Catching Up...AKA.. where does the time go?

Life is a whirlwind... and I'm learning that when there are kiddos in the house that is about 100 times more the case than when Margo was my only roomie... but that's not a bad thing really.  Life is fun, an adventure, and each day a new learning experience (both for Margo and I!).

 

While I haven't been posting much on this blog - I have been working on some of the things on my Enjoying 2015 list.

• I completed the Warrior Dash!  It was a struggle in some spots, often times more mental than physical... it was great fun though!  I truly had no concept of exactly how muddy I would get or how relieved I would be to swim through that last pool of mud under the barbed wire. I couldn't have done it without my awesome friend Kelly (and the rest of the team that she brought to us!).  
• I've been reading more... sometimes when I get in one of those non-reading ruts I forget exactly how much I love getting lost in a book.  I've read several great books lately:
• Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson - This was a quick, fun, and true to life story of those tough tween years.  
  
• The Package Deal: My No So Glamorous Transition from Single Gal to Instant Mom by Izzy Rose  - I can't say enough about this book.  I felt like I knew the author right from the beginning and we were great pals.  Sure, there are lots of "how-to" and "self help" books about being a Step-Mom, but this book did one better... it showed me that all of the thoughts, feelings, and apprehensions constantly swirling around in my head were NORMAL.  Plus it made me laugh out loud a lot! 
  
• Spending more time disconnected - this is a really tough one for me.  I can easily fall into the trap of being a smart phone junkie... checking my personal email, work email, facebook, goodreads etc on a seemingly constant basis but I've been making a concerted effort to tune all of that out for periods of time.  Being part of such an active family helps that - we are often playing in the park, taking a walk or just enjoying being silly with each other.  Henry also just got a guitar for Father's Day and it inspired me to break out my Dulcimer and do a little tinkering with a few songs.

All in all life is good - sometimes super stressful and overwhelming - but good :-) 

I think in the next few weeks I'll focus on continuing finding a good balance and staying disconnected sometimes and also get back on the exercise bandwagon...who knows - I might want to run the Warrior Dash again next year :-)

Book Thoughts: Wild by Cheryl Strayed

 

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

I read this book simply because it seemed like an entertaining book about hiking... and as an unlikely serious hiker myself, about to attempt the Inca Trail, I thought it would be a fun (and maybe informative) read.  It was all of those things, but I didn't realize when I checked this book out of the library that it would also strike a cord with me on other levels.  I identified with Cheryl from the first few pages and while I never engaged in the kinds of destructive behavior she does while facing grief and uncertainty I certainly felt her pain as she described nightmares she would wake up from, or the feeling of loss of control after losing her mother and her family essentially falling apart.  I cried with her and laughed with her and was proud of her (and maybe a few times questioned her sanity but I'm sure people question mine sometimes too).

Definitely recommended reading, if you're a hiker or not, the story is about the journey both physical and emotional.  Definitely worth the read.  And if you're the kind who likes to read books before you see movies definitely give it a go because the movie is slated to be released sometime in 2014.

P.S. Here's hoping my Inca Trail comrades and I are more prepared than Cheryl was... plus... you know, we'll have a guide and each other.  After all, this girl is afraid of the dark... and the dark alone in the wide open wilderness... no way :-) 

Change is a good thing

Hello again!

I was just thinking how awesome it is that spring is almost here, how there's just one more week until I can add an hour of daylight to my evening and start running with friends again outside and not on a stinking treadmill... and what's it calling for? Snow!  I say yuck!  But I have some friends who are really hoping for a snow day so because I'm an awesome pal I suppose I will join team "please please please mother nature can we have a huge blizzard this week."  Maybe a snow day will give me time to do some writing, blogging, crafting or reading... ok.. so now I'm fully behind this possible weather event.

Owning 2013 update:  So far so good :-)  It's been a rough few years of changes and adjustments for me but so far 2013 has brought me good stuff.   In February I interviewed for a promotion at work and in early April I start the new gig.  I couldn't be more excited for this new challenge!  I know I've worked hard for this but I can't help but also think that things work out the way they're supposed to.  The timing and job and location and well everything couldn't have worked out better for me and I'm so very very thankful for the opportunity and adventure that awaits.

