I want to be a runner. I've always wanted to be a runner. I remember in elementary school how we would have to take the Presidential Fitness Test. Part of that test was running a mile. I could never do it (I also could never do a pull up...something else on my goal list). I remember in high school how I ran a full mile for the very first time. Ironically, I was sick with a mild case of bronchitis, and I think that actually helped me to pace myself.
Anyway, I have some pretty lofty goals as far as running goes. For the past few years, I've wanted to run a marathon. What's the problem? I've never even run a 5k! Yes, I can run a mile now, but in actuality it's more like a slow jog and it leaves me feeling beat up. The farthest I've ever run was 2 miles on a treadmill. Last year, I started the Couch to 5k Program with my SIL, LutherLiz. She had posted it on her blog, and a lot of people decided to do it with her. I actually got through the program, but I was at a such a slow pace that I never actually made it the full 5k. This does not work for me.
So, this year I'm starting over. I've been jogging every morning, and I've been loving it, but I haven't made the progress I'd like to. So, I'm doing the C25k again. I've determined a much better speed for me, something a little faster, that will have me completing a full 5k in a decent time. Then, it's on to bigger and better things. In case you're wondering, right now I'm still using the treadmill. I know this makes workouts easier, but frankly I hate running in the cold. I'm very much looking forward to warmer weather and running with the dogs.
So, who'd like to do this with me? I could definitely use the support and the accountability. If you're in, let me know. Either way, I'll be regaling you with updates every once in a while. Thanks for being there for me!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Swimming To England
I was thinking the other day about what running a business is like. What can you compare it to? What did I think of? Crossing the Atlantic. Swimming to England. "What?!" you may ask. How on Earth does this analogy work? Well, let me explain.
Crossing the Atlantic without a boat is a mighty big task. Heck, it's probably one of those impossible, never-ending tasks. You have this amazing goal in your head, and all you can do is work towards it. However, crossing the Atlantic isn't easy. You can't get there in one night, so you're going to have to take a rest. You may just float for a bit and let the waters carry you. If, however, you rest for too long, the waters will simply carry you back from whence you came (or you'll be eaten by a giant sea monster). So, after a short break, you must start swimming again. Crossing the Atlantic is hard...very hard. It's exhausting, and you'll often feel like you're alone, but you know that somewhere there's someone cheering you on.
That's the best way to describe starting and running a business. You're never going to stop. You're always working towards something. Sure, you have to let yourself and your business rest sometimes, but if you rest for too long nothing will change. You won't grow, and that ultimately will equal regression. Yes, it's exhausting, and that's why you have to love what your doing in order to do it. If I didn't love swimming, do you think I'd want to swim across the Atlantic? NO! If I didn't love working with dogs, do you think I'd continue a dog training business? Absolutely not.
Bear in mind, that this analogy is not just for running a business, though. It can work for almost anything in life...weight loss, schooling, starting a family...anything. The fact of the matter is, life isn't always easy. You're not going to be able to float to England. And, it isn't always fair. There are sometimes hurricanes to swim through or around. However, in the end, it's all worth it. Whether you're starting a business or trying to lose 500 pounds, in the end, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
Oh, and for those of you who have started a journey and have "failed," do not think of it as the end of your journey. Think of it simply as a new beginning. One of my favorite quotes of all time is from You've Got Mail. Birdie is talking to Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) about closing the shop her mother had opened and says, "You are daring to imagine that you could have a different life. Oh, I know it doesn't feel like that. You feel like a big fat failure now. But you're not. You are marching into the unknown armed with...nothing." So, whether your business has failed, or your marriage has failed, or your weight loss journey simply isn't going as planned, know that you are not a failure. You are victorious and brave, because you dared to do something different, something scary, and that is certainly not failure.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Music and Memories
Everyone talks about how smell is the memory's greatest trigger. For instance, the smell of peppermint always makes me think of Christmas, and the smell of a gas stove (particularly one cooking onions in butter) reminds me of my grandma. However, I'm always surprised at how much a certain song can do that too.
