Last weekend, I came down with a cold. Normally, this would be kind of inconvenient, but not that big of a deal. However, this happened right after I discovered I was lucky enough to land two tickets to the swearing in ceremony of President-Elect Barack Obama on Tuesday morning. This means standing in cold 30-some degree weather for several hours, which would not be good if I were still in the middle of a cold. Thankfully, I am finally starting to feel better, although I still have an annoying cough.
So what did I learn from this experience? I'm still not sure, since I'm smack in the middle of it. But I can tell you a few preliminary things.
1) I miss exercise! The one thing that sucks about being sick is that it's not good to overexert yourself...which includes progressive runs. Boo! I was actually starting to enjoy getting in the routine of running again. Oh well, something to look forward to the week after inauguration I guess.
2) I am a miserable sick person. Greg said it best -- the worst thing about being sick is the feeling of being absolutely useless. I hate being useless. It's bad enough when I do nothing productive through my own procrastination, but it's even worse when I can't do a darn thing about it. So maybe this will help me be more productive when I'm healthy? Not sure....
3) I need to start taking WAY better care of myself! First of all, I think part of the reason the cold hit me so hard was because I haven't been very good about taking my vitamins, eating well, exercising, etc. Also, I've been super bad about keeping up my beauty routine while I've been sick so all my acne, etc. has come back. Boo! So once I'm back to health (starting today actually) I will start washing my face, masking, etc. again.
So all in all, the sickness has been horrible, but I believe it will help me appreciate my health all the more and it's made me catch up on rest. It was a sucky way to get to this point, but I'm glad I did!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Exhausted
The past few weeks, including the Christmas and New Year Holidays, have made me keenly aware of something: doing nothing is far more exhausting than being busy. Or at least, it feels that way right now. Up until one week before Christmas, I was consistently running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Between school, work, relationships, and "getting ready" for the holidays I had a to-do list about a mile long. Yet for some reason, an enormous load of adrenaline helped me succeed at all these tasks with flying colors. During both Christmas and New Years, I was consistently tired. Now I know it was probably a mix of jet lag and recuperation, but it seemed I was always falling asleep. Of course it doesn't help that my family loves to watch TV (which I am convinced makes me more tired than anything else).
In essence, I have not started the new year off the way I had hoped. During the first four days, the only real task I accomplished was halfway cleaning my room - I still have a TON of papers/binders to get organized. Other than that I was dinking around online and whatnot. I didn't get my finances in order the way I wanted, or set up electronic transfers. I just looked up random stuff. Erg.
However, this year is new...I have decided that it doesn't help anybody when I beat myself up for past shortcomings. Instead of writing an entire article about how I should have done this or that, or yadda yadda, I am going to make a plan to move forward. The first plan is to unplug my TV - the one-eyed monster. The second, is to take a nap when I get home tonight. The third is to continue developing my 101 things list, and the fourth is to start organizing papers if Greg has not arrived by that point.
In other news, Greg asked me a seemingly easy question last night that I found very difficult to answer. He looked me in the eye and said "Where do you see yourself, and us, in two years?" To be honest...I don't know, and that scares the heck out of me. There are so many unknowns right now, and I don't do well with unknowns. :) So I also plan to start visualizing where I would like to be in that short time frame.
And lastly, I hope all of you will be happy to know that one of my goals is to write in this blog at least once a week or more for a year. So there should be many more articles to peruse through, even if they are quite random.
I hope you had a wonderful new year, and I look forward to doing more self-exploration in this balancing act we call life in 2009.
In essence, I have not started the new year off the way I had hoped. During the first four days, the only real task I accomplished was halfway cleaning my room - I still have a TON of papers/binders to get organized. Other than that I was dinking around online and whatnot. I didn't get my finances in order the way I wanted, or set up electronic transfers. I just looked up random stuff. Erg.
However, this year is new...I have decided that it doesn't help anybody when I beat myself up for past shortcomings. Instead of writing an entire article about how I should have done this or that, or yadda yadda, I am going to make a plan to move forward. The first plan is to unplug my TV - the one-eyed monster. The second, is to take a nap when I get home tonight. The third is to continue developing my 101 things list, and the fourth is to start organizing papers if Greg has not arrived by that point.
In other news, Greg asked me a seemingly easy question last night that I found very difficult to answer. He looked me in the eye and said "Where do you see yourself, and us, in two years?" To be honest...I don't know, and that scares the heck out of me. There are so many unknowns right now, and I don't do well with unknowns. :) So I also plan to start visualizing where I would like to be in that short time frame.
