My soap box for the day.....and lesson learned.

My soap box for the day.....and lesson learned.

Posted by Unknown

When in Rome....do what the Romans do. Isn't that the old adage. This last weekend my discouraging thoughts took me exactly to that place. Not particularly to Rome (much to my disappointment) but to just do what everybody else does and nothing more. For example....I deciding that the majority of people are selfish and think only of themselves. Why can't I do that and be happy too? Why do I have to be concerned about other people? Why am I sacrificing and nobody else seems to be? So.....I went to Rome so to speak and acted purely for myself. I didn't put my cart back in the cart return at the grocery store.
This selfish act put me on a spiral of self pity and I'm sure that is the reason you start to notice the rude and selfish behavior of others in the first place. You become offended, your needs weren't met, or to be frank....they didn't notice what you had done for them. You want the same treatment that you dish out to others. The golden rule so to speak.


For about 30 hours my thoughts were bitter, they were focused on myself and what else I could do to let the world know that I was joining the crowd. It consumed me and I have to admit I didn't like it. I was actually plotting my selfish behavior and how it would hurt other people. How they would notice that I wasn't thinking of them anymore and how any niceties that once existed would long be forgotten.


But I was quickly reminded thank goodness, that is not what life is about. The truth is...that if everybody walked their cart to the cart return it would be an easier life for everybody. Easier for the next car who parked, easier for the car owner risking a runaway in the wind, easier for the store clerk who collects the carts, easier for the store owner who might have to be another, and easier for me who burns more calories and feels good about her standing in the community by being a responsible citizen and grocery shopper.


We all do make a difference and truly we cannot stop doing what we know to be right just because the world around us doesn't seem to care. The world might not notice us as an individual but the affects may ripple far beyond our vision or understanding. It's good for the soul, it's good for other people, and the world is a better place because of the good we may choose to do. While I'm still probably 98% selfish I can work on increasing that 2%. When I do, my troubles will disappear and I can work on Rome becoming the place that I want it to be. A shallow and meaningful lesson for the day.......at least for this grocery shopper.

Election Day

Election Day

Posted by Unknown

Today is America's Elect Day! What an awesome thing to have such a right. I always haven't taken advantage of it but know that is a privileged denied to many. As the world becomes more complicated and the issues more polar the vote is more serious and precious indeed. However I have learned one thing in my life and that is that every person is entitled to their opinion and I 100% respect that. I joy in our differences and find that these differences are what unite the human race. We are able to think for ourselves and I truly believe in the freedom of speech. Not every human has it and we need to respect and honor that freedom. Have a great day and if you feel so obliged than go and let your opinion be know. At least through a secret ballot!.

Motivating Monday

Motivating Monday

Posted by Unknown

November is Here! Meaning fall is in full swing. A time to get out and rake, enjoy rainstorms vs. snow, and pull out all those winter sweaters. My goal is to start my resolutions before January and don't get discouraged that winter is coming. To fight back the candy and cookie season by being positive and hopeful about the future. I read this story and it made me laugh. A good story with a good moral. Just remember when life gets you down there is always a way out.

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!
You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL!

What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

- Author Unknown

Life's Frustration

Life's Frustration

Posted by Unknown

Where is the hidden stash of all my rubber bands for my hair? I seem to need to buy rubber bands all the time because I'm on the last one and it's about to break any minute. Do the dogs take them? To they get hauled away by mice? Do they disappear in the laundry machine like my favorite sock? I just don't understand.

Maybe this is my excuse for not venturing out yet this morning. I cannot go for a run without one but it seems I cannot find one anywhere in the house. Do I lose these subliminally? Who knows but now that the horrible thought came out (it's quite tempting actually to just give in and not run) I guess I'll have to shove my mop in a ski hat and run like the wind. Now where is my beanie anyway?

Have a great weekend and go put a pumpkin on your doorstep. It's one of my favorite things to see this time of year!

Posted by Unknown

So I have a friend (whose name I will keep anonymous (she lives in Colorado, is running 5.5 miles five times a week, hangs her khaki pants with perfect pleats by the ankles in her closet, and has a good friend named Diego)) and she is one her path to the perfect physique. I'll just call her 'Elaine' to protect her identity to the fullest. She recently asked me how I stay motivated. I scoffed......That is the last word I would describe myself. I'm dreading my early morning run two weeks from now let alone this morning.

