I love that I've found a positive in the horrible negative that was my car accident. I'm walking ALL over the place, logging miles every day. I run all of my errands on foot- - walking to baseball games, the grocery store, the bank, the library, you name it.
So lucky to live in a town where this is possible, I know. And finally taking advantage of it!
I walk every single day. Many days, more than once, each time over a mile, some as much as three.
So while I'm not running a marathon, what an amazing change of lifestyle. And so much better for the earth. Watching that carbon footprint shrink people!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
God's gift
Took a morning walk today - just a mile and a half - no record time, but feels so good just to get my heart pumping first thing.
I realized today - that I have been given a gift - the gift of time - and that I've not been taking advantage of it at all. Shame on me.
So I am devoting a couple of hours each day - in broken up walks - to start getting healthy. It's been 20 years since I've been healthy (HOW SAD), and I'm ready.
God gave me the one thing I didn't have before - TIME. And I've been laughing in his face, not taking advantage of it at all. Oh for six weeks I was great, but that wasn't until January - having had all of Nov and Dec! And then I got sick, and that was the end.
So while I'm nursing my broken rib, and still coughing, I will not be making any time speed records. BUT. I WILL be using up calories on several walks a day. I will have 10 miles in this week. Shooting for 20 next week. I don't have to run yet. I have time. Walking will be just as good.
Once the calories are burned, muscle built, and the weight starts coming off, I'll try to run. I'd love to run a 5k yet this summer. And I totally think I can do it. I have a 1.58 mi route from my house to the highway and back. I'd love to be running that by July 4th. After I can run that entire thing, I will find another route that gets me to the 3.2 miles, and I'll start working on that.
The goal: 25 miles a week average from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Running 1.58 miles steady by July 4th. Running a 5K (3.2 miles) by Labor Day.
Day One of The Gift Challenge: 1.58 miles (some jogged). I can do this!
I realized today - that I have been given a gift - the gift of time - and that I've not been taking advantage of it at all. Shame on me.
So I am devoting a couple of hours each day - in broken up walks - to start getting healthy. It's been 20 years since I've been healthy (HOW SAD), and I'm ready.
God gave me the one thing I didn't have before - TIME. And I've been laughing in his face, not taking advantage of it at all. Oh for six weeks I was great, but that wasn't until January - having had all of Nov and Dec! And then I got sick, and that was the end.
So while I'm nursing my broken rib, and still coughing, I will not be making any time speed records. BUT. I WILL be using up calories on several walks a day. I will have 10 miles in this week. Shooting for 20 next week. I don't have to run yet. I have time. Walking will be just as good.
Once the calories are burned, muscle built, and the weight starts coming off, I'll try to run. I'd love to run a 5k yet this summer. And I totally think I can do it. I have a 1.58 mi route from my house to the highway and back. I'd love to be running that by July 4th. After I can run that entire thing, I will find another route that gets me to the 3.2 miles, and I'll start working on that.
The goal: 25 miles a week average from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Running 1.58 miles steady by July 4th. Running a 5K (3.2 miles) by Labor Day.
Day One of The Gift Challenge: 1.58 miles (some jogged). I can do this!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
a sign?
I have been sick for six weeks.
A little history - I don't get sick very often - sometimes a cold/flu, but very seldom. And while I am obese, I have no chronic health issues. Blood pressure and cholesterol good, etc.
Six weeks ago I started to cough. It progressed, but being a microbiologist, I knew my body could fight whatever was attacking me if I gave it rest, fluid, and nourishment. But it kept getting worse to the point where I would pass out. Literally. Out of bed, at the couch, didn't matter. And I had two black eyes, two bumps on my head, and a gash on my nose to prove it.
So I went to the doctor - to the diagnosis of pertussis. Whooping cough. Seriously? Who gets that? Aren't we vaccinated? So I was in isolation for 5 days, and on meds for those 5 days. Day 6 showed no improvement, and I was due to take a trip, so I went back. The girl who only goes to the doctor for check ups was on visit number 2. Doctor number 2 told me that this would take a while to heal. Did xrays, blood work, all perfect. Bronchitis. Due to thet stress of the coughing. Here, take these steroids for 9 days, here are some pills to help you sleep. See ya.