And lastly, I hope all of you will be happy to know that one of my goals is to write in this blog at least once a week or more for a year. So there should be many more articles to peruse through, even if they are quite random.
I hope you had a wonderful new year, and I look forward to doing more self-exploration in this balancing act we call life in 2009.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Time for Reflection and Planning
Wow, umm....how is it 2009 already? Seriously! I know it sounds cliche, but this year went by SO fast. I haven't even had time to sit back and reflect on all the joys, triumphs, failures, regrets, and lessons learned as I often do. I guess that's what the 3 hours before the party tonight will be spent doing. However, before I officially reflect, I'd like to share some of the experiences with you!
1) I started graduate school. This year, I began the pursuit of my advanced education; and even better, I figured out what I want to do for my first career - higher education! There have definitely been some ups and downs associated with going back to school. The ups are learning and being around like-minded people again, and the downs mostly relating to insane amounts of reading and writing and much less free time. However, as of two weeks ago I am halfway done, so I know I can persevere and give up those luxuries for the betterment of my future.
2) I got a new - AWESOME - job! Not only has this job greatly enhanced my ability to achieve financial goals, but it has also been a huge positive influence on my self esteem. I am actually doing things I am good at! Yes, I still have those days when I don't feel like being at work or when all the items on my to-do list are painful administrative (peon) tasks, but those days are less and less. The more forward I move, the more I realize how much past job experiences have either helped or poisoned me. One in particular deeply poisoned me and only now do I feel as though I am pulling myself out of that self-defeating coma. So that has been a great experience.
3) I continued growing with Greg! Sometimes it feels like I just met Greg this year, but then I think "no wait, we'll be celebrating our TWO year anniversary in February!" It's crazy. And we've been through a lot together this year. Sadly, we did not have the financial means to go on all the fun trips this year, but we did get to go to Oregon and hang out with the family as well as explore Philadelphia. 2008 was the year where we really started getting to know each other - the good, the bad, and the ugly. I am ashamed to say that Greg has probably experienced some extremely ugly parts of my personality; however he still loves me just as much if not more thus confirming how great we are together!
4) I started getting serious about exercise again. It's been a struggle yes, especially when compounding it with school, but I made a real effort this year. Sadly, December has been a horrible month for me in the health arena, but that is going to change. I am just happy that I have finally made it a priority again.
I know there is more, but I just wanted to hop on the "reflection bandwagon" while I could and get the juices flowing for later tonight when I write a REALLY long journal entry.
One of my biggest resolutions for the new year is to develop my own 101 things in 1001 days list (as seen on Get Rich Slowly). As this list develops and progresses I will share it with you. One of the items on that list has to do with this blog. I have been a sad, sad excuse for a blogger this year and I'd like to start posting at least once a week or more if possible. This is a great way to not only get my thoughts out of my overflowing brain, but also to share what is going on with those who care about me. So look for more in the future...and confront me about it if you don't see a post in a while!
Happy New Year Everyone! Let's all strive to make this year the best yet!
1) I started graduate school. This year, I began the pursuit of my advanced education; and even better, I figured out what I want to do for my first career - higher education! There have definitely been some ups and downs associated with going back to school. The ups are learning and being around like-minded people again, and the downs mostly relating to insane amounts of reading and writing and much less free time. However, as of two weeks ago I am halfway done, so I know I can persevere and give up those luxuries for the betterment of my future.
2) I got a new - AWESOME - job! Not only has this job greatly enhanced my ability to achieve financial goals, but it has also been a huge positive influence on my self esteem. I am actually doing things I am good at! Yes, I still have those days when I don't feel like being at work or when all the items on my to-do list are painful administrative (peon) tasks, but those days are less and less. The more forward I move, the more I realize how much past job experiences have either helped or poisoned me. One in particular deeply poisoned me and only now do I feel as though I am pulling myself out of that self-defeating coma. So that has been a great experience.
3) I continued growing with Greg! Sometimes it feels like I just met Greg this year, but then I think "no wait, we'll be celebrating our TWO year anniversary in February!" It's crazy. And we've been through a lot together this year. Sadly, we did not have the financial means to go on all the fun trips this year, but we did get to go to Oregon and hang out with the family as well as explore Philadelphia. 2008 was the year where we really started getting to know each other - the good, the bad, and the ugly. I am ashamed to say that Greg has probably experienced some extremely ugly parts of my personality; however he still loves me just as much if not more thus confirming how great we are together!
4) I started getting serious about exercise again. It's been a struggle yes, especially when compounding it with school, but I made a real effort this year. Sadly, December has been a horrible month for me in the health arena, but that is going to change. I am just happy that I have finally made it a priority again.