One of my favorite catalogs to receive in the mail is Athleta. I'm not sure how I even received the catalog in the first place but truly I do enjoy it and it makes me feel like I belong to a group of motivated and in shape women out there. There is this one model in the magazine named Monica Carlson who is featured in it so much you commit her picture to memory. This last summer while watching American Gladiators (did I just admit that to the entire world) I noticed that she was now a Gladiator and had won the previous years competition. No wonder she is so muscular and fit. She works out 24/7..........and did I mention she has two kids.

Anyway the catalog Athleta has a blog and below is the link to it. I enjoyed some of the articles and thought I'd share. It motivated me to actually find and commit to two 5 or 10K races during the winter season. Yes they cost money but so does a gym membership! Find a friend and sign up for a run or a walk. Get out and enjoy the energy races provide. It's not about winning but rather just being out there and doing. Or like my other friend says......it's all about the tee shirt. So Elaine...this is my goal for the week. No sugar, no chocolate and no cheating. Can you make it one week with me? I take it day by day but certainly I do like the results that follow. Here is the link to the blog

http://www.athleta.net/chi/

I also enjoyed the article titled run like a mother by Kristina Pinto. Maybe it was just the title :)

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

Posted by Unknown

I'm on my last ten pounds of weight loss. Yes, I'm still working on the 70 Pounds that I gained during pregnancy. I'm starting to be thin again and I feel so much better. I can actually get into my jeans on, though truthfully my pockets are more on my hips than on my big watoosee. It's taken longer and its so much harder than I imagined. But as I approach I say to myself those famous last words. I will never let myself get out of shape again.

Since my triathlon I admit that I'm probably in shape. Just wanting to loose more and tighten up my body. I'm getting tired and bored with the monotonous run I do. Since my schedule is limited I can't mix it up more than I am currently doing. As the weather gets a little colder I realize my motivation has to stay. Maybe a race in early spring or even some light races through the winter months. In Bend, they have the turkey trot and jingle bell runs but they are only 5ks....oh..and I don't live there anymore. Mapmyrun.com is supposed to be motivating but....that's not working out for me either. I need an extra push.

In college my friend Tara used to meet me at 6:00am to go swimming everyday. Some days I'd think she wasn't coming but she always showed up. She was the motivation I needed to get myself out on cold tired days. I depended on her and she depended on me.

Any thoughts? I'm not into the Gym thing. Unless it's a yoga or spin class. I need a boost

Nottingham Family Reunion

Nottingham Family Reunion

Posted by Unknown

We made the front page of the Vail Daily with our family reunion. We were celebrating the house that my great grandfather built it 1908. Though my direct line doesn't own the house now, it is still in the Nottingham Family and we are able to celebrate the heritage of what is now a large extended family. There are wild and colorful stories of the folks back in the day and I realize that Family History can be interesting when you take a look at where you came from and who you are.

It makes me think about what I'm leaving behind for my descendants. Am I leaving a proud heritage rich with history or rather boring journals that are empty on content. The world has changed and though very few people homestead land anymore, we can do things that make ourselves and future generations proud. We just need to get to work. Set our goals and go for it. Whether we want to participate on the community level and be involved or we want to be the best at something...we just need to do. To go and do and to quit procrastinating. The world marches on (at a very fast pace I might add) and we will find ourselves left with only regrets if we don't get to work. Now I'm not saying that organizing your bill drawer will be something that future generations are proud of but it will free time to do what will make a difference in this world. To do the things you have always wanted to do.

What an editorial for a Monday Morning. I hope you understood what I was trying to say otherwise I'm ahead of the game on empty content :)

Posted by Unknown

I'm off for the weekend in the Avon, CO. I lived here 10 years ago and it feels good to be back for a little bit. I'm here for a family reunion as my great grandfather settled the Vail Valley. The picture above is of Nottingham Lake. I'll write more later as time is a wasting. Much to explore and do while I'm here.