The steroids while I took them did make me feel better, able to breathe. But I continued to cough, pass out. UGH.
So here I am in week SIX of this horrific cough. This week I've had several days of coughing to the point of vomitting. And this morning, sitting on the couch watching the morning news, I started coughing, reached for a glass of water, and next thing I knew, there was water all over the computer, my lap, the couch, and floor.
When I pass out, it's like I'm having a siezure they say. (Those who have witnessed it.) I start shaking, mumbling, and then just pass out. As I start to come to, I feel confused, and am typically speaking, although not always making sense. This, to say it honestly, scares the crap out of me.
My mother died of complications from COPD and congenital heart failure at the age of 76. For much of my adult life, I listened to her cough, and watched her struggle for breath. The cough I have sounds JUST like that. And that scares me like no one understands. I am trying to focus on the fact that all the tests have come back great. That I wasn't a smoker. But when I hear myself sounding just like she did for all those years, how can I not be scared?
Last night I dreamt of my mom. She came to me and healed me. I pray nightly, but have only in the last week started asking for my own healing. So last night when mom came to me in my dreams, and took away my sickness, it brought me peace. But I woke up sick. I know it won't go away over night. What did that dream mean? Do I have what mom had? Or was she coming to me to assure me I don't?
Either way - I have vowed to change what is going on. I sit on the couch, coughing, etc. I have not done anything to give my body the tools it needs to heal. I'm not eating well. I'm not exercising. I'm using the cough as my excuse. No more. I am going to do all that I can naturally to help my body heal. Eating well, doing small amounts of exercise. I'm not going to overdue it. I know that I am sick. But I also know I've not given my body a fighting chance, and it's time I do that.
A little history - I don't get sick very often - sometimes a cold/flu, but very seldom. And while I am obese, I have no chronic health issues. Blood pressure and cholesterol good, etc.
Six weeks ago I started to cough. It progressed, but being a microbiologist, I knew my body could fight whatever was attacking me if I gave it rest, fluid, and nourishment. But it kept getting worse to the point where I would pass out. Literally. Out of bed, at the couch, didn't matter. And I had two black eyes, two bumps on my head, and a gash on my nose to prove it.
So I went to the doctor - to the diagnosis of pertussis. Whooping cough. Seriously? Who gets that? Aren't we vaccinated? So I was in isolation for 5 days, and on meds for those 5 days. Day 6 showed no improvement, and I was due to take a trip, so I went back. The girl who only goes to the doctor for check ups was on visit number 2. Doctor number 2 told me that this would take a while to heal. Did xrays, blood work, all perfect. Bronchitis. Due to thet stress of the coughing. Here, take these steroids for 9 days, here are some pills to help you sleep. See ya.
The steroids while I took them did make me feel better, able to breathe. But I continued to cough, pass out. UGH.
So here I am in week SIX of this horrific cough. This week I've had several days of coughing to the point of vomitting. And this morning, sitting on the couch watching the morning news, I started coughing, reached for a glass of water, and next thing I knew, there was water all over the computer, my lap, the couch, and floor.
When I pass out, it's like I'm having a siezure they say. (Those who have witnessed it.) I start shaking, mumbling, and then just pass out. As I start to come to, I feel confused, and am typically speaking, although not always making sense. This, to say it honestly, scares the crap out of me.
My mother died of complications from COPD and congenital heart failure at the age of 76. For much of my adult life, I listened to her cough, and watched her struggle for breath. The cough I have sounds JUST like that. And that scares me like no one understands. I am trying to focus on the fact that all the tests have come back great. That I wasn't a smoker. But when I hear myself sounding just like she did for all those years, how can I not be scared?
Last night I dreamt of my mom. She came to me and healed me. I pray nightly, but have only in the last week started asking for my own healing. So last night when mom came to me in my dreams, and took away my sickness, it brought me peace. But I woke up sick. I know it won't go away over night. What did that dream mean? Do I have what mom had? Or was she coming to me to assure me I don't?