There are some songs that just make me feel good. Take Disney, for example. I've heard Disney songs so many times and in so many places that I can't help but be happy whenever I hear a Disney song. Occasionally, I'll find one that strikes a certain memory, but those are few and far between.
Then there are songs like "The Way" by Fastball. That song came out when I was 12 or 13, and every time I hear it I instantly remember riding in the car with my cousin, Tina, having a blast. That's a very clear memory. Granted, it's faded a bit, and it's been diluted with other memories of that song, but that's the first memory I'm taken too.
And then there are songs where the simple melody brings back a series of emotions and memories. You see, like most people, I go through phases. Phases where I want to listen to a certain artist or a certain genre non-stop. Occasionally, I'll return to that artist or genre, but the passion is never the same as what it initially was. This morning, I returned to the Decemberists.
For some reason, I got their song, Red Right Ankle, stuck in my head. As I hummed the melody in the shower, I hit one note, just one, and I was immediately taken back to sitting on a back balcony with friends on a hot summer's night.. Ironically, the memory did not match the song. I never heard that song when I was sitting on a back balcony with these friends. However, the song reminded me of them and of good times.
Later this afternoon, I listened to Death Cab for Cutie, and I was transported to a ride up I-95, headed up to D.C. I just can't help but find it amazing that one tune, one simple song could take me back so much. Part of me wants to relive these memories. I want to repeat the past and relive everything...it was wonderful. I know, however, that repeating the past is neither possible nor healthy, and there are many other wonderful memories to be made in the future.
You know, it's a good day for this sort of introspection. On this 60 degree day (the warmest in months), I'm reminded that the world is ever-changing, and if I just roll with it I'll soon be in the sun and warmth again.
There are some songs that just make me feel good. Take Disney, for example. I've heard Disney songs so many times and in so many places that I can't help but be happy whenever I hear a Disney song. Occasionally, I'll find one that strikes a certain memory, but those are few and far between.
Then there are songs like "The Way" by Fastball. That song came out when I was 12 or 13, and every time I hear it I instantly remember riding in the car with my cousin, Tina, having a blast. That's a very clear memory. Granted, it's faded a bit, and it's been diluted with other memories of that song, but that's the first memory I'm taken too.
And then there are songs where the simple melody brings back a series of emotions and memories. You see, like most people, I go through phases. Phases where I want to listen to a certain artist or a certain genre non-stop. Occasionally, I'll return to that artist or genre, but the passion is never the same as what it initially was. This morning, I returned to the Decemberists.
For some reason, I got their song, Red Right Ankle, stuck in my head. As I hummed the melody in the shower, I hit one note, just one, and I was immediately taken back to sitting on a back balcony with friends on a hot summer's night.. Ironically, the memory did not match the song. I never heard that song when I was sitting on a back balcony with these friends. However, the song reminded me of them and of good times.
Later this afternoon, I listened to Death Cab for Cutie, and I was transported to a ride up I-95, headed up to D.C. I just can't help but find it amazing that one tune, one simple song could take me back so much. Part of me wants to relive these memories. I want to repeat the past and relive everything...it was wonderful. I know, however, that repeating the past is neither possible nor healthy, and there are many other wonderful memories to be made in the future.
You know, it's a good day for this sort of introspection. On this 60 degree day (the warmest in months), I'm reminded that the world is ever-changing, and if I just roll with it I'll soon be in the sun and warmth again.
Monday, January 31, 2011
What's Happening to Hollywood?
What has happened to Hollywood? I know I am certainly not the first person to mention this, but Hollywood is too thin. WAY TOO THIN! The actresses all look hard and skeletal. Actresses who looked amazingly beautiful ten years ago now look rough and kind of scary. Take, for example, Jane Leeves, actress who played Daphne Moon on Frasier and who now plays Joy on Hot in Cleveland.
