I recently read somewhere that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. How true is that?
My life is not perfect, but I certainly do have perfect moments. I don't think that I need more than that.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Remaking Resolve
Today was an excellent test of my resolve to remake. I passed! It was a busy day. It was a long day. It was a productive day. In the end, I did what I had to do at work and at home, and I fit me in. I lived in every moment, the best of which was reading a book with my Son.
My day started at 3:45 this morning. After doing all that needed to be done, it was after 8:00. I was scheduled to run 4 miles, which I had not fit in. I decided that I would go to the gym, and just do something. Anything was better than nothing. At the gym, I lived in the moment, and had a wonderful workout! I decided that I would try my hills program. With it, I would have some incline, even if I did not complete the intended distance. In the end, I ran the full 4 miles on my schedule, with a more successful hills program than I have done thus far.
The success of my workout was sweetened by the fact that it almost didn’t happen. I am so glad that I fit me in! Doing so reinforces my resolve to remake myself through running! I am revelling in my remaking.
My day started at 3:45 this morning. After doing all that needed to be done, it was after 8:00. I was scheduled to run 4 miles, which I had not fit in. I decided that I would go to the gym, and just do something. Anything was better than nothing. At the gym, I lived in the moment, and had a wonderful workout! I decided that I would try my hills program. With it, I would have some incline, even if I did not complete the intended distance. In the end, I ran the full 4 miles on my schedule, with a more successful hills program than I have done thus far.
The success of my workout was sweetened by the fact that it almost didn’t happen. I am so glad that I fit me in! Doing so reinforces my resolve to remake myself through running! I am revelling in my remaking.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Monthly monitor - February
February was a busy month. I did so much, and was pretty productive. I exercised 21 of the 28 days. I made fundraising progress, and enjoyed time with my family.
I met, and had a session, with my trainer. She gave me a super schedule. I am following the running portion almost exactly and without much difficulty. I am having a harder time with the strength training. I have been very sporadic following the program, both how often I did it and how much of it I did. As I now have the running settled, March’s focus will be on strength training. I am scheduled to do it 3 times/week. Once I am familiar with the program, I should be able to complete it in about 45 minutes. I am thinking of doing it in the morning before my son wakes up, or right after he gets on the bus. Then, that portion of my training will be done. Also, the eating/drinking before is less critical than with the running. Accordingly, and because I have been fitting in runs later in the day, the strength training might work first thing in the morning.
In addition to my training, this adventure includes a fundraising component, which is off to a great start. I have raised $800.00 thus far, 38% of my $2,100.00 goal. I have 15 donations to date. I have directly reached out to about 80 people by mail, email, and hand. I also have joined Facebook to reach a broader group. My posts in February were less than in January partially because I was reconnecting on Facebook, and gathering support for my adventure. My action items changed a bit, but they still fit nicely into my remaking goal.
Just as I had hoped, the fundraising portion of my adventure nicely is advancing my remaking because I feel like I am making a difference -- for me, my family, and others. My stories would fill a book already. My favorite, however, concerns my son. One night at the dinner table, I was reporting my fundraising success. My son asked how much I needed to get, and then the discussion moved to another topic. Later that evening, my son was counting his money. I mentioned that he should think about what he wants to do with it. He said that he wanted to give some to me for my running. I read from my website, and showed him that I had $790.00. He told me that he wanted to give me $10.00 to make $800.00. He also said that he was going to give me $5.00, but decided on $10.00 when I read about the camp that kids could go to. He went to his room, returning with his donation. I am so proud of my son! Perhaps I am creating what will be a wonderful man who thinks of more than just himself.
We followed the Olympics quite closely. I liked that we talked about athletics, and appreciated the geography and math lessons woven into the Olympics from learning about the many countries to making various calculations connected to the medals, e.g., how many the US had, and how many more or less other countries had. One day my son went to the bus stop as if he were a speed skater, bending down with his hands behind his back, and with his legs moving from side to side. We had fun matching flags to their countries, and then finding them on the globe.