Either way - I have vowed to change what is going on. I sit on the couch, coughing, etc. I have not done anything to give my body the tools it needs to heal. I'm not eating well. I'm not exercising. I'm using the cough as my excuse. No more. I am going to do all that I can naturally to help my body heal. Eating well, doing small amounts of exercise. I'm not going to overdue it. I know that I am sick. But I also know I've not given my body a fighting chance, and it's time I do that.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The beginning of another year
I have now started my 42nd year. Yesterday was my birthday. What better day to start fresh?
I had been doing so well on my health - and then was derailed by back to back sicknesses. In February, the flu took me out for 9 days, and I'm in week 4 of fighting bronchitis on the heels of pertussis. So needless to say, my spring has sucked.
I'm at about 70 percent right now. Still have some pretty nasty coughing bouts, etc., but have decided that I just can't wait any longer. My goal is to run the annual 2 mile run on the 3rd of July, and I've lost ALL progress. So it's time to buckle down. I know I can't run right now - after walking I usually cough forever. But I have to start some training. So I'm putting together a spreadsheet, printing it out, and sticking to it. I WILL run the 2mi. I ran/walked it last year - but would LOVE to run the entire thing this year. And in 2013 - the 5 mile?
I had been doing so well on my health - and then was derailed by back to back sicknesses. In February, the flu took me out for 9 days, and I'm in week 4 of fighting bronchitis on the heels of pertussis. So needless to say, my spring has sucked.
I'm at about 70 percent right now. Still have some pretty nasty coughing bouts, etc., but have decided that I just can't wait any longer. My goal is to run the annual 2 mile run on the 3rd of July, and I've lost ALL progress. So it's time to buckle down. I know I can't run right now - after walking I usually cough forever. But I have to start some training. So I'm putting together a spreadsheet, printing it out, and sticking to it. I WILL run the 2mi. I ran/walked it last year - but would LOVE to run the entire thing this year. And in 2013 - the 5 mile?
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
time for a detox
I've decided to do a natural detox. A jump start, spring cleaning per say. All natural - quinoa, blueberries, kale, etc. Breakfast is a smoothie, lunch quinoa, dinner veggie broth, with pineapple/kale juice for snacks. I'm really excited to have found a healthy detox - only two days - that is NOT a pill, powder, or any other product. Looking forward to giving my body a fighting chance at a new start for spring.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Reflecting on God's purpose
When I took the leap back on October 20th, 2011, leaving that high profile management job, I had no idea where it would take me. I gave it up. One of the hardest things to do - give it up to God. I prayed that he give me signs, lead me to my path.
There were so many signs. I would start to think about a new career or job, and something would get in the way. When that happened, I knew instantly that God was making sure I didn't take the wrong turn. After many possibilities, and obstacles, I'd like to bring you up to speed on my life today.
I have found myself richly Blessed with two opportunities that I am able to follow. I was called in February by a bakery near here asking me to sign on part time, to build their quality program, and improve production efficiencies and quality. I get to start from scratch, using all of my 19 years of experience and knowledge. I work mostly from home, in my comfies, by the fireplace, only commuting to the plant every couple of weeks to catch up. It's an amazing opportunity, where I feel so appreciated, needed, and respected.
Additionally, a friend of mine suggested I look into substitute teaching. I've often thought that I should have been a teacher, but in hindsight, the last 19 years have been necessary. What I gained from my job I would never have gotten if I'd been a teacher all these years. So I got my sub teaching certificate, turned it in last Monday, and by Tuesday had gotten a call. I subbed three days this week with an amazing group of 5th graders, and it was one of the most rewarding three days I've had in years. I loved working with the kids - both the good AND the bad. Trying to help, trying to make a difference. And they listened. And they asked questions. And they interacted. I absolutely LOVED it. More than I even thought I would. And I think they did too.
One child told me I was "the best sub ever". Another thanked me at the end of the day Wednesday for "being an excellent sub.". One stopped me and told me I should really think about being a teacher ALL the time. Wow. Talk about warm fuzzies. What a great way to end the day. While I'm enjoying my day off today to catch up, I miss them already. :-) But I already got called again last night - and I'll be working with 4th graders tomorrow. So I don't have to wait TOO long to dig back in!