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| THEN |
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| NOW |
Is it just me, or does she not look so great? Now, I love Jane Leeves. I think she's great. And, I know there's an age difference between these two photos, but I don't think age is the problem here. I really feel that if Jane Leeves were ten pounds heavier now she would be much cuter. She would possess a certain softness that she once had, a softness that she lost with the loss of a bit of weight. When she played Daphne Moon, she looked healthy and happy. Clothes seemed to fit perfectly and her collar bone showed off the gentle curves of her neck. Now, as Joy, she looks like she's trying to hard. Clothes seem to hang off her in a less-flattering way, and her collar bone seems to jut out at hard right angles.
Again, I don't mean to pick on Jane Leeves, but I'm using her as an example for the rest of Hollywood. Do people really think this looks good? I've noticed this on plenty of other actresses (Mary Tyler Moore, Meg Ryan, and Jennifer Love Hewitt to name a few). In an attempt to fit into a size -2 all these actresses have lost that wonderful attractive quality...femininity.
So, who do I think is stunningly beautiful? America Ferrera! Sure, she's dropped a few pounds since her role in Real Women Have Curves, but she's not scary thin. Her face is full but well-shaped. Her curves are plentiful and beautiful and her clothing only helps to accentuate her beauty. What do you think?
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Grammar Rules
I read a few blogs (probably more than I should), and generally I enjoy them. Lately, however, I've been concerned about something...GRAMMAR! I know I'm not always perfect, and I probably overuse commas and parentheses, but there are a few rules I want to go over here.
Me vs. I
This is the one I see most often. People tend to overuse "I". I think this comes from being told so many times that they were using "me" too often. So, I thought I'd help out here.
If you're debating whether or not to use "I", use this general rule: Take out the other person.
Example: Hans and I are going to the store.
The trip to the store was fun for Hans and me.
All I have to do is remove Hans' name. Would I say, "Me is going to the store?" NO! I'd say, "I am going to the store." Would I say, "The trip was fun for I?" No! I'd say, "The trip was fun for me." Actually, I'd probably say, "I had fun on that trip" but that's a completely different issue.
There, Their, They're
This one is a little easier. The rule is: "Their" is possessive, "they're" is they are, and "there" generally falls into all the other circumstances (usually location).
Example: Their cat is white.
They're going to get a white cat.
There is a white cat in that house.
I certainly wouldn't want to say, "They are cat is white," so why would I use 'they're'? Most people don't have many problems with this.
To, Too, Two
'Two' is obviously a number. I find it easiest to remember "to" as headed to a location. 'Too' can mean also, or it can be used in circumstances where you're signifying amount (too many, too much, etc.)
Example: We're going to the show.
There are two shows.
That show was too long. OR We enjoyed that second show, too.
I don't really know how else to explain this. Any ideas?
Your vs. You're
'Your' tends to signify possession, whereas 'you're' is a contraction for you are.
Example: You're a very nice person.
Your sister is a very nice person.
Again, you wouldn't say, "You are sister is a very nice person," and you wouldn't say, "You a very nice person." The 'are' makes all the difference.
Who, Whose, Whom
This is a very tricky one for a lot of people, and I'm not nearly as great with it as I used to be. However, there is a very simple rule. Simply answer the question you're asking (I always answer in the masculine to make the rule easier). If the answer is 'he', then the correct word is 'who'. If the answer is 'his' the word is 'whose'. If the answer is 'him' the word is 'whom'.
Example: Who is going to the concert? Answer: He is going to the concert.
Whose concert tickets are these? Answer: Those concert tickets are his.
Whom are you taking to the concert? Answer: I'm taking him.
Now then, there is one more form of who, and that's who's. This is a contraction of who is, and generally follows the same rule as who.
Example: Who's going to the concert? Answer: He's going to the concert.
Alright, I hope I haven't confused anyone too much, and I really hope I haven't offended anyone too much. It's just this is something that bothers me. Too many people are abusing the English language, and we need to start learning how to speak properly. That said, if you catch me abusing the language, feel free to call me out on it. I'm always looking to improve my speech as well as my writing. Thanks for listening!