I know there is more, but I just wanted to hop on the "reflection bandwagon" while I could and get the juices flowing for later tonight when I write a REALLY long journal entry.
One of my biggest resolutions for the new year is to develop my own 101 things in 1001 days list (as seen on Get Rich Slowly). As this list develops and progresses I will share it with you. One of the items on that list has to do with this blog. I have been a sad, sad excuse for a blogger this year and I'd like to start posting at least once a week or more if possible. This is a great way to not only get my thoughts out of my overflowing brain, but also to share what is going on with those who care about me. So look for more in the future...and confront me about it if you don't see a post in a while!
Happy New Year Everyone! Let's all strive to make this year the best yet!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Running Quote of the Week: One
"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"
- Peter Maher, Irish-Canadian Olympian and sub-2:12 marathoner
I'm not gonna lie, this whole running 3 days a week thing has been hard. It's not necessarily difficult to make the time, it's difficult to make myself use the time for the means of fitness. Thankfully, I'm still on week three of the program, so I haven't fallen TOO far behind. I should be on my last week when I go home for Christmas vacation, and that may actually give me even more motivation to go while I'm home than if I were done, and just continuing to run. I think I'm still going to gift myself some Under Armor before I go home, and maybe I'll go to a running store in Portland, so I can save the tax on a new pair of shoes. Or even better, maybe someone will buy me the running shoes for Christmas!
So my goal for the week, is to be strong each day; to go running whether it's easy and convenient, or not. I have to make fitness and nutrition a part of life now, or it will just get more and more difficult as the years go by.
Also, this weekend Greg and I are cooking my lunches for the week again. We're making split pea soup, pepperoni cheese bread, and wheat bread. I'm actually enjoying this grocery shopping/cooking thing. It's fun to see how much money and calories I can save!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Balance: Where saving and savoring collide
This article was written about a week ago...sorry it took so long to post!
I read an article yesterday that struck me. It is entitled "Millionaires in the Making: The Rodrigueses. The put more than half of their income into savings, rarely travel, and share one entree when the eat out. Now, most of you who who've met me know that I am a huge fan of fiscal responsibility, but I think there is a point where it can get out of control. I'm not saying the couple in this article has not found that balance, since it is different for everyone, but I used to think I wanted to live this way...saving everything I could for later.
Don't get me wrong, I still believe in delayed gratification; but I also believe in living for today and never holding back. I thought about this a lot as I pondered buying a motorcycle this weekend. Sadly, the only bike in my price range was not what I was looking for, but I am thankful for all the deep thinking the eve of this purchase brought with it. You see, I have no idea how long I will be allowed to live on this earth, or how long I will be able to experience this precious gift we humans call a life. I could live til I'm 100, or I could leave this world long before that. I don't know. This thought both scares the crap out of me, and yet gives me an odd sense of peace. I believe it is important to have a healthy fear of everything, but not to allow that fear to hold you back from life. Just as I don't want the danger of flying in an airplane to keep me from embarking on all the travel I want to experience, I also don't want my fear of future financial security to keep me from truly enjoying life today. I definitely want to live within my means, and I do not think there should be any other way, but I also want to take fun and romantic vacations, go out to dinner once in a while, and live in a house where I truly feel I am at home.
I think a great formula for this way of life was discussed one on of my favorite personal finance sites, Get Rich Slowly. It is called the Balanced Money Formula. Basically, it calls for spending 50% of ones income on needs (rent, groceries, utilities, car insurance, etc.), 30% on wants (dining, travel, cable tv, etc.), and 20% goes toward either paying off past consumer debt or saving for the future. Now, there are times when this may be out of proportion. For example, I am saving for several future items: a wedding, a house down payment, paying off my student loan once I finish graduate school, a replacement car, motorcycle, anniversary travel. So at this point, I will take part of that 30% and put it toward future wants. Hopefully this makes sense in print as much as it does inside my head.
My basic point is that I want my life to be sustainable: living in a desired way without stealing from my future. I want to be able to live life to the fullest, every day...for as long as I am blessed to be here.
I read an article yesterday that struck me. It is entitled "Millionaires in the Making: The Rodrigueses. The put more than half of their income into savings, rarely travel, and share one entree when the eat out. Now, most of you who who've met me know that I am a huge fan of fiscal responsibility, but I think there is a point where it can get out of control. I'm not saying the couple in this article has not found that balance, since it is different for everyone, but I used to think I wanted to live this way...saving everything I could for later.
