In the meantime…..
What do you do when you are struggling with reaching a goal, or finding a relationship, or getting work done on a long range project?
You find yourself in this limbo…. Waiting for others to complete something, waiting for the results to show up, waiting for the stats to be compiled, waiting for the pounds or inches to drop, waiting for the phone call or e-mail or card…
How do you handle “in the meantime?” I think this is a very stressful time and very difficult to sit back and let the process proceed as it should. In the meantime can be paralyzing I think. So this is what I will do with my “meantime”:
While I am waiting for the person to handle the details of one event, I will begin another project.
In the meantime I will file things that have been sitting around for months, answer e-mails, and get ready for the new students.
While I am waiting for the scale to show the results of my workouts, in the meantime I will remember to drink my water and limit my portions. In the meantime I will pack my gym back and go to the club – even if it is only for ½ hour and I am tired!
While I am waiting for my dream man to show up, in the meantime I will be as friendly and fun towards others because you never know…
In the meantime, I will enjoy my time with my kids, my walks with Toby, coffee on my deck and a bike ride on the bike trails…
In the meantime I will take care of myself and not be paralyzed by the waiting. I will move forward and not sit still waiting. In my meantime I will make to most of the break I have been given because activity is right around the corner and perhaps I will wish for this “meantime” back again!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
What are we (am I) waiting for anyway?!
I have had the word “wait” in my vocabulary for too long I have decided. Songs on the radio, the news, magazine articles, and television shows all talk about waiting for any number of things. Waiting for the right one to come along, waiting for the winning number to win the lottery, waiting for the kids to finish school, waiting for the kids to go back to school, waiting for the perfect opportunity, waiting for the economy to change, waiting for the weather to warm up, waiting for the weather to cool down, waiting for the In box to get empty, waiting for the deadline, waiting for the weekend, waiting for Monday…
I have been in a waiting pattern for any number of these things and it has become paralyzing for me. I have got to get out of the “When this happens then I will….Syndrome”. I have been thinking a lot lately and trying to get out of it and I think I have found the solution. Here are just a few examples of how I have to turn this around… Instead of saying “when I lose 20 pounds I’ll start running again”, I need to say “when I start running again I’ll lose 20 pounds.” Or “when my bills settle down from my recent situation, I’ll get my finances in order.” Instead I need to say “when I get my finances in order, my bills will settle down.” Or “when work calms down, I’ll get more organized.” Yes, you guessed it – I need to say “when I get more organized, work will calm down.”
Of course there are some things I just have to wait for but I am prayerfully and patiently putting that into His hands. As for the rest of it – I CAN do something – and I will not continue to feel paralyzed by the waiting.
There is a web newsletter I subscribe to and there were some powerful words of wisdom I want to share also…. Enjoy!
Myth #1: I am waiting for things to turn around.
The reality is that things don’t turn themselves around. Here is a lesson learned while grazing cows. If you want milk, you don’t wait for the cow, grazing some distance from where you are, to back up for you to milk it. You get up and go where the cow is.
Myth #2: I would want to…(fill the blank), BUT…
The reality is that BUT is so powerful it neutralizes the positive motive stated before it. The future largely depends on how many “BUTS” you use at the present. Take an innocent and simple sentence like, “I want to go to college,” then follow that great statement with, “but I am too old.” That BUT empowers your bones to crack and your mind to operate as if you are approaching your life’s sunset.
Myth #3: It is not my responsibility to…(fill the blank).
That phrase demotes you from a doer to a watcher, a spectator of life who avoids participating. Check those around you. Doers are the achievers. Think about the time you went somewhere requesting help and someone said, “I do not have a solution for your situation, however, let me check around.” Even if that individual willing to do something can’t help you, you know he/she took full responsibility to act on your need.
I have been in a waiting pattern for any number of these things and it has become paralyzing for me. I have got to get out of the “When this happens then I will….Syndrome”. I have been thinking a lot lately and trying to get out of it and I think I have found the solution. Here are just a few examples of how I have to turn this around… Instead of saying “when I lose 20 pounds I’ll start running again”, I need to say “when I start running again I’ll lose 20 pounds.” Or “when my bills settle down from my recent situation, I’ll get my finances in order.” Instead I need to say “when I get my finances in order, my bills will settle down.” Or “when work calms down, I’ll get more organized.” Yes, you guessed it – I need to say “when I get more organized, work will calm down.”
Of course there are some things I just have to wait for but I am prayerfully and patiently putting that into His hands. As for the rest of it – I CAN do something – and I will not continue to feel paralyzed by the waiting.
There is a web newsletter I subscribe to and there were some powerful words of wisdom I want to share also…. Enjoy!
Myth #1: I am waiting for things to turn around.
The reality is that things don’t turn themselves around. Here is a lesson learned while grazing cows. If you want milk, you don’t wait for the cow, grazing some distance from where you are, to back up for you to milk it. You get up and go where the cow is.
Myth #2: I would want to…(fill the blank), BUT…
The reality is that BUT is so powerful it neutralizes the positive motive stated before it. The future largely depends on how many “BUTS” you use at the present. Take an innocent and simple sentence like, “I want to go to college,” then follow that great statement with, “but I am too old.” That BUT empowers your bones to crack and your mind to operate as if you are approaching your life’s sunset.
Myth #3: It is not my responsibility to…(fill the blank).
That phrase demotes you from a doer to a watcher, a spectator of life who avoids participating. Check those around you. Doers are the achievers. Think about the time you went somewhere requesting help and someone said, “I do not have a solution for your situation, however, let me check around.” Even if that individual willing to do something can’t help you, you know he/she took full responsibility to act on your need.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
No matter your size, you'll appreciate this I think!
(I received this from a friend - so I take no credit for writing this post!)
Recently, in large French city, a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym. It said: THIS SUMMER DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERMAID OR A WHALE?¨
A middle aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.
To Whom It May Concern:
Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans). They have an active sex life, they get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia. Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans. They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world.
Mermaids don’t exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis. Fish or human? They don’t have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them... not to mention how could they have sex? Therefore they do not have kids either. Not to mention who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store? The choice is perfectly clear to me; I want to be a whale.
P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver and a coffee with my friends. With time we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren’t heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy. Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, Good gosh, look how smart I am.
Recently, in large French city, a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym. It said: THIS SUMMER DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERMAID OR A WHALE?¨
A middle aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.
To Whom It May Concern:
Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans). They have an active sex life, they get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia. Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans. They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world.
Mermaids don’t exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis. Fish or human? They don’t have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them... not to mention how could they have sex? Therefore they do not have kids either. Not to mention who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store? The choice is perfectly clear to me; I want to be a whale.
P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver and a coffee with my friends. With time we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren’t heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy. Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, Good gosh, look how smart I am.
Monday, June 1, 2009
OMG I did it!
It was brutal - just brutal. I completed the Tour de Cure on Saturday and it was the most difficult ride of my life!
We began at about 7:40 - in the rain heading out north into the wind. I was going a good clip - completing 15 miles the first hour despite the rolling hills and some wind. The rain had stopped and by the second check point it was time to remove a layer. It looked like the sun was going to shine on us... but when would the wind let up??! Not too much longer and the clouds came back and the wind picked up even worse and it changed direction - just as we began heading south again - OMG It was awful!! You literally HAD to pedal to go down hill. If you stopped pedaling you would be blown over. By mile 45 or so I was seriously considering quitting - a few of us were together on the tail end of the pack and when we met at the check points we would complain a little, replenish our food and water and then decide to go on.
At one point when I was very lonely and discouraged and my right leg was bothering me I passed by a farm. On the front lawn was a mom and her two smaller children. They were out there waving and clapping for me! The little boy said "I picked this flower for you" and ran down to the road to see me. I stopped and very gratefully took the white fuzzy dandelion and tucked it into my front pack. I knew the wind would take all of the fluff off of it in no time, but it made me smile none the less.
More water, more Gatorade, another Cliff bar and on I went.
Well the sun came out, the route seemed to flatten and I knew the end was near. I was excited to see Richie and Theresa and my dad at the finish so I pedaled as fast as I could. I was already about an hour past my goal time so I hoped they were not impatiently waiting for me. I came into the Am Fam property, rounded the bend, went up the gentle hill (the last one Thank God!) and there they were. Theresa started clapping, Grandpa took my photo, Richie smiled and the Tour de Cure crew handed me my goody bag and said "well done". Theresa said "great job Mom, now let's get you off of this bike." I couldn't agree more!
We began at about 7:40 - in the rain heading out north into the wind. I was going a good clip - completing 15 miles the first hour despite the rolling hills and some wind. The rain had stopped and by the second check point it was time to remove a layer. It looked like the sun was going to shine on us... but when would the wind let up??! Not too much longer and the clouds came back and the wind picked up even worse and it changed direction - just as we began heading south again - OMG It was awful!! You literally HAD to pedal to go down hill. If you stopped pedaling you would be blown over. By mile 45 or so I was seriously considering quitting - a few of us were together on the tail end of the pack and when we met at the check points we would complain a little, replenish our food and water and then decide to go on.
At one point when I was very lonely and discouraged and my right leg was bothering me I passed by a farm. On the front lawn was a mom and her two smaller children. They were out there waving and clapping for me! The little boy said "I picked this flower for you" and ran down to the road to see me. I stopped and very gratefully took the white fuzzy dandelion and tucked it into my front pack. I knew the wind would take all of the fluff off of it in no time, but it made me smile none the less.
More water, more Gatorade, another Cliff bar and on I went.
Well the sun came out, the route seemed to flatten and I knew the end was near. I was excited to see Richie and Theresa and my dad at the finish so I pedaled as fast as I could. I was already about an hour past my goal time so I hoped they were not impatiently waiting for me. I came into the Am Fam property, rounded the bend, went up the gentle hill (the last one Thank God!) and there they were. Theresa started clapping, Grandpa took my photo, Richie smiled and the Tour de Cure crew handed me my goody bag and said "well done". Theresa said "great job Mom, now let's get you off of this bike." I couldn't agree more!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Help find a cure... The Tour de Cure on May 30th
http://tour.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TDC318018030?pg=pfind&fr_id=5604
I had no idea….
Dad went in for his eye surgery in September and while prepping him the nurse said – “so I see you have diabetes Bill…” I had no idea…
So dad has diabetes… Hmmmm It made me begin to wonder… After talking to him about it I decided to do some reading about non- insulin dependent Type II diabetes. The more I read, the more concerned I became that I too was at risk.
I had no idea….
In October I went to see the Dr. and explained what was going on… besides the pain in my shoulder, sore feet. tiredness, & the revelation about Dad’s diabetes we decided to run every test imaginable… for arthritis, x-rays for the shoulder & foot pain (perhaps a stress fracture from running again and all of my biking) and a fasting blood sugar for diabetes.
Thankfully the tests came back indicating most things were AOK – sore shoulder due to overuse required physical therapy, plantar fasciitis in the feet required stretching & shoe inserts, no evidence of arthritis, but the shock came with the blood sugar at 119 – I was pre-diabetic. I had no idea what to do with this information. I went to see a nutritionist & took a class for people diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes. I have learned about how to eat better & to make sure I am getting 150 minutes of physical activity each week (and “strolling” with the dogs does NOT count!) I am still struggling to drop any weight & metabolic syndrome has been blamed for this for me.
My Dr. told me it is not a matter of “if” I will develop Type II diabetes; it is a matter of “when”. Because I am so physically active she thinks I have forestalled the disease over the years & could keep it at bay if I continue with my diet changes & high activity level… I am determined not to give in or give up.
This year I have decided to join the Tour de Cure for Diabetes & will be riding 100K on May 30th to raise money for a cure. TYPE II non-insulin diabetes is hereditary & not much is known about the cause, but I hope we can find out. Diabetes itself is a silent killer harming the heart & kidneys- damage is done over a long period of time – even before diagnosis.
Would you please sponsor me with a donation to the American Diabetes Association? My goal is to raise $150.00 & to complete the 100K distance. I have been training since March& feel ready to tackle the challenging distance on a tough course outside of Madison. Your pledge would be greatly appreciated.
You can make your check out to American Diabetes Association & mail it to me (5550 Caddis Bend, Apt. 100, Fitchburg, 53711) or donate on-line through my Tour de Cure Web site using your credit card. http://tour.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TDC318018030?pg=pfind&fr_id=5604
Thank you in advance and I hope our efforts lead to a cure for all forms of diabetes someday soon.
Carol
I had no idea….
Dad went in for his eye surgery in September and while prepping him the nurse said – “so I see you have diabetes Bill…” I had no idea…
So dad has diabetes… Hmmmm It made me begin to wonder… After talking to him about it I decided to do some reading about non- insulin dependent Type II diabetes. The more I read, the more concerned I became that I too was at risk.
I had no idea….
In October I went to see the Dr. and explained what was going on… besides the pain in my shoulder, sore feet. tiredness, & the revelation about Dad’s diabetes we decided to run every test imaginable… for arthritis, x-rays for the shoulder & foot pain (perhaps a stress fracture from running again and all of my biking) and a fasting blood sugar for diabetes.
Thankfully the tests came back indicating most things were AOK – sore shoulder due to overuse required physical therapy, plantar fasciitis in the feet required stretching & shoe inserts, no evidence of arthritis, but the shock came with the blood sugar at 119 – I was pre-diabetic. I had no idea what to do with this information. I went to see a nutritionist & took a class for people diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes. I have learned about how to eat better & to make sure I am getting 150 minutes of physical activity each week (and “strolling” with the dogs does NOT count!) I am still struggling to drop any weight & metabolic syndrome has been blamed for this for me.
My Dr. told me it is not a matter of “if” I will develop Type II diabetes; it is a matter of “when”. Because I am so physically active she thinks I have forestalled the disease over the years & could keep it at bay if I continue with my diet changes & high activity level… I am determined not to give in or give up.
This year I have decided to join the Tour de Cure for Diabetes & will be riding 100K on May 30th to raise money for a cure. TYPE II non-insulin diabetes is hereditary & not much is known about the cause, but I hope we can find out. Diabetes itself is a silent killer harming the heart & kidneys- damage is done over a long period of time – even before diagnosis.
Would you please sponsor me with a donation to the American Diabetes Association? My goal is to raise $150.00 & to complete the 100K distance. I have been training since March& feel ready to tackle the challenging distance on a tough course outside of Madison. Your pledge would be greatly appreciated.
You can make your check out to American Diabetes Association & mail it to me (5550 Caddis Bend, Apt. 100, Fitchburg, 53711) or donate on-line through my Tour de Cure Web site using your credit card. http://tour.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TDC318018030?pg=pfind&fr_id=5604
Thank you in advance and I hope our efforts lead to a cure for all forms of diabetes someday soon.
Carol
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Green goes with everything…
When my son was about four years old we would often go shopping together. It was nice mommy and son time. We would talk about how things were going at the day care, and I would be sure to take a detour to see whatever construction was going on around town. (He loved construction vehicles – as most boys do!)
One spring day we were going to go shopping for some clothes and a new spring coat for me. While I was in the coat racks of Burlington Coat Factory, I was overwhelmed by the selection – the colors, the styles and thought “oh my, this is not going to be easy and I hope Richie has patience with me while I browse.” My eye was first drawn to the usual beige and light colored coats of a traditional style. However after trying on two or three I thought I’m going to get out of my comfort zone and really go crazy. I recall trying on a pink and a coral and a light green coat. They were all pretty, but I kept having a haunting thought – do these colors “go with” anything? Now the traditional taupe or beige are safe colors and match anything… but peach… or coral… hmmmmm this was a stretch for me.
Another lady was also browsing in the coats and as I was talking aloud to myself (and to Richie) about my dilemma I am sure she got quite a chuckle. After all, what did Richie care if beige or taupe were the “right/safe” colors to choose. And besides, I promised him a happy meal so he was even more anxious to get going. I caught her smiling once in awhile as I hemmed and hawed about my decision.
Well, Richie finally asked me about the two coats I had narrowed down (a peach and a light green one).
He said “Mommy why are you having trouble deciding?”
I said “I am just not sure if these colors go with anything, honey.”
And he, in all of his infinite wisdom said…
“Mommy, grass is green and it goes with everything. You should get the green one.”
The lady nearby burst out laughing and said “He sure has a point there!”
And the rest is history as I bought the light green coat and smiled every time I put it on.
While I have outgrown the coat (and bought a new green coat for spring) I will never outgrow the wisdom of that little guy!
One spring day we were going to go shopping for some clothes and a new spring coat for me. While I was in the coat racks of Burlington Coat Factory, I was overwhelmed by the selection – the colors, the styles and thought “oh my, this is not going to be easy and I hope Richie has patience with me while I browse.” My eye was first drawn to the usual beige and light colored coats of a traditional style. However after trying on two or three I thought I’m going to get out of my comfort zone and really go crazy. I recall trying on a pink and a coral and a light green coat. They were all pretty, but I kept having a haunting thought – do these colors “go with” anything? Now the traditional taupe or beige are safe colors and match anything… but peach… or coral… hmmmmm this was a stretch for me.
Another lady was also browsing in the coats and as I was talking aloud to myself (and to Richie) about my dilemma I am sure she got quite a chuckle. After all, what did Richie care if beige or taupe were the “right/safe” colors to choose. And besides, I promised him a happy meal so he was even more anxious to get going. I caught her smiling once in awhile as I hemmed and hawed about my decision.
Well, Richie finally asked me about the two coats I had narrowed down (a peach and a light green one).
He said “Mommy why are you having trouble deciding?”
I said “I am just not sure if these colors go with anything, honey.”
And he, in all of his infinite wisdom said…
“Mommy, grass is green and it goes with everything. You should get the green one.”
The lady nearby burst out laughing and said “He sure has a point there!”
And the rest is history as I bought the light green coat and smiled every time I put it on.
While I have outgrown the coat (and bought a new green coat for spring) I will never outgrow the wisdom of that little guy!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Peanut butter and mayonnaise...
One of my “mom-isms” was something I have told my children since they were old enough to fall in love. When my kids would came home from school with a crush that was not reciprocated and they were heartbroken I would give them the following example of why they should not be so down on themselves, feeling inadequate or unworthy.
It is like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Two people might go together in a fabulous way like a sandwich. They might be a good match and everyone thinks it is a good thing. Perhaps it is strawberry or grape jelly and maybe it is chunky versus creamy peanut butter. None the less, it is a good match.
Then there is the situation where someone prefers turkey and mayonnaise. Now there is nothing wrong with a turkey and mayo sandwich. I even like this on occasion. Or perhaps it is roast beef and horseradish – not bad either.
Each sandwich in its own way is great. However when you mix things up, it might not be such a good match. Imagine peanut butter and horseradish or grape jelly and turkey. Hmmmm…
Now like I said - there is nothing wrong with turkey or peanut butter in and of itself, but maybe the match is not right…
So when the kids are hurting from a nonreciprocating love, I tell them it is like peanut butter and mayonnaise. Nothing wrong with either one - it is just not the match that is meant to be.
Next time if things don’t work out the way you plan with someone, or your children are having a break-up, remind them that is just like “peanut butter and mayonnaise.”
It is like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Two people might go together in a fabulous way like a sandwich. They might be a good match and everyone thinks it is a good thing. Perhaps it is strawberry or grape jelly and maybe it is chunky versus creamy peanut butter. None the less, it is a good match.
Then there is the situation where someone prefers turkey and mayonnaise. Now there is nothing wrong with a turkey and mayo sandwich. I even like this on occasion. Or perhaps it is roast beef and horseradish – not bad either.
Each sandwich in its own way is great. However when you mix things up, it might not be such a good match. Imagine peanut butter and horseradish or grape jelly and turkey. Hmmmm…
Now like I said - there is nothing wrong with turkey or peanut butter in and of itself, but maybe the match is not right…
So when the kids are hurting from a nonreciprocating love, I tell them it is like peanut butter and mayonnaise. Nothing wrong with either one - it is just not the match that is meant to be.
Next time if things don’t work out the way you plan with someone, or your children are having a break-up, remind them that is just like “peanut butter and mayonnaise.”
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