Not nearly as exciting but I did also cross reading Catcher in the Rye off my list and I've been to the gym twice in the last 3 days (and I'm about to eat ice cream as a reward.. lol)

 
Books I've Read:
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger - I gave this 4 stars on goodreads...but I probably am more of a 4.5 for it.  It's not up there with my absolute, all time favorites but I really did enjoy this book.  I know I'm opposite of a lot of my reading friends on this but I sort of liked Holden Caulfield though I also believe that you don't have to love a narrator/protagonist to appreciate a book.  While I can certainly see why some would find Holden the most whiny character ever to live inside a book I also feel like Holden felt genuine to me.  He's lost, on the brink of adulthood, reaching out repeatedly to adults who don't really provide him with the guidance he needs and obviously severely affected by the death of his brother Allie.  To me Holden is someone who's searching for direction, meaning, and mostly identity.  He's stuck somewhere in between. 
For some great thoughts on Catcher in the Rye check out John Green's Crash Course on it...lots of interesting stuff to think about.  I'll be honest...John Green's the reason I wanted to read Catcher so badly and it did not disappoint.

Just One of the Guys by Kristan Higgins - I gave this one 4 stars too and I'm ok with giving classics and books I read for pure enjoyment the same credit.. they serve different purposes and this book filled the "I want to read a sweet book where everything turns out ok in the end" niche very nicely. Check out the link to goodreads for a description... it's a perfect snow day book and if you're a Marylander you might need that this week!


Song I'm loving right now:  I heard a clip of this on the 93.1 Future File on Friday and then immediately went searching on my phone right where I was (don't worry I was parked and not driving).  I love their song Postcard from Paris and this is certainly different but it's got an addictive beat and pretty fun lyrics.  Sorry guys... it's full of man-hating girl power. They'll be playing in Columbia in May if anyone is interested!!

 

 

Hope everyone has a good week :-) Catch you soon! 

Crunch Time

When I started this blog, 1001 days seemed like a huge amount of time to complete 101 things... bwahahahaha.  So how the heck did I find myself with about 7 months left to go and a TON of time consuming items left on my list.  Reading through it just now I think it's safe to say I probably won't get it all done.. but that's ok.  I'll keep working on it until the bitter end anyway.

If I could simply start blogging more regularly that would be an accomplishment in itself...plus it would release me from always blogging about how I'm not blogging enough :)  

It's been an eventful 6 months or so since my last post... some good, some bad.  I'm not going to rehash details because those of you reading this probably know me well enough to know all of the ups and downs... I'll simply say that I'm hoping 2012 (yes - I know we are 4 months in already) will hold happiness and maybe a little less stress.  I prefer to be an optimist so I'm looking forward to whatever fate brings me between now and the end of this little project.  

Let's get down to some accomplishments and goals :)

I did manage to read several great books in the past few months... I won't give full reviews because that would take forever but here is a quick rundown:

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green  -- seriously, if you haven't read John Green - do it!  Yes - I'm a little obsessed with him... sure, he would be in my guilt free three, but aside from that - he's an amazing author that will have you laughing through the tears while reading his books.  His first book Looking for Alaska is easily my favorite book I've ever read... but with each new title I'm reminded of why I love his work.  Ok - enough gushing.

2. The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander -- this is the first in the Chronicles of Prydain series.  A good friend of mine who dutifully read all of John Green's books on my recommendation suggested I try this series which is his favorite.  I loved it!  I'm not generally a fantasy reader but the quirky and lovable characters made this a great read for me.  I think I'll pick up book number two very soon!  I've been meaning to read it for ages just like I've been meaning to update this blog....

3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon -- several friends recommended this series and I wasn't disappointed... I think I need a month off of work so I can work my way through the rest of them :-)  

4.Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich - I know a lot of people have gotten tired of this series.. after all there are EIGHTEEN of them so far... but I still love Stephanie Plum and watching her struggle humorously through life and with her feelings for two sizzling men.  (I'm team Ranger by the way if anyone cares).