Don't get me wrong, I still believe in delayed gratification; but I also believe in living for today and never holding back. I thought about this a lot as I pondered buying a motorcycle this weekend. Sadly, the only bike in my price range was not what I was looking for, but I am thankful for all the deep thinking the eve of this purchase brought with it. You see, I have no idea how long I will be allowed to live on this earth, or how long I will be able to experience this precious gift we humans call a life. I could live til I'm 100, or I could leave this world long before that. I don't know. This thought both scares the crap out of me, and yet gives me an odd sense of peace. I believe it is important to have a healthy fear of everything, but not to allow that fear to hold you back from life. Just as I don't want the danger of flying in an airplane to keep me from embarking on all the travel I want to experience, I also don't want my fear of future financial security to keep me from truly enjoying life today. I definitely want to live within my means, and I do not think there should be any other way, but I also want to take fun and romantic vacations, go out to dinner once in a while, and live in a house where I truly feel I am at home.
I think a great formula for this way of life was discussed one on of my favorite personal finance sites, Get Rich Slowly. It is called the Balanced Money Formula. Basically, it calls for spending 50% of ones income on needs (rent, groceries, utilities, car insurance, etc.), 30% on wants (dining, travel, cable tv, etc.), and 20% goes toward either paying off past consumer debt or saving for the future. Now, there are times when this may be out of proportion. For example, I am saving for several future items: a wedding, a house down payment, paying off my student loan once I finish graduate school, a replacement car, motorcycle, anniversary travel. So at this point, I will take part of that 30% and put it toward future wants. Hopefully this makes sense in print as much as it does inside my head.
My basic point is that I want my life to be sustainable: living in a desired way without stealing from my future. I want to be able to live life to the fullest, every day...for as long as I am blessed to be here.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
True Inspiration
I just finished watching one of the most inspirational lectures I've heard in a long time...possibly ever. It is by a man named Randy Pausch, a tenured professor at Carnegie Mellon University who passed away this summer (July 25, 2008). Wow! What an incredible person! There are so many points from the lecture that I could write about, but instead I will spare you and just direct you to the video.
Instead, I wanted to use this blog as more of a forum for myself. You see, I feel like my life has become dangerously sidetracked since I started my first "real job" (and if you don't know that story, please feel free to ask). I have forgotten so many of my dreams and wonder if I am headed in the right direction. This video challenged me to remember those dreams, and work toward them (either realistically or metaphorically). So that's what I want to do...write them out and get back on the right path.
So what did I want to do when I was a kid? What did I want to be? What was exciting? To be honest, sometimes it's hard to even remember certain aspects of my childhood....but I'm sure gonna try (now, and for the rest of my life).
1. I wanted to be an astronaut. Not only was I interested in science when I was a kid, but I was utterly fascinated with space. I knew so much random information about the planets it wasn't even funny. I was the only one who knew the order of the planets at the beginning of my astronomy class. How can I incorporate this? Does it have to do with my sense of wonder? Will I ever be able to go into space and see that view, feel that awe? That's one dream I need to figure out and work toward.
2. I wanted to be a performer. This dream was always changing; one minute I wanted to be a professional singer, the next I wanted to be a Rockette. One minute I wanted to be a movie star, the next I wanted to be on Broadway. The moral of the story is, I love people. I love performing. I love telling stories. I love teaching people things. How does this translate? Where am I supposed to go with this dream?
3. I wanted to be valedictorian. CHECK! Yay, got one! There was more to this one than just that honor though. You see, I wanted to hold myself to high standards...to push myself toward more than others, and even I, thought I could accomplish. I still remember the day I decided I was going to be valedictorian. I was sitting at my brother's senior awards ceremony and I saw this girl who got all the awards...and I wanted to be her, because I knew I could! Maybe I'll expand on that later. :)
4. I wanted to love and be loved. I know this sounds silly, but I wanted what my parents didn't have: the top of love you fight for. I wanted a close family who would go on family trips every year. I wanted to be a cute mom, and a hott wife. I think I'm very much on my way toward these goals. I love you Greg!
I'm sure there are more...and as I come up with them, I'll write them out. But for now, I just want to focus on envisioning the next few years of my life and make sure I'm on the right track!
Seriously though...watch this video!!
Instead, I wanted to use this blog as more of a forum for myself. You see, I feel like my life has become dangerously sidetracked since I started my first "real job" (and if you don't know that story, please feel free to ask). I have forgotten so many of my dreams and wonder if I am headed in the right direction. This video challenged me to remember those dreams, and work toward them (either realistically or metaphorically). So that's what I want to do...write them out and get back on the right path.