I have 2 quotes to close February. I had decided on one, but then I received my quote of the day email from Runner’s World, and could not resist. It is by the Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno, and is, “I do my best when I’m running. I don’t know why that is – everything seems to flow so easily. It’s almost a spiritual thing for me.” Those are wonderful words.
The other quote is by Noel Coward, English playwright, composer, and actor:
“Running is the classical road to self-consciousness, self-awareness and self-reliance. Independence is the outstanding characteristic of a runner. He learns the harsh reality of his physical and spiritual limitations when he runs. He learns that personal commitment, sacrifice and determination are his only means to betterment. Runners get promoted only through self-conquest.”
I met, and had a session, with my trainer. She gave me a super schedule. I am following the running portion almost exactly and without much difficulty. I am having a harder time with the strength training. I have been very sporadic following the program, both how often I did it and how much of it I did. As I now have the running settled, March’s focus will be on strength training. I am scheduled to do it 3 times/week. Once I am familiar with the program, I should be able to complete it in about 45 minutes. I am thinking of doing it in the morning before my son wakes up, or right after he gets on the bus. Then, that portion of my training will be done. Also, the eating/drinking before is less critical than with the running. Accordingly, and because I have been fitting in runs later in the day, the strength training might work first thing in the morning.
In addition to my training, this adventure includes a fundraising component, which is off to a great start. I have raised $800.00 thus far, 38% of my $2,100.00 goal. I have 15 donations to date. I have directly reached out to about 80 people by mail, email, and hand. I also have joined Facebook to reach a broader group. My posts in February were less than in January partially because I was reconnecting on Facebook, and gathering support for my adventure. My action items changed a bit, but they still fit nicely into my remaking goal.
Just as I had hoped, the fundraising portion of my adventure nicely is advancing my remaking because I feel like I am making a difference -- for me, my family, and others. My stories would fill a book already. My favorite, however, concerns my son. One night at the dinner table, I was reporting my fundraising success. My son asked how much I needed to get, and then the discussion moved to another topic. Later that evening, my son was counting his money. I mentioned that he should think about what he wants to do with it. He said that he wanted to give some to me for my running. I read from my website, and showed him that I had $790.00. He told me that he wanted to give me $10.00 to make $800.00. He also said that he was going to give me $5.00, but decided on $10.00 when I read about the camp that kids could go to. He went to his room, returning with his donation. I am so proud of my son! Perhaps I am creating what will be a wonderful man who thinks of more than just himself.
We followed the Olympics quite closely. I liked that we talked about athletics, and appreciated the geography and math lessons woven into the Olympics from learning about the many countries to making various calculations connected to the medals, e.g., how many the US had, and how many more or less other countries had. One day my son went to the bus stop as if he were a speed skater, bending down with his hands behind his back, and with his legs moving from side to side. We had fun matching flags to their countries, and then finding them on the globe.
I have 2 quotes to close February. I had decided on one, but then I received my quote of the day email from Runner’s World, and could not resist. It is by the Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno, and is, “I do my best when I’m running. I don’t know why that is – everything seems to flow so easily. It’s almost a spiritual thing for me.” Those are wonderful words.
The other quote is by Noel Coward, English playwright, composer, and actor:
“Running is the classical road to self-consciousness, self-awareness and self-reliance. Independence is the outstanding characteristic of a runner. He learns the harsh reality of his physical and spiritual limitations when he runs. He learns that personal commitment, sacrifice and determination are his only means to betterment. Runners get promoted only through self-conquest.”
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Helen's Happenings - Team Challenge
This past week has been quite busy. My pending posts are going to have to wait. I am formulating my fundraising plan, as I have joined Team Challenge! The link is:
http://www.active.com/donate/boston10newengland/Boston10HWalsh
http://www.active.com/donate/boston10newengland/Boston10HWalsh
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Enjoying eBay / selling as hemwcollects
In February, 2007, I registered on eBay. However, I didn’t list my first item until about one year later in January of 2008, having been paralyzed by my perfectionism. I felt that I only could list an item with the perfect pictures, the perfect description, the perfect shipping and handling, and the perfect price. Thankfully, working my priorities and action items put an end to my stagnation. Most significantly, I decided that I simply would do my best in offering my collection. At that point it was more important just to act.