Other Stuff --- 

To be honest I haven't accomplished much else that was on any sort of list of goals (not that those titles were on my list but reading in general always is) but life was busy with other tasks... cleaning out my dads house, packing this one for our move, buying my new truck (the pretty blue love of my life) and just getting through the day to day.  I have gotten a bit of running done but not enough :/

Time to set some goals--

1. Read a book.  Those listed above were all finished a few months ago... its time to finish another already.

2. Run 3 times a week

3. Blog at least once a week

4. Stop and smell the roses - have fun :-)

Yeah - I know none of those are specific items on my list... but I'm working with baby steps here... plus half my house is packed up right now and being in limbo is not the easiest time to accomplish big huge tasks.

Happy New Year, Happy Valentines Day, Happy St Patricks Day, Happy Spring, Happy Easter.... yeah I missed a lot of stuff :-)

Ta Ta For Now!

Sparkles!

Well the only thing I accomplished from my list of three things to accomplish this week was to do something nice for myself... BUT I think that was a pretty important one.   On Monday morning I went and had a pedicure and the girl always winds up talking me into letting her do my nails too (I think because she's always horrified by their condition and takes personal responsibility for my horrible nails- both hands and feet).   While I was relaxing away I vaguely remember her saying something about my nails being "shiny" and I must have nodded while watching a morning talk show on the nail salon's TV because before I knew it I had a pretty intense layer of glitter polish on top of the chosen color :-).  So here is my tip of the week - pay attention when someone is doing something that affects your appearance!  I'm pretty easy going about my nails though and knew I would mess them up promptly and have to remove it all anyway so I said what the heck - a sparkly week it shall be! 

Other than that I read a few books for a workshop I'm going to on Saturday about books for teens but I think I will wait and blog about them as a group after the workshop.  I always enjoy the books for this workshop but I'm also always happy to go back to reading things that aren't "assigned".  Though I must say I read my first John Green book for a workshop and that certainly was worth it and created a groupie/ bit of a crazy stalker fan out of me :-)

Not sure I'll make any goals for the weekend-- it's going to be a pretty busy one.  My other half has a birthday coming up and a high school reunion this weekend on top of a visit to my dads and work happy hour tonight... so aside from all the scheduled events I think my goal will just be to sit back, relax, and breathe.

Have a great weekend!

One Day At A Time

It's been a few weeks since I've posted an update...actually it's been a full month now that I look back at the date... and life has been hard.  On July 10th I lost my mom and one of the best friends anyone could ask for and I'm still not sure I've come to terms with it.  I often reach for my cell to call her like I would several times a day to say good morning, or tell her something silly her grand-dog had done and I miss those little moments like crazy. Knowing she doesn't have to struggle anymore and that she's with my nephew in Heaven is comforting and I feel so blessed that I was given the gift of saying goodbye and being with her and my family in those final moments.   I have never ever witnessed the kind of bravery as I did in her that day. 
The weeks following have been a blur.  As hard as the week of mom's funeral was - I was lucky enough to be surrounded by family and friends and the love and support was overwhelming.  Someone mentioned to me during that time that it was amazing to see how close my highschool girlfriends and I still were after 15 years and I am so grateful for that, they were there for me and my family each and every day making sure I ate, holding me when I cried or just sitting quietly with me.  It was also wonderful to be surrounded by family everyday and perhaps the hardest moment for me was when everyone started going home and "real" life had to resume.

"Real life" however didn't really resume for me right away as the following week was spent at a work training, the "Maryland Library Leadership Institute" in Port Deposit, Maryland.  Truly this was for me just what the doctor ordered... It was intensive and engaging and kept my mind occupied almost every waking second.  I was lucky enough to have a fabulous group of peers to work with through the week (Thanks 46% Fairly Content!) and I must say it lived up to the praise of all of my coworkers who have gone before me through this program.  I learned a lot about myself and how to push out of my comfort zone at work and hope that it will carry over into my personal life as well.  Plus - the food was amazing!!  The "meal" bell rang five times a day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and morning and afternoon snack.  Fresh baked scones/tarts/and cookies between meals is something I will definitely miss but I'm sure my trainer at the gym will be glad was only for a week!