So what did I want to do when I was a kid? What did I want to be? What was exciting? To be honest, sometimes it's hard to even remember certain aspects of my childhood....but I'm sure gonna try (now, and for the rest of my life).
1. I wanted to be an astronaut. Not only was I interested in science when I was a kid, but I was utterly fascinated with space. I knew so much random information about the planets it wasn't even funny. I was the only one who knew the order of the planets at the beginning of my astronomy class. How can I incorporate this? Does it have to do with my sense of wonder? Will I ever be able to go into space and see that view, feel that awe? That's one dream I need to figure out and work toward.
2. I wanted to be a performer. This dream was always changing; one minute I wanted to be a professional singer, the next I wanted to be a Rockette. One minute I wanted to be a movie star, the next I wanted to be on Broadway. The moral of the story is, I love people. I love performing. I love telling stories. I love teaching people things. How does this translate? Where am I supposed to go with this dream?
3. I wanted to be valedictorian. CHECK! Yay, got one! There was more to this one than just that honor though. You see, I wanted to hold myself to high standards...to push myself toward more than others, and even I, thought I could accomplish. I still remember the day I decided I was going to be valedictorian. I was sitting at my brother's senior awards ceremony and I saw this girl who got all the awards...and I wanted to be her, because I knew I could! Maybe I'll expand on that later. :)
4. I wanted to love and be loved. I know this sounds silly, but I wanted what my parents didn't have: the top of love you fight for. I wanted a close family who would go on family trips every year. I wanted to be a cute mom, and a hott wife. I think I'm very much on my way toward these goals. I love you Greg!
I'm sure there are more...and as I come up with them, I'll write them out. But for now, I just want to focus on envisioning the next few years of my life and make sure I'm on the right track!
Seriously though...watch this video!!
Starting Over
My goals are still in tact, but all the schoolwork due last week through a kink in my running plans. As a result, I went nearly a week without doing a single run. I'm starting back up with week 2 of my running program so I don't fall too far behind. This morning's run was hard, but I felt so good afterwards.
In addition, Greg and I finally made a pact to start eating better - our habits are getting out of control. A few times a week, we'll go to the grocery store, grab a loaf of Italian bread and consume the entire thing...at 10 or 11pm! Not good if you're trying to lose weight (or in general). So tomorrow starts the habit of making lunch for the week. We're going to use the crockpot to make about 12 servings pasta e fagioli soup and the breadmaker to bake some english muffin bread. I'm pretty stoked. This is something I've been wanting to do for a while, because I know I won't lose weight until both my diet and exercise habits get under control.
In the meantime, I've been looking for pictures and quotes to inspire me through the beginning...always the toughest part of forming a habit. I plan to share them on a weekly basis (which will also help with my habit of reflecting and writing). Here are the picks for this week:
I chose this picture for a few reasons. First of all, it reminds me that a healthy lifestyle is a journey, and a long one at that. Also, it helps me remember that I need to have a goal I'm working toward, or it's hard to stay motivated. And lastly, it shows that if I make balanced, healthy lifestyle choices, the reward will be incredible (as I'm sure the view is incredible from the top of Mt. Rainer).
This weeks quote is directly correlated: If you don't do what's best for your body, you're the one who comes up on the short end.
* Quote by Julius Erving. Picture by Jim Frazier.
In addition, Greg and I finally made a pact to start eating better - our habits are getting out of control. A few times a week, we'll go to the grocery store, grab a loaf of Italian bread and consume the entire thing...at 10 or 11pm! Not good if you're trying to lose weight (or in general). So tomorrow starts the habit of making lunch for the week. We're going to use the crockpot to make about 12 servings pasta e fagioli soup and the breadmaker to bake some english muffin bread. I'm pretty stoked. This is something I've been wanting to do for a while, because I know I won't lose weight until both my diet and exercise habits get under control.
In the meantime, I've been looking for pictures and quotes to inspire me through the beginning...always the toughest part of forming a habit. I plan to share them on a weekly basis (which will also help with my habit of reflecting and writing). Here are the picks for this week:
I chose this picture for a few reasons. First of all, it reminds me that a healthy lifestyle is a journey, and a long one at that. Also, it helps me remember that I need to have a goal I'm working toward, or it's hard to stay motivated. And lastly, it shows that if I make balanced, healthy lifestyle choices, the reward will be incredible (as I'm sure the view is incredible from the top of Mt. Rainer).This weeks quote is directly correlated: If you don't do what's best for your body, you're the one who comes up on the short end.
* Quote by Julius Erving. Picture by Jim Frazier.
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