, our aptitudes and our hobbies. Over the weeks and months, by focusing on the good things in our lives, we maintain a measured perspective which allows us to take hold of the splendor around us.
Each family is made of its own special recipe, just like lemonade. No two are exactly the same, so we have to be fair to our own circumstances as well. We can't compare our situation to the Jones' next door or to the Browns' two blocks over. If we get into thinking our lives need to be exactly like another family's, then we miss out on what's right in front of us. Sure, hardships are a pain in the you-know-what, but they do make us stronger, smarter, and funnier. If we take things in stride, then we're ready for the next best thing, the sweetest lemonade imaginable.
Labels: family, lemonade, perspective
Monday, February 01, 2010
The Love Month
The Love Month has arrived. Some people love it and some people hate it. I guess that's how it is with all holidays, but this one seems to really carry a lot of passion, one way or the other. You're either in love and can't wait for the day to get here or you're alone and angry and want it to pass over you like a 747. Then again, there are those who just don't give a rip, one way or the other.
If you hate the day just for its mere existence, then I hope you'll transfer your energy into caring for a friend or a loved one instead. The day doesn't have to carry such a negative connotation with it. Why not send roses to your Mom or Dad? Or pick a friend who's a lot worse off than yourself and bless her with a box of chocolates. Harry and David's has a fantastic basket of goodies on sale for around $15 which includes free shipping. Another great online resource is Costco, where you can get some great cookies and treat towers for around $25. Most of those include free shipping as well.
On the other hand, some of you are madly in love. You just can't wait for the big day to arrive. You're online hunting down the best chocolates and looking for the most beautiful roses to send or to receive (hopefully). You're the type who is dying to go see that new movie called "Valentine's Day" that has enough star power in it to actually break some records. Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, and Emma Roberts are some of the female leads, just to name a few. For males, you're gonna see Patrick Dempsey, Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, and Jamie Foxx, plus a few other hunks. Check out Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift as well, who play a cute couple in love, even though they're apparently "just friends" now in real life.
Others are indifferent about February 14th. You could take it or leave it. You hope you get something fun, maybe even a sweet kiss or two, but life is just too busy and too darn stressful for you to stop and care. You've got someone special and you enjoy your time together but you're just flat out tired and overwhelmed with life. Others are too broke to think about buying anything besides groceries let alone those silly red flowers. That's reasonable. Life is totally chaotic and our economy pretty much sucks. But there's hope.
Here's the deal, one equation for all three categories: love, hate, and indifference. No matter what happens on the big day, do these five things to ensure a big smile on your face and warm fuzzy feelings in your heart.
First, eat chocolate, no matter what diet you happen to be on at the moment. Eat the damn candy even if you have to buy it for yourself. Go for the dark chocolate and you'll even pack in some healthful antioxidants. If you love shopping organic, check out Fresh & Easy's organic ginger chocolate bar. It's literally amazing and costs less than $2.
Second, smell some fragrant roses, even if you just stop by the flower section in the grocery store while you're passing through. The Botanic Gardens up at UCR are pretty awesome too, if you're up for a relaxing hike. Check out their two rose gardens while some roses are still in bloom. Remember a quarter for parking though or else you're going to have to hike from Botswana just to get there.
Third, do something active. Whether that means going for a jog, attending the step class at your gym, or rocking out with the one you love, that's up to you. Just make sure to get out there and get the blood pumping. Endorphins are released and you'll feel better about yourself, about life in general, and about love.
Fourth, send a card to someone who needs a reminder that he or she is loved. Think of someone who might not even get a single card. Let him or her know they are special by sending a card in the mail or even just an e-card. Go to 123Greetings.com for some cool free e-card options. Yours doesn't have to be romantic; it really could be a platonic greeting of friendship and well-being. But maybe it should be romantic. Don't underestimate the power of love.
Last but not least, rent a feel-good movie or go out to the theater to see one. Why the heck not? Check out "Valentine's Day," which opens on the 12th. Or go and see "Leap Year" which opened a few weeks ago. I saw it and loved it, mainly because it's set in Ireland (which I'm dying to visit someday). Even though you can predict the plots of these kinds of movies with absolute certainty, they're fun to watch and you know I'm right.
Share some of your favorite Valentine's gift ideas here. Or, share a Valentine's tale that will make us laugh. We'd love to hear from you.
If you hate the day just for its mere existence, then I hope you'll transfer your energy into caring for a friend or a loved one instead. The day doesn't have to carry such a negative connotation with it. Why not send roses to your Mom or Dad? Or pick a friend who's a lot worse off than yourself and bless her with a box of chocolates. Harry and David's has a fantastic basket of goodies on sale for around $15 which includes free shipping. Another great online resource is Costco, where you can get some great cookies and treat towers for around $25. Most of those include free shipping as well.
On the other hand, some of you are madly in love. You just can't wait for the big day to arrive. You're online hunting down the best chocolates and looking for the most beautiful roses to send or to receive (hopefully). You're the type who is dying to go see that new movie called "Valentine's Day" that has enough star power in it to actually break some records. Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, and Emma Roberts are some of the female leads, just to name a few. For males, you're gonna see Patrick Dempsey, Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, and Jamie Foxx, plus a few other hunks. Check out Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift as well, who play a cute couple in love, even though they're apparently "just friends" now in real life.
Others are indifferent about February 14th. You could take it or leave it. You hope you get something fun, maybe even a sweet kiss or two, but life is just too busy and too darn stressful for you to stop and care. You've got someone special and you enjoy your time together but you're just flat out tired and overwhelmed with life. Others are too broke to think about buying anything besides groceries let alone those silly red flowers. That's reasonable. Life is totally chaotic and our economy pretty much sucks. But there's hope.
Here's the deal, one equation for all three categories: love, hate, and indifference. No matter what happens on the big day, do these five things to ensure a big smile on your face and warm fuzzy feelings in your heart.
First, eat chocolate, no matter what diet you happen to be on at the moment. Eat the damn candy even if you have to buy it for yourself. Go for the dark chocolate and you'll even pack in some healthful antioxidants. If you love shopping organic, check out Fresh & Easy's organic ginger chocolate bar. It's literally amazing and costs less than $2.
Second, smell some fragrant roses, even if you just stop by the flower section in the grocery store while you're passing through. The Botanic Gardens up at UCR are pretty awesome too, if you're up for a relaxing hike. Check out their two rose gardens while some roses are still in bloom. Remember a quarter for parking though or else you're going to have to hike from Botswana just to get there.
Third, do something active. Whether that means going for a jog, attending the step class at your gym, or rocking out with the one you love, that's up to you. Just make sure to get out there and get the blood pumping. Endorphins are released and you'll feel better about yourself, about life in general, and about love.
Fourth, send a card to someone who needs a reminder that he or she is loved. Think of someone who might not even get a single card. Let him or her know they are special by sending a card in the mail or even just an e-card. Go to 123Greetings.com for some cool free e-card options. Yours doesn't have to be romantic; it really could be a platonic greeting of friendship and well-being. But maybe it should be romantic. Don't underestimate the power of love.
Last but not least, rent a feel-good movie or go out to the theater to see one. Why the heck not? Check out "Valentine's Day," which opens on the 12th. Or go and see "Leap Year" which opened a few weeks ago. I saw it and loved it, mainly because it's set in Ireland (which I'm dying to visit someday). Even though you can predict the plots of these kinds of movies with absolute certainty, they're fun to watch and you know I'm right.
Share some of your favorite Valentine's gift ideas here. Or, share a Valentine's tale that will make us laugh. We'd love to hear from you.
Labels: chocolates, romantic comedy, Valentine's Day