I've always known that being in a place in life when I CAN just quit my job in blind Faith is a Blessing. I know that many cannot do it. And I am very thankful that our life living well below our means, not having a lot of debt, has brought me to this place. That at 41, I can work part time - doing things I absolutely love. Pair that with the amazing family and friends that surround me, and I know that I am ridiculously Blessed, and that God has given me all that I have. And for that, I am so very grateful. There are not words to explain how grateful. It is only through my actions that I can show it.
So my next "job" is to give back. As thanks for all that God Blesses me with. I need to enrich OTHERS. And that's a job I will adore even more than the others I have.
God Bless everyone.
God Bless!
There were so many signs. I would start to think about a new career or job, and something would get in the way. When that happened, I knew instantly that God was making sure I didn't take the wrong turn. After many possibilities, and obstacles, I'd like to bring you up to speed on my life today.
I have found myself richly Blessed with two opportunities that I am able to follow. I was called in February by a bakery near here asking me to sign on part time, to build their quality program, and improve production efficiencies and quality. I get to start from scratch, using all of my 19 years of experience and knowledge. I work mostly from home, in my comfies, by the fireplace, only commuting to the plant every couple of weeks to catch up. It's an amazing opportunity, where I feel so appreciated, needed, and respected.
Additionally, a friend of mine suggested I look into substitute teaching. I've often thought that I should have been a teacher, but in hindsight, the last 19 years have been necessary. What I gained from my job I would never have gotten if I'd been a teacher all these years. So I got my sub teaching certificate, turned it in last Monday, and by Tuesday had gotten a call. I subbed three days this week with an amazing group of 5th graders, and it was one of the most rewarding three days I've had in years. I loved working with the kids - both the good AND the bad. Trying to help, trying to make a difference. And they listened. And they asked questions. And they interacted. I absolutely LOVED it. More than I even thought I would. And I think they did too.
One child told me I was "the best sub ever". Another thanked me at the end of the day Wednesday for "being an excellent sub.". One stopped me and told me I should really think about being a teacher ALL the time. Wow. Talk about warm fuzzies. What a great way to end the day. While I'm enjoying my day off today to catch up, I miss them already. :-) But I already got called again last night - and I'll be working with 4th graders tomorrow. So I don't have to wait TOO long to dig back in!
I've always known that being in a place in life when I CAN just quit my job in blind Faith is a Blessing. I know that many cannot do it. And I am very thankful that our life living well below our means, not having a lot of debt, has brought me to this place. That at 41, I can work part time - doing things I absolutely love. Pair that with the amazing family and friends that surround me, and I know that I am ridiculously Blessed, and that God has given me all that I have. And for that, I am so very grateful. There are not words to explain how grateful. It is only through my actions that I can show it.
So my next "job" is to give back. As thanks for all that God Blesses me with. I need to enrich OTHERS. And that's a job I will adore even more than the others I have.
God Bless everyone.
God Bless!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
2012 already?
Still not blogging well. BUT - always time for a change, right?
Since the last blog. I have quit my corporate job. (Shock, yes?) I am currently just staying home. Didn't do this the normal way. Didn't stay home when kids were little. Call it a mini "retirement", call it whatever you will. I'm working part time from home as a consultant, and am LOVING the flexibility. Love being home to take care of myself, and my family, and my home.
On ME:
- I am still actively doing cardio. I do 5K on my elliptical 3-4 times a week, lift weights 3 times a week, and am loving the feeling. I feel stronger, healthier, and I've begun to lose weight. Because I've not drastically changed my eating habits, the weight loss is slow, but I am forming habits. The wierd thing is, I LOVE to exercise. I just needed to remind myself of that. Planning on running some 5K this summer. So my goal is to continue upping the resistance on the elliptical to prepare me for that - at 6 right now.
- Working part time, I've been able to clean and organize, purging so much from our lives. It feels amazing.
- I am sleeping SO much better. Our marriage is better than ever. I am not stressed, short, snippy, or anything - as the stress of corporate life is GONE.
I am just so ridiculously Blessed to be able to do this. I feel for once that my life is in balance. I am able to help others. I am able to give back. Life is good.
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