Pushing me to act were two goals. I wanted more money, as it was tight. I also wanted to sort my stuff. The smallness of my house was increasing with the growth of my Son and his stuff. These goals needed to fit within my passion for collecting stuff. I reconciled my collecting passion with my recognition that I don’t need to collect everything.
I have sold all kinds of stuff on eBay. I love vintage collectibles, as they often include historical elements. Particularly, ephemera and avdvertising items are filled with fun. My collection included stuff from my Mom’s house. I was managing collectibles left from when she downsized. Sorting through them was so much fun! I also enjoyed getting those collectibles to people who would appreciate them. Watching the auction action provided such satisfaction, as did the significant amount at which so many of my auctions closed.
A few times, I purchased for resale. I bought some items at a store closing sale, knowing there was a market for them. I made a bit of profit on those items, but did not have the most fun with them. It’s not my preference to deal in mainstream items. Also, at least for now, it doesn’t fall properly into my list of priorities. The benefits do not outweigh the burdens. I also purchased a few items at neighborhood yard sales. I found some fun vintage items, on which I made a bit of profit. This approach was fun, but not something that I want to do regularly. For now, at least, purchasing items for resale will have to wait.
I sold some items for family and friends. The circumstances varied tremendously, as did the fun I had. Primarily, I enjoyed showing others that they could get rid of stuff, and make money to get more stuff. I sold my brother-in-law’s train set. I knew that I could spend time researching each piece. I also knew that the market would drive the auctions. I decided to present the items as best I could, and answer questions as necessary. I sold the set in over ten listings, and ended up delivering a pretty good amount of money to my brother-in-law. I had a similar result with a friend for whom I sold some stuff that belonged to his deceased wife, significantly the Barbie collection that did not interest his two young boys. My eBay stories could fill another book about which I dream. It might be entitled: Sorting Stuff, sharing and selling your collectibles.
While I love eBaying, it is time consuming for me. Currently, my time must be focused elsewhere because the benefits do not outweigh the burdens. The goals with which I began selling on eBay were met. At some point, I started to feel like eBaying was a job, but I already have a job, the demands of which are greater now than when I began selling on eBay.
I will continue to eBay; it’s something that I want to keep on my list. For now, it must fall lower on the list. I am thinking about how to include eBay in my Team Challenge fundraising efforts. I have to decide whether the benefits will outweigh the burdens. Time will tell.
Pushing me to act were two goals. I wanted more money, as it was tight. I also wanted to sort my stuff. The smallness of my house was increasing with the growth of my Son and his stuff. These goals needed to fit within my passion for collecting stuff. I reconciled my collecting passion with my recognition that I don’t need to collect everything.
I have sold all kinds of stuff on eBay. I love vintage collectibles, as they often include historical elements. Particularly, ephemera and avdvertising items are filled with fun. My collection included stuff from my Mom’s house. I was managing collectibles left from when she downsized. Sorting through them was so much fun! I also enjoyed getting those collectibles to people who would appreciate them. Watching the auction action provided such satisfaction, as did the significant amount at which so many of my auctions closed.
A few times, I purchased for resale. I bought some items at a store closing sale, knowing there was a market for them. I made a bit of profit on those items, but did not have the most fun with them. It’s not my preference to deal in mainstream items. Also, at least for now, it doesn’t fall properly into my list of priorities. The benefits do not outweigh the burdens. I also purchased a few items at neighborhood yard sales. I found some fun vintage items, on which I made a bit of profit. This approach was fun, but not something that I want to do regularly. For now, at least, purchasing items for resale will have to wait.
I sold some items for family and friends. The circumstances varied tremendously, as did the fun I had. Primarily, I enjoyed showing others that they could get rid of stuff, and make money to get more stuff. I sold my brother-in-law’s train set. I knew that I could spend time researching each piece. I also knew that the market would drive the auctions. I decided to present the items as best I could, and answer questions as necessary. I sold the set in over ten listings, and ended up delivering a pretty good amount of money to my brother-in-law. I had a similar result with a friend for whom I sold some stuff that belonged to his deceased wife, significantly the Barbie collection that did not interest his two young boys. My eBay stories could fill another book about which I dream. It might be entitled: Sorting Stuff, sharing and selling your collectibles.
While I love eBaying, it is time consuming for me. Currently, my time must be focused elsewhere because the benefits do not outweigh the burdens. The goals with which I began selling on eBay were met. At some point, I started to feel like eBaying was a job, but I already have a job, the demands of which are greater now than when I began selling on eBay.
I will continue to eBay; it’s something that I want to keep on my list. For now, it must fall lower on the list. I am thinking about how to include eBay in my Team Challenge fundraising efforts. I have to decide whether the benefits will outweigh the burdens. Time will tell.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monthly monitor - January
January was a productive month. More could have been done, but that always is the case. I exercised 22 of the 31 days. That’s important. I got a bit more organized, and set a schedule. I turned 46 years old.
I fit me in, with no negative impact on my job and family. I simply was more efficient. I had more positive energy, which I only can attribute to my increased running. The omnipresent question arises – which came first…. Here, is it the energy, the focus, the exercise, or simply the decided determination? This is not the time to try to answer / analyze this question, but instead to take credit for the advances, and to move on.
During January, I started a few things, and made a general plan. I succeeded somewhat in taking time and focusing first. Difficulties certainly were present, but I will not focus on them. I feel that there’s a tendency to dwell on distractions, which can be an excuse for not moving forward. Instead, I will focus on the advances.
I touched base, and made a February appointment with, the trainer that helped me with my marathon. I am so excited about that piece of the puzzle. I also have a new motivational song – Right Now by Van Halen. Thanks to iTunes, I was able to identify and download this song that I happened to hear. How fun!
I set a schedule of races! I will run: a 5K in March; a 10K in April; and a half marathon in June. The half marathon now is the ultimate goal for this remaking. Upon its completion, I will be healthier, and I will have made a difference. The inevitable results of the necessary training will be weight loss and increased fitness. I intend to run the race as part of Team Challenge, raising funds for CCFA, The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. I signed up for a Team Challenge introductory meeting to be held next week.
I will close January with the following words of Henry W. Longfellow:
Let us, then, be up and doing
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.
I fit me in, with no negative impact on my job and family. I simply was more efficient. I had more positive energy, which I only can attribute to my increased running. The omnipresent question arises – which came first…. Here, is it the energy, the focus, the exercise, or simply the decided determination? This is not the time to try to answer / analyze this question, but instead to take credit for the advances, and to move on.
During January, I started a few things, and made a general plan. I succeeded somewhat in taking time and focusing first. Difficulties certainly were present, but I will not focus on them. I feel that there’s a tendency to dwell on distractions, which can be an excuse for not moving forward. Instead, I will focus on the advances.
I touched base, and made a February appointment with, the trainer that helped me with my marathon. I am so excited about that piece of the puzzle. I also have a new motivational song – Right Now by Van Halen. Thanks to iTunes, I was able to identify and download this song that I happened to hear. How fun!
I set a schedule of races! I will run: a 5K in March; a 10K in April; and a half marathon in June. The half marathon now is the ultimate goal for this remaking. Upon its completion, I will be healthier, and I will have made a difference. The inevitable results of the necessary training will be weight loss and increased fitness. I intend to run the race as part of Team Challenge, raising funds for CCFA, The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. I signed up for a Team Challenge introductory meeting to be held next week.
I will close January with the following words of Henry W. Longfellow:
Let us, then, be up and doing
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.
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