So now after a week of being able to distract myself I find myself back in the real world and it's definitely an adjustment...one I'm taking day by day as I work through my grief, prepare for a crazy busy week at work, and try to regain some focus on making myself a better person.   I took a look at my list to see if I had in fact accomplished any of my goals in the last month and this is where I'm at:
a. I tried a new recipe (new to me anyway) and made dad some barbecue with mom's recipe.  He liked it much better than when I cook with my own recipes :-) 
b. I ordered fish at a restaurant and had tuna steak when we went out with Chad's mom 4th of July weekend.  It was good... but not as good as the Rockfish I had in Ocean City!
c. I pushed my comfort zone by speaking at my mother's funeral.  I didn't think I had it in me but I did and it was a blessing to be able to honor the woman who meant the most to me in life and I thank God for helping me get through it.

Today it's off to see my dad and hang out with the family...and tomorrow back to the library for the first time in two weeks...and whatever comes my way I'll just take it one day at a time.

All about me...

So these last few weeks (at least as far as this list is concerned) have been all about me :-). 

I had a massage, got a desperately needed pedicure, took up a running program (ok so its mostly walking and jogging) and joined a gym.  I must admit, it feels really good to have "me time".   

Life is stressful and I am trying to think more positively about ways to deal with stress and also to realize that in order to be able to help other people I also have to help myself. 

I completed my time with personal trainer #1 who taught me just how far I have to go :-)  and I joined a gym closer to home.  I go to the gym tomorrow to get shown the ropes and also have the trainer there help me formulate a plan.  I like to plan (hence this list!) so I'm looking forward to that.

As far as the running program - it's hard to believe but I am really enjoying it so far.  It's not easy because I have never EVER been a runner.  I can remember dreading running the mile in gym class as far back as middle school because I was never any good at it.  I can't EVER remember running even one lap around the track without being totally miserable (if at all) but yesterday the Couch to 5k running program had me doing just that-- quarter mile intervals with walking between... and I did it ... and it seems small but I am quite proud of myself  :). 

The pedicure and massage were rewards for some stressful times--- I actually got the pedicure spontaneously as I waited for my second flat tire in about a week to be fixed (luckily the nail place was within walking distance from the tire shop - I think I deserved it!) and the added bonus is pretty feet that are actually sandal worthy now! 

In the coming weeks I'm going to try to focus on continuing my me time by allowing myself quiet time to read or just think as well as focusing on making the running and gym a habit.   I also realize that I think I am going to need to edit my actual list in the future - I've got a few new goals and a few goals that might not seem as interesting anymore. I know these lists are probably supposed to be static... but I prefer to be a fluid person and I will change my mind if I want to!  

Me Running?? That's crazy talk!

OK so along with the torturous personal training session I have also completed week one of the Couch-to-5k running program with the help of a handy ipod-touch app.  I love that it keeps track of the time for me... tells me when to walk and run in intervals and also lets me import a playlist of songs.  The first time I ran I attempted to take the beagle with me.  I figured she could use some off the couch time as well... but she didn't make it past the warm up before she started driving me crazy with her stopping to smell things or to mark her territory.... seriously she wants to own the whole neighborhood!  So I sent her back inside and went out to finish the workout alone.  I enjoyed being outside but the 2nd two workouts of the week had to be on the treadmill because it was either dark or too darn hot when I had time to fit it in.   I realized after the first day that treadmill running is way easier than outside running so I decided to try to make it closer to outside running during my 3rd workout by upping the incline a little (not a lot - trust me!) and that seemed to do the trick.   

I hope that this blog and making my goal of completing this 9 week program public will keep me focused and help me to actually push through and finish and not quit halfway through... so if you see a few weeks where I don't mention it ... please feel free to hound me about it!

Other than running, this week has been pretty busy with work and hanging out with the folks.  Mom had a setback and had to go back to the hospital Tuesday night and should be released today to either home or a rehabilitation facility.   Thoughts and prayers for her strength, healing, and calmness are always appreciated!