Me vs. I
This is the one I see most often. People tend to overuse "I". I think this comes from being told so many times that they were using "me" too often. So, I thought I'd help out here.
If you're debating whether or not to use "I", use this general rule: Take out the other person.
Example: Hans and I are going to the store.
The trip to the store was fun for Hans and me.
All I have to do is remove Hans' name. Would I say, "Me is going to the store?" NO! I'd say, "I am going to the store." Would I say, "The trip was fun for I?" No! I'd say, "The trip was fun for me." Actually, I'd probably say, "I had fun on that trip" but that's a completely different issue.
There, Their, They're
This one is a little easier. The rule is: "Their" is possessive, "they're" is they are, and "there" generally falls into all the other circumstances (usually location).
Example: Their cat is white.
They're going to get a white cat.
There is a white cat in that house.
I certainly wouldn't want to say, "They are cat is white," so why would I use 'they're'? Most people don't have many problems with this.
To, Too, Two
'Two' is obviously a number. I find it easiest to remember "to" as headed to a location. 'Too' can mean also, or it can be used in circumstances where you're signifying amount (too many, too much, etc.)
Example: We're going to the show.
There are two shows.
That show was too long. OR We enjoyed that second show, too.
I don't really know how else to explain this. Any ideas?
Your vs. You're
'Your' tends to signify possession, whereas 'you're' is a contraction for you are.
Example: You're a very nice person.
Your sister is a very nice person.
Again, you wouldn't say, "You are sister is a very nice person," and you wouldn't say, "You a very nice person." The 'are' makes all the difference.
Who, Whose, Whom
This is a very tricky one for a lot of people, and I'm not nearly as great with it as I used to be. However, there is a very simple rule. Simply answer the question you're asking (I always answer in the masculine to make the rule easier). If the answer is 'he', then the correct word is 'who'. If the answer is 'his' the word is 'whose'. If the answer is 'him' the word is 'whom'.
Example: Who is going to the concert? Answer: He is going to the concert.
Whose concert tickets are these? Answer: Those concert tickets are his.
Whom are you taking to the concert? Answer: I'm taking him.
Now then, there is one more form of who, and that's who's. This is a contraction of who is, and generally follows the same rule as who.
Example: Who's going to the concert? Answer: He's going to the concert.
Alright, I hope I haven't confused anyone too much, and I really hope I haven't offended anyone too much. It's just this is something that bothers me. Too many people are abusing the English language, and we need to start learning how to speak properly. That said, if you catch me abusing the language, feel free to call me out on it. I'm always looking to improve my speech as well as my writing. Thanks for listening!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Something Smells
What a day yesterday was! This was the view of my basement around 11:00 yesterday morning.
Let me start at the beginning. Last week Hans and I noticed a slight leak in the basement. This is not entirely unusual in this area, and while we new it wasn't from outside moisture we assumed it was a mild leak coming from a hose we have down there (maybe needed a new washer or something). Then, on Friday, Hans was downstairs dealing with the dogs, and I was upstairs getting ready for the morning. When I flushed the toilet, Hans discovered that the leak was NOT from the hose, but was instead from a sewage pipe. EWWWW! Luckily, we had a home warranty and could easily get someone to come out and repair it.
I had noticed over the weekend that the leak was getting worse, and things were getting stinky. When the plumber came out, he informed us that it wasn't just a small leak. We could see the crack from the top of the pipe leading into the floor. The plumber had to drill into our floor and replace the whole pipe. I couldn't use the bathroom for the day. Luckily I had appointments and my appointments had toilets. :P
Right as the plumber was leaving the treadmill repair guy came. Get this, something had simply come unglued!!! Actually, that's about how I feel most of the time...coming unglued. Anyway, I now have a working treadmill again!! Woot!!! Sprinkles can get walked without going into the cold and rain, and I can walk without going into the cold and rain. It's a beautiful thing.
Other than that, I've been busy catching up on work. Things have been hectic but good. Let's keep this up!
Let me start at the beginning. Last week Hans and I noticed a slight leak in the basement. This is not entirely unusual in this area, and while we new it wasn't from outside moisture we assumed it was a mild leak coming from a hose we have down there (maybe needed a new washer or something). Then, on Friday, Hans was downstairs dealing with the dogs, and I was upstairs getting ready for the morning. When I flushed the toilet, Hans discovered that the leak was NOT from the hose, but was instead from a sewage pipe. EWWWW! Luckily, we had a home warranty and could easily get someone to come out and repair it.
I had noticed over the weekend that the leak was getting worse, and things were getting stinky. When the plumber came out, he informed us that it wasn't just a small leak. We could see the crack from the top of the pipe leading into the floor. The plumber had to drill into our floor and replace the whole pipe. I couldn't use the bathroom for the day. Luckily I had appointments and my appointments had toilets. :P
Right as the plumber was leaving the treadmill repair guy came. Get this, something had simply come unglued!!! Actually, that's about how I feel most of the time...coming unglued. Anyway, I now have a working treadmill again!! Woot!!! Sprinkles can get walked without going into the cold and rain, and I can walk without going into the cold and rain. It's a beautiful thing.
Other than that, I've been busy catching up on work. Things have been hectic but good. Let's keep this up!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Being Michael Scott
Some of you may know that I love the show The Office. I couldn't even begin to tell you what sucked me in, but I just love it. It makes me laugh, and that's always a good thing. My least favorite character, however, is one that almost everyone else adores...Michael Scott. I understand that the show wouldn't be the same without him, and I don't think I'd enjoy it as much if he weren't there, but that character just irritates me (especially in the earlier episodes). However, the other day I was watching an episode and I was struck by a startling realization.
We are all Michael Scott.
Here's the thing about Michael. More than anything, he wants to be cool. He wants a cool job and a cool girlfriend, and lots of cool friends. Jim is the coolest guy in the office, and Michael wants to believe that he and Jim are best friends. Pam is the prettiest, and so Michael imagines that Pam is attracted to him. Michael is too afraid to show his true personality, so he puts on this over-the-top act so people will think he's cool.
And I have to wonder, how many of us do this on a daily basis? How many people buy the coolest fashions and read all the hip magazines just so they can fit in? How many young girls starve themselves simply so they can be as thin as a model and be "cool?" How many people truly act like themselves 100% of the time? I know I don't. There are very few people who have seen 100% of me. That said, I feel like one of the lucky ones. My job allows me to act more like myself than anything else, and that's a blessing. But how many people have that?
Maybe if we stopped looking to please other people, maybe if we took time to realize what we really wanted instead of worrying about what others think of us, then maybe, just maybe, we'd be a little happier. And when you're happy, that comes across well. And when you come across well to others, you make friends. And the more friends you have, the cooler you are. Ah, it's so simple yet so complicated.
So, my challenge to you: Stop being Michael Scott. Start being you.
We are all Michael Scott.
Here's the thing about Michael. More than anything, he wants to be cool. He wants a cool job and a cool girlfriend, and lots of cool friends. Jim is the coolest guy in the office, and Michael wants to believe that he and Jim are best friends. Pam is the prettiest, and so Michael imagines that Pam is attracted to him. Michael is too afraid to show his true personality, so he puts on this over-the-top act so people will think he's cool.
And I have to wonder, how many of us do this on a daily basis? How many people buy the coolest fashions and read all the hip magazines just so they can fit in? How many young girls starve themselves simply so they can be as thin as a model and be "cool?" How many people truly act like themselves 100% of the time? I know I don't. There are very few people who have seen 100% of me. That said, I feel like one of the lucky ones. My job allows me to act more like myself than anything else, and that's a blessing. But how many people have that?
Maybe if we stopped looking to please other people, maybe if we took time to realize what we really wanted instead of worrying about what others think of us, then maybe, just maybe, we'd be a little happier. And when you're happy, that comes across well. And when you come across well to others, you make friends. And the more friends you have, the cooler you are. Ah, it's so simple yet so complicated.
So, my challenge to you: Stop being Michael Scott. Start being you.
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