Have you caught the wave of Facebook

Have you caught the wave of Facebook

Posted by Unknown

Facebook hasn't been around that long but it's sure getting more popular and popular. I can tell because more people keep finding me and adding me as there friends. I'm not a 'facebooker' as you might say. I don't log on to check out status updates and I don't usually search for people from my past. I joined because of an e-mail somebody sent me. I was invited to join and I did. From that point I have become reacquainted from people throughout my whole life. My neighbor from childhood facebooked me. My first kiss in preschool found me. Some old college roommates have found me again. You never know who the next person you will find on this thing. Many people I know won't join because they don't want people hunting them down but i find it kind of fun. When I first joined there was just four or five people from my high school registered. Now there is a slew. I kind of think of it like a virtual phonebook. You can send them a message, call them if they post their number, or ever see a picture of what they look like all these years later. I never did do the 'myspace' thing so maybe this is the exact same thing but on a professional level. Some say it's annoying but reconnecting with people is what life is about.

Another week.....hopefully another pound.

Another week.....hopefully another pound.

Posted by Unknown

Today is the last two days of my detox....Yes I'm cleansing again. I won't stop until I've last every pounds from my pregnancy. It's exciting to see the scale drop numbers despite the fact that I don't know where It's coming off from. I think with this last five pounds was pure back fat. I forgot to measure to know how many inches exactly I'm losing but the love handles are diminishing. Of course my derriere is still the same dimensions (my jeans tell me that) but little by little I'll lose every pound of that 65+ I gained. I'm a little behind the 1 year for getting your body back mantra, but it's never too late. It's amazing how good I feel.

Someone just told me this......Nothing tastes as good as thin feels. A motivational tool I'm sure but I definitely feel better...mind, body and soul.

(my brain quit working this morning and I couldn't figure out how to spell derriere. The only way I could think of was diary air. I was so discouraged and thinking that couldn't possibly be the origination of the word. I felt like I lost my mind. But then again......dairy air is relating to the buttocks of a cow.....more motivation for my monday and my long term goals)

Posted by Unknown

The shainsware giveaway will be annouced on Friday! Don't forget to comment on your green idea and you are qualified to win. Claim your prize by Monday. My goal is 25 people so get going and pass the news.

Today as I think about my life and I realize how funny and quirky I am. If someone somewhere is watching me (big brother of whoever would spy on me) they would truly think I was a basket case. I spend so much time wasting time looking for keys...backtracking into buildings....chasing receipts across parking lots and spilling drinks all over myself. Did I used to be like this....No. Not until I had a child. However are all mothers like this or just me? I am so not put together now days and can't seem to get the simplest projects done. I laugh as I wouldn't trade the world for my situation but boy......could I use a personal assistant to make my life easier. Someone to hold my keys (so I don't lose them in the diaper bag), someone to carry a filing cabinet around behind me (easily accessing all my important docs) and someone to basically put my drink into my adult sippy cut I now try to carry. Man......would that be nice.

Garage Sale America

Garage Sale America

Posted by Unknown

What a great weekend to have a garage sale. I guess Memorial starts the season while labor day might End the season. Whatever it is, who doesn't like cruising through others people junk to find a treasure of their own. I started Saturday it hopes of finding the perfect item. I wasn't looking for anything specific but just something that could be of beauty to me. I followed signs galore and was disappointed that after 10 garage sales I had only bought one item for 50cents (bargained down from $1.00) to just make the purchase of making a purchase. (It was a Toystory action figure for my son). Maybe I couldn't recognize value when I say it but I can definitely say I saw a lot of junk. I mean the kind of junk that you should give away to charity verses try to sell it for a profit. Oh well, I still have one more day of looking. I might hit a better neighborhood. That might have been a huge factor in the quality of junk I am looking for :)

I finished!!

I finished!!

Posted by Unknown

Well I did it. I finished my first REAL triathlon. I finished strong and proud...and it wasn't as hard or as bad as I thought it would be. I came in 20 minutes after the top woman finished so there is definitely room for improvement but I'm happy I finished and that there was no harm done.

My only problem is that I did have an asthma attack while swimming (my easiest leg turned out to be the one that kicked my watoosee). I haven't had one in years and voile.......I had one. I haven't used my inhaler in about two years and didn't think I should use an old one. My breathing was very labored and I never quite recovered until the next day. During the race everybody asked me (as I passed them I proudly report) if I was all right. I was even asked to stop once but I persevered and finished. Hallelujah.

Now on to my next one. I'll post a picture when I get one.

Olympic Hero

Olympic Hero

Posted by Unknown

I get so excited to watch the Olympics and see all the different athletes. They are truly amazing. I'm so exhausted that I only watch a few minutes a night before I fall asleep. The gold is the what every athlete looks for and all the glory goes to them, however there are those that try to compete and to finish. I saw this clip on youtube and felt overwhelming joy for this man. It takes so much courage to do what he does and I'm sure he is truly the best in his country. He deserves great credit and admiration instead of being mocked. It's definitely the "cool runnings" of swimming.

Video on the day.

Video on the day.

Posted by Unknown

There is tons of these videos about the "worlds strongest man". They are pretty much the same video but with different music. This video is worth watching if you haven't seen it. In preparing for my triathlon how could I not be inspired by this. How could I complain about anything anymore.

This is a longer version from the Today show but it gives a little background to the story. Hope you enjoy.....it might even bring a tear to your eye.

August is Here

August is Here

Posted by Unknown

The last month of the summer is here! Can you believe how fast it has went. I saw my first fallen leaf of the season yesterday crinkled on the street. Fall is coming. However there is still much of summer left to enjoy.

I love Sundance Catalog Company. It's one of my favorite stores etc. I rarely order anything from it but I do enjoying perusing. The jewelry is the best and recently I found a stellar key chain. I love the quote. I know I don't need to spend $100 to carry it with me but I can definitely carry the idea with me. We need to be happy with ourselves and our lives. If you hate your job that find something that will make you love your day more. Enjoy coworkers or go to lunch at your favorite sidewalk bistro. Find something that you can look forward to everyday....and truly love it. Most of the time it is all about attitude. That's why I love this keychain. It's a state of mind and life is to short. After all, it's August 2008!!!

Dancing with the universe

Dancing with the universe

Posted by Unknown

Have you guys seen this? It's my new favorite thing. My sister and law and I even danced to it in her living room to bring the universe closer to us. Try it...You might feel the power as well.

Just a little note

Just a little note

Posted by Unknown

It's amazing how busy our lives are. We seldom take time out for ourselves and rarely take time out for others. We go from place to place, do the mundane things of life, work our selves silly and are more than likely are just plain running around with a chicken like our heads cut off......or are too overwhelmed to do any of the above.

The other day I received a greeting from a friend. It was a customized E-card and it came at a time that I know the woman girl who wrote it must have been inspired. It was a nice letter letting me know that she was thinking of me. It truly came out of the blue but it was of so very precious. It wasn't my birthday, or holiday, or spam coming through the Internet world but a note from the heart that was oh so very thoughtful. It was just plain nice.

She had taken time out of her day to brighten anothers. So often we never realize how or what an act of thoughtfulness or service like this can do, but I do know one thing for sure. There definitely needs to be a whole lot more of them. It's Monday..the busy weekend is over, and I thought it would be the perfect time to send a note to someone else. I might sit down and write it, It might be a procrastinated thank you note, or I might just tell someone that the world is a better place because of them. Whatever I do, I'm sharing my goal with you in hopes that you might do the same. My friend is a great example to me. I want to be like her...to be that kind of person. Thank you Emilie for your kindness..... I've also enjoyed becoming friends with you again and watching our little boys do the same.

Thoughts for the day.

Thoughts for the day.

Posted by Unknown

So I was reading an article from Real Simple Magazine recently. It was entitled Forgiveness is a four letter word. It was an article published under health and wellness so I decided to check it out. I assumed that it was going to be a feel good article about how we should forgive to benefit our health, stress levels and live longer as all the studies indicate. It didn't mention any of these benefits.

Before I had read the article, I had assumed that the four letter word was love. However much to my disappoint the word was 'hard.' Of course forgiveness is hard. Isn't that obvious. Isn't that why we don't do it as often as we probably should. We carry grudges all day and even take our bitterness with as after a driver cuts us off on the way to work. It sets our mood the whole day but if we would just forgive and understand the world would be a better place.

When I forgave my husband for being an idiot, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I found myself to be so happier. That is the true health benefit I'm sure. However forgiving somebody truly is an act of love. It is the realization that none of us are perfect. It is indeed hard and takes a tremendous about of effort. It is the kind thing to do, the compassionate thing to do, and of course the noble thing to do. It is truly one of the most loving things we can do for another human being. We don't have to know, associate, or understand those we choose to forgive. Hard yes...but it's all rooted in love. And that's a good four letter word.


Click here for the link to the article. It really wasn't worth the excitement.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

Posted by Unknown

What a great day! I'm so excited I know beautiful mother's around the world. You all do so much! A